Hua Medicine Announces 2024 Interim Results

- Dorzagliatin (trade name: HuaTangNing, world's first dual-acting glucokinase activator (GKA), successfully entered China’s National Reimbursement Drug List for Basic Medical Insurance, Work-related Injury Insurance and Maternity Insurance (the “NRDL”) at the end of 2023. Hua Medicine worked with sales promotion partner Bayer Healthcare Company Limited (“Bayer”) and 80 Tier 1 distributors to begin the pharmaceutical market entry in 31 municipalities and provinces in China.- The new NRDL became effective on January 1, 2024. In the first half of 2024, the sales volume of dorzagliatin increased significantly. As of June 30, 2024, sales of HuaTangNing reached 846,000 packs with a sales revenue of RMB102.7 million. The sales revenue increased by 46%, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2023.- Dorzagliatin experienced a fast entry into hospitals, especially in Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin where the government policies support market entry for novel new drugs. By the end of June 30, 2024, dorzagliatin was prescribed in over 2,100 hospitals and over 2,900 pharmacies. Dorzagliatin was sold principally through hospitals (approximately 72% of total sales), with the remainder of sales through pharmacies (20%) and internet drug stores (8%).- Gross profit in the first half of 2024 is RMB47.8 million, representing a gross profit margin of 46.5%. Bank balances and cash position increased by 51.9% to approximately RMB1,338.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2023.- Dorzagliatin manufacturing capacity continues to expand, with the expectation to reach 3 million packs in 2024. New processes for larger capacity have been established with our partners and are under regulatory review for production permit.- Post marketing clinical studies proceeded at an accelerated rate, in which HMM0601 enrolled 1,368 patients and HMM0701 enrolled 102 patients. HMM0601 is designed to evaluate the long-term safety of dorzagliatin by collecting 1-year clinical safety data in 2,000 T2D patients and HMM0701 is a prospective real-world study to explore dorzagliatin’s clinical beneficial effects on the improvement of glucose homeostasis, cognitive function and diabetes remission. A good drug safety profile for dorzagliatin has been observed since its commercial launch in October 2022 – a time span of over 20 months and approximately 100,000 patient exposure.- Two Mendelian randomization studies conducted by our collaborating Hong Kong-based clinical investigators, and published in Cardiovascular Diabetology showed that glucokinase activation can lead to long term benefits in reduction of risks in cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidaemia. New clinical indications shall be further explored with our commercialization partner.HONG KONG, Aug 30, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hua Medicine (the "Company", HKEx: 2552) today announces the unaudited consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (the "Reporting Period"), and the Company’s business progress for the first half of the year and business outlook.Dr. Li Chen, the founder and CEO of Hua Medicine, said, “The first half of 2024 marks a milestone for the commercialization efforts of Hua Medicine. Dorzagliatin's successful inclusion in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List has significantly improved patient accessibility and affordability. Against the backdrop of comprehensive support from the national and local governments for the development of the biopharmaceutical industry, and with the joint efforts of the Company, commercial partners, and production partners, the production capacity of dorzagliatin is rapidly increasing, accelerating its entry into hospitals and pharmacies nationwide to benefit more patients. With the continued growth in the number of users, the safety of dorzagliatin has been well validated, and its economic and social benefits have also greatly increased, instilling confidence in the Company's future development. Through sales expansion and operational optimization, we hope to achieve profitability for the Company by 2025. Currently, Hua Medicine is also conducting basic and clinical research on dorzagliatin globally, aiming to continuously expand its indications and target populations, explore new disease areas, and promote human health and well-being.”Progress of Clinical Research and Company Operations- During the first reporting period under the NRDL, dorzagliatin experienced a fast entry into hospital and pharmacies, especially in Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin where the government policies support market entry for novel new drugs. The number of hospitals prescribing dorzagliatin exceeded 2,100 in the first half of 2024.- Revenue of dorzagliatin reached RMB102.7 million in the first half of 2024 and is expected to continue to grow in the second half of 2024. As we build off our new foundation under the NRDL, we plan to leverage our well-established partnerships to enhance the dorzagliatin manufacturing process, which is expected to lead to efficiencies, expanded capacity and reduction of cost of goods.- We continued our post marketing clinical studies at approximately 80 hospitals to better understand the benefits dorzagliatin provides to patients with Type 2 diabetes and T2D complications, such as memory loss and diabetes kidney disease. Through our collaboration with our clinical research partners in Hong Kong, we have discovered that glucokinase (GK) activation may bring the benefits of reduction of risks in cardiovascular disease, and dyslipidemia. These results (applying the Mendelian Randomization (MR) methodology) certainly expand our understanding of the benefits of GK activation through dorzagliatin and for uncovering new indications of dorzagliatin in the future. Mendelian Randomization (MR) is a statistical method that uses genetic variants to investigate the causal effects of exposures (e.g., treatments) on outcomes (e.g., diseases). Its unique advantage lies in its reduced susceptibility to confounding and time-related biases compared with observational studies, which is achieved by leveraging the random allocation of genetic variants at conception. In evidence-based medicine, the credibility of evidence from MR is considered to be among the highest, second only to that of randomized controlled trials.- We have advanced our post-marketing real world evidence (RWE) studies HMM0601 and HMM0701 in T2D patients in China, and HMM0123 in Hong Kong, China. In these studies, we are collecting evidence in medical practices for optimization of glucose homeostasis either through dorzagliatin alone or in combination with standard care T2D medications such as metformin, DPP-IV inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1RA and insulin. These results create new evidence for dorzagliatin in the expansion of its indication in diabetes prevention and remission.- We are continuing our drug development pipeline with focus on the fixed dose combination (FDC) of new drug candidates. The new drug Dorzagliatin-Metformin FDC entered manufacturing process validation and our plan is to launch this new medicine for Type 2 diabetes in 2028. Additional new FDC drugs with dorzagliatin will be developed for T2D patients, tailored specifically to address T2D patients with associated complications such as obesity and diabetes kidney disease.- To further leverage the unique advantage of dorzagliatin in restoring GLP-1 secretion in patients with diabetes and obesity, Hua Medicine initiated its Phase I study in the United States with our 2nd generation GKA. The trial has been proceeding smoothly and has already completed dose escalation in three cohorts of T2D patients in the United States. The topline data is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2024, supporting future drug development.- At the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Annual Meeting 2024, Hua Medicine reported new scientific data supporting the combination of dorzagliatin with a SGLT-2 inhibitor which led to improvement in glycaemic control. Combination of dorzagliatin with chronic kidney disease (CKD) medicine, such as SGLT-2 inhibitor, empagliflozin, in mid to late stage diabetes kidney disease patients, offers new opportunity to expand dorzagliatin’s indication.- We are exploring more drug repurposing opportunities for dorzagliatin using MR framework, such as renal diseases, neuropathy related diseases, eye related diseases, cognitive disorders, and cancers. Animal studies shall be further performed to validate the promising findings.- We are continuing to optimize our protein allosteric modulation technology (PAMT) and expansion from positive allosteric modulator (PAM), such as GK positive allosteric modulator dorzagliatin, to negative allosteric modulator (NAM) in kinase and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) proteins. The GK NAM program advanced to the pre-clinical candidate (PCC) selection stage and final optimization of the PCC to clinical candidate for congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), and potentially for dyslipidaemia. We continue to advance mGLUR5 NAM program for its clinical potential in Parkinson’s disease (PDLID), Fragile X syndrome (FXS), and drug addiction.Financial highlightsAs of June 30, 2024,- Bank balances and cash position was approximately RMB1,338.8 million.- Total revenue generated by the Company was approximately RMB102.7 million, reflecting sales of approximately 846,000 packs of HuaTangNing .- Total other income was approximately RMB55.1 million, of which approximately RMB47.8 million was attributable to the amortization of Bayer milestone income.- Total expenditures was approximately RMB245.9 million, of which approximately RMB119.8 million was attributable to research and development expenses.Forward-looking StatementThis article contains the statements regarding the future expectations, plans and prospects for Hua Medicine and the investigational product. The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect as a result of various risks, uncertainties, or other legal requirements.About Hua MedicineHua Medicine is an innovative drug development and commercialization company based in Shanghai, China, with companies in the United States and Hong Kong. Hua Medicine focuses on developing novel therapies for patients with unmet medical needs worldwide. Based on global resources, Hua Medicine teams up with global high-calibre people to develop breakthrough technologies and products, which contribute to innovation in diabetes care. Hua Medicine's cornerstone product HuaTangNing (dorzagliatin tablets), targets the glucose sensor glucokinase, restores glucose sensitivity in T2D patients, and stabilizes imbalances in blood glucose levels in patients. HuaTangNing was approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China on September 30th, 2022. It can be used alone or in combination with metformin on hydrochloride-tolerated T2D patients. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), no dose adjustment is required. It is an oral hypoglycemic drug that can be used for patients with Type 2 diabetes with varying degrees of renal function impairment (including end-stage renal impairment without dialysis). Hua Medicine partnered with Bayer, a leading global pharmaceutical company, to commercialize HuaTangNing in China, benefiting diabetic patients and their families.For more informationHua MedicineWebsite: www.huamedicine.comInvestorsE-mail: ir@huamedicine.comMediaE-mail: pr@huamedicine.comDisclaimerFor the accuracy and completeness of the context, references to information related to products launched in China, especially label or requirements, should follow the relevant documents approved by the Chinese regulatory authorities.The above information should not be interpreted as a recommendation or promotion of any drug or treatment regimen, nor should it substitute for the medical advice of any healthcare professional. Please consult a healthcare professional for any matters related to medical treatment. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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InfoComm India 2024 to Feature 32 New Exhibitors and close to 30 Launches of Pro AV Technology, Products and Solutions ACN Newswire

InfoComm India 2024 to Feature 32 New Exhibitors and close to 30 Launches of Pro AV Technology, Products and Solutions

MUMBAI, INDIA, Aug 30, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The countdown is on! InfoComm India 2024, India’s premier professional audiovisual and integrated experience solutions event, opens its doors in just one week. For a decade, the show has delighted the region by showcasing cutting-edge technologies and ideas in all areas of Professional AudioVisual (Pro AV) technologies. The 2024 edition is gearing up for its largest showcase yet – featuring 250 exhibitors and brands, of which over 30 are first-time participants. Visitors can also look forward to experiencing nearly 30 new and first-to-debut products in India and Asia.InfoComm India will take place from 3-5 September at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) in Mumbai, India. Tech innovators, professionals, and enthusiasts are welcome to preview the hundreds of products and solutions ahead of time as well as pre-register to obtain their show badge and also take advantage of the 45 sessions at the InfoComm India Summit 2024 and a host of networking and experiential activities.The tenth edition of India’s Premier Pro AV and Technology showcase expands beyond Pavilions 1 to 3 at JWCC, adding Jasmine Hall (at Level 3) for an even larger showcase of innovative solutions.Some of the featured and first-to-debut in Asia and India include:BENQ: Showcasing India’s No. 1 Google EDLA-certified Board Pro, BENQ presents robust educational tools for an enriched learning experience.CANON: Introducing Canon’s first ‘4K PTZ Remote Camera’ targeting at shooting and distribution of high-quality videos, with quick response in the remote operations, offering flexible operation in video production and broadcasting.AV MASTER TECHNOLOGY: Introducing Super Cue Intelligent PPT Clickers for all kinds of educational sessions or press conferences to deliver flawless presentations with precision control. Over 30 first-time exhibitors will also be demonstrating their innovations alongside established participants, adding vibrancy and dynamism to the showcase. They include:GENERATION AV: Headquartered in Singapore, representing major AV brands such as Optimal Audio, iMAGsystems, Sonance, James Loudspeaker for live events.INFONICS TECHNOLOGIES: India’s own “Leading LED Videowall Manufacturer”.NEOTOUCH: Chennai-based manufacturer, specializing in interactive flat panel with in-built WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity to enhance the productivity at schools and boardroom meetings.InfoComm India 2024 | Jasmine Hall opens earlier at 9.10am on opening day and set to feature even more emerging innovatorsInfoComm India 2024’s new expanded show floor at Jasmine Hall on Level 3 of JWCC will be a hub for networking, learning, and interactive activities. Jasmine Hall opens earlier at 9.10 am to welcome attendees to be part of the Opening Ceremony. Visitors are also invited to join a plethora of networking events within the Jasmine Hall, including:3 and 4 September, 9.30 am – the “Breakfast Networking Hours” hosted by InfoComm India and AVIXA leadership, offers a platform for industry peers to connect and mingle before the show opens.3 September, 5 pm – the “Welcome Networking Event” on opening day provides another opportunity for visitors from diverse sectors and background to build relationships.Visitors seeking a guided experience, and a curated list of products and solutions can sign up for the 3 September, New Tech Products & Solutions show floor tour. Slots are limited!Finally, no visit to InfoComm India 2024 would be complete without checking out the Multisensory Immersive Experience. Co-presented with MSS World + Studio Ocupus, this multisensory showcase at SB01, Jasmine Hall combines cutting-edge projections, interactive floors, and multi-channel surround sound to immerse visitors in the beauty and power of nature.InfoComm India 2024 | A plethora of networking, learning and interactive activities at the show ensures a meaningful and fruitful visit for professional attendees.To skip long queues at the show, register and secure show badge now.For full details on speaker and session lineup, exhibitors, products, registration, and remaining sponsorship opportunities, visit InfoComm India.To access more press information of InfoComm India 2024, please visit: Digital Press Office Kit For more information, please contact:Rest of the WorldAngie EngMarketing DirectorInfoCommAsia Pte Ltdangieeng@infocommasia.comIndiaSooraj DhawanDirectorFalcon Exhibitions Pvt Ltdsooraj@falcon-mail.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Baguio Green Group Announces 2024 Interim Results

HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Baguio Green Group Limited (‘‘Baguio’’ or the ‘‘Group’’, Stock Code: 01397.HK) is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (the Period”).During the Period, the Group’s revenue amounted to approximately HK$1,291.1 million, representing an increase of approximately 16.6% as compared to the same period last year, mainly due to the continued increase in revenue in the cleaning segment together with the waste management and recycling segment. Profit for the Period amounted to approximately HK$25.8 million, representing an increase of approximately 18.5% as compared to the same period last year. The overall gross profit increased by approximately 12.4% to approximately HK$97.1 million.Business Overview and ProspectsIn the first half of 2024, new contracts awarded to the Group amounted to a total of HK$1.48 billion. As a result, the Group’s contracts on hand reached approximately HK$4.60 billion (as of 30 June 2024), representing an increase of approximately 3.8% from approximately HK$4.43 billion as of 31 December 2023, providing strong revenue growth in the second half of 2024 and subsequent years.The Group’s core business, cleaning services, recorded growth during the Period. Revenue from cleaning services increased by 20.1% to approximately HK$1,034.9 million, accounting for approximately 80.2% of the Group’s total revenue. Gross profit of the cleaning business increased by 7.6% to approximately HK$66.4 million, mainly due to the Group’s new cleaning service contracts with various HKSAR Government (the “Government”) departments and different institutions.The Group’s Government-related street cleaning services cover a total of seven districts, serving a population of approximately 2.8 million, marking Baguio’s leading position in the Hong Kong cleaning services market. The Group’s Government venue cleaning services for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department cover seven districts in Hong Kong. In addition, the Group also provided Government market related cleaning services and leisure venues cleaning services, covering several districts in Hong Kong, as well as other cleaning sites such as hospitals, Government clinics, Hong Kong International Airport, schools, housing estates and private institutions, demonstrating that the Group’s professional services are widely recognised.Waste management and recycling business recorded growth in revenue during the Period which increased by approximately 7.4% to approximately HK$147.3 million, accounting for approximately 11.4% of the Group’s total revenue. Gross profit of the waste management and recycling business increased by approximately 60.7% to approximately HK$19.2 million, mainly due to the “Plastic Recycling Pilot Scheme” entered the harvest period and the related contracts with the Government increased the recycling spots and revenue. During the Period, the Group provided Government-related waste collection services to five districts, serving a population of approximately 1.6 million, and provided collection services for thousands of recycling spots (including plastic, glass bottles, metals, waste paper and food waste) across Hong Kong, and collection services for recycling bins in public places and schools. During the Period, the Group provided Baguio continued to provide plastic collection services for several districts under the Environment Protection Department (“EPD”) Plastic Recycling Pilot Scheme contract. Baguio also provides collection services for Recycling Stations of “GREEN@COMMUNITY”, introduced by the EPD and smart recycling machines, and other institutions in Hong Kong. In addition, the Group also provides the Government with glass bottles collection and management services and food waste collection services in several districts in Hong Kong.Regarding green technology business, the Group launched a smart recycling system through combination of a number of advanced smart digital technologies and Internet of Things technologies. Through a one-stop management and big data analytics platform, the Group can monitor the real-time situation of the recycling machines, and flexibly deploy transportation according to the amount of recyclables, reducing logistics costs and unnecessary carbon emissions. The Group currently provides smart recycling machines to the EPD and smart food waste recycling machines to private housing estates. At present, smart recycling machines and smart food waste recycling machines are now available in different places of Hong Kong, providing the public with a convenient recycling experience 24 hours a day, and helping to increase the overall recycling volume in Hong Kong. The Government is proactively offering financial aids for private housing estates to install food waste recycling machines through the Recycling Fund and the Environment and Conservation Fund. Under the expected market demand created by the strong advocacy of the Government, it is believed that the Group’s food waste recycling machines and related smart technology business will bring huge business opportunities. With the increasing market demand for smart recycling, the Group plans to seize the opportunity of smart city development, striving to expand the market share of smart recycling machines and smart food waste recycling machines.In addition, the Government is actively promoting the “Producer Responsibility Scheme on Plastic Beverage Containers and Beverage Cartons”, and plans to table the bill to the Legislative Council for scrutiny this year with a view to introducing it in 2025. Enshrining the principle of “Polluter Pays” and the vision of “Eco-responsibility”, the recycling rate of plastic beverage containers and beverage cartons is expected to have a significant increase. The scheme is expected to directly drive the growth of Baguio’s recycling business and create solid returns from our investment in recycling facilities which creates a strong entry barrier to the competition.In partnership with Jardine Engineering Corporation Limited, the Pilot Biochar Production Plant at the EcoPark in Tuen Mun was commenced trial operation during the Period. By converting yard waste into high-quality biochar with pyrolysis technology for various applications, the production plant effectively “turns waste into useful resources”.Hong Kong has made concerted effort to keep pace with international trends in the field of green and sustainable finance, accelerating its progress towards becoming an international green finance hub. To meet the needs of sustainable development, the Group has incorporated sustainability insights into its core businesses and operations and is committed to providing customers with one-stop and diversified green environmental services and sustainable procurement solutions. In the future, Baguio will invest more resources in personnel training and green procurement. Meanwhile, through the provision of waste audit services, the Group provides waste constituent data to help corporate customers understand the amount of generated waste that can be recycled and achieve sustainable development goals.As for the landscaping business, the Group provided landscaping services for the Kai Tak Sports Park, the Central and Western District Promenade and the Inclusive Park for Pets at Tsun Wen Road in Tuen Mun. In addition, the Group provides landscaping services for a wide range of clients, including large private residences, Government premises, schools, shopping malls, hotels, airports, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Lingnan University, etc.For pest management business, the Group continued to provide pest management services in Wong Tai Sin and Tai Po districts during the Period. In addition, the Group provided termite control and monitoring services to 29 monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Office and 24 temples under the Chinese Temples Committee respectively.The Government is developing the Northern Metropolis at full speed and a number of public housing estates are scheduled for completion in phases. In particular, intake of tenants at the public housing estates in northern Kwu Tung North and Fanling North New Development Area will commence progressively from 2026. The Northern Metropolis will provide about 500,000 new housing units after fully developed, which is believed to bring opportunities to the Group’s core businesses.Mr. Ng Wing Hong, Chairman of Baguio, commented, “The Government demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental agenda. Baguio’s core businesses are closely related to the livelihood of the general public and are not affected by the economic environment. Despite the presence of economic headwinds, the Group’s core business continues to demonstrate a growth trajectory.While the implementation of the Waste Charging was postponed during the Period, the Government has significantly increased its efforts to increase various types of recycling spots through recyclers. For example, the addition of night mobile food waste recycling spots to facilitate citizens’ recycling, with improvement in terms of quality and quantity, which directly brings growth impetus to the Group’s recycling business. Therefore, the postponement of Waste Charging has no adverse impact on the Group’s recycling business, and on the contrary, results in an increase in business. In the long run, waste reduction and recycling will help achieve the Government’s goal of “Zero Landfill”, and benefit the development of the Group’s recycling and green technology businesses.”Looking forward, the Group will continue to increase the market share of its core businesses and proactively engage in expansion in Hong Kong and beyond. Meanwhile, in line with the development of the Group, it will actively explore potential mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures or new business projects to accelerate future business growth and deliver substantial and long-term returns to shareholders.For details of the Group's 2024 interim results announcement, please visit the following website:http://www.baguio.com.hk/en-US/Investor%20Relations/Announcements%20and%20Notices- End -About Baguio Green GroupEstablished in 1980, Baguio Green Group (Stock code: 01397.HK) is one of Hong Kong’s largest integrated environmental services groups. It provides a full spectrum of professional services including professional cleaning, waste collection & recycling, waste management, green technology, organic fertilizer and animal feed production, horticulture & landscaping, and pest control. It serves a wide range of customers in various sectors including Government departments, statutory organizations and multinational corporations. Fully committed to ESG, the Group works relentlessly to advance sustainable development and create a cleaner, greener, healthier city. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Anson Resources Underground Injection Control Permit for the Green River Lithium Project Approved ACN Newswire

Anson Resources Underground Injection Control Permit for the Green River Lithium Project Approved

Anson Resources Achieves Key Permitting MilestoneHighlights:Anson has been granted an Underground Injection Control (UIC) application for Class V wells to dispose of the processed brine at its Green River Lithium Project,The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has granted the application after a public comment consideration,The disposal wells will be located on Blackstone Minerals purchased private property,Application is based on production of 10,000 Li2CO3 tons/annum,Application applies for the development of 4 disposal wells,Conditions for Class V disposal wells include:Brine must be returned to the same Formation it was extracted from, not necessarily from the same horizon as extraction (resulting in no dilution),Volume and geochemistry of disposed brine must be like that of extracted brine,These requirements are met using the Direct Lithium Extraction.NEWPORT BEACH, CA, Aug 30, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Anson Resources Limited (ASX:ASN) (Anson or the Company) through its 100% owned subsidiary Blackstone Mineral NV LLC is pleased to announce that its Underground Injection Control (UIC) application has been approved by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Quality for its Green River Lithium Project (Project), in the Paradox Basin in south-eastern Utah, USA. The Division of Water Quality has granted the application after its review and consideration of public comments. This UIC application will enable Blackstone to re-inject the spent brine from its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) processing plant back into subsurface formations.Anson is planning to drill new disposal wells, at the time of construction of the production plant, for the injection and disposal of the spent brine from its lithium extraction process as part of the development of the project into production. Several historical plugged and abandoned oil and gas wells are in the area and intersected similar brine reservoirs and confirmed the existence of horizons that had been encountered in the Green River area which can be used as the disposal zones. Some of these wells have already been converted into disposal wells which indicates the ability for those horizons to absorb the waste brine.The disposal wells will be located on the private property recently purchased by Blackstone, see ASX Announcement 13 September 2023. When the lithium processing plant has reached its optimal production rate there will be four disposal wells in operation which have been included in the one application, see Figure 1.The spent brine will be pumped via the injection wells into the Paradox Reservoirs, at shallower horizons into the most permeable rock formations reducing the required pumping pressure.Archaeological, environmental and site surveys have been conducted over the proposed areas and these reports have already been submitted to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (UDOGM) as part of the drilling application. These surveys, which showed no issues with the already disturbed site, were carried out over the proposed production site, extraction and disposal well locations and surrounding areas. Access to these sites will be via county roads that exit the I70 interstate and already developed roads in existence in the Blackstone property resulting in minimal disturbance.The UIC application was a detailed report and included:Maps of the Area of Review (AOR) - 2-mile radius surrounding the proposed disposal wells,Maps and cross sections of underground sources of drinking water (USDW),Maps and cross sections of local geologic lithology, structures, and hydrologic settings,Injection well construction plan and operational plan,Corrective action plan,Monitoring, recording and reporting plans,Plugging and abandonment,Financial Responsibility (reclamation).Anson's research into the surrounding historic wells has shown that test-work, such as core sampling and flow testing, has been carried out on some of the wells which was suitable for use in providing additional information for the application. Drill Stem Tests were also carried out through some of these intervals which provides information such as porosity and permeability which will assist in the determination of the horizons to be used for disposal.Executive Chairman and CEO Bruce Richardson commented, "This approval from the Government of the State of Utah demonstrates that Anson can continue to progress the project at Green River by following the regulatory process. Progress in the past 12 months at Green River has been much faster than that of the Paradox due to the ownership of the surface area and the support from the local and state government departments and representatives for which we are extremely grateful. The reinjection of the brine back into the geological formation from which it is originally extracted protects other minerals contained in the brine for future use. The Company continues to engage with the local community to ensure that the best options for the development of the project into production are selected. We look forward to an open dialogue with the community and government as the remaining permits are considered as we move closer to production."Positive ESG AspectsThe drill program is designed to have as little impact on the environment, social and recreational activities as possible within the drill location areas which is further increased by carrying out the program on private property. There will be minimal new ground disturbance as the drill pads will be located on flat ground in areas that have already been disturbed.The use of areas where there has already been ground disturbance is consistent with Anson's aim of developing a sustainable project and minimizing environmental impact.Conservation of Water AquifersThe exploration drilling program has been designed to ensure that there is no interaction between the surface waters and the supersaturated lithium brines with the well-being steel cased and cemented in place.The majority of the water-yielding rock units in the area are part of either an upper or lower hydrologic system. The two systems are separated by the impermeable salt beds of the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation, which underlies the counties in the region (Weir, Maxwell & Zimmerman, 1983) which is further supported by the salinity values intersected in this "surface" drilling recently completed by Anson.Contact Info:William MazeHead of Investor Relationsinvestors@ansonresources.comSOURCE: Anson Resources Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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CanSinoBIO Reports Outstanding H1 2024 Performance

HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - CanSino Biologics Inc. (CanSinoBIO) today disclosed its performance report for the first half of 2024, with revenue reaching 303 million yuan, while losses were substantially reduced. The meningococcal conjugate vaccines demonstrated robust growth, particularly the Group ACYW135 Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (CRM197), known as MCV4 or Menhycia®. As the first quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine product in Asia, it not only fills the market gap, but also provides a better choice for the prevention of meningococcal disease in Chinese infants and young children. In the first half of 2024, CanSinoBIO's two meningococcal vaccines generated approximately 263 million yuan in revenue, marking a significant increase of around 18% compared to last year.In addition, CanSinoBIO is making strides in clinical trials for expanding the age group of MCV4, aiming to cover children aged four and above, as well as adults. This initiative seeks to broaden vaccination coverage to meet the needs of a wider population. Concurrently, the company is advancing the international market expansion of the MCV4, leveraging its successful overseas commercialization experience with its COVID-19 vaccine. CanSinoBIO is deepening collaborations with leading international research institutions, focusing on registration and commercialization in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and South America. It indicates that the company is accelerating the commercial layout in the global market.Moreover, the market expansion experiences and strategic partnerships will support to expand the reach of its PCV13i [13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (CRM197, TT Vector)] and DTcP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis) components vaccine franchise in global markets. The company is also planning and preparing for WHO PQ certification, exploring the feasibility of international organizations. For global innovative products, CanSinoBIO will actively explore the possibility of accessing developed countries.In terms of commercialization strategy, CanSinoBIO has adopted an efficient and precise model, relying on its direct sales team and leveraging professional promoters to rapidly extend its marketing network to the county-level areas. The company adheres to a professional academic and customer-oriented approach, ensuring that products reach target groups through in-depth research and terminal services. This approach helps control sales expenses and achieves intensive operations. To date, CanSinoBIO has established a well-structured commercial operation center for both domestic and international markets. The MCV4 has been approved in 30 provinces in China, comprehensively opening up the domestic market. The successful commercialization of MCV4 has laid a solid foundation for the upcoming PCV13i, which is currently undergoing clinical and manufacturing site inspections as planned.CanSinoBIO has also made significant progress in cost reduction and efficiency improvement, with sales and administrative expenses decreasing by approximately 13% and 39% compared to the same period last year, respectively, reflecting ongoing improvements in operational efficiency.Overall, CanSinoBIO has integrated R&D, production, and commercialization, gradually transforming into a biopharmaceutical company. With the successful commercialization of MCV4 and the upcoming approval and launch of new products like PCV13i, CanSinoBIO's performance is expected to continue growing. The company’s management team is confident on the company's prospects and has demonstrated strong support through increasing shareholdings. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TIME launch in September ACN Newswire

Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TIME launch in September

- Kicking off the first round of autumn trade fairs, two watch fairs on 3-7 September will bring in 700+ global exhibitors- Themed “Be on Time”, fairs will showcase different styles of wristwatches, parts, accessories, machinery and equipment- Visitors can gain updates on the latest market information and trends through forums, seminars, watch parades and networking events- Salon de TIME will be fully open to the public for the first time to create a globally renowned annual event for the industryHONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd, the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME will welcome more than 700 global exhibitors.Themed “Be on Time”, the fairs will feature different styles of wristwatches, parts, accessories, machinery and equipment to provide a one-stop sourcing platform. Under the hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, the physical fairs will run from 3 to 7 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), while exhibitors and buyers can meet online through the Click2Match smart business matching platform between 27 August to 14 September.For the first time, Salon de TIME will be fully open to the public for free admission. Sophia Chong, HKTDC Acting Executive Director, said: “This year, the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME will welcome more than 700 global exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, with new exhibitors from Belgium and Denmark as well as new brands from Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. The two fairs will feature pavilions from Guangdong, Guangzhou, Taiwan as well as South Korea, which is returning after the pandemic, creating globally renowned annual fairs and business opportunities for the industry.”“To explore more new business opportunities, the HKTDC will bring about 80 buying missions from more than 50 countries and regions, including Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom in Europe; Brazil, Canada and the United States in the Americas; Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam in Asia; and Israel and the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East,” she added.Salon de TIME presents famous global watch brandsSalon de TIME will host more than 130 internationally renowned watch brands and designer collections across five thematic zones: World Brand Piazza, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure, Renaissance Moment and Wearable Tech. Some exhibitors will also include retail offerings, allowing them to purchase watches on-site.Numerous styles of watches and accessories to cater to market trends and needsWith sustainability gaining traction in recent years, exhibitors at the two fairs have added a Green Solutions Suppliers label on their products to facilitate sourcing for buyers.Over 20 exhibitors will showcase sustainable watches, including:- German brand Lilienthal Berlin which has launched the world's first watch with a case made of recycled coffee grounds that won the New York Product Design Award, Green Product Award and iF Design Award; - Hong Kong exhibitor Gordon C. & Company Limited, which uses sustainable and biodegradable materials to manufacture watch cases and straps.Wearable tech with smart monitoring technologyThe Paris Olympics has prompted more interest in sport, fitness and wearable tech, providing opportunities for innovative watchmakers. This year’s Wearable Tech zone, led by the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd and more than 10 companies, will feature a complete industry supply chain, while showcasing software, accessories and the latest technology. Companies taking part include German brand Oskron, which has developed Link2Care, a new wireless monitoring solution for health data, and United Wealth Holdings Limited, which has developed a smart watch incorporating smart movement from Huawei that can also monitor health data.World Brand Piazza – luxury showcase of 10 international watch brandsWorld Brand Piazza, sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch for the 14th consecutive year, will present some exceptional luxury watches from 10 international brands: Baume & Mercier, Bovet, Corum, CVSTOS, DeWitt, Franck Muller, Kerbedanz, Montblanc, Parmigiani Fleurier and Sarcar.Watches include Golden Bridge Dragon from Swiss brand Corum. This wristwatch features an 18-carat gold dragon at its core, while the dragon’s eyes, tail and watch body are inlaid with diamonds, pearls and gemstones, respectively. The watch’s 18K gold rectangular movement is composed of more than 190 parts, reflecting its craftsmanship and HK$2.153 million price tag.The showcase also features Swiss brand Bovet’s 7-day Skeleton Tourbillon. The hands on the back side of the dial are reverse-fitted, so they can turn clockwise, using Bovet's proprietary and patented system. This watch is priced at HK$2.136 million.The two fairs will also feature watches and accessories with a range of styles and personalities that can match different market needs:- International Luxury Group returns with 15 international brands, such as Kenneth Cole, Police and Timberland. Among them, the American brand Kenneth Cole launched an automatic movement watch, which uses exquisite screws to embellish the internal structure of the dial and is equipped with a stainless-steel strap. - Hong Kong watchmaking brand ANPASSA features a wristwatch that can be combined with AR technology to present a unique Kowloon Walled City look. - Swiss brand ROMAGO is collaborating with Pokémon to launch a limited edition set of 250 watches. - A limited-edition tourbillon from Hong Kong’s Memorigin uses rare meteorites and a newly developed ultra-thin pearl tourbillon automatic movement to create its Explorer series watch, with a 39mm diameter and a thickness of just 9.9mm.- Swiss classic brand Solvil et Titus presents its Barista Collection of watches with exquisite design and retro style. The barrel-shaped watch body is equipped with an arched glass surface, reflecting the brand's belief that strong emotions brew over time. - Present, a watch and jewellery brand with oriental characteristics, is committed to bringing traditional craftsmanship and culture into the present, with its On the Love of Lotus concept.Unique craftsmanship from European watchmakersSwiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion (SIWP) and Francéclat are returning this year, presenting 17 international brands. These include:- Pilo & Co Genève, founded by independent Swiss watchmaker Amarildo Pilo. The company has launched Corleone Evoluzione Superleggera, a unique piece with a domed and bevelled sapphire crystal, an ultra-light alloy, a meteorite dial and automatic chronograph movement. - French brand Montignac will present its Marina Capsule series of diving watches, which are made in France and water-resistant to a depth of 200m. The watch body is equipped with a unidirectional bezel and luminous coating, which can track diving time and depth.Nine major zones for buyersThe Watch & Clock Fair is made up of nine zones. The Pageant of Eternity zone showcases high-end OEM and ODM watches, while other zones cover complete watches, pre-owned watches, clocks, machinery and equipment, OEM smart watches, packaging & display, parts and components and trade services.Forums and seminars explore industry trendsVisitors can also gain first-hand market information and updates on the latest industry trends through forums, seminars, watch parades and networking events.At the Hong Kong International Watch Forum on 3 September, global watch association representatives will provide an overview of global trade and industry trends with their insights and visions on reshaping the global watch industry towards sustainability.At the Asian Watch Conference on 4 September, global market research agency Euromonitor International (Hong Kong) will analyse the latest market developments around this year’s theme, “The Infinite Possibilities with Watches”. Mr Frank Chen, Sales Director of Module of Huawei Device BG, and Mr Pierre Burgun, CEO of Pierre Lannier, will discuss the prospects of health monitoring and innovative practices for wearable tech as well as the latest trends for stylish wristwatches.On 5 September, Dr James Chung-Wai Cheung, Research Assistant Professor and Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Mr Michael Ertl, CEO and Founder of ME & Friends AG, and Mr Paul Anthony Yuen, Secretary General of The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd., will explore how age-forward technology can empower the ageing population to maintain independence and embrace a more connected, active lifestyle.In addition, the HKTDC, The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd and the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd are jointly organising the 41st HK Watch & Clock Design Competition to cultivate a new generation of watch designers and technicians and to promote innovation and continued development in watch design.The competition has two categories – Go Beyond Innovation for the Open Group and Talent Moment for the Student Group. The Made-to-Sell Award is also newly added to recognise student entries with market potential. Artist Benjamin Yuen has been invited as a guest judge this year.Award-winning works and finalists will be exhibited during the fairs, while the award ceremony will be held on 7 September at The Dial in Hall 3FG of Salon de TIME.A variety of events, lucky draws and workshop for the publicAt Salon de TIME, Mr Carlos Koo, Founder of CK Engraving and Metal Engraving Artist, will demonstrate the art of watch engraving. Watch influencers Billy Chan and Ko Sir will reveal their views into generational mindsets and offer insights on investing in luxury timepieces respectively.Mr Gary Ching, Founder of ANPASSA, will host a workshop titled “Watchmaking 101 Craft Your Own Timepiece”. A series of product launches and watch parades will be featured with celebrities, including table tennis players Doo Hoi-kem and Wong Chun-ting who just represented Hong Kong in the Paris Olympics, Hong Kong singer Aka Chio, YouTuber Jeffrey Fok and more.Visitors can also participate in lucky draws and join Smart Bidding to bid on their desired watches starting at a 90% discount off the retail price.In addition, Asia’s premier fashion event CENTRESTAGE will be held from 4 to 7 September at the HKCEC, showcasing designer brands from around the world. Visitors can view the latest products from more than 380 watch and fashion brands at the same venue.Export performance, Hong Kong watches and clocks:Q2, 2024Q1, 2024Change per quarter41.334.3+7Retail sales, Hong Kong watches and clocks*:20232022Change per yearHK$32.5 billionHK$25.6 billion+27%*Data from EuromonitorPhoto download: https://bit.ly/3MoUWCZThe HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME take place on 3-7 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Introducing fair highlights at a press conference are Sophia Chong, HKTDC Acting Executive Director (4th from left), Eric Lai (3rd from left) and Edmond Ng (4th from right), Co-Chairmen, HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair Organising Committee 2024. Hong Kong exhibitor Gordon C. & Company Limited uses sustainable and biodegradable materials to manufacture watch cases and straps. German brand Oskron has developed Link2Care, a new wireless monitoring solution for health data. Sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch for the 14th consecutive year, World Brand Piazza presents rare watches from 10 international brands, including Corum’s Golden Bridge Dragon and BOVET’s 7-day Skeleton Tourbillon.Swiss classic brand Solvil et Titus presents its Barista Collection of watches with exquisite design and retro style. The barrel-shaped watch body is equipped with an arched glass surface, reflecting the brand's belief that strong emotions brew over time.Hong Kong watchmaking brand ANPASSA features a wristwatch that can be combined with AR technology to present a unique Kowloon Walled City look.Swiss brand ROMAGO collaborates with Pokémon to launch a limited edition set of 250 watches.Pilo & Co Genève, founded by independent Swiss watchmaker Amarildo Pilo, has launched Corleone Evoluzione Superleggera, a unique piece with a domed and bevelled sapphire crystal, an ultra-light alloy, a meteorite dial and automatic chronograph movement. The 41st HK Watch & Clock Design Competition has two categories – Go Beyond Innovation for the Open Group and Talent Moment for the Student Group. Award-winning works and finalists will be exhibited during the fairs.Dancers at the press conference showcase 27 selected timepieces. Websites:Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair/enSalon de TIME: https://www.hktdc.com/event/te/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395Email : johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgBubble MaTel: (852) 2584 4369Email : bubble.ma@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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Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd. Announced the 2024 Interim Results

Financial Highlights for the First Half of 2024- On a consolidated basis, revenue was RMB18,339.730 million, representing an increase of 22.01% as compared with the corresponding period last year, which was above the level of the industry growth;- Profit attributable to owners of the Company was RMB3,498.318 million, representing an increase of 23.36% as compared with the corresponding period last year;- Earnings per share was RMB1.34, representing an increase of 22.94% as compared with the corresponding period last year.HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd. (“Fuyao Glass” or “the Company”; Stock Code: 600660.SH, 3606.HK) is pleased to announce the unaudited interim results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (“Reporting Period”).Seizing market opportunities, securing robust growth in both revenue and profitsIn the first half of 2024, as the global economic growth slowly recovered, the international situation was complex and volatile, and the geopolitical conflicts intensified, the stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain still be challenged. China’s automobile industry showed growth in key economic indicators along with the trade-ins and the introduction of local supporting policies. According to the statistics released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, automobile production volume and sales volume from January to June 2024 amounted to 13.891 million units and 14.047 million units, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.9% and 6.1%, respectively.The Company seized market opportunities, leading manufacturing upgrades through technological innovation, while enhancing efficiency with digital upgrades. High-quality development steadily advanced, and profitability has further improved. During the Reporting Period, the Company, on a consolidated basis, realized revenue of RMB18,339.730 million, representing an increase of 22.01% as compared with the corresponding period last year, which was above the level of the industry growth; realized profit before tax of RMB4,125.070 million, representing an increase of 24.27% as compared with the corresponding period last year; realized profit for the Reporting Period attributable to owners of the Company of RMB3,498.318 million, representing an increase of 23.36% as compared with the corresponding period last year; and realized earnings per share of RMB1.34, representing an increase of 22.94% as compared with the corresponding period last year.During the Reporting Period, the Company’s profit before tax increased by 24.27% as compared with the corresponding period last year. Excluding the losses from foreign exchange and the reduced investment revenue resulting from Taiyuan Jinnuo Industry Co., Ltd.’s termination of provisions pertaining to the transfer of the remaining 24% equity interest in Fuyao Group Beijing Futong Safety Glass Co., Ltd. , the profit before tax increased by 59.96% as compared with the corresponding period last year.Enhancing comprehensive competitiveness with outstanding performance of high value-added productsDuring the Reporting Period, the Company carried out work according to the Group’s business strategy centered on “continuously creating values for customers” with the market-oriented approach, the support of technological innovation and the protection by standardised management, to ensure the improvement of the comprehensive competitiveness of the Company.In terms of product quality, the Company conducted strict quality control at every stage, from product design, procurement of raw materials, production and manufacturing to finished product warehousing, thus ensuring the quality and reliability of its products and effectively preventing and controlling quality issues.In terms of supply, the Company improved global supply assurance capability. And it planned and laid out a comprehensive global supply system in advance according to industry trends; the Company also continuously innovated and optimized the production process, shortening the time from product input to warehousing, building flexible and agile production capabilities to ensure the global delivery and capacity, achieving mutual achievements and growth with the automobile industry.In terms of innovation capability development, the Company has continuously increased innovation efforts in technology, management and other areas. The proportion of high value-added products such as intelligent panoramic skylight glass, dimmable glass, head-up display glass, ultra-insultating glass, lightweight ultra-thin glass, coated heatable glass, tempered laminated glass has continued to grow, rising by 4.82 percentage points compared to the corresponding period last year, reflecting their value.In terms of sales, the Company always put customer needs first, insisted on rapid response and efficient service, established a high level of trust with customers, focused on creating value for customers, and built Fuyao’s sales organization, thus improving its sales management capabilities, increasing market expansion efforts and broadening sales channels.In terms of team building, the Company adhered to the people-oriented principle, ensured competitive employees’ benefits, promoted the humanities construction of Fuyao and established good discipline and work style, and built a more active and efficient international team.The Company stated: “The global economy will remain tough in the second half of 2024, and economic growth will continue to be confronted with multiple risks and challenges. In this regard, Fuyao will be prudent in every step of its operation: to strictly control the quality of products and new product development in all aspects, refine work process, make good use of the ‘one-vote veto system for quality’, and further create a good quality culture, form the work atmosphere where everyone cares about and values quality; to continues to optimize the Company’s production process, and establish agile management and flexible production mechanisms so as to ensure the global delivery and service, as well as high quality development while expanding its business scale; to continue to strengthen technological innovation, increase investment in R&D, accelerate the speed of R&D, promote product upgrades, and enhance Fuyao’s core competitiveness, with the focus on new materials, new processes, new technologies and cross-disciplinary cooperation; to enhance digital construction by digitizing operations, creating digital platforms, and making platforms intelligent and practically applicable, and ensure that data from various areas of the actual business process is transparent, shared, understandable, and useful, thereby leveraging the efficiency of digitization; to continue to play a leading role in sales, establish an all-round sales management mechanism, make efforts in multiple markets at home and abroad, expand new customers, stabilize regular customers, optimize the level of service, improve customer satisfaction and enhance corporate competitiveness; to continuously increase efforts in talent cultivation, train professionals in new technologies, management, automation, digitization and internationalization, implement staff development, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and improve corporate image and brand value.”- END -About Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd.Established in 1987 in Fuzhou, China, Fuyao Group (Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd.) is a large multinational conglomerate specialising in automotive safety glass, which was listed on the main board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 1993 (A-share code: 600660) and on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2015 (H-share code: 3606), forming an “A+H” model with both domestic and overseas capital platforms.The Company is principally engaged in providing total solutions of safety glass and automotive accessories for various transportation vehicles, including design, manufacture and sale of automotive grade float glass, automotive glass, locomotive glass, luggage racks, vehicle window trims and provision of relevant services. The business model of the Company is globalized research and development, design, manufacture, distribution and after-sales services. Adhering to its brand development strategy of maintaining an industry-leading position in technology and quickly responding to market changes, the Company works with its customers on product design, manufacturing and rendering of services, focuses on improving its business ecological chain and responds to the ever-changing demand of customers systematically, professionally and rapidly, thus creating value for its customers. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Noah Holdings Announces $50M Share Repurchase, Signaling Confidence in Overseas Growth

HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Noah Holdings Limited ("Noah" or the "Company") (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX: 6686), a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2024.Noah recorded total net revenue of RMB 616 million in the second quarter of 2024. The wealth management business generated net revenues of RMB 416 million, while the asset management business reported net revenues of RMB 192 million.Strategically Overseas Expansion and Comprehensive investment SolutionsNoah’s overseas expansion is gaining momentum as client demand for global asset allocation strengthens, with overseas net revenue contribution increasing to 46.3% in the first half of 2024 and asset under management increasing 14.1% year-over-year during the quarter. Noah also raised US$ 338 million for overseas private equity, private credit, and other primary market funds year-to-date, a significant 40.2% year-over-year increase.Income from operations was RMB 134 million, an increase of 10.3% sequentially, with an operating margin of 21.8%, an increase from 18.7% in the first quarter of 2024. These results directly reflect the early success of Noah’s strategic transformation as it implements effective cost control measures, restructures its domestic business, and accelerates its expansion overseas."The pace of our overseas expansion is gaining momentum," said Zhe Yin, the Chief Executive Officer of Noah Holdings. "Our team of overseas relationship managers directly supporting this expansion grew 101.8% year-over-year and 24.2% sequentially during the quarter. While we are still in the relatively early stages of our overseas expansion, these results reflect the direction we are headed in going forward.”“Domestically, we are focused on stabilizing operations by streamlining our branch network to reduce overhead costs and adjusting our client service model to comply with evolving regulatory requirements by separating relationship and business development managers into different independent business units. While these initiatives may temporarily impact business activity over the next few quarters, they will ensure our ability to effectively and compliantly serve clients with a comprehensive portfolio of products in the long term. I am pleased with the progress we have made this quarter in expanding overseas, and confident in both our long-term growth potential and ability to consistently generate returns for shareholders."As of June 30, 2024, the number of overseas registered clients increased by 6.7% sequentially 23.0% year-over-year to 16,786, further reflecting the growing demand for overseas asset allocation. Notably, the number of overseas diamond and black card clients saw an even more substantial year-on-year increase of 14.2%.The Company also observed a shift in product preferences, a trend that aligns with the forward-looking strategies outlined in Noah's Chief Investment Office’s (CIO) house view. Interest in investment products increased substantially as a result of expectations for a potential Federal Reserve rate cut during the second half of the year. Known for its expertise and ability to offer clients alternative investments on a global basis, Noah is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this opportunity to grow its USD AUA.As of June 30, 2024, Noah’s overseas relationship manager team grew to 113, a 24.2% increase sequentially. This expansion reflects Noah’s commitment to building a robust presence in key international financial hubs, and enhances its ability to serve high-net-worth clients with comprehensive global investment solutions.Prioritizing Shareholder Interests and Delivering Sustained ReturnsAs part of its commitment to enhancing shareholder returns, the board of directors of the Company authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$50 million of its American depositary shares or ordinary shares, effective immediately. The authorized term for carrying out this share repurchase program is two years.Noah announced in November 2023 that a new capital management and shareholder return policy (the “Policy”) had been adopted, pursuant to which up to 50% the Company's non-GAAP net income attributable to shareholders of the preceding financial year will be allocated to a Corporate Actions Budget which will serve various purposes, including dividend distribution and share repurchases. The share repurchase program announced on August 29 2024 does not form a part of the Corporate Actions Budget under the Policy. The Corporate Actions Budget based on Noah’s financial performance in 2024 is expected to be determined and announced alongside the Company’s earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ending on December 31, 2024.Ms. Jingbo Wang, co-founder and chairwoman of Noah, commented, “This share repurchase program, along with the dividend payout we just completed, reflects our unwavering commitment to prioritizing shareholder interests and delivering sustained returns. While China’s wealth management industry is navigating a challenging period and undergoing a transition, we remain confident in Noah’s unique advantages stemming from our deep understanding of Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth individuals’ (HNWI) needs and our ability to deliver products and services to this still-growing client base. We are one of a few independent firms that maintains access, through years of investor education, to a large group of qualified individual investors who continue to seek professional services.”“As such, we believe that our stock is deeply undervalued and does not reflect our growth prospects, robust balance sheet and cash reserves, or the special bond we have formed with the Mandarin-speaking HNWIs globally. We value both our long-term and new shareholders and are committed to sharing our success with them through more proactive capital allocation policies moving forward.”Strengthening Commitment to ESG PrinciplesIn the first half of 2024, Noah published its 10th Annual environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report, highlighting its decade-long commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainable practices. Additionally, Gopher Asset Management, Noah's asset management arm, also joined the latest Nature Responsible Management initiative, Spring, announced by Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2024, reinforcing its role in driving responsible investment practices in order to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.By aligning with the PRI, Noah reaffirms its commitment to integrating ESG factors into its investment processes, fostering sustainable and responsible investment practices that benefit all stakeholders.Noah continues to adapt and evolve amidst a challenging market environment. The Company’s strategic initiatives, focused on global expansion, technological innovation, and sustainable practices, are beginning to yield tangible results, laying a strong foundation for continued success in the years to come.- END - Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Reitar Logtech Holdings Limited (RITR) Successfully Listed on Nasdaq ACN Newswire

Reitar Logtech Holdings Limited (RITR) Successfully Listed on Nasdaq

HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Reitar Logtech Holdings Limited ("Reitar Logtech") (NASDAQ: RITR) has officially listed on the Nasdaq stock market on August 23, 2024. This marks an important milestone in the company's internationalization, also signifies Reitar Logtech's commitment to driving the formation of smart logistics ecosystem, injecting new momentum into the industry.Founded in 2015, Reitar Logtech provides end-to-end logistics solutions by integrating real estate, logistics operations, and innovative technologies through two main segments:1. Asset management and consulting services - They source and develop logistics properties, enhance asset value through technology, and connect with suitable logistics operators.2. Construction management and engineering design - They provide project management services for logistics property development.Reitar Logtech's one-stop model allows them to deeply understand customer needs, provide tailored solutions, lower operating costs, and optimize overall logistics operations. As a pioneer in the PLT (property + logistics technology) space in Hong Kong with over 20 years of industry expertise and strong relationships with key players.The company serves both logistics operators (3PLs) and capital partners investing in logistics real estate projects. Reitar Logtech help 3PLs with property procurement, licensing, and strategic planning. The company help capital partners to source, develop, and manage logistics assets to maximize value. Reitar Logtech's integrated approach and deep industry knowledge are their key competitive advantages in the concentrated Hong Kong logistics services market.Reitar Logtech raised funds through its initial public offering (IPO) to accelerate product R&D, expand its global business footprint, and continuously optimize service quality. Going forward, Reitar Logtech will strive to consolidate its leadership position in the smart logistics field, partnering with global partners to drive the digital transformation of the supply chain, and lead the smart logistics industry into a new era of development, creating greater value for customers. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Noah Holdings Announces $50M Share Repurchase, Signaling Confidence in Overseas Growth

HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Noah Holdings Limited ("Noah" or the "Company") (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX: 6686), a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2024.Noah recorded total net revenue of RMB 616 million in the second quarter of 2024. The wealth management business generated net revenues of RMB 416 million, while the asset management business reported net revenues of RMB 192 million.Strategically Overseas Expansion and Comprehensive investment SolutionsNoah’s overseas expansion is gaining momentum as client demand for global asset allocation strengthens, with overseas net revenue contribution increasing to 46.3% in the first half of 2024 and asset under management increasing 14.1% year-over-year during the quarter. Noah also raised US$ 338 million for overseas private equity, private credit, and other primary market funds year-to-date, a significant 40.2% year-over-year increase.Income from operations was RMB 134 million, an increase of 10.3% sequentially, with an operating margin of 21.8%, an increase from 18.7% in the first quarter of 2024. These results directly reflect the early success of Noah’s strategic transformation as it implements effective cost control measures, restructures its domestic business, and accelerates its expansion overseas."The pace of our overseas expansion is gaining momentum," said Zhe Yin, the Chief Executive Officer of Noah Holdings. "Our team of overseas relationship managers directly supporting this expansion grew 101.8% year-over-year and 24.2% sequentially during the quarter. While we are still in the relatively early stages of our overseas expansion, these results reflect the direction we are headed in going forward.”“Domestically, we are focused on stabilizing operations by streamlining our branch network to reduce overhead costs and adjusting our client service model to comply with evolving regulatory requirements by separating relationship and business development managers into different independent business units. While these initiatives may temporarily impact business activity over the next few quarters, they will ensure our ability to effectively and compliantly serve clients with a comprehensive portfolio of products in the long term. I am pleased with the progress we have made this quarter in expanding overseas, and confident in both our long-term growth potential and ability to consistently generate returns for shareholders."As of June 30, 2024, the number of overseas registered clients increased by 6.7% sequentially 23.0% year-over-year to 16,786, further reflecting the growing demand for overseas asset allocation. Notably, the number of overseas diamond and black card clients saw an even more substantial year-on-year increase of 14.2%.The Company also observed a shift in product preferences, a trend that aligns with the forward-looking strategies outlined in Noah's Chief Investment Office’s (CIO) house view. Interest in investment products increased substantially as a result of expectations for a potential Federal Reserve rate cut during the second half of the year. Known for its expertise and ability to offer clients alternative investments on a global basis, Noah is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this opportunity to grow its USD AUA.As of June 30, 2024, Noah’s overseas relationship manager team grew to 113, a 24.2% increase sequentially. This expansion reflects Noah’s commitment to building a robust presence in key international financial hubs, and enhances its ability to serve high-net-worth clients with comprehensive global investment solutions.Prioritizing Shareholder Interests and Delivering Sustained ReturnsAs part of its commitment to enhancing shareholder returns, the board of directors of the company authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$50 million of its American depositary shares or ordinary shares, effective immediately. The authorized term for carrying out this share repurchase program is two years.Noah announced in November 2023 that a new capital management and shareholder return policy (the “Policy”) had been adopted, pursuant to which up to 50% the Company's non-GAAP net income attributable to shareholders of the preceding financial year will be allocated to a Corporate Actions Budget which will serve various purposes, including dividend distribution and share repurchases. The share repurchase program announced on August 29 2024 does not form a part of the Corporate Actions Budget under the Policy. The Corporate Actions Budget based on Noah’s financial performance in 2024 is expected to be determined and announced alongside the Company’s earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ending on December 31, 2024.Ms. Jingbo Wang, co-founder and chairwoman of Noah, commented, “This share repurchase program, along with the dividend payout we just completed, reflects our unwavering commitment to prioritizing shareholder interests and delivering sustained returns. While China’s wealth management industry is navigating a challenging period and undergoing a transition, we remain confident in Noah’s unique advantages stemming from our deep understanding of Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth individuals’ (HNWI) needs and our ability to deliver products and services to this still-growing client base. We are one of a few independent firms that maintains access, through years of investor education, to a large group of qualified individual investors who continue to seek professional services.”“As such, we believe that our stock is deeply undervalued and does not reflect our growth prospects, robust balance sheet and cash reserves, or the special bond we have formed with the Mandarin-speaking HNWIs globally. We value both our long-term and new shareholders and are committed to sharing our success with them through more proactive capital allocation policies moving forward.”Strengthening Commitment to ESG PrinciplesIn the first half of 2024, Noah published its 10th Annual environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report, highlighting its decade-long commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainable practices. Additionally, Gopher Asset Management, Noah's asset management arm, also joined the latest Nature Responsible Management initiative, Spring, announced by Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2024, reinforcing its role in driving responsible investment practices in order to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.By aligning with the PRI, Noah reaffirms its commitment to integrating ESG factors into its investment processes, fostering sustainable and responsible investment practices that benefit all stakeholders.Noah continues to adapt and evolve amidst a challenging market environment. The Company’s strategic initiatives, focused on global expansion, technological innovation, and sustainable practices, are beginning to yield tangible results, laying a strong foundation for continued success in the years to come. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Cirrus Aircraft (2507.HK) Announces 2024 Interim Results

Results Highlights for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024:- Revenue reached to approximately US$475.4 million, grew by 11.6% YoY- Gross Profit amounted to approximately US$163 million and gross profit margin was 34.4%- Profit grew significantly by 23.6% to approximately US$35.6 million- In the first half of 2024, the Company brought to market the 7th generation (G7) of the SR2X Series, which has been the best-selling single-engine piston model aircraft in the world for the last 22 consecutive years.- Net orders increased for both the SR2X and Vision Jet combined for the six months ended June 30, 2024 by a total of 107 units from 255 for the six months ending June 30, 2023 to 362 for the six months ending June 30, 2024.HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Cirrus Aircraft Limited (“Cirrus Aircraft” or “Company”) and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”)( 2507.HK) announces the unaudited consolidated results for the six months ended June 30 2024 (the “Reporting Period”).During the Reporting Period, revenue of the Group grew by 11.6% to US$475.4 million, as compared with US$426.0 million for the same prior year period. Gross profit increased by 10.0% to US$163.4 million as compared with US$14.8 million for the same prior year period. Profit for the Reporting Period significantly increased by 23.6% from US$28.8 million for the same prior year period to US$35.6 million. It is primarily due to increased aircraft deliveries, increased pricing on the aircraft, and better mix of revenue generated from Cirrus Services and Other towards its services with higher margin.The leading aircraft manufacturer in the global personal aviation marketSince the inception in 1984 in Wisconsin, United States, Cirrus Aircraft is committed to design, develop, manufacture, and sell premium aircraft recognized across the personal aviation industry, which incorporate innovations in safety, technology, connectivity, performance, and comfort. The Company’s two aircraft product lines, the SR2X Series and the Vision Jet, have successfully set the industry standard for owner-piloted aircraft and are currently certified and validated in more than 60 countries with cumulative deliveries of over 9,700 SR2X Series aircraft and over 500 Vision Jet aircraft worldwide as of the June 30, 2024.As part of its wide-ranging product offering strategy, the Company’s SR2X Series consists of an entry level aircraft, the SR20, as well as the SR22 and SR22T, both of which offer increasing levels of performance and capabilities addressing different customer needs and preferences for a single-engine piston aircraft. SR2X Series aircraft can typically carry up to four adults and one child. The Vision Jet targets a different and more premium segment of the personal aviation market and offers significantly enhanced performance, capabilities and specifications at a higher price point. The Vision Jet is also designed for owners to fly at jet speed without requiring support from a full-time pilot or flight department. The Vision Jet can typically carry up to five adults and two children. With the launch of the G7 line and continuous upgrade of product portfolio, it will sustain the growth of the business and continue to provide a premium experience for the customers.In the first half of 2024, Cirrus Aircraft delivered 20 more aircraft and the average sales prices (“ASP”) of all deliveries steady increased as compared to the same period in 2023. The average sales price of the SR2X aircraft deliveries was approximately US$1.04 million compared to US$0.99 million in the same period in 2023. The average sales price of the Vision Jet aircraft deliveries was US$3.33 million compared to US$3.08 million in the same period in 2023. At the same time, net orders increased for both the SR2X and Vision Jet combined for the six months ended June 30, 2024 by a total of 107 units from 255 for the six months ending June 30, 2023 to 362 for the six months ending June 30, 2024. This increase is partly attributable to the launch of the G7 line as well as the continuation of the product ladder between the two product lines and the growing ecosystem around the ownership experience. The significantly increased net orders recorded during the Reporting Period will bring a great momentum for the steady growth of the Company.Outlook and Future PlanIn the future, Cirrus Aircraft will continue to focus on product improvement, model upgrades and ongoing generational changes to equip its aircraft with new technologies and designs to consolidate the leading position of the industry. Meanwhile, the Company intend to adopt a series of measures, including monetize installed base through establishing, among many things but not limited to, new maintenance programs, and expanding aircraft management solutions and an array of useful customer services, enhance flight training solutions, advance and expand its aircraft and services portfolio, advance production capabilities, expand its markets globally and establish on-demand personal aviation solutions, to support the future business development and the long-term steady growth of the Company.In recent, as part of the ongoing efforts to increase the capacity and efficiency of the manufacturing facilities, the Company has also completed significant improvements in its manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, including expanded autoclave and mold capacity. In addition, the Company continues to increase the areas of the production facilities in which the Company has implemented its Cirrus Operating System (COS) which continues to increase the operating efficiency. Cirrus Aircraft anticipates these continued improvements will help increase and support future production.In regards to the marketing strategy, the Company adjusted its sales structure in the United Kingdom and France from CSAs to direct sales, which the Company anticipates will drive growth in these markets by developing direct relationships with the customers earlier in the sales cycle, maintaining closer relationships throughout the customers’ ownership experience and allowing the Company to strategically and directly drive sales and marketing initiatives. Moreover, the Company continues to expand the investment within its product portfolio. In April 2024, the Company received the production certificate from Federal Aviation Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation for its SR10 aircraft, which is the first of its kind clean sheet design exclusive to training the next generation of pilots. - End -About Cirrus Aircraft LimitedCirrus Aircraft Limited is a pioneer and an established global market leader in the personal aviation industry, according to Frost & Sullivan. The Company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells premium aircraft recognized across the personal aviation industry, which incorporate innovations in safety, technology, connectivity, performance, and comfort. The market share of Cirrus Aircraft in the global personal aviation market was 32.0% in 2023 based on the number of units delivered, according to Frost & Sullivan. The Company’s two aircraft product lines, namely SR2X Series and Vision Jet, have successfully set the industry standard for owner-piloted aircraft and are currently certified and validated in more than 60 countries. According to GAMA, SR2X Series has been the best-selling single-engine piston aircraft for 22 consecutive years, while according to GAMA and Frost & Sullivan, Vision Jet has been the best-selling business jet for the last six consecutive years since it first delivered in 2016.This press release is issued by Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group for and on behalf of Cirrus Aircraft Limited. For further information, please contact:Porda Havas International Finance Communications GroupTelephone: 852 3150 6788Email: cirrusaircraft.hk@h-advisors.global Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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CIMC Group Announces 2024 Interim Results ACN Newswire

CIMC Group Announces 2024 Interim Results

Financial HighlightsRMB millionFor the 6 months ended 30 June 20242023Change24Q224Q1ChangeRevenue79,11560,57430.61%46,67232,44343.86%Operating profit2,1151,64528.60%1,708407319.8%Net profit1,39599040.85%1,177218440.12%Net profit attributable tothe Company and other equity holders of the Company866399117.23%78284835.19%Net profit attributable to shareholders and other equity holders of the Company after deducting non-recurring profit and loss820977(16.00%)595225164.48%Results Highlights1.The container manufacturing business segment maintained a global leading position with significant improvement in results: Benefiting from the increase in the container trade transportation demand and uncertain events such as the Red Sea incident, which led to lower the efficiency of container transportation, the sales volume of dry containers recorded a 425.54% growth year-on-year. In the first half of the year, the revenue of the container manufacturing business was RMB24.95 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 83%, and net profit increased by 66% to RMB1.276 billion.2.Significant growth in offshore engineering revenue: Benefiting from the continued recovery of the offshore engineering equipment market, the revenue of this business segment grew significantly by 89% year-on-year to RMB7.78 billion. New orders increased by 20.1% year-over-year to US$1.79 billion, and the accumulated value of orders on hand increased by 20.9% to US$6.18 billion, of which the proportion of oil and gas business, wind power installation vessels, and ro-ro ships was approximately 2:1:1. The net loss continued to narrow by 54% to RMB84 million.3.Steady operation in two business segments for road transportation, energy, chemical, and liquid food: The vehicle business achieved revenue of RMB10.7 billion and net profit of RMB574 million, with its market share maintaining the number one position domestically; Revenue from CIMC Enric grew 6.7% year-over-year to RMB11.48 billion, and the orders on hand reached a record high of RMB29.35 billion.HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd. (“CIMC Group” or the “Group”, stock code: 000039.SZ/02039.HK) is pleased to announce the unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June, 2024 (the “Reporting Period”). The management of CIMC Group said, “In the first half of 2024, global commodity trade demand rebounded, the container market stabilised and recovered, global energy security and consumer demands increased, and the global shipping and offshore engineering market environment continued to improve. Based on the continuously consolidating foundation of its global operation platforms, we successfully navigated regional risks and achieved stable and high-quality development.In the first half of the year, the Group achieved revenue of 79.1 billion, increased by 30.61% year-over-year, with a gross profit margin maintained at 10.73%. The net profit attributable to the parent company was approximately RMB870 million, which grew substantially 117% year-over-year. During the period, the Group's container industry maintained its global industry-leading position, and its road transportation, vehicles, energy/chemical/liquid food equipment, and offshore engineering businesses also enhanced strong global competitiveness. The Group’s domestic revenue accounted for approximately 45.55% and its overseas revenue accounted for approximately 54.45%, which was flat as compared with the same period last year, maintaining a sound market landscape.”Segments Results (RMB million)1H2024 Business indicatorsRevenueAs % to the total revenueGross profitAs % to the gross profitGross profit marginNet profitContainers manufacturing24,95031.54%3,04335.85%12.20%1,276Road transportation vehicles10,70013.52%1,59518.80%14.91%574Energy, chemical, and liquid food equipment12,12115.32%1,60118.86%13.21%242Offshore engineering7,7849.84%3894.58%4.99%(84)Airport facilities and logistics equipment, fire safety and rescue equipment2,4033.04%4945.82%20.54%37Logistics services14,08917.81%87710.34%6.23%204Recycled load1,1971.51%1441.21%12.05%(49)Main segments above73,24392.58%8,14295.94%11.12%2,200A review of the main businesses is as follows:In the logistics field:In the container manufacturing business, the demand for global goods trade picked up, and uncertain events such as the Red Sea incident led to the detour of European routes, which lowered the efficiency of container transportation, and the demand for containers increased. The production and sales volume of the Group’s container manufacturing business witnessed a significant year-on-year increase. In particular, the accumulated sales volume of dry containers reached 1,382,700 TEUs (same period in 2023: 263,100 TEUs), representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 425.54%. The accumulated sales volume of reefer containers reached 44,700 TEUs (same period in 2023: 51,500 TEUs), representing a year-on-year decrease of approximately 13.2%. During the period, the container manufacturing business of the Group recorded a revenue of RMB24.95 billion (same period in 2023: RMB13.668 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of 82.54%, and a net profit of RMB1.276 billion (same period in 2023: RMB0.768 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of 66.25%. During the period, the Group took decisive action in response to the surging transportation demand in the container transportation market and the issue of lower container turnaround efficiency due to the detours caused by the Red Sea incident, resulting in significant improvements in production efficiency and delivery capabilities, further boosting overall operational efficiency and market competitiveness.Driven by similar factors, in the logistics services business, both business volume and profitability of most products of the Group recorded considerable year-on-year growth in the first half of the year, with more notable growth in the second quarter as compared to the first quarter. During the period, the logistics services business of the Group realised a revenue of RMB14.089 billion (same period in 2023: RMB9.132 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of 54.28%, and a net profit of RMB204 million (same period in 2023: RMB55 million), representing a year-on-year increase of 274.74%. In the first half of the year, the sea transportation business performed well due to the multiple measures and proactive responses, ranking CIMC Wetrans as TOP 13 on Transprot Topic’s Global Sea Transportation Enterprise List for 2024, the third place among Chinese enterprises.In the road transportation vehicles business, CIMC Vehicles actively forges new quality productivity, and continues to deepen the “StarLink Project”. During the first half of the year, against the backdrop of the industry bottoming out, it rises to the challenge and breaks through against the trend, its market share has increased, maintaining the number one position domestically. In the specialty vehicles business, CIMC Vehicles continued to consolidate its domestic market and expand into overseas markets, and actively developed integrated new energy products, leading to the small-scale delivery of the industry-first integrated hybrid electric semi-trailer tractor mixer. During the period, CIMC Vehicles achieved revenue of RMB10.7 billion (same period in 2023: RMB13.47 billion), representing a year-on-year decrease of 20.56%; achieved a net profit of RMB574 million.In the airport facilities and logistics equipment, fire safety and rescue equipment business, CIMC TianDa through integrating production and marketing layouts both at home and abroad, actively promoted integrated operations, thereby reducing overall operating costs and striving to maintain its advantages and keep its long-term stable growth of profitability in a fiercely competitive environment. During the period, the revenue of the business segment grew by 5.31% to RMB2.403 billion, and net profit increased by 364.81% to RMB37 million. In the first half of 2024, the increase in the acceptance and delivery of passenger boarding bridges and fire trucks had driven the increase in the revenue from the airport facilities and logistics equipment, and fire safety and rescue equipment businesses as compared with the same period last year, and total profit of the segment also increased year-on-year. In terms of newly signed orders, the demand in the airport facilities market continued to recover, and the program to issue RMB1 trillion treasure bonds in China boosted the rise in demand for fire safety equipment, owing to which total newly signed orders maintained overall growth.In the energy industries field:In the offshore engineering business, in the first half of the year, the international oil prices were at a high level, which stimulated an increase in demand for the oil and gas production platforms, the continuous growth in marine operation activities drove the utilisation ratio of and the rental for offshore engineering equipment to be on the rise, and the offshore engineering equipment market continued to recover. During the period, as new orders for offshore engineering entered the construction period successively, the offshore engineering business of the Group recorded a revenue of RMB7.784 billion (same period in 2023: RMB4.119 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of 88.95% growth. In terms of new orders: the value of effective orders/orders won increased by 20.1% year-on-year to US$1.79 billion (same period in 2023: US$1.49 billion) as of the end of June, including two FPSO and three ro-ro ships. The accumulated value of orders on hand increased by 20.9% to US$6.18 billion (same period in 2023: US$5.11 billion), of which the proportion of oil and gas business, wind power installation vessels, and ro-ro ships was approximately 2:1:1, which had effectively eased the periodic fluctuation of the oil and gas market, demonstrating that successful strategic transformation had been achieved.In the offshore engineering asset operation business, the Group’s on-lease platforms maintained its high-quality services and occupation rates and continued to provide customers with high-quality and efficient services. Against the backdrop of global energy security and growing consumer demand, the offshore engineering market remained active. The deep-water platform market has benefited from continued investment in development by international oil companies. According to Rystad’s forecast, global capital spending on deepwater oil and gas drilling will increase 10% year-on-year, hitting the highest level in over 10 years. The increase in global demand and the reduction in drilling platform availability are jointly driving the continued growth in day rates and utilisation rates. During the period, Caspian Driller, one of the Group’s jack-up drilling platforms, was granted a 3+2 year contract extension by the customer; and Deepsea Yantai, one of the Group’s mid-deepwater semi-submersible drilling platforms, was granted a contract extension by the customer, and the new leases increased by over 10% in daily rate as compared to the current contracts.In the energy, chemical, and liquid food equipment business, this segment achieved a revenue of RMB12.121 billion (the same period last year: RMB11.388 billion), representing a 6.43% year-over-year growth, and net profits of RMB242 million (the same period last year: RMB435 million), representing a year-on-year decrease of 44.52%. In which, CIMC Enric registered a revenue of RMB11.48 billion (same period last year: RMB10.76 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of 6.7%, newly signed orders amounted to RMB16.4 billion (the same period last year: RMB12.67 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of 29.5%, orders on hand as of the end of June amounted to RMB29.35 billion (the same period last year: RMB20.6 billion), representing a significant year-on-year increase of 42.5%, reaching a record high. The clean energy segment saw steady revenue growth, with strong demand for LNG storage and transportation equipment, as well as LNG on-vehicle cylinders. The small and medium-sized liquefied gas carriers market remained highly prosperous. In the hydrogen energy field, we successfully acquired the core assets of Beijing Zhonglian Sheng during the period and won the bid for China's largest ammonia, hydrogen, and alcohol tank project. In the chemical and environment segment, its tank container global market share remained number one and demonstrated resilient development. In the liquid food segment, it actively responded to market changes and seized growth opportunities in the domestic liquor market, winning bids for multiple liquor projects.Outlook and future developmentLogistics SegmentIn the container manufacturing business, according to CLARKSONS’ forecast in July, the growth of global container trade will significantly increase from 0.7% in 2023 to 5.1% in 2024, and in 2025, the global container trade is expected to see further growth of 2.9%, which suggests an optimistic and stable outlook for the transportation demand in the container transportation market. To cope with the risk of container shortage brought about by these uncertain events, customers’ willingness to spare containers will increase, coupled with the stable replacement rate of old containers, the demand for new containers is expected to be underpinned by the stable fundamentals during 2024–2025.In the road transportation vehicle business, in the second half of 2024, the demand for logistics and transportation in China will gradually recover, and the semi-trailer industry in China will accelerate its transformation and upgrading towards a new development stage of regularisation, standardisation, intelligence, and electrification. As the U.S. policy trend of interest rate cuts becomes increasingly certain, the demand for semi-trailers in North America may be released; and as the regulation on sustainable development of the European semi-trailer industry becomes stricter and the demand for multimodal transportation grows, the European semi-trailer industry, which is experiencing a slowdown in demand, may be benefited. There is an expected recovery in the specialty vehicle industry, with the penetration rate of new energy specialty vehicles gradually increasing and the regularisation process of specialty vehicle transportation speeding up.Energy SegmentIn the energy, chemicals, and liquid food equipment business, the latest report of Goldman Sachs Group predicts that by 2029, global investment in LNG is expected to increase by more than 50%, and global LNG supply will surge by 80% by 2030. In the domestic market, IEA predicts that by 2030, China’s share in effective LNG contracts will be doubled, increasing from 12% in 2021 to about 25%. As a leading enterprise in advanced intelligent manufacturing of clean energy equipment, driven by the increase in LNG demand, CIMC Enric is expected to continue to benefit from the related storage and transportation equipment and engineering business and will continue to expand business opportunities in overseas markets such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. CIMC Enric will pay attention to the changes and opportunities in the hydrogen energy market, continue to deepen the whole industrial chain layout and integrate solution capability of “preparation, storage, transportation, filling and application. In addition, leveraging its extensive years of experience in production technology and quality management in the tank container manufacturing field and the market share of its medical equipment components business, the Group will be actively monitoring changes in the global liquid food market, and maintaining close attention on emerging opportunities in the domestic liquor and other new industry segments.In the offshore engineering business, due to the relatively high oil prices continuing to stimulate oil and gas production platforms, the offshore engineering construction market was entering an upward cycle. The FPSO/FLNG market has high short-term demand and ample long-term project reserves. It is anticipated that offshore engineering manufacturers will maintain a high capacity utilisation rate over the next 3–5 years. Leveraging the advantage of the industrial cluster effect, the offshore engineering manufacturers in China are competing for orders with high technical thresholds with those in Japan and South Korea. In the second half of 2024, the Group’s offshore engineering business will continue to actively promote transformation, and integrate the industry mapping. Taking offshore oil and gas as the foundation, the Group will gradually expand to new energy sources to form a business portfolio that dilutes the impacts of the industrial cycle.Financial and Asset Management SegmentThe offshore engineering asset operation and management business of CIMC will continue to capitalise on the active cycle in the offshore engineering market and fully utilise the advantages in the entire industrial chain to advance market development, thereby improving asset rental rates. By focusing on customer needs, the Group will enhance customer satisfaction and explore future cooperation opportunities. Through lean management, the Group will continuously strengthen cost control and core competitiveness, promoting steady growth in profitability.The Group's management concludes, “In the first half of the year, the Group has consolidated and enhanced its leading industry position in its existing core businesses, while also focusing on expanding multiple strategic emerging businesses. Our core businesses have achieved steady and high-quality growth, and our effective global business layout has also effectively mitigated the impact of recent global market cyclical fluctuations.Looking ahead to the second half of the year, CIMC will follow the guidance of national policies based on the situation in the new development stage, and will also continue the implementation of the strategic theme of “accelerating the construction of new growth drivers and focusing on promoting high-quality development. We will firmly grasp the important opportunities of new quality productivity, the "Belt and Road" initiative, the unified large market, scientific and technological innovation, and green development. By consolidating and enhancing our leading industry position in our existing core businesses, we will continue to activate new business value and new driving forces, to achieve our goal of high-quality growth."-Ends-About China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd.The CIMC Group is a world leading equipment and solution provider in logistics and energy industries, and its industry cluster mainly covers logistics and energy fields, strengthening its position as a global market leader. In the logistics field, the Group still adheres to taking container manufacturing business as its core business, based on which to develop road transportation vehicles business, airport facilities and logistics equipment/fire safety and rescue equipment business and to a lesser extent, logistics services business and recycled load business providing products and services in professional field of logistics; in the energy field, the Group is principally engaged in energy/chemical/liquid food equipment business and offshore engineering business; meanwhile, the Group also continuously develops emerging industries and has finance and asset management business that serves the Group itself. As a diversified multinational industrial group that shoulders the mission of global serving, CIMC owns 3 listed companies and over 300 member enterprises in Asia, North America, Europe, Australia and others, and extensive customers and sales networks covering more than 100 countries and regions. During the year, the Group recorded a revenue of RMB127.81 billion, with gross profit margin remained at 13.77% and net profit of RMB 1.863 billion. The Group was ranked 170th in the Fortune 500 China 2023. For more information, please visit http://www.cimc.com/. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Pioneering Green Growth with Technological Innovation and Accelerating Global Strategy ACN Newswire

Pioneering Green Growth with Technological Innovation and Accelerating Global Strategy

HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Tianneng Power International Company Limited (the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, collectively the “Group” or “Tianneng”) (stock code: 00819.HK), a leading company in China's new energy battery industry, announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (the “Reporting Period”).In the first half of 2024, Tianneng focused on building new quality productivity by utilizing the three driving forces of "industry, technology and capital" and the three interlinked transformations of "digitalization, platform-based operation and internationalization" to form a new development pattern. The Group adhered to the concept that "technological innovation is the core element of developing new quality productivity", further upgraded and optimized the production processes of lead-acid batteries, and actively expanded the layout and applications of emerging batteries such as lithium, hydrogen, sodium, and solid-state batteries. In addition, it strived to address global climate change challenges by enhancing efficiency and environmental protection through green and intelligent manufacturing, developing a circular economy, and building a sustainable supply chain that aligns with a series of development goals such as high-quality development and modern governance of China.During the reporting period, the Group achieved revenue of approximately RMB 49.915 billion, representing an increase of approximately 20.36% compared to the same period last year. Profit attributable to owners of the Company was approximately RMB 928 million, representing a growth of approximately 1.09% compared to the same period last year. While actively exploring the development of emerging businesses, Tianneng invested significant effort in consolidating and strengthening its leading position in its core business. The cornerstone business of lead-acid batteries generated revenue of approximately RMB19.252 billion. In the field of new energy batteries, Tianneng accelerated the development of lithium-ion battery for ESS, facilitated the iteration of hydrogen fuel cells and sodium-ion batteries, and achieved breakthroughs in key technologies and applications in diverse scenarios. In the field of circular economy, Tianneng established a battery recycling green industry chain integrating production, recycling, smelting, and reproduction, with the circular industry generating revenue from external customers of approximately RMB1.554 billion.Breaking Barriers through Continuous Technological InnovationThe Group has established a dual-core strategy in "motive batteries and energy storage systems", achieved a parallel development in the traditional track with both lead and lithium technologies, and accelerated the development of hydrogen fuel cells, sodium-ion batteries, and solid-state batteries in emerging tracks. In terms of motive batteries, Tianneng has successively launched the first dedicated lead-acid motive battery for electric motorcycles, the new generation sodium-ion motive battery "Tianna T2" and colloidal batteries for forklifts, catering to a more diverse range of applications. For energy storage, successful developments included the OPzV-1000 valve-regulated colloidal lead-carbon battery, the "Sodium Storage No.1" suitable for energy storage scenarios, and a new generation 5MWh lithium-ion intelligent liquid-cooled energy storage system. These advancements help systems unleash greater value and provide stable and reliable power support for various application scenarios.Upholding Sustainable Development Strategy for Green IndustryAs one of the world's largest lead-acid battery manufacturers, Tianneng utilizes over 90% of its battery products in electric light vehicles, possessing an inherent low-carbon advantage in the transportation industry. Tianneng incorporates green and intelligent manufacturing into its corporate development strategy by optimizing production processes, enhancing automation coverage, and improving production efficiency. By developing and integrating multiple digital management systems, Tianneng elevates the digitalization level of production management, thereby continuously driving the Company towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly future.While focusing on the battery industry, Tianneng is also committed to achieving more efficient resource recovery and recycling. It has established four lead-acid battery circular economy industrial parks and two lithium-ion battery circular economy industrial parks in China. The recovery rates of various materials from waste lead-acid batteries exceed 99%, while the recovery rate of sulfate from waste lithium-ion batteries exceeds 98.5%, and the lithium carbonate recovery rate reaches 90%. For lead-acid battery recycling, Tianneng continuously enhances the capabilities of recovery and disposal and establishes a stable and sustainable supply chain to improve production capacity utilization. The Company now has the capacity to dispose of 1 million tons of waste lead-acid batteries annually. For lithium battery recycling, Tianneng has the capacity to dispose of 10,000 tons of waste ternary lithium-ion batteries annually, with an additional 60,000 tons of new capacity to be put into operation this year. Tianneng consistently innovates battery recycling technologies, and possesses various lithium-ion battery recycling technologies, including intelligent crushing and sorting without discharge, targeted thermal decomposition of dismantled materials, simultaneous disposal of ternary lithium iron phosphate, and lithium extraction through freezing.During the Reporting Period, the Group undertook a waste lead-acid battery recycling and treatment project at the Circular Economy Industrial Park in Changxing County, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, becoming the first "National Circular Economy Standardization Demonstration Project" in Zhejiang Province. By transforming typical models into national standards, this project has led the development direction of the industry. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the list of Green Manufacturing for 2023, with Tianneng New Materials Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Group specializing in lithium battery recycling, being selected as a national-level "Green Factory".Keeping Up with the Times to Strengthen Brand PromotionIn terms of the marketing, the Group has established an extensive distribution and after-sales service network and has over 3,000 distribution and after-sales service points in China, covering more than 400,000 terminal stores. This network provides replacement and repair services to 400 million users of electric light vehicles, making it one of the most well-known battery brands in the market.Tianneng actively embraces big data technology and the emerging internet market, utilizing digital means to empower marketing efforts and support partners in refined operations and management. During the Reporting Period, the Group deepened the advancement of digital marketing models and upgraded the Tianneng innovative cloud commerce model, significantly optimizing the Group's flexible production. This allows for faster and more accurate responses to changes in market demand, adjustments to production plans, and a notable increase in operational efficiency. It has also established dozens of online and offline integrated service experience centers, which promoted the growth of customized product sales, significantly enhanced the quality and effectiveness of the distribution channels and further strengthened its competitiveness.Marching Forward with Determination to Expand International OperationsWhile consolidating its industry-leading position in China, Tianneng, based on local conditions, has rapidly pushed its battery products and energy solutions into the global market. Tianneng's overseas business layout covers various countries and regions such as Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa. Dr. Zhang Tianren, Chairman of the Board, was invited to participate in the "China-Vietnam Trade and Investment Cooperation Promotion Forum" in April 2024, and the first overseas intelligent manufacturing base was established in Vietnam, serving as a bridgehead for expanding the Southeast Asian market. The Company successfully contracted with dozens of Tianneng brand overseas partners for overseas terminal distribution and after-sales service network development. It also made frequent appearances at international exhibitions such as the EV TREND KOREA in Seoul and the EES Europe in Munich, Germany, receiving recognition from customers worldwide.Leveraging the technological innovation achievements in green energy products and the industry experience accumulated over the years, Tianneng has set the international market as the new stage for its future development. Following the establishment of local offices, the development of overseas sales channels, and the Vietnam factory construction project, Tianneng will continue to explore overseas markets, actively respond to China's "Belt and Road" initiative, use the Southeast Asian market as an entry point, and collaborate with more like-minded partners to enhance its influence in overseas markets and seize the initiative in international competition.Future OutlookTianneng will adhere to the development direction of "focusing on high-quality development and enhancing sustainability" to accelerate the creation of new quality productivity with Tianneng’s characteristics. With technological innovation as the driving force and structural adjustment as the main theme, the Company will promote the transformation and upgrading of the new energy industry with a focus on nurturing the two major industrial ecosystems of motive batteries and energy storage systems. Meanwhile, based on the entire lifecycle of the battery industry, the Company will utilize the scale advantages of the circular economy to enhance efficiency. Based on its own technological advantages and fully leveraging the supporting and leading role of technological innovation, Tianneng will contribute more clean energy system solutions to the "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality" strategy and make greater contributions to the ecological civilization construction of China. - End -Issued by Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group for and on behalf of Tianneng Power International Limited. For further information, please contact:Kelly FungTel: +852 3150 6788Email: tianneng.hk@pordahavas.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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DYNASTY’S PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY INCREASES BY 73% TO HK$18.5 MILLION IN 1H2024 ACN Newswire

DYNASTY’S PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY INCREASES BY 73% TO HK$18.5 MILLION IN 1H2024

Financial Highlights (Unaudited)(HKD Thousand)Six months ended 30 June20242023ChangeRevenue135,347128,168+6%Gross Profit48,76747,212+3%Profit Attributable to Owners of the Company18,51010,712+73%Gross Profit Margin36%37%-1 percentage pointBasic Earnings per Share (HK cents)1.300.90+44%HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Dynasty Fine Wines Group Limited (“Dynasty” or the “Group”) (Stock Code: 00828), a premier grape winemaker in China, today announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024.In the first half of 2024, benefiting from new consumption scenarios such as banquets and gatherings nationwide, as well as continuous innovation achieved by the Group in product and consumption scenarios, sales volume of the Group’s products (particularly mid-range grape wine products) increased steadily, with revenue improving by 6% year-on-year to approximately HK$135 million. Government grants received by the Group during the period increased by approximately HK$6.50 million. Profit attributable to owners of the Company also increased significantly by 73% year-on-year to HK$18.5 million in the first half of 2024. Basic earnings per share were approximately HK1.3 cents per share. During the period, due to increase in overall material costs, the Group's overall gross profit margin mildly decreased from 37% for the same period last year to 36%.Sales of white wines products of the Group grew well over the period and served as the Group’s primary revenue contributor. Sales revenue of red and white wines products accounted for approximately 45% and 51% of the Group’s overall revenue respectively for the period. During the period, the gross profit margin of red wine products and white wine products were 33% and 41% respectively (in the first half of 2023: 31% and 45% respectively).The Group has continued to strengthen its presence in Ningxia and Xinjiang. This morning, Ningxia Tianxia Winery (Phase I) was completed three months ahead of schedule and officially commenced production. The grand completion cum grape pressing ceremony was held at the Ningxia Tianxia Winery, situated nearby Eastern foothill of Helan mountain, Ningxia, which is one of the key quality grape producing areas in China. The winery will integrate pressing, fermentation, processing, testing and research and development as a whole, with an annual production and processing capacity of 5,000 tonnes. The completion and commissioning of the project will greatly increase Dynasty’s capacity to produce premium wines, become a new driver for the Group’s long-term stable development and create new quality productive forces for the Group’s development. It is therefore an important milestone in Dynasty’s development history.The completion cum grape pressing ceremony of Ningxia Tianxia Winery (Phase I)The Group has been actively pursuing innovation, embracing the “5+4+N” product strategy, with “N” standing for developing various customised products and continuously creating new products. During the period, the Group launched a new high-end product, i.e. Dynasty Chinese Zodiac Commemorative Dry Red Wine for the Jia Chen Year of Dragon, integrating the high quality with the Chinese zodiac culture and the leading rise of Chinese-style fashionable products. In addition, the Group launched a new product, Inherit Series “Passing on the Glory, Continuing the Brilliant Heritage”, at the 110th China Food & Drinks Fair in March this year, as well as other new products launched in the period such as Long Yun Series, Cabernet Reserve etc., to further improve its product matrix and provide consumers with diverse consumption choices. With leading and well-proven technologies it prides, the Group carried out comprehensive upgrade of its production techniques, packaging design, etc. With China chic on the rise, the new upgraded design is set to resonate with Chinese consumers confident of their culture, help strengthen awareness of the Dynasty brand and attract mainstream consumers fancying China-made products and China chic.In addition to enriching the product matrix, the Group is accelerating the innovation of consumption scenarios and enhancing and strengthening the wine cultural experience. In June this year, Dynasty Starry Wine Bar was officially opened in Meijiang, Tianjin, the base of Dynasty. Starry Wine Bar is a pop-up offline bar meticulously designed by Dynasty to innovate the product experience, meet the diversified needs of consumers, and create new consumption scenarios in the country. It is committed to making consumers feel the warmth of the brand and recognise the value of the brand, thereby attracting more consumers through innovation.During the period, the Group continued to develop the “Dynasty Tavern” through online channels, creating a series of product promotion articles on the WeChat official account of Dynasty Wines, and promoting Dynasty’s major mainstream products using new media formats. In addition, it integrated the night market environment to expand various wine drinking scenarios and promote Dynasty’s younger products.Moreover, the Group sold chateau wine imported from France and other foreign branded wines in Chinese market through the Group’s existing distribution network to introduce some classic “old world” and “new world” varietals to cater for part of the market that prefers the taste of foreign premium wines.Regarding online sales, the e-commerce team of the Group comprehensively operated online stores itself on the traditional e-commerce platforms, such as JD.com, Tmall and Pinduoduo for product sales, as well as comprehensive innovation on its brand, product categories, and business systems, procedures and models via interest-based e-commerce platforms, including RED, Kuai and TikTok. Such efforts facilitated the Group’s autonomous brand communications so that it could continue to gain the attention of mainstream consumer groups and demographic segments, and enhance effective market penetration of the Group’s products targeted at young consumers. The e-commerce team also actively cultivate e-commerce live broadcasting talents to further expand its sales channels so as to build up a new customer base. The Group continues investing resources for improvement of the online sales channels and optimisation of online stores interface so as to adapt to the changing customer consumption behaviour in China, and keeps promoting the exclusive products series for e-commerce platforms through channels such as live streaming or broadcasting.Mr. Wan Shoupeng, Chairman of Dynasty, concluded, “Looking ahead to the second half of 2024, the Group will keep strengthening presence in Ningxia and Xinjiang to secure the supply of quality grapes and grape juice. Ningxia Tianxia Winery (Phase I) has completed construction and begun operation, which will become a new long-term and stable economic growth point of the Group and help the regional presence and layout of Dynasty, as well as in line with the overall planning and industry planning for the development of China’s wine industry. The Board currently remains cautious on the business prospects in the second half of 2024 and the Group will continue to proactively develop the new marketing prospects by innovation in products categories and consumption scenarios, carrying out cross-industry co-operations in order to boost sales volume, and be in line with the country’s commitment to stimulating domestic consumption.” – End –About Dynasty Fine Wines Group LimitedDynasty Fine Wines Group Limited was listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code 00828 on 26 January 2005. Founded in 1980, Dynasty is the premier grape winemaker in China. It is principally engaged in the production and sale of grape wine products under its reputable “Dynasty” brand. Dynasty is the first Sino-foreign joint venture wine company in China with Tianjin Food Group Limited and the French grape wine giant, Remy Cointreau, as its current major shareholders. The Group produces and sells more than 100 grape wine product series, and introduces imported wine products, providing high-quality and value-for-money grape wines to the full range of consumer groups in China. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Banle Group Expands Global Port Coverage to Over 60 Ports ACN Newswire

Banle Group Expands Global Port Coverage to Over 60 Ports

HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - CBL International Limited (the “Company” or “CBL”) (NASDAQ: BANL), the listing vehicle of Banle Group (“Banle” or “the Group”), a reputable marine fuel logistic company in the Asia-Pacific region, proudly announces a significant milestone by expanding its global port coverage to over 60 ports across fourteen countries and regions in four continents.This development underscores Banle's commitment to expanding its global presence and entering new markets, demonstrating the company's continued efforts to open new service ports and increase coverage for both existing and new customers. The company now provides bunkering services in Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Panama, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam, representing a 70% increase in port coverage since its Nasdaq listing in March 2023, solidifying Banle's position as a major player in the industry.The Group's footprint includes nine out of the top ten container ports globally by throughput volume in 2023, highlighting its dominance in key maritime hubs. The Asia Pacific region, accounting for 70% of global container port throughput, remains a key focus for Banle, while the company continues to expand its presence in Europe and other regions.The company is actively preparing to capitalize on the growing demand for greener marine fuels, driven by international regulations like the FuelEU Maritime initiative and the IMO's strategy for greenhouse gas reduction. Banle has obtained the required ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications to comply with these regulations.As a pioneer in providing stable biofuel supply at major ports, Banle has achieved key milestones in biofuel bunkering services, including:— July 14, 2023: Commencement of biofuel supply in Hong Kong.— September 5, 2023: First export to China cargo supply.— March 15, 2024: Introduction of biofuel supply in Guangzhou, China.— April 13, 2024: Launch of biofuel supply in Shenzhen, China (Yantian).— June 28, 2024: Inaugural biofuel supply in Port Klang, Malaysia.According to BIMCO, the container shipping market has exceeded growth expectations, with forecasts predicting a 5 – 6% increase in container volumes for 2024 and a 3 – 4% increase for 2025. Banle is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, continuing to facilitate essential bunkering services that support the efficient and profitable operations of container liners globally."Since our Nasdaq listing, we have made remarkable strides in expanding our port coverage and enhancing our service offerings to meet the growing demands of our customers, the international shipping companies," said Mr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman & CEO of Banle Group. "Our expansion into Europe, with establishments in Ireland, underlines our commitment to developing our green marine fuels business, which is critical for our long-term sustainability goals."About the Banle GroupCBL International Limited (Nasdaq: BANL) is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, a reputable marine fuel logistic company based in the Asia Pacific region that was established in 2015. We are committed to providing customers with one stop solution for vessel refuelling. Banle Group’s business activities are primarily focused in over 60 major ports covering Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Panama, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam as of 28 August 2024. The Group actively promotes the use of alternative fuels and is awarded with the ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications.For more information about our company, please visit our website at: https://www.banle-intl.com.Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements in this announcement are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “future,” “outlook,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. They involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release and on current expectations of BANL’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of BANL. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements could include changes in domestic and foreign business, markets, financial, political and legal conditions, geopolitical disruptions and other events that result in material changes in fuel prices. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the SEC.For more information, please contact:CBL International LimitedEmail: investors@banle-intl.comStrategic Financial Relations LimitedShelly Cheng Tel:(852) 2864 4857Iris Au Yeung Tel:(852) 2114 4913Email: sprg_cbl@sprg.com.hk Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Yunkang Group’s 2024 Interim Revenue Reaches Approximately RMB380 Million ACN Newswire

Yunkang Group’s 2024 Interim Revenue Reaches Approximately RMB380 Million

HONG KONG, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Yunkang Group Limited ("Yunkang" or the "Group"; Stock Code: 2325), a leading medical operation services provider in China, has announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (the "Reporting Period"). In the first half of 2024, the Group continued to deeply implement its overall business philosophy of “in-depth services and lean operations”. On the one hand, the Group constantly deepened the model of diagnostic testing services for medical institution alliances, rapidly replicated the joint innovation platform for diagnostic testing, created a new model for innovative medical centers, and focused on “Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) + medical care” to achieve remarkable results in product innovation + model innovation and promote high-quality development of the industry. On the other hand, it leveraged on the fast-growing digital technologies, while adhering to reduce costs and increase benefits to continuously build lean operation capabilities.During the Reporting Period, due to the challenges brought by the macro environment, the in-depth changes in the medical service market and the fierce market competition, the Group’s short-term results did not meet expectations, recording a total revenue of RMB379.9 million, of which, revenue from diagnostic testing services for medical institution alliances, diagnostic outsourcing services and diagnostic testing services for non-medical institutions amounted to RMB182.3 million, RMB179.6 million and RMB18.1 million, respectively. If excluding the impact of revenue from phased testing and screening services nationwide at the beginning of 2023, the diagnostic testing services segment provided by the Group for medical institution alliances continued to maintain high-quality growth, contributing approximately 48.0% of the revenue, making it the largest source of revenue for the Group. The Group’s gross profit was RMB128.2 million and loss attributable to owners of the Company was RMB126.1 million.The innovative model of diagnostic testing for medical institution alliances has achieved remarkable results, empowering the development of hospitals through in-depth servicesDriven by the continuous increase in favorable national policies, the market demand for medical institution alliances has been gradually released. Leveraging the overall advantages of the Group’s professional, standardized and digitally intelligent solutions for the construction of regional medical institution alliances, the Group’s innovative business model – the provision of diagnostic testing services to medical institution alliances has maintained high-quality and healthy development for many years. As at the end of the Reporting Period, the Group had successfully provided professional diagnostic services for more than 1,500 medical institutions in collaboration with medical institution alliances under over 430 jointly constructed on-site diagnostic centers for medical institution alliances across the country and had created a number of benchmark joint projects, so as to facilitate the rapid development of medical institution alliances. Apart from developing customers of the joint construction business with medical institution alliances, the Group also attached importance to the deep cultivation of existing clients and lean operations. The Group not only provided “3+1” (i.e. tumor, infection, genetics and reproduction + precision medicine) technical system support but also provided support to the in-depth service system to empower the demand and long-term development of hospitals with in-depth services.Disease- and clinical-oriented to persistently enhance product competitivenessThe Group has always adhered to the “disease and clinical” oriented service concept and built a series of high and new technology platforms including PCR, protein high-throughput sequencing, gene chip, molecular diagnosis, cytogenetic, digital remote pathology and ultramicro pathology. The technology platforms can provide over 3,500 testing items, and the annual testing specimen volume exceeds 10 million. It also has developed diversified and targeted solutions and services for clinical application scenarios in different regions and different kinds of medical institutions. In recent years, the Group has continuously increased its investment in product research and development. In the first half of 2024, the Group has launched more than 500 new testing projects, which are far ahead of its peers. New projects launched during the Reporting Period with clinical needs as the core include 12 key featured products represented by dried blood spot vitamin D, allergy gene V2.0, urinary and fungal tNGS, as well as new projects such as targeted sequencing of 158 respiratory pathogens, targeted sequencing of 265 common pathogens, intestinal flora detection (16srDNA sequencing), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) gene detection (third generation sequencing), and deafness gene screening (321 sites), which have been widely recognized by the market.The joint innovation platform for diagnostic testing was replicated rapidly, with product innovation + model innovation entering the harvest stageIn recent years, the Group pioneered the creation of “joint innovation platform for diagnostic testing”, which has successfully developed detection products for different infection syndromes in various fields such as respiratory tract infections and central nervous system infections. During the Reporting Period, the Group continued to deepen its cooperation with many top hospitals such as Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital with which the Group has contracted and continued to develop new products and technologies and promote them to the market, which was widely acclaimed by clinicians. At the same time, the Group attached great importance to the continued development of the joint innovation platform for diagnostic testing, it has so far cooperated with dozens of top domestic medical institutions in this innovative model. By giving full play to the top hospitals’ technological leadership, as well as leveraging on the Group’s platform foundation and innovative integration advantages in cutting-edge biotechnology, AI, cloud computing, big data and other advanced digital technologies, it will jointly explore scientific research and achievement transformation in various clinical specialty areas. During the Reporting Period, the innovative products developed based on the joint innovation platform for diagnostic testing have exceeded the annual level of the previous year in terms of testing volume and testing revenue, which has injected new momentum into the Group’s long-term high-quality growth.Create a new model of innovative medical center, promote the development of medical technology industryIn terms of innovation in the medical technology industry, the Group joins hands with various partners and lays emphasis on policy guidance, clinical development, technological breakthroughs, industrial services and application promotion in a bid to explore a new cooperation model for joint innovation and cooperation with medical schools, local governments and medical institutions. Subsequent to the Reporting Period, the Group has signed strategic cooperation agreements with the People’s Government of Ouhai, Wenzhou City and Wenzhou Medical University. In the future, all parties will focus on the core areas of the biopharmaceutical industry to orderly promote the establishment of several key projects such as joint innovation and transformation platforms, public service platforms, and medical big data research platforms, regional diagnosis sharing centers and innovative talents training base to promote the rapid transformation and industrial application of scientific research results. The Group will fully support Wenzhou Medical University and its affiliated hospitals, promote the transformation of scientific research results into practical applications, and strengthen the development of clinical disciplines and superior specialties, so as to truly improve the regional medical level.Focus on “AI + medical care” to empower high-quality development of the industryThe Group has continuously improved its medical testing technology research and development and digital application, further explored cutting-edge medical fields such as remote pathology, digital pathology and AI, and built a professional service platform “AI + medical care”. Combining with its top ten digital “cloud” operation systems, the Group helps partner hospitals to accomplish remote guidance, consultation, training and other services, and accelerate the interconnection of information within the medical institution alliances. As at the end of the Reporting Period, the remote pathology consultation platform, a digital IT platform independently developed by the Group which owns all intellectual property rights thereon, covers more than 600 medical testing items and has provided standardized and intelligent professional pathology technical services to nearly 300 medical institutions. It is one of the leading remote pathology platforms in China with the most access to hospitals, and it assists medical institutions nationwide to improve examination quality and diagnosis efficiency.In terms of the application of AI-assisted diagnosis, the Group adheres to the strategy of “introducing one project once it is mature” and has successfully introduced projects such as pathological DNA polyploid AI-assisted diagnosis, cervical liquid-based cell AI-assisted diagnosis, and chromosome AI analysis, leading to the great enhancement of diagnostic efficiency. In addition, through the perfect combination of pathological AI-assisted diagnosis and remote pathology diagnosis platform, the Group has also realized the upgrade of the human-machine remote mode of “preliminary screening by AI and review by pathologist”, significantly improving the efficiency of film reading.Lean operations to reduce costs, increase benefits and improve the operation efficiencyDuring the Reporting Period, the Group launched Phase II of the Robust Project, aiming to continue to deepen the results of Phase I of the Project, to consolidate the foundation of the Group’s lean operations and management, and further improve the efficiency of the Group’s use of resources to reduce costs and increase benefits through minimizing operating costs and optimizing operation platform. Through the perseverance and efforts of the entire Group, Phase II of the Robust Project has achieved various outcomes such as improving the establishment of various operating rules and systems, optimizing the core operation and management processes, further standardizing the process supervision mechanism, and improving supervision efficiency; supported by the Group’s “cloud” system, a structured operation data support system established through IT-based means. Through lean management, the Group will comprehensively reduce costs and increase benefits from all aspects of corporate operations such as marketing, laboratories, supply chain, logistics and human resources, the outcomes of which will be seen in the second half of the year.In the future, under the Group’s business philosophy of “in-depth services and lean operations”, the Group will continue to adhere to the principles of innovation and service orientation and actively promote the development of new quality productivity in the medical and health field by leveraging on its strong technology research and development capabilities and profound industry knowledge, thereby empowering the construction of medical institution alliances and the improvement of public healthcare system. Meanwhile, the Group will proactively enhance in-depth customer services, foster lean operation management and digital empowerment, follow national policies directions, and seize the opportunities in the medical testing service market, in order to provide the public with better and more efficient, more accurate and more competitive diagnostic testing products and services, thereby contributing to the realization of the blueprint for Healthy China 2030.– End –Yunkang Group Limited (Stock Code: 2325)Yunkang Group is a leading medical operation service provider in China, which started to provide standardized medical diagnostic services to medical institutions at all levels as early as 2008. Leveraging its own professional diagnostic capabilities and the nationwide service network of integrated healthcare systems, Yunkang has gradually grown to become a medical operation service platform. Meanwhile, Yunkang is a medical operation service provider in China offering a full suite of diagnostic testing services which are diagnostic outsourcing services and diagnostic testing services for medical institution alliances. Yunkang provides diagnostic services through on-site diagnostic centers to collaborative hospitals in the integrated healthcare systems in China and assists them in improving their clinical diagnosis capabilities through co-developing diagnostic centers. As of June 30, 2024, Yunkang has successfully provided professional services to over 430 medical institution alliances and the hospitals it collaborated with were located across 31 provinces and municipalities in China.Media InquiriesYunkang Group LimitedE-mail:ir@yunkanghealth.comWebsite:www.yunkanghealth.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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IGG Inc: Viking Rise and App Business Achieve New Highs in Quarterly Gross Billing ACN Newswire

IGG Inc: Viking Rise and App Business Achieve New Highs in Quarterly Gross Billing

2024 Interim Financial Highlights and 2H24 Outlook of IGG Inc:- For the first half of 2024, the Group experienced a 9% year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching a total of HK$2.74 billion. This growth was primarily driven by the steady success of two highly-rated strategy games, “Doomsday: Last Survivors” and “Viking Rise”, as well as the strong performance of the APP Business “Doomsday: Last Survivors” and “Viking Rise” contributed approximately HK$500 million and HK$300 million respectively, while the APP Business generated HK$400 million in revenue for the Group. These contributions highlight the Group’s commitment to diversified growth and underscore the significant role played by these key revenue drivers.- “Lords Mobile”, IGG’s flagship title launched eight years ago, contributed HK$1.34 billion.- Following the Group’s successful turnaround from a loss to an annual net profit of HK$73 million in 2023, the Group experienced a significant increase in net profit, reaching HK$330 million in the first half of 2024. The Group’s core business exceeded HK$350 million in net profit, while the investment business recorded a slight loss of approximately HK$25 million due to fair-value changes of investees.- The Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of HK8.5 cents per ordinary share, representing approximately 30% of the net profit for the first half of 2024. The Group spent nearly HK$33 million on share buybacks in the first half. The dividend declared plus the amount spent to repurchase shares make up about 40% of the Group’s net profit for the first half of 2024.- Entering the second half of 2024, “Viking Rise” and the APP Business are expected to achieve new highs, with monthly gross billing at HK$80 million and HK$120 million respectively for the past two months. With consistent growth of the core game business and APP Business, the Group expects to maintain sustained profitability in the long term.HONG KONG, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - IGG Inc (“IGG” or the “Group”, stock code: 799.HK), a leading global developer and publisher of mobile games and applications, announces its unaudited consolidated interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024.Having achieved a remarkable turnaround from a loss to a profit in 2023, the Group is now directing its efforts towards “Profit-driven Growth” in 2024. In terms of revenue, the Group experienced a 9% year-on-year increase, reaching HK$2.74 billion in the first half of 2024. This growth was primarily driven by the consistent contributions from the two highly rated strategy games, “Doomsday: Last Survivors” and “Viking Rise”, along with the outstanding performance of the APP Business. “Lords Mobile”, IGG’s flagship title launched eight years ago, contributed HK$1.34 billion in the first half of 2024. During the period, “Doomsday: Last Survivors” and “Viking Rise” generated approximately HK$500 million and HK$300 million, respectively, replacing “Lords Mobile” to become the new growth drivers. Following its restructuring at the beginning of 2024, the APP Business swiftly regained momentum and achieved record-breaking revenue of HK$400 million in the first half of 2024, accounting for 15% of the Group’s total revenue, and establishing itself as a diversified growth catalyst. During the period, revenue from Asia, Europe and North America accounted for 41%, 34% and 21%, respectively, of the Group’s total revenue.With the contribution of the aforementioned businesses, continuous resource optimization, and extensive utilization of AI technology, the Group achieved a net profit of HK$330 million in the first half of 2024. The Group’s core business exceeded HK$350 million in net profit, while the investment business recorded a slight loss of approximately HK$25 million due to fair-value changes of investees. As at 30 June 2024, the Group’s mobile games were available in 23 different languages worldwide, with approximately 1.45 billion gamers in total and 17 million monthly active users (“MAU”) across more than 200 countries and regions.“Viking Rise”, the Group’s first Viking-themed strategy game, received widespread acclaim when it was launched in late 2022. Throughout the first half of 2024, the Group continued to enhance the game’s content, introducing a variety of in-game features including social play, instances, and guild battles. In a marketing campaign, the Group partnered with Hafþor Julius Björnsson, the “World’s Strongest Man” and renowned actor from the classic American TV show, to be the forefront authority for the new Valhalla Drill game mode. Additionally, the collaboration between the game and the popular TV show “Vikings” from MGM Television and its spinoff series “Vikings: Valhalla” was very well received by the game’s 30 million players. With recent marketing initiatives, the game is projected to achieve a new record in August, with monthly gross billing expected to reach HK$80 million.Expanding on the initial version of “Doomsday: Last Survivors”, the group introduced an exciting blend of MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) and Battle Royale features to its strategy gameplay. To further enhance the experience, the Group has unveiled “Genesis War”, a thrilling large-scale guild battle that adds a new dimension to the game, propelling the average monthly gross billing to HK$86 million. The Group worked with the renowned fighting game, “THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’97”, and held the first International Offline SLG Championship for “Doomsday: Last Survivors” and “Lords Mobile”. This groundbreaking tournament is a first for the games industry.“Lords Mobile”, IGG’s innovative blockbuster title, is the Group’s first cross-platform, multi-language, real-time game designed for global gamers. Launched in 2016, the game has garnered widespread acclaim from gamers, and is recognized for its longevity[1] and ability to generate stable revenue for the Group. As at 30 June 2024, it has amassed 710 million registered users worldwide and has 9.5 million MAU. The Group unveiled an exciting array of new marketing initiatives, including the much-anticipated “Guild Expedition” feature and collaborations with esteemed partners such as iconic Italian sports car manufacturer “PAGANI”, blockbuster movies like “Shrek” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”, and the fighting game “THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV”, to offer players a refreshing gaming experience.Following a strategic restructuring in early 2024, the APP Business swiftly regained its stride and achieved remarkable milestones in gross billing and user acquisitions. During the period, the APP Business experienced a surge in monthly gross billing to an impressive HK$100 million, contributing a substantial HK$400 million in revenue for the period, accounting for 15% of the Group’s total revenue. It solidified the APP Business as a pivotal catalyst for diversified growth within the Group. As at 30 June 2024, it has over 41 million MAU. The Group’s commitment to promoting and diversifying its product portfolio, leveraging its platform-based business model, led the APP Business to achieve a monthly gross billing of HK$120 million in July.Through a combination of share repurchases and dividend payouts, the Group consistently returns value to its shareholders. During the period, the Group repurchased close to 10 million shares for a consideration of nearly HK$33 million, representing approximately 10% of interim profit. The Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of HK8.5 cents per ordinary share, representing approximately 30% of interim profit. The dividend declared plus the amount spent to repurchase shares make up about 40% of the Group’s net profit for the first half of 2024.By adhering to its long-term operational strategy, the Group will drive steady growth in both its core game business and the APP Business. Additionally, the Group will continue to adopt Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (“AIGC”) technology to optimize costs and enhance profitability. Increased marketing initiatives for “Viking Rise” and the continued growth of the APP Business are fuelling the Group’s upward trajectory and positioning it for sustained profitability in the long run. Embracing the corporate spirit of “Innovators at Work, Gamers at Heart”, the Group will continue to strengthen its global R&D and operation capabilities, to relentlessly pursue its strategy of quality, innovation, and excellence in creating innovative yet timeless games.[1] APP Business: the Group’s mobile applications[2] Source: Sensor Tower, a third-party analytics platform– END –About IGG IncEstablished in 2006, IGG Inc is a leading global mobile games and applications developer and operator with headquarters in Singapore and local offices in the United States, China, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, Türkiye, Italy and Spain. IGG offers multi-language and multifarious games to users around the world. The Group has established long-term partnerships with over 100 business partners, including global platforms, advertising channels, and vendors such as Apple, Google and Meta. IGG’s most popular games include “Lords Mobile”, “Doomsday: Last Survivors”, “Viking Rise”, “Castle Clash”, and “Time Princess”. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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SmartHK Nanjing concludes ACN Newswire

SmartHK Nanjing concludes

- Some 40 leaders of business and academia explored Hong Kong-Jiangsu collaboration in finance, I&T, sustainable development, culture and creativity- Exhibition showcased Hong Kong’s professional services, creative designs and I&T projects. Some 400 business matching meetings were facilitated- Some 30 Hong Kong pitched to Jiangsu investors, while 60+ Hong Kong exhibitors highlighted their diversified services and advanced scientific researchHONG KONG, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Department of Commerce of Jiangsu Province as well as Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, concluded in Nanjing today.Centred around innovative collaboration for high-quality development, some 40 leaders of business and academia explored Hong Kong-Jiangsu collaboration in the areas of financial services, innovation and technology (I&T), sustainable development, culture and creativity.The opening ceremony was officiated by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government Vice Governor Fang Wei and HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam.In his welcome remarks, Dr Lam said Jiangsu’s development positioning of one centre, one base, one hub and Hong Kong’s eight centres lay the foundation for the two places’ complementary growth. Jiangsu enterprises are encouraged to leverage Hong Kong’s professional services for business transformation and international expansion.“The HKTDC has proactively facilitated business and trade collaboration between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, in particular through the Jiangsu-Hong Kong Cooperation Joint Meeting. We have strengthened trade-related cooperation in the areas of manufacturing and supply chains, modern service industries and two-way investment. Our collaboration has now been extended to the areas of I&T, green development, culture and talent exchange. At this year’s SmartHK, we discussed finance, I&T, sustainable development, culture and creativity to showcase Hong Kong’s strengths. By focusing on I&T project matching, we’ve explored new modes of bilateral collaboration.”Mr Paul Chan said in his opening remarks: “Jiangsu and Hong Kong have a long history of cooperation, given strong bilateral economic and trade ties and frequent cultural exchanges. Many Hong Kong entrepreneurs invest and start businesses in Jiangsu. As of last year, they have invested in more than 35,000 projects. Nearly 2,300 Jiangsu businesses have set up in Hong Kong, while more than 100 Jiangsu companies are listed in our city, with a market value of more than HK$660 billion. The trade volume between Jiangsu and Hong Kong exceeded CNY85 billion in 2023, a nearly 35% increase year-on-year. Over the years, cooperation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong in finance, innovation and technology, education, culture and youth exchange, among others, has continued to deepen.”Mr Fang Wei said: “Technological innovation is key to driving high-quality development. Jiangsu’s market and industrial advantages and Hong Kong’s scientific research and financial advantages can accelerate the pace of innovation across industries and enable China to be self-reliant in the area of science and technology. As super connector, Hong Kong can link Jiangsu with global markets. Leveraging our respective strengths, we look forward to deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, work together to explore Belt and Road markets, among others, and accelerate national development.”Henry Tang, Chairman of The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board; Nancy Ip, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST); Gilbert Lee, Head of Strategy & Planning and Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank Limited, Non-executive Director of Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited, and Chairman of Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited; Roger Chen, Managing Director of China of CLP Holdings Limited; and Chen Shu, President of Jiangsu Soho Holdings Group, discussed the roadmap for Hong Kong-Jiangsu development. They shared their insights about the cultural industry, I&T, cross-border green finance, sustainable energy and success stories from previous collaborations between Hong Kong and Jiangsu.The HKTDC joined hands with InvestHK, HKSAR Innovation and Technology Commission, the Federation of Jiangsu Community Organisations, Jiangsu Development and Reform Commission, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Industry and Information Technology Department of Jiangsu, Department of Ecology and Environment of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Jiangsu Provincial Financial Regulatory Administration, Jiangsu Federation of Industry and Commerce, Jiangsu Youth Federation as well as Jiangsu Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade to host four thematic sessions. Industry experts discussed business opportunities in financial services, I&T, sustainable development, culture and creativity.Green development was a key topic for this year’s SmartHK. The “Green and Sustainable Development” thematic session, exclusively sponsored by Hang Seng Bank Limited, SmartHK’s Diamond Sponsor and Cross-Boundary Green Finance Partner, focused on exploring the green and sustainability development needs and cooperation opportunities between Hong Kong and Jiangsu.Ryan Song, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited, delivered opening remarks for the session. Dr. Shelley Zhou, Head of Corporate Sustainability of Hang Seng Bank Limited, delivered a keynote speech titled on market trends and international standards of green finance and sustainable development”.Chan Pui-cheong, CEO of the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency; Arthur Lam, Co-Founder and CEO of Negawatt Utility Limited; Angus Wong, Managing Director for Wholesale Client Coverage of Hang Seng Bank Limited; Christopher Lau, Executive Director of Gold Peak Technology Group Limited; and Liu Changliang, Director of Sustainability of the Nanjing Iron and Steel Company Limited, discussed other topics including “Green and Development Certification Services and the Importance of ESG Information Disclosure in the International Market”; “Achieving Carbon Neutrality with the Help of Green Technologies”; “Business Expansion with the Help of Sustainable Financing”; “Green Transformation of Hong Kong Manufacturing Industry” and “Jiangsu Enterprises’ Green Finance and Green Businesses’ Needs”. The panel speakers also explored Hong Kong-Jiangsu cooperation opportunities in green finance and sustainable development.Some 30 start-ups from HKUST, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and InnoClub, co-created by the HKTDC and Hang Seng Bank Limited, took part in a Smart+ pitching session to present their latest innovative solutions to Jiangsu investors and partners.To foster collaboration opportunities, a hallmark of HKTDC events, some 400 business matching meetings were facilitated to connect Jiangsu and Hong Kong companies.An exhibition of over 60 enterprises and start-ups showcased Hong Kong’s latest I&T products and services.WebsitesSmartHK: https://smarthk.hktdc.com/Photo download: https://bit.ly/3AER6D5SmartHK was held in Nanjing on 28 August.Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government Vice Governor Fang Wei (front, fourth from the right) and HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong (front, fourth from the left) attended the 12th Jiangsu-Hong Kong Cooperation Joint Meeting.Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan (front, sixth from the left), Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government Vice Governor Fang Wei (front, seventh from the left), HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam (front, fifth from the left), and HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong (front, fourth from the left) attended SmartHK.Hong Kong SAR Government Financial Secretary Paul ChanHKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N LamJiangsu Provincial People’s Government Vice Governor Fang WeiChairman of The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board Henry Tang discussed cooperation opportunities between Jiangsu and Hong Kong in the areas of culture and creativity.(Starting second from left) Nancy Ip, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Gilbert Lee, Head of Strategy & Planning and Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank Limited, Non-executive Director of Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited, and Chairman of Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited; Roger Chen, Managing Director of China of CLP Holdings Limited; and Chen Shu, President of Jiangsu Soho Holdings Group, discussed the roadmap for Hong Kong-Jiangsu development.The Green and Sustainable Development thematic session was exclusively sponsored by Hang Seng Bank Limited, SmartHK’s Diamond Sponsor and Cross-boundary Green Finance Partner, focusing on green and sustainable development needs of and cooperation opportunities between Hong Kong and Jiangsu.Some 30 start-ups from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and InnoClub, co-created by the HKTDC and Hang Seng Bank Limited, took part in a pitching session to present their latest innovative solutions to Jiangsu investors.Media enquiriesPlease contact:Xinhua Daily (PR agency)Li JiaweiTel: (86) 15995295632Email: 1360342750@qq.comYu YanTel: (86) 13584019845Email: 422791094@qq.comThe HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department (Headquarters, Hong Kong):Jane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgSam HoTel: (852) 2584 4537Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.orgThe HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department (Shanghai):Sun PingTel: (86) 21-63528488 Email: p.sun@hktdc.orgMedia 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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The 9th Belt and Road Summit returns next month ACN Newswire

The 9th Belt and Road Summit returns next month

- The 9th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, will return on 11 and 12 September (Wednesday to Thursday)- This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. As part of celebration activities, the Summit is themed Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road. It will gather over 80 key officials and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions to explore cooperation opportunities- A brand-new Green Chapter is added this year, aligning with the Summit theme to feature a variety of thematic sessions on green development and innovationHONG KONG, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will take place on 11 and 12 September.Themed Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road, the Summit will bring together over 80 key officials and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions, they will be engaged in discussions on leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages to jointly explore Belt and Road markets and uncover cooperation opportunities.The Summit is a key platform for Hong Kong to promote the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), closely aligned with the eight major steps announced by President Xi Jinping last year to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.The Opening Session will feature welcome remarks by Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC and opening remarks by John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Nurlan Baibazarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, will give a keynote address.Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government, said: "As our country's Belt and Road Initiative enters its next golden decade and the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has proposed improving the mechanism for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Hong Kong, with the solid support of the nation, will continue to capitalise on our unique advantages under one country, two systems to play a more active role by leveraging its strengths as a two-way global investment and trade hub, a hub for technological innovation and green development and an international cultural exchange centre. The Belt and Road Summit will deepen international business cooperation and consolidate Hong Kong's position as the preferred business platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, fully demonstrating Hong Kong's important functions and positioning in global finance, business cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, innovation and technology development, guiding enterprises to explore new business opportunities."Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: "With the support of its global network of 50 offices, the HKTDC organises business delegations and outreach activities to Belt and Road countries and regions, promoting tripartite cooperation among Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong professional service providers, investors and Belt and Road project owners. The HKTDC also enables businesses to leverage their own strengths to help Hong Kong play the role of superconnector, linking China with the world. We will continue to seize the opportunities at this year's Belt and Road Summit to strengthen connections with ASEAN and Belt and Road countries. We will also set up new consultant offices in Dhaka of Bangladesh and Phnom Penh of Cambodia, further expanding our network along the Belt and Road."Seizing opportunities and deepening networks in emerging marketsThe ASEAN region is Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner and the world's fifth-largest economy. Last year, the bilateral trade value reached US$144.6 billion, accounting for nearly 13% of Hong Kong's total foreign trade. The development potential is enormous. Last month, John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, led a HKTDC delegation to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the three ASEAN countries. The visit was highly fruitful, with 55 cooperation MoUs signed, further expanding Hong Kong's network in the region. Seven of these MoUs were signed between the HKTDC and relevant chambers of commerce, governments, and organisations in the three countries, further strengthening Hong Kong's ties with the regions for future Belt and Road development.Following the recent fruitful ASEAN mission to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam led by Mr Lee, the Summit will focus on ASEAN and emerging markets in the Policy Dialogue and Business Plenary on day one, with the participation of ministerial-level officials and business heavyweights. The second day's Business Plenary will cover the Middle East and adjacent regions.In May this year, a Mainland-Hong Kong business delegation led by the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government, co-organised by the HKTDC and the China International Contractors Association, visited Hungary and Kazakhstan to explore Belt and Road business opportunities. Senior officials and business leaders from these two countries will attend the Summit, to strengthen their ties with Hong Kong. Among the speakers, Nurlan Baibazarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, will deliver a keynote address, while Peter Fekete, Group CEO of 4iG, will participate in the second day's Business Plenary.Debut Green Chapter to showcase Hong Kong advantages in greentech and financeHong Kong's green finance development has been thriving, with the scale of green financing continuing to expand. In 2023, the total amount of green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong surpassed US$50 billion. Among this, the total amount of green and sustainable bonds arranged for issuance in Hong Kong ranked first in the Asian market, accounting for 37% of the total. This has attracted a wealth of green capital and financial products, giving Hong Kong a significant advantage in developing into an international green technology and finance centre. Additionally, the Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong 2035 covered six major areas – green transport, liveable environment, comprehensive emissions reduction, clean energy, scientific management, and regional collaboration – reflecting Hong Kong's determination to proactively address the challenges of climate change.In view of the growing global focus on green development and the tremendous strides Hong Kong continues to make in that regard, the Summit will debut the Green Chapter, featuring thematic sessions on green construction, innovation, finance and more, enabling participants to explore how to leverage the Hong Kong platform to make their business greener. The co-organising institutions include the China International Contractors Association, HSBC and HKMA Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office.As the BRI continues to drive regional development, the Business Plenary on the first day of the Summit, themed Capturing Belt and Road Business Opportunities, will explore promising prospects from rapidly rising ASEAN, building on concrete achievements in the past years. The focus will be on Hong Kong’s role in facilitating multilateral business cooperation as well as the strategies global enterprises are adopting under the latest global landscape.The session will be moderated by K C Chan, Chairman of WeLab Bank. Speakers will include Clara Chan, CEO of Lee Kee Group; Dato’ Seri Cheah Cheng Hye, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Value Partners Group; Ding Yanzhang, Chairman of Power Construction Corporation of China; and Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group.The Business Plenary on the second day will be themed Tapping the Markets of New Opportunities. The session will be moderated by Ronnie C. Chan, Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Properties Limited. H.E. Mohamed Abduljabbar Alkoheji, Second Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Peter Fekete, Group CEO of 4iG; Eric Ip, Group Managing Director of Hutchison Port Holdings Limited; and Iqbal Khan, CEO of Fajr Capital, will explore arising opportunities in the Middle East and other markets along the Belt and Road.This year, the Summit will feature two new thematic sessions: Multi-dimensional Connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative and People-to-People Exchanges through Business and Cultural Collaboration. In the former session, experts from industries such as shipping, ports, airports, logistics and trade will jointly discuss and delve into the progress and development potential of connectivity among transportation networks. The latter session, co-organised by Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, aims to explore ways to enhance interconnectivity, mutual understanding and friendly relations among countries within the Belt and Road Initiative through economic and trade cooperation, as well as cultural exchanges.Other thematic breakout sessions include Mainland-Hong Kong Trade In Services Symposium co-organised with the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China as well as a session on legal cooperation co-organised with the Department of Justice of the HKSAR Government.As part of the Finance Chapter, co-organised with the Insurance Authority, Financial Services Development Council, Bank of China (Hong Kong), HKMA Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office and Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, four sessions will analyse opportunities of leveraging Hong Kong's financial services. For the Youth Chapter, young business leaders will share how they seize opportunities under the BRI.Connecting global enterprises to facilitate business matchingThis year’s Summit will continue to offer investment and business matching. Business matching meetings will provide a full range of services in both physical - 11 and 12 September - and online - 16 and 17 September - forms.More than 280 investment projects are expected to me matched, with more than 800 one-to-one project matching meetings taking place. The deal-making service includes one-to-one business matching meetings and project investment sessions. Business matching meetings connect participants based on investment preferences and business expertise to facilitate collaboration opportunities.Project investment sessions enable project owners from different countries to present projects, giving investors and service intermediaries a comprehensive understanding of the investment opportunities in different sectors. Project investment sessions will focus on four main areas: energy, natural resources and public utilities; innovation and technology; urban development; and transport and logistics infrastructure.The Summit’s exhibition area will gather over 100 exhibitors across the Hong Kong Zone, Global Investment Zone and InnoTech Zone. The Hong Kong Zone will showcase the services and business advantages of Hong Kong service providers, while the Global Investment Zone will present large-scale investment projects, cultural and technological developments as well as global investment opportunities. The InnoTech Zone will feature cutting-edge innovations, AI, technologies and solutions from exhibitors around the globe.The 9th Belt and Road SummitDate11 to 12 September 2024VenueHall 5B-E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition CentreRemarksVideo and audio recordings at the Forum should be used only in the context of media reportingMedia RegistrationPlease contact awong@yuantung.com.hk or lsong@yuantung.com.hk for media registrationWebsitesBelt and Road Summit: https://www.beltandroadSummit.hk/conference/bnr/enProgramme:https://www.beltandroadsummit.com/conference/bnr/en/programmeSpeaker list: https://www.beltandroadsummit.com/conference/bnr/en/speakerMedia representatives who would like to conduct interviews with the speakers, please submit interview requests to awong@yuantung.com.hk or lsong@yuantung.com.hk by 6 September.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4g2t70HThe 9th Belt and Road Summit will be held on 11-12 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Summit will bring together over 80 government officials and business leaders from around the world to share their insights and expertiseMedia enquiriesYuan Tung Financial Relations:Anson WongTel: (852) 3428 3413Email: awong@yuantung.com.hkLouise SongTel: (852) 3428 5691Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Clayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgAgnes WatTel: (852) 2584 4554Email: agnes.ky.wat@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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Transforming CX: Discover What’s Next at the World CX Summit and Awards ACN Newswire

Transforming CX: Discover What’s Next at the World CX Summit and Awards

BENGALURU, INDIA, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - As India rises as a leading hub for technological innovation, the 12th Global Edition of the World CX Summit and Awards, hosted by Trescon, will examine the evolving customer experience (CX) landscape. Scheduled for 19 September at JW Marriott Hotel, UB city, Bengaluru, this summit will gather over 200+ top-notch CX Leaders & Marketing enthusiasts will be sharing actionable insights and discuss successful use cases that are shaping the future of CX.In light of the recent technological disruptions, including a significant outage that impacted millions of users, and the challenges faced across different industrial verticals, the importance of resilience, effective crisis management, and clear customer communication has become increasingly evident. The summit will address these issues by offering valuable insights into managing crisis effectively and enhancing customer trust through strategic innovations and best practices.Attendees will participate in high-impact sessions, including keynotes, panel discussions and conference, all aimed at advancing the CX landscape through a blend of emerging customer experience solutions and best practices designed to address current challenges and foster future progress.#WorldCXSummit features a dynamic agenda covering essential topics, from implementing strategic generative AI to integrating data analysis, enhancing human-like interactions through Conversational AI, interpreting customer feedback, and more.Among the notable speakers at the event are:Gurpreet Jolly, Head - Customer Experience and Service Delivery, AJIO (Reliance Retail Ltd.)Shruthi Bopaiah, Executive Vice President & Head - Customer Obsession, Axis BankSatish Patil, Director CX, Samsung ElectronicsVishal Bhatia, Chief Digital Officer, Canara BankDeepak Maloo, AVP, Food Strategy, Customer Experience & Restaurant Experience, SwiggyAvijit Mohapatra, Head of Flipkart Customer Experience Transformation, FlipkartVindhya Shanmugam, Senior Director - CX Growth, MyntraPriya Chakravarthy, Vice President - Experience, BluSmartNikhil Godbole, Group Head of Customer Service, JupiterRahul Poddar, Country Head Martech, Narayana HealthRahul Garg, Head – CX, Games 24x7Deepak Nayak, Sr Vice President – Customer Experience, Gameskraft“Customer experience is no longer just a touchpoint but a strategic pillar that drives competitive advantage. The World CX Summit offers a platform where thought leaders and innovators will gather to discuss and demonstrate how superior customer service can be achieved and sustained,” stated Mithun Shetty, Vice Chairman, Trescon. He further added, “By examining real-world use cases and emerging technologies, we will collectively advance our understanding of how to create memorable and impactful customer experiences that foster long-term loyalty,”Sharing the importance of the summit, Aalok R Pradhan, Head - Customer Delight, CX, COE - Digital & AI at TVS said, “World CX Summit in my opinion is a platform which can be leveraged by major CX professionals. This summit aims at new edge CX practices as well as the best-in-class products for CX professional to assess and up their game.”The event will also showcase the much awaited World CX Awards, spotlighting and celebrating the pioneering achievements of the nation’s foremost CX professionals. This segment will honour outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions across various sectors, marking a prominent celebration for the ‘Top 100 CX Leaders Awards’ and ‘Top Marketing Leaders’. Register to attend and to submit your nominations to celebrate with those setting new benchmarks in customer experience and marketing innovation. Secure your place and contribute to the advancement of CX today!About TresconTrescon is a pioneering force in the global business events and services sector, driving the adoption of emerging technologies while promoting sustainability and inclusive leadership. With a deep understanding of the realities and requirements of the growth markets we operate in – we strive to deliver innovative and high-quality business platforms for our clients. For more information about Trescon, visit: www.tresconglobal.comFor media inquiries and further information, please contact:Vishal S STeam Leader – Media and CommunicationsTresconEmail: vishals@tresconglobal.comMobile: +91-7358680951 Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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IBA of San Marino Partners with crwdunit for Advanced Quantum Ledger and Commodity Solutions ACN Newswire

IBA of San Marino Partners with crwdunit for Advanced Quantum Ledger and Commodity Solutions

SAN MARINO, ITALY , Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - IBA of San Marino, (https://www.iba.sm) an innovation leader in custodial agency and proof of transit technologies for commodities and a subsidiary of Spectral Capital Corporation (OTCQB:FCCN), today announced a strategic licensing agreement with crwdunit, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CrowdPoint Technologies, Inc. This partnership aims to transform IBA’s approach by creating a quantum bridge from Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to traditional commodity custodianship using crwdunit’s cutting-edge quantization technology on a decentralized cloud infrastructure.Revolutionizing Asset Management with Quantum TechnologyIBA will utilize crwdunit’s precise asset valuation technology to enhance its operations, offering unprecedented accuracy and scalability in commodity asset management through the use of Quantum Value Units (QVUs). This integration ensures precise and reliable asset management and valuation during transit.Under this agreement, crwdunit technology will help IBA measure the quantization process when data is placed on a decentralized cloud infrastructure using CrowdPoint’s Distributed and Decentralized Quantum Ledger Database (Vogon Cloud). Vogon Cloud, formerly Node Nexus Network (NNN) which was acquired by Spectral Capital last week, combines quantum computing with a high-performance Zaph virtual machine, offering real-time analytics, secure data storage, and superior scalability.Vladimir Lakin, GM of IBA of San Marino, stated, “Our collaboration with crwdunit marks a significant advancement in our use of decentralized technologies and commodity custodianship services. The real-time quantization capabilities will redefine our asset valuation processes, enhancing transparency and security of traditional DLTs.”Nadab U. Akhtar, Co-Founder, President, and COO of CrowdPoint Technologies, added, “This partnership highlights the impact and versatility of our ecosystem in transforming traditional asset management and DLT with cutting-edge quantum technologies.”About IBA of San MarinoIBA of San Marino, a subsidiary of Spectral Capital Corporation (OTCQB:FCCN), specializes in creating custodianship, immutability, transparency, and a quantum bridge to DLT. Focused on leveraging innovation to deliver high-quality custodianship, IBA helps commodity owners worldwide quantize their contribution to a multi-billion-dollar daily commodity-in-transit market, accelerating its annual growth rate and contributing to positive economic impact in developing nations by creating a new kind of financial alpha.About crwdunit, Inc.A wholly owned subsidiary of CrowdPoint Technologies, Inc., crwdunit develops advanced data architecture and quantization solutions for decentralized systems and asset management, driving growth and operational excellence.About Crowdpoint Technologies inc.CrowdPoint is a pioneer in quantum cloud technology, developing Vogon™, a Distributed and Decentralized Quantum Ledger Database (D2/QLDB™). CrowdPoint’s solutions enhance real-time intelligence, data optimization, and edge-computing, benefiting sectors such as energy management and e-commerce.About Spectral Capital CorporationAbout Spectral Capital Corporation: Founded in 2000 and based in Seattle, Washington, Spectral Capital (OTCQB:FCCN) is a technology startup accelerator and quantum incubator. We specialize in Quantum as a Service (QaaS), leveraging our proprietary Distributed Quantum Ledger Database technology (DQ-LDB) to offer secure, advanced storage and computing solutions.Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events and FCCN's growth and business strategy. Words such as "expects," "will," "intends," "plans," "believes," "anticipates," "hopes," "estimates," and variations on such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although FCCN believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of FCCN. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, changes in FCCN's business; competitive factors in the market(s) in which FCCN operates; risks associated with operations outside the United States; and other factors listed from time to time in FCCN's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. FCCN expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in FCCN's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.SOURCE: Spectral Capital CorporationFor Media Inquiries:Andrew BardRubenstein Public Relationsabard@rubensteinpr.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Sunshine Insurance Announces 2024 Interim Results

2024 Interim Results Highlights:- GWPs increased by 12.8% YoY to RMB76.46 billion;- Insurance revenue increased by 4.4% to RMB31.49 billion;- Net profit attributable to equity owners of the parent increased by 8.6% to RMB3.14 billion;- Embedded value was RMB112.64 billion, up 8.2% from the end of last year on a comparable basis;- The annualised comprehensive investment yield was 7.2% and the annualised total investment yield was 3.6%;- As of the end of June 2024, the number of active customers was approximately 30.784 million.HONG KONG, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sunshine Insurance Group Company Limited (“Sunshine Insurance” or the “Company”, and its subsidiaries collectively the “Group”; Stock code: 6963.HK) announces the unaudited interim results of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) for the six months ended 30 June 2024.In the first half of 2024, China’s national economy operated in overall stability, achieving progress amid stability. New growth drivers accelerated, and high-quality development gained new strides. The insurance industry, as an important part of the economic system, exhibited a positive development trend, with supply and demand driving the continuous growth of market size. As the only listed traditional insurance company among the 205 mainland insurance companies established in this century, the Group seized the opportunities arising from economic improvement and the increasing demand for insurance. The Group promoted steady growth across various businesses, continuously enhanced its value creation capability and maintained a good development momentum. During the Reporting Period, the gross written premiums of the Group were RMB76.46 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, and the insurance revenue reached RMB31.49 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.4%. The net profit attributable to equity owners of the parent was RMB3.14 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 8.6%. The embedded value of the Group was RMB112.64 billion, up 8.2% from the end of the previous year. The annualised total investment yield of 3.6% and annualised comprehensive investment yield of 7.2%. As of the end of June 2024, the Group’s active customers were 30.784 million.The further consolidation of core business realized the leap in its value creation capabilityIn the first half of 2024, the Group firmly adhered to the path of high-quality development and high-value growth, and continued to promote the “New Sunshine Strategy” with “Technological Sunshine”, “Valuable Sunshine” and “Caring Sunshine” as the core. It created the unique core competitiveness of Sunshine through model innovation. As a result, the operating results achieved steady growth, the value creation capability saw a leap, the core competence of the main business of insurance has been further stabilized and enhanced, and the overall market competitiveness of the Group has been effectively improved.In terms of life insurance business, Sunshine Life kept pursuing value-oriented development, steadily implemented the strategy of “New Sunshine”, thereby continuously consolidating the advantage of diversified channel development and achieving initial efforts in the transformation and development of sales-force. Meanwhile, Sunshine Life strengthened the linkage between assets and liabilities, while it also upgraded and optimized product and service system. The operation showed a positive momentum of “steady improvement” and “improving quality while maintaining stability”. During the Reporting Period, GWPs reached RMB51.76 billion, a year-on-year increase of 12.9%; the value of new business was RMB3.75 billion, a year-on-year increase of 39.9%; the GWPs from the individual insurance channel amounted to RMB13.69 billion, a year-on-year growth of 25.5%, of which, FYRPs amounted to RMB3.58 billion, a year-on-year growth of 18.5%; In terms of worksite marketing, FYRPs increased by 42.7% year-on-year. The synergistic development of multiple channels has resulted in rapid growth in overall value, a steady recovery in effective manpower and a sustained increase in agent productivity.In terms of property and casualty insurance business, Sunshine P&C adhered to the development concept of “seeking progress amidst quality”, and solidly pushed forward the implementation of the “New Sunshine” strategy, and continuously consolidated a solid foundation for high-quality development. During the Reporting Period, Sunshine P&C achieved the stable growth of business, continued to optimized its business structure and maintained a good quality. The original premium income (OPI) was RMB24.65 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 12.4%; the proportion of non-automobile insurance premiums was 46.1%, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.8 percentage points; the proportion of personal vehicle premiums to the automobile insurance was 62.4%, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.5 percentage points. The underwriting combined ratio was 99.1% and the underwriting profit was RMB0.2 billion.In terms of asset management, the Group upholds the philosophy of long-term value investment, and continuously optimizes the asset-liability management system. By harnessing the full-range investment qualifications and diversified investment capabilities, the Company maintains a clear strategic focus to develop the strategic asset allocation. Furthermore, it keeps enhancing its investment research capacity and carry out tactical asset allocation scientifically and flexibly under the premise of strictly managing investment risks, to create long-term, stable, and sustainable investment performance for insurance funds. During the Reporting Period, the Group’s investment performance remained stable. And achieved total investment income of RMB8.33 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 8.2%, with annualised total investment yield of 3.6% and annualised comprehensive investment yield of 7.2%.The digital transformation continued to be deepened with customer experience and operational efficiency improved consistentlyTechnology is a key force in promoting the development of the financial industry and an important source of power for economic development. During the Reporting Period, in order to improve customer experience, improve operational efficiency and management, the Company made great efforts on “artificial intelligence+”, achieved breakthroughs in AI applications in key areas, and continued to deepen its digital transformation.In terms of sales support, it optimized and upgraded the property and casualty insurance as well as life insurance sales management platform. The property insurance set up a fully online closed-loop process for main non-automobile products from quotes to issuance, improved the digital closed-loop of marketing activities and empowered the per capita productivity improvement and efficiency. The life insurance “Know Your Insurance ” assisted agents in providing customers with coverage planning and product recommendations. In terms of customer service, the Group continuously improved its online customer service platform. The online rate of property insurance value-added service reached 96.3%. The online rate of life insurance preservation services was 96.4%. In terms of management empowerment, the Group built an intelligent risk control system across the Group, improved “non-automobile data mortality table ” system with regard to property and casualty insurance, and improved non-automobile insurance risk pricing capabilities; with regard to the life insurance, the Group created a total of 354 online risk monitoring indicators, which effectively prevented risks.Furthermore, the Group strengthened the availability of AI data and the construction of the Sunshine Zhengyan big model, which has been further applied in customer service, intelligent claims settlement, smart office and other scenarios. Customer service robots provided customers with services such as policy search, automobile insurance claims reporting, and life insurance follow-ups, achieving a customer satisfaction rate of 90.2% on non-human service. The usage rate of the document classification and visual injury identification functions for smart claims in personal injury assessments within property insurance exceeded 80%, with a document classification accuracy rate of 95.6%. The Sunshine Office GPT has been used a total of 1.02 million times, covering 84% of employees.The “Caring Sunshine” strategy further advanced and customer-centric mindset has been effectively implemented“All for customers” is the business value upheld by Sunshine Insurance, and it is also the starting point of creating the “Caring Sunshine” strategy. In order to further promote the “Caring Sunshine” strategy, in the first half of 2024, Sunshine Life continued to promote the “Matrix Plan” with focus on the “three/five/seven ” product system, and to enrich the connotation of the “three/five/seven ” product system, continuously meeting the needs for insurance products in customers’ different life stages. In terms of health protection, the Group launched the exclusive term critical illness insurance for children, the high-end accident medical insurance for children and the maternal and child medical insurance to meet the health protection needs of specific groups of customers’ families and further expand the coverage of customers. In terms of aged care and wealth inheritance, the Group accelerated the layout of participating insurance products to meet customers’ differentiated savings needs. In terms of products supported by national policy, the Group enriched the supply of products such as tax-advantaged health insurance and personal pension, and promoted the policy-oriented commercial insurance to benefit more customers.Furthermore, Sunshine Life continued to strengthen the construction of “Caring Sunshine” service system. The Group improved the service design capability from the customers’ perspective, and met the core service needs of customers. Meanwhile, in terms of service management, the Group continuously improved the efficiency of customer service, for example, promoting the service mechanism of “listening to customers”, expanded and upgraded the “customer experience officer” team, and continuously improved the capability to provide straight-through services to customers.Sunshine P&C continues to deepen the research on customer needs, and is committed to establishing a convenient customer service system and practicing the service motto of “making services the reason for customers to choose Sunshine”. In terms of individual customers, the Group continued to deepen the customer-segmented differentiated business management system and continuously provided customers with a richer differentiated product portfolio and personalized service experience to further enhance customer stickiness. In the first half of 2024, the renewal rate of personal vehicle insurance customers was 64.2%, representing continuous year-on-year increase. The proportion of non-automobile insurance products purchased by individual auto insurance customers reached 55.5%, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.6 percentage points. In terms of group customers, the Group continued to promote the implementation of the “Partnership Action” risk management service. In the first half of 2024, the Group provided technology-based loss mitigation and professional risk consulting services to 8,595 corporate customers and upgraded and created a full-scale risk management service model of “insurance + technology + service” to assist customers in improving their capabilities of risk management.Actively practiced sustainable development and fully supported real economy and green transformationActively pursuing sustainable development and earnestly fulfilling social responsibilities are the core values of an enterprise and the key to its long-term development. In the first half of 2024, the Group took an active part in serving national strategies, continuously enhanced its support for the real economy in quality and efficiency, provided a total of RMB50.4 trillion of risk protection for the real economy, and offered more than RMB420 billion of financial support. Particularly, the Group provided risk protection of nearly RMB220 billion to approximately 18,000 micro and small enterprises; the Group offered agriculture risk protection of RMB35.3 billion, paid out claims of RMB150 million and benefited approximately 44,000 rural households; the Group provided risk protection of RMB60.2 billion for 331 “Belt and Road” projects, involving 67 countries in “Belt and Road” construction; the Group provided risk protection of approximately RMB32.6 billion for 406 sci-tech enterprises.In the meanwhile, the Group was contributing to the green transformation and the realisation of harmonious coexistence, and continued to enrich its green insurance product and service system. In the first half of 2024, the Group provided nearly RMB8 trillion of green insurance protection for 1.22 million enterprises and individuals and offered claims support of approximately RMB2.3 billion. The Group actively responded to climate change to enhance its climate resistance. At the same time, the Group continuously improved its sustainable investment framework and policies. As of the end of June 2024, the balance of sustainable investments nearly reached RMB55 billion, of which green investment exceeded RMB19 billion.In addition, the Group actively fulfilled its social responsibilities and participated in public the welfare. The Group gave full play to the advantages of the main business of insurance and medical resources, and actively organized and participated in various public the welfare activities in the fields of helping the student and helping the elderly. As of the end of June 2024, Sunshine Insurance built 74 “BoAi” schools in 24 provinces across the country and trained a total of 20,397 rural doctors through the “Plan to Promote Competence of 10,000 Rural Doctors”. The Group sincerely cared for employees and their families, with an accumulated amount of RMB540 million parent-supporting subsidies granted to a total of 44,182 employees.With its strong comprehensive strength and positive development momentum, on 16 August, Hang Seng Indexes Company announced its latest quarterly review results, and the Group was successfully included in the HSMSI. This change will be implemented after the market close on 6 September, 2024, and will take effect on 9 September, 2024. According to a research report by CICC, Sunshine Insurance Group is expected to be included in the Hong Kong Stock Connect due to its adherence to high standards and outstanding operating performance.Being included in the HSCI marks a significant milestone. On one hand, it represents market recognition of Sunshine Insurance’s performance and development potential, helping to enhance the Group’s visibility in the capital markets and insurance sector. On the other hand, based on its solid fundamentals, it will attract more investors to increase their allocation to the Group’s stock, thereby improving trading liquidity.In the second half of 2024, China will further deepen the reform through focusing on promoting a Chinese path to modernization and thoroughly explore domestic demand potential. Therefore, the economy is expected to show a sustained recovery and positive trend. In the long run, the general trend of long-term positive development of China’s economy has not changed, and the insurance industry is ushering in historic opportunities for high-quality development and will play an irreplaceable and important role.Looking ahead, the Group will adhere to its founding aspiration of “establishing a respected century-old enterprise” and maintain its focus on core business areas. The Group steadfastly promote the “New Sunshine Strategy”, align with national policy directions and industry development trends, and actively make efforts on the five aspects including scientific and technological finance, green finance, inclusive finance, elderly care finance and digital finance. By precisely serving national strategies, supporting the real economy, and ensuring social the well-being, the Group will efficiently leverage its professional insurance advantages. It will continuously enhance Sunshine’s core competitiveness, advance high-quality development, and achieve high-value growth, injecting wisdom and vitality into the creation of a grand blueprint for a strong financial nation and the high-quality development of the financial industry.— End —About Sunshine Insurance Group Company LimitedSunshine Insurance Group Company Limited is a fast-growing private insurance service group in China. Since its establishment, the Group has prioritized value creation as its core business, dedicated to providing clients with professional risk protection and comprehensive service solutions. The Group carries out life and health insurance business through Sunshine Life, property and casualty insurance business through Sunshine P&C, and manages insurance funds through Sunshine AMC. As of 30 June 2024, the Group has been ranked among the top 500 Chinese enterprises by the China Enterprise Confederation for 13 consecutive years, entitled as one of the “Top 500 Valuable Brands in China” by the World Brand Lab for 13 consecutive years, and is also one of the five insurance companies in China that have been recognized as the well-known trademark in China and selected by Brand Finance as one of “Top 100 Most Valuable Insurance Brands”. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Solar District Cooling Group Berhad Aims to Raise RM45.09 Million from ACE Market IPO ACN Newswire

Solar District Cooling Group Berhad Aims to Raise RM45.09 Million from ACE Market IPO

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Solar District Cooling Group Berhad ("SDCG") is pleased to announce the launch of its prospectus for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad ("Bursa Securities"). The IPO represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory, allowing SDCG to expand its operations and strengthen its market position in building management system (“BMS”) and solar thermal systems and energy saving services.Mr. Chris Lai Ther Wei, Head of Capital Markets, Mercury Securities Sdn. Bhd.Mr. Chew Sing Guan, Managing Director, Mercury Securities Sdn. Bhd.Mr. Edison Kong, Managing Director, Solar District Cooling Group BerhadMdm. Eileen Liuk, Executive Director, Solar District Cooling Group Berhad[L-R]SDCG and its subsidiaries (“Group”) are principally involved in the provision and maintenance of BMS, solar thermal systems and energy saving services. The Group has a proven track record of enhancing energy efficiency across healthcare, hospitality and industrial sectors. SDCG Group is involved in providing energy performance services to the concession companies that are providing hospital support services for public hospitals. The concessionaires engaged SDCG Group as a subcontractor to carry out energy efficiency work related to the installation of hybrid solar thermal hot water systems, and for some contracts, retrofitting of fluorescent lighting of LED lighting.Mr. Wong Kei Fai, Independent Non-Executive Director, Solar District Cooling Group BerhadMs. Wong Poh May, Independent Non-Executive Director, Solar District Cooling Group BerhadMr. Chris Lai Ther Wei, Head of Capital Markets, Mercury Securities Sdn. Bhd.Mr. Chew Sing Guan, Managing Director, Mercury Securities Sdn. Bhd.Mr. Edison Kong, Managing Director, Solar District Cooling Group BerhadMdm. Eileen Liuk, Executive Director, Solar District Cooling Group BerhadIr. Dr. Khairul Azmy Bin Kamaluddin, Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Solar District Cooling Group BerhadYM Raja Nor Azlina Binti Raja Azhar, Independent Non-Executive Director, Solar District Cooling Group BerhadFollowing the IPO exercise, SDCG is expected to raise RM45.09 million via the issuance of 118.67 million shares at the issue price of RM0.38 per share. The proceeds will be allocated in the following manner:RM1.90 million for the expansion of headquarters in Kajang, Selangor; RM5.00 million for tender bonds and/or performance bonds for future projects;RM18.70 million for the purchase of materials for BMS segment, and solar thermal systems and energy-saving services segment;RM12.67 million for general working capital; RM2.52 million for capital expenditure, including new equipment for BMS, installation and maintenance of solar thermal hot water systems, and purchasing ICT software and services; andRM4.30 million for estimated listing expenses.Applications for the IPO will open at 10:00 a.m. today, following the prospectus launch, and will close on 6 September 2024. SDCG is scheduled to list on the ACE Market on 19 September 2024. At the IPO price of RM0.38 per share, the market capitalisation of the company upon listing will be RM161.05 million.Managing Director of SDCG, Mr. Edison Kong commented, "This IPO represents a significant milestone in Solar District Cooling Group Berhad’s journey. Since 2008, we have been driven by a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Our focus on delivering Building Management Systems and solar thermal technologies has helped us enhance energy efficiency and promote environmental stewardship. With this listing, we look forward to embracing new opportunities and setting new standards in our business. I am deeply grateful to our team, clients, and partners for their continued trust and support.”Head of Capital Markets of Mercury Securities Sdn Bhd, Mr. Chris Lai Ther Wei stated, “We would like to congratulate the Board and the entire team of Solar District Cooling Group Berhad on the successful launch of your IPO prospectus. Well done for reaching another milestone in your corporate journey.”Mercury Securities Sdn. Bhd. is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Sole Underwriter, and Sole Placement Agent for SDCG. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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HKIoD Recommends Board Readiness Training for First-time Directors Before Appointment ACN Newswire

HKIoD Recommends Board Readiness Training for First-time Directors Before Appointment

HONG KONG, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”) welcomes(1) The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited ("the Exchange")'s proposal to mandate directorship training for first-time directors and require all directors to undergo continuing professional development (“CPD”) training. To further uphold corporate governance standards and director professionalism, HKIoD thinks the Exchange can go further.Dr Christopher To, Chairman of HKIoD, said, “HKIoD welcomes the Exchange’s latest regular exercise to review and update the Corporate Governance Code and related Listing Rules. Although we do not agree with every element of the Exchange’s proposals, we certainly support the notion of making continuing professional development mandatory for all directors.”According to HKIoD, to make true the purpose and effect of continuing training, a board should have a suitable professional development policy for its directors. Continuing training is important for directors to keep up, but it must be distinguished from initial training. For those who do not have directorship training nor experience whatsoever, undergoing initial training on effective directorship and corporate governance is prudent. First-time directorship training should be a prerequisite prior to the director coming on board, however. “The Exchange should go further by encouraging individuals to have become ready for a board seat prior to appointment, rather than to start acquainting themselves with the demands of directorship post-appointment.” Dr To commented.Dr Carlye Tsui, CEO of HKIoD, supplemented, “We believe all company directors, when they first assume their posts, should have a firm grounding of the skills, knowledge and qualities required to meet the corporate governance demands of today. HKIoD long advocates the importance of corporate governance training, and we want to emphasise that proper initial training for first-time directors is one key aspect of the total quality of corporate governance training.”The Institute believes that attaining HKIoD Diploma level credential (or higher) should qualify as initial training now proposed for First-time Directors by the Exchange. The Institute also recommends transition course(s) for credentialed/experienced directors from other markets to help them become familiar with the Hong Kong market. HKIoD will gladly work with the Exchange to design and offer such programmes, and an accreditation regime for directorship training in Hong Kong.On proposals around time commitment and tenure of Independent Non-Executive Director (“INED”), Mr Henry Lai, Past Chairman of HKIoD and current Chairman of the Institute’s Corporate Governance Policies Committee, said, “The emphasis should be on whether the INED and the issuers involved have made an honest assessment as to the ability to devote sufficient time, not a broad-brush requirement on the director to limit the number of INED positions one may hold. Particularly, we do not agree with the Exchange’s proposal which only seeks to limit INED positions one may hold among Hong Kong issuers.” As to the question of how long is too long for an INED, Mr Lai added, “the answer ought to be ‘it depends’. It is the independence of mind that matters, not tenure.”The Exchange would also want issuers without an independent board chair to designate a Lead INED. Due to the many constraints and practical realities now exist in the Hong Kong market, HKIoD believes there are alternatives that can be more effective. “We do not tend to have majority INED in our market. The Lead INED will be chosen from a small group anyway. We should rather empower and encourage all INEDs to collectively perform, to bring the results that are sought under the Lead INED concept. Meetings with shareholders and stakeholders can be set up for all INEDs to take part. There can be an INED report section in the annual report,” Mr Lai commented. “Maybe we should encourage more issuers to have an independent board chair. An independent board chair working together with all the other INEDs can be more helpful,” Mr Lai continued.HKIoD has early on advocated the benefit of moving towards a majority INED, which can make INEDs collectively better able to perform their director roles. With INEDs comprising the majority, their active involvement in board matters becomes more necessary and their time commitment more valued. It should also allow much more room for meaningful rotation and refreshment through careful succession planning.Apart from the above, the Institute expressed support for many changes proposed by the Exchange including mandating board performance review, maintaining a board skills matrix, mandating the annual reviews of the effectiveness of the issuer’s risk management and internal control systems, disclosure of the issuer’s policy on payment of dividends and the board’s dividend decisions, and disclosures in respect of issuers’ modified auditors’ opinion. (1)The full response: HKIoD Response to HKEX ConsultationAbout The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”)The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”) is Hong Kong’s premier body representing directors working together to advance corporate sustainability in creating long-term value for companies, their owners, stakeholders, humankind and Planet Earth through advocacy and standards-setting in corporate governance and director professionalism. Led by Founder Chairman Dr The Hon Moses Cheng, HKIoD was founded in 1997. Throughout the years, HKIoD is honoured to have the Chief Executive of HKSAR as the Institute’s Patron. Membership of HKIoD comprises of directors from diverse industries and corporate types and includes Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and Independent Non-Executive Directors. With multi-culturalism and international perspectives, HKIoD organises activities that cover director training, seminars and forums, collective director voice, guideline establishment, public education, Award Series for Director Excellence, assessment of Corporate Governance Scorecard for listed companies etc. As a member body of the Global Network of Director Institutes (“GNDI”), HKIoD is committed to global collaboration in promoting good corporate governance and director professionalism. HKIoD is the appointed Host of the Hong Kong Chapter of Climate Governance Initiative, a global network that collaborates with the World Economic Forum in actively promoting directors’ address of the risks and opportunities of climate change.For details please visit: http://www.hkiod.com | http://www.gndi.org | https://climate-governance.org/Media Enquiries: Strategic Public Relations GroupBrenda Chan+852 2114 4396 / brenda.chan@sprg.com.hkThe Hong Kong Institute of DirectorsWing Wong+852 2889 1414 / wing.wong@hkiod.com– End – Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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TRST01 Signs Landmark Memorandum of Understanding Agreement with Rubber Board of India for Centralised Compliance Solution for EUDR ACN Newswire

TRST01 Signs Landmark Memorandum of Understanding Agreement with Rubber Board of India for Centralised Compliance Solution for EUDR

SINGAPORE, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TRST01, a sustainable tech company that helps businesses meet global sustainability rules while making their supply chains more transparent, trustworthy, and ethical, announces a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with the Rubber Board of India to develop and implement a centralised compliance solution for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Through this strategic partnership, TRST01 becomes the first private entity in the world to enter into an MoU with a public entity for a one-stop compliance solution, setting a new standard in public-private partnerships.The MoU underscores the trust and confidence that the Rubber Board of India has in TRST01 as a key player in the sustainable technology space. While other entites have entered into contract-based agreements, this MoU represents a deeper, more integrated collaboration that is poised to revolutionise compliance processes for the Indian rubber industry.TRST01 and the Rubber Board of India will collaborate on geo-mapping rubber-growing land plots to ensure deforestation-free sourcing and responsible practices. This partnership will also develop a Centralized Database to enhance traceability, risk assessment, and compliance with European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) in the rubber industry, with TRST01 as the technology partner. Ultimately, the MoU will help strengthen India's regulatory framework and position India as a global leader in sustainable rubber production.Speaking on the strategic agreement with TRST01, Mr. M. Vasanthagesan IRS, CEO and Executive Director of The Rubber Board, said, "This collaboration with TRST01 is a testament to our dedication to supporting the rubber sector. The initiatives outlined in this MoU will facilitate the exporters to comply with EUDR and make Indian rubber growers globally competitive and get wider opportunities for their produce.""This joint venture is a testament to our commitment to driving sustainability and compliance in the rubber industry," remarked Prabir Mishra, CEO and founder of TRST01. "It is a great honour to partner with the Rubber Board of India as this initiative can serve as a model for other industries and regions.For TRST01, the MoU will demonstrate how public-private partnerships can drive innovation in sustainability. The collaboration represents a shared vision for a sustainable future. It will significantly benefit Indian rubber producers, highlighting how TRST01 can help producers achieve global compliance standards in sustainability.About TRST01TRST01 provides cutting-edge technology solutions that ensure supply chain traceability, accurate ESG reporting, digital measurement of sustainability impacts, and the secure management of carbon credits. TRST01 stands out for its simplicity, adaptability, and focus on creating tangible impacts on sustainability, making it accessible and effective for many users, from smallholder farmers to multinational corporations. It is also at the forefront of the regenerative finance movement, creating financial tools that promote practices that restore rather than deplete the earth's resources.TRST01's approach fundamentally transforms how businesses view sustainability by creating a direct and tangible impact on People, Planet, and Profitability. Our innovations are not just about compliance; they make a sustainable ecosystem where every participant benefits. Visit trst01.com to learn more.About Rubber Board IndiaThe Rubber Board of India, headquartered in Kottayam, Kerala, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Established in 1947, it plays a pivotal role in the development of the rubber industry in India. The Board's responsibilities encompass research, development, and extension activities related to natural rubber cultivation, production, and processing. It also regulates the marketing of rubber and ensures fair prices for both growers and consumers. Through its various initiatives, the Rubber Board strives to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the rubber industry in India, thereby contributing to the economic growth of the country.Media Contact:Sheree TanSenior AssociatePINPOINT PR Pte. Ltd.sheree@pinpointpr.sg | pinpointpr.sgSG: +65 8313 9472Hakim IshakAssociatePINPOINT PR Pte. Ltd.hakim@pinpointpr.global | pinpointpr.sgSG: +65 8949 3040 Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Cisgenics Brings Next-Generation Irrigation Technology to Australia ACN Newswire

Cisgenics Brings Next-Generation Irrigation Technology to Australia

SYDNEY, AU, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Cisgenics, a pioneer of world-class sustainable irrigation solutions, has entered the Australian market, introducing their next-generation irrigation solutions which hold the potential to shape the future of water management in Australia. The company is opening its first office in Adelaide and undertaken a number of significant projects including a world-class sporting venue and various projects for the City of West Torrens in South Australia. These projects address urban green space management and water optimisation to maintain lush, inviting landscapes while adhering to strict water conservation mandates.Australia faces pressing challenges such as water overconsumption, frequent droughts, and the resulting heightened risk of fires, all of which threaten the sustainability of agricultural practices, urban green spaces, and notable landmarks. Cisgenic’s flagship solution, CisgenX, derived from over 45 years of experience in irrigation experience across more than 1,000 projects, can help overcome some of these issues. A proven solution, CisgenX will be deployed at some of the world’s most recognisable and photographed locations including, Bay East Gardens, and the Founders Memorial at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, along with the Nad Al Sheba Road in the UAE."We see a significant market for CisgenX in Australia, where water conservation and droughts are critical concerns,” says Sam Rebera, Managing Director of Cisgenics. "To help local businesses and communities meet their sustainability goals, we are striving to earn the Smart Approved Watermark, which we believe will establish CisgenX as Australia’s leading sustainable irrigation solution. To support this goal and manage the projects we've secured, we are in the process of opening an office in Adelaide."Cisgenics designs solutions to meet the unique needs of various industries, from golf courses and landscapes to agribusiness. Their precision irrigation systems enhance turf health, create water-efficient green spaces in both urban and rural areas, and boost crop yields. CisgenX, utilises advanced IoT (Internet of Things) technology and machine learning algorithms to optimise water, fertiliser, and energy use. This state-of-the-art solution helps optimise water usage and manage plant health.The integration of technologies in the CisgenX solution enables precision irrigation, where machine learning algorithms will work alongside weather data to predict water needs with pinpoint accuracy, significantly reducing water waste. The platform’s advanced sensors and real-time monitoring optimise resource use, saving money, conserving water, and ensuring plant health. Internal studies have shown that CisgenX can cut water consumption by up to 40%, and in some cases, by as much as 70% on traditional methods of irrigation. These significant reductions help clients meet their ESG goals while providing real-time data through IoT sensors that monitor soil moisture and other critical factors."Through our advanced irrigation solutions, we are not only addressing immediate concerns like water scarcity and fire risk but also contributing to a sustainable future for Australia," added Rebera. "Our goal is to support the country’s efforts to manage its natural resources responsibly while ensuring that essential green spaces thrive.”Cisgenics will be showcasing these products and more at the upcoming Irrigation Conference 2024 in Sydney from 2-4 September. Attendees are invited to visit Booth 88 to learn how their solutions can transform irrigation practices in Australia and beyond.About CisgenicsCisgenics is dedicated to revolutionising the irrigation industry through innovative, AI-powered solutions that optimise water and energy use, promote sustainability, and ensure the health and longevity of green assets worldwide. With more than 45 years of experience, Cisgenics combines deep industry knowledge with the latest technological advancements to offer precision, efficiency, and sustainability in water management. Visit cisgenics.com for more information.For more information, please contact:Illka GobiusManaging DirectorPINPOINT PR Pte. Ltd.Email: illka@pinpointpr.globalPhone: (AU) 0429 396 275 or (SG) +65 9769 8370 Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Black Spade Acquisition II Co Announces Pricing Of $150 Million Initial Public Offering ACN Newswire

Black Spade Acquisition II Co Announces Pricing Of $150 Million Initial Public Offering

HONG KONG, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Black Spade Acquisition II Co (the “Company”), a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) sponsored by an affiliate of Black Spade Capital Limited, announced today the pricing of its initial public offering of 15,000,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units are expected to be listed for trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbol “BSIIU” on August 28, 2024.Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-third of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and warrants are expected be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “BSII” and “BSIIW”, respectively. The offering is expected to close on August 29, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.The Company’s management team is led by Dennis Tam, Executive Chairman & Co-CEO, Kester Ng, Co-CEO & CFO and Richard Taylor, Co-CEO & COO, each of who served as executive director of or advisor to Black Spade Acquisition Co (“BSAQ”), a SPAC also sponsored by an affiliate of Black Spade Capital Limited. BSAQ completed its $169 million initial public offering in August 2021. In August 2023, BSAQ completed a $23 billion business combination with VinFast, a leading Vietnamese automaker and the first Vietnamese business to list in the U.S. by way of a business combination. Clear Street and Cohen & Company Capital Markets, a division of J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC, are acting as joint book-running managers. Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Company. Loeb & Loeb LLP is serving as legal counsel to the underwriters.The public offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the prospectus may be obtained from Clear Street, Attn: Syndicate Department, 150 Greenwich Street, 45th floor, New York, NY 10007, by email at ecm@clearstreet.io, or from the SEC website at www.sec.gov.A registration statement relating to the securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and became effective on August 23, 2024. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.(from the left) Kester Ng, Co-CEO and CFO, Dennis Tam, Chairman and Co-CEO,Richard Taylor, Co-CEO and COO– End –About Black Spade Acquisition II CoBlack Spade Acquisition II Co is the second SPAC of its founder, Black Spade Capital and its management team incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or assets. While the Company may pursue an acquisition or a business combination with a target in any business or industry, it believes that the entertainment, lifestyle and technology industries, particularly those that are major beneficiaries of artificial intelligence (“AI”), provide ample business combination opportunities.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements," including with respect to the proposed initial public offering, the anticipated use of the net proceeds, and the search for an initial business combination. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated.Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the Company's initial public offering filed with the SEC. Copies of these documents are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.Investor Contact:IR@blackspadeacquisitionii.comMedia Enquiries:Strategic Financial Relations Limited Vicky LeeTel: +852 2864 4834Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hkLilia YangTel: +852 2864 4833Email: lilia.yang@sprg.com.hkWebsite: www.sprg.com.hk Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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MClean Technologies Reports Strong 177% Growth in Profit Before Tax for Q2 FY2024 ACN Newswire

MClean Technologies Reports Strong 177% Growth in Profit Before Tax for Q2 FY2024

MALAYSIA, Aug 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - MClean Technologies Berhad ("MClean Technologies" or the "Company"), an established provider of precision cleaning and surface treatment solutions, is pleased to announce its financial results for the second quarter ended 30 June 2024 (“Q2 FY2024”). The Company has recorded its second consecutive profitable quarter in the financial year ending 31 December 2024 (“FY2024”), marking a significant turnaround in its financial performance.Datuk Dr. Terence Tea Yeok Kian, the Executive Chairman and Managing Director of MClean Technologies BerhadFor Q2 FY2024, MClean Technologies reported revenue of RM15.5 million, a 30% increase compared to RM12.0 million in the same quarter last year (“Q2 FY2023”). This increase in revenue is largely attributed to stronger demand for the Company’s precision cleaning and surface treatment services. Notably, the Company achieved a profit before tax (“PBT”) of RM1.0 million, a substantial improvement from the loss before tax of RM1.1 million in Q2 FY2023, due to higher revenue in the current quarter and the successful implementation of cost management initiatives.Comparing to the immediate preceding quarter (“Q1 FY2024”), MClean Technologies recorded an 18% growth in revenue from RM13.1 million to RM15.5 million, driven primarily by increased demand for its precision cleaning services. In tandem with this revenue growth, the PBT of the Company surged by 177% in Q2 FY2024, compared to RM0.4 million PBT in Q1 FY2024.For the first six months of FY2024 (“6M FY2024”), MClean Technologies reported revenue of RM28.7 million, a 19% increase compared to RM24.0 million in the same period last year (“6M FY2023”), primarily due to stronger demand for precision cleaning and surface treatment services. The Company’s PBT for 6M FY2024 stood at RM1.3 million, marking a remarkable turnaround from the loss before tax of RM2.2 million in the corresponding period of FY2023. This growth underscores the consistent demand for MClean’s services, particularly in the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and consumer electronics sectors.With the entry of the new substantial shareholder, Accrelist Crowdfunding Pte. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Accrelist Ltd. (“Accrelist”), on 2 July 2024, which currently holds 28.5% stake in MClean Technologies, MClean Technologies aims to leverage on the strategic partnership opportunity that is presented by Accrelist’s extensive expertise in business transformation and growth.Accrelist, listed on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange, is a diversified group with interests in medical aesthetics and injection moulding services, held through its subsidiary, Jubilee Industries Holdings Ltd, which is also listed on the Catalist. With the entry of this new shareholder, MClean Technologies is exploring various synergistic strategies to increase market share, expand customer and sector opportunities, and deepen cost-efficiency efforts through enhanced expertise and talent resource utilisation.Datuk Dr. Terence Tea Yeok Kian, Executive Chairman and Executive Director of MClean Technologies said, “We are very pleased with our performance in the second quarter of 2024, which marks our second consecutive profitable quarter in the current financial year. The strong financial results reflect the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the strategic decisions we have made to enhance operational efficiency. The successful turnaround of the company demonstrates our commitment to building sustainable growth and profitability. Our focus remains on sustaining this positive momentum and achieving long-term profitability. We are particularly encouraged by the growth in demand for our HDD solutions in Malaysia and Thailand, and we will continue to leverage our strengths to deliver value to our shareholders.”Looking ahead, MClean is dedicated to maintaining its positive momentum and focusing on long-term profitability. The management team is confident that the Company's strategic initiatives, combined with ongoing cost management efforts, will position MClean for continued success in the quarters to come.As of 27 August 2024, the share price of MClean Technologies had closed at RM0.29 as at 5:00 P.M., representing a market capitalisation of RM57.2 million.This press release should be read in conjunction with the full text of the announcement released by MClean Technologies on 27 August 2024 in relation to its interim financial statements for the quarter and six months ended 30 June 2024 which is available on the Bursa website.ABOUT MCLEAN TECHNOLOGIES BERHADMClean Technologies Berhad, is a leading provider of surface treatment, precision cleaning, and packaging services. The Company serves a diverse range of industries, including Hard Disk Drive, Consumer Electronics, and Oil & Gas. With operations in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, MClean is committed to delivering high-quality and reliable services to its clients. For more information, visit http://www.mclean.com.sg/.For more information, please contact:Jazzmin WanTel: +60 17-289 4110Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.bizStephanie ChowTel: +60 18-314 3933Email: s.chow@swanconsultancy.biz Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Everbright Grand China Announces 2024 Interim Results

HONG KONG, Aug 27, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Everbright Grand China Assets Limited ("Everbright Grand China" or the "Group"; HKEX stock code: 03699.HK), a subsidiary of China Everbright Group, principally engaged in the businesses of property leasing, property management and the sales of properties held for sale, announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 ("Reporting Period").During the Reporting Period, the Group's revenue amounted to approximately RMB23.9 million, representing an increase of approximately RMB1.8 million as compared to the same period of last year (2023: RMB22.1 million). The increase in revenue was mainly attributable to the increase in revenue from management services. Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company amounted to approximately RMB11.4 million (2023: RMB13.3 million), representing a decrease of approximately RMB1.9 million as compared to the same period of last year, which was attributable to the decrease in valuation gains on investment properties. Basic earnings per share was approximately RMB0.03 (2023: RMB0.03). Considering that the current operating environment remains relatively challenging, the Board declared an interim dividend of RMB0.78 cents (equivalent to HK$0.85 cents) (2023: RMB1.06 cents (equivalent to HK$1.16 cents)) per ordinary share for the six months ended 30 June 2024 as a token of appreciation to shareholders for their continuous support. In the second half of the year, the Company will decide on dividend distribution taking into account factors such as business development needs, financial performance and capital position, as well as performance growth, in order to bring the best return to the Company's shareholders and investors.In 2024, following two consecutive years of slowdown, the global economy is in the process of returning to a "normal" state, although growth remains relatively subdued with weakening momentum. Challenges such as interest rate hikes in Europe and the United States, decreasing inflation, and geopolitical risks have added uncertainties to the outlook for recovery. Despite this, the Chinese economy began the year positively in the first half of 2024. While growth momentum has softened, economic operations have remained relatively stable, showing signs of gradual improvement. The Group primarily manages commercial properties and has been attentively monitoring market developments and actively deploying strategies to carefully assess market conditions, adjust rental rates reasonably and seize opportunities to develop new tenants.Property LeasingThe continued recovery in consumer spending is set to become the core driver of economic growth in China in 2024, boosting demand for leasing in the commercial property sector. During the Reporting Period, rental income amounted to approximately RMB16.3 million (2023: RMB16.2 million), representing an increase of approximately RMB0.1 million as compared to the same period of last year. During the period, the average occupancy rate of the properties was approximately 77% (2023: 73%).Property Management ServiceFollowing unprecedented economic challenges, the development strategy of property management enterprises has undergone a significant transformation. Their strategic direction has become more prudent, shifting away from blind pursuit of scale expansion. The Group emphasizes the refinement and enhancement of service quality while adopting a "stabilize before expand" approach, aiming to maintain stable cash flow and business growth. During the Reporting Period, revenue from property management services amounted to approximately RMB7.6 million (2023: RMB5.9 million), representing an increase of approximately RMB1.7 million as compared to the same period of last year, which was mainly attributable to the increase in revenue from value-added management services.Investment PropertiesAs at 30 June 2024, the fair value of investment properties amounted to RMB962.3 million (31 December 2023: RMB959.5 million). The valuation gain on investment properties for the six months ended 30 June 2024 amounted to RMB1.0 million (2023: RMB5.4 million), representing a decrease of approximately RMB4.4 million as compared to the same period of last year.As at 30 June 2024, the Group held cash and bank balances of approximately RMB223.3 million (31 December 2023: RMB222.2 million). The Group's gearing ratio (measured as the Group's total liabilities divided by total assets) was 18.1% (31 December 2023: 18.6%) with a solid liquidity position.In the first half of 2024, the Group's tenant and leasing contracts and occupancy rates continued to remain stable. Meanwhile, the Group maintained a healthy financial position with zero debt and strong cash flow during the period under review. In light of the promising domestic and international environment, the Group will continue to focus on property investment in the future, and prudently identify suitable new investment projects with potential for long-term returns.ProspectsAs innovation in the digital economy continues to progress, China is actively driving its digital transformation. Property management companies are undergoing hardware upgrades and software enhancements to leverage intelligent technologies for operations simulation, optimized staffing, and the proactive advancement of industrial transformation. These enterprises have successfully implemented digital operations across various scenarios. With the ongoing evolution of technologies like artificial intelligence, it is anticipated that property management companies will soon experience the practical application of these advanced technologies, potentially elevating their service quality and management capabilities to new levels.Looking forward, the Group intends to uphold a prudent business strategy, emphasizing quality and steady progress. In additon, it will actively align with national policies, carry out effective initiatives to maintain market value, prioritize risk management and internal controls, and strive to generate long-term and sustainable value for shareholders. By actively adapting to national policies and industry shifts, the Group aims to expand its brand influence within the property management sector, ultimately creating greater societal value.- End - Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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AAC Technologies’s CFO Guo Dan: Expects 15% Growth in Revenue of Main Business ACN Newswire

AAC Technologies’s CFO Guo Dan: Expects 15% Growth in Revenue of Main Business

HONG KONG, Aug 27, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On August 22, AAC Technologies (02018.HK) held its 2024 interim results presentation in Hong Kong, delivering remarkably impressive performance.According to the Interim Report, in the first half of 2024, AAC Technologies achieved a revenue of RMB 11.25 billion, hitting a new high since its listing, with a year-on-year revenue growth of 22.0% and a gross profit margin of 21.5%, up by 7.4 percentage points year-on-year. The net profit amounted to RMB 537 million, representing a significant increase of 257.3% year-on-year. Notably, PSS, which was announced to acquire last year, contributed a consolidated revenue of approximately RMB 1.5 billion in the first half of the year, with a gross profit margin of approximately 25.0%.During the interview, Ms. Guo Dan, the CFO of AAC Technologies stated that in the first half of 2024, all business segments of AAC Technologies made positive progress, significantly enhancing profitability and maintaining a continuous growth in gross profit margin. More importantly, the performance of the interim results indicated the potential growth value brought by the Company’s strategic transformation. It is expected that the operating revenue of the Group (excluding PSS) for the year will increase by 15% compared to last year. Additionally, the consolidation of PSS is expected to contribute approximately RMB 3 billion. Overall, the total revenue of the Group for 2024 is projected to grow by over 30% year-on-year, with a gross profit margin in the range of 22% to 25%.Benefitting from the surge in AI smartphone upgrades in the next 1-2 yearsAt the interim results presentation, AI smartphones took center stage as a key topic. Guo Dan believes that AI smartphones are still in the early stages, with software-driven enhancements propelling hardware upgrades. There has already been a trend of increased shipments and overall improvement in ASP for product categories such as acoustics, mechanics and microphones. Looking ahead, with the further development of AI smartphones and functionalities, hardware component is expected to continue to advance in the coming years.“AI smartphones have great potential for innovation. In the next 1-2 years, we will see some changes, with an acceleration of changes in the 3-5 year period, bringing us many opportunities and driving multiple product lines,” Guo Dan stated. She cited examples such as new trends in hardware like foldable and ultra-thin form factors, and the Company's unique innovative speakers, and Combo (two-in-one product, which integrates a speaker and an actuator) can better meet market demands.Moreover, AI smartphones have higher power consumption and require better heat dissipation solutions. AAC Technologies has industry-leading advantages from material sourcing to lean manufacturing processes and simulation design. Additionally, as the demand for human-machine interaction in AI smartphones increases, requiring more precise voice commands and functionalities, this will further drive the Company’s MEMS microphone upgrades, boosting prices and profit margins.The Group’s overall gross profit margin is expected to increase to 22%-25% for FY2024Guo Dan revealed that with the seasonal impact of more new product releases in the second half of the year, performance is expected to be stronger than the first half. It is anticipated that the full-year business performance (excluding PSS) will achieve a growth of over 15% compared to last year. With PSS contributing approximately RMB 3 billion, the Group’s revenue in 2024 is projected to grow by over 30% year-on-year, with the comprehensive gross profit margin increasing from 21.5% in the first half of the year to a range of 22%-25%.“Since the second half of last year, the entire industry has entered a healthy trend of increasing specifications and configurations. The Company has seen improvements in ASP and overall profit margins in areas such as acoustics, optics, and mechanics,” Guo Dan stated. Particularly in the automotive sector, there will be a steady growth trend in the medium to long term. "It can be said that AAC is now a company with multiple growth drivers and solutions across various platforms. As we forecast the overall growth for the next few years, we maintain a positive outlook.”The acoustics business is expected to exceed a scale of RMB 10 billion and build a comprehensive user experience across all scenariosGuo Dan mentioned that the gross profit margin of AAC Technologies’ acoustics business has resumed to a healthy growth trajectory. The gross profit margin in the first half of the year was 29.9%, and it is expected to rise to over 30% for the full year.“At the interim results presentation, the Company’s management also discussed how AAC Technologies, originally a micro-acoustic supplier for consumer electronics, has further established industry standards for a comprehensive user experience across all scenarios through the acquisition of PSS. Acoustic solutions will be a key driver for the next phase of growth in the acoustics business. In terms of scale, the acoustics business is the Company’s first to exceed a revenue scale of over RMB 10 billion, and in the next five years, we can expect this important business line with a revenue scale of RMB 20 billion and a sustainable gross profit margin of over 30%.”Definite progress in the WLG projects of multiple key customersIn terms of the optics business, Guo Dan believes that the optics market has transitioned from a relatively competitive state a few years ago to a period of healthy development.The gross profit margin for optics in the first half of the year was approximately 5%, with plastic lens gross profit margin at 16-17%. Shipments of 6P and higher specification lenses accounted for 15%-16% of total shipments, with expectations of reaching 15-20% in the second half of the year. “In terms of value, it has already surpassed 30% or even 35%, which reflects our technical capabilities, customer coverage, and recognition.”Guo Dan disclosed that AAC Technologies’ gross profit for optics will further improve in the second half of the year. “It is foreseeable that the profit for a single quarter will turn positive, with a high probability of occurring in the fourth quarter. Overall profitability will see significant improvement compared to last year, with continued steady growth in the future.”“Especially with G+P glass-plastic hybrid lenses and WLG lens products, there have been definite advancements in major projects with several key customers,” Guo Dan stated. The industry now widely acknowledges that G+P glass-plastic hybrid lenses are indeed a superior solution. The Company’s unique WLG technology finds applications in areas such as smartphones and automotive, creating value across multiple domains. “Next year, G+P glass-plastic lenses and WLG single lenses will gradually become one of the most crucial technologies and value supports in the entire optics business, with many deliveries to customers aligning with our expectations for WLG technology investments.”The interim results performance reflects the Company’s long-term growth value“Looking at the first half of this year, the electromagnetic actuators and haptic business have already reached a gross profit margin of approximately 30% with the optimization and upgrade of product portfolios on the Android side, and this healthy level is expected to be sustained in the future,” Guo Dan stated. With the boost from the development of new products like actuators and drives, this sector is poised to return to a high-growth trajectory.“At the interim results presentation, the Company's management also mentioned that in the heat dissipation segment, AAC Technologies achieved a business scale of RMB 150 million in the first half of the year, with a gross profit margin of over 30%. With the development of AI-enabled applications, the scale is expected to exceed RMB 1 billion in the future. When combined with precision mechanics, the overall scale could reach RMB 5 billion and potentially even surpass RMB 10 billion in the long term.”“Additionally, the overall gross profit for the sensor and semiconductor business will continue to increase in the second half of the year,” Guo Dan mentioned. Over the next two to three years, driven by factors such as the value enhancement brought by AI smartphones, the advantages brought by the Company’s resource platform, and the increase in self-developed product penetration rates, the sensor and semiconductor business is expected to experience rapid development.Guo Dan concluded, “At the interim results presentation, the management also pointed out that this performance has shown investors that AAC has achieved revenue growth, as well as gross and net profit improvements through strategic transformation at the current stage. However, more importantly, the interim results implied the long-term growth value of each major business line, and we encourage everyone to focus on the certainty of sustained long-term growth.” Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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