Specially designed for the African electric power & energy industry, POWER WEEK AFRICA (20 – 23 April 2021) is the 3rd annual international virtual conference delivering a unique experience for each day of the event. We will be broadcasting live interactive presentations, in-depth panel discussions, and networking sessions from leading experts across the world. Join in from wherever you are online either live or watch the sessions on-demand.
You are guaranteed 7 days of learning opportunities inclusive of a 4-day main conference, 3 supplementary workshops, multiple case studies from a wide array of perspectives, expert opinions and unrivalled insights into the African electric power & energy market prospects.
The conference promises valuable insights on a diverse range of topics that are critical to the African electric power & energy industry today – renewable energy, climate change & environment, energy transition, energy efficiency, funding, investment facilitation, energy access, policies & regulations, tariffs, capacity development, technology, solar, off grid, public private partnerships, energy storage, digitalisation, affordability, energy mix, private sector participation and so much more.
Global energy leaders who have confirmed to speak: – Abubakar Sani Sambo, Chairman, Ministerial Task Force on Power, Nigeria – Geoffrey Mabea, Executive Secretary, Energy Regulators Association of East Africa – Haliru Dikko, Commissioner, ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority – William Price, CEO, Enel Green Power, South Africa – Cyprian Nyakundi, Director, Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya – Abubakar Malah Umar, Director, Energy Commission, Nigeria – Nessreen Rady, Director, New & Renewable Energy, Egyptian Electricity Holding Company, Egypt – Kuda Ndhlukula, Executive Director, SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Namibia – Brian Dames, CEO, African Rainbow Energy & Power, South Africa – Simon Hodson, CEO, Gridworks, United Kingdom – Ademola Adesina, CEO, Rensource Energy, Nigeria – Mikhail Nikomarov, CEO, Bushveld Energy, South Africa – Peter Pechtl, Managing Director, ENEXSA, Austria – Ato Gyasi, Senior Director, Africa Finance Corporation, Nigeria – Rentia van Tonder, Head of Power, Standard Bank, South Africa – Ibilola Amao, Governing Council Member, Energy Institute, United Kingdom – Clinton Carter-Brown, Head of Energy Centre, CSIR, South Africa – James Sherwood, Principal, Rocky Mountain Institute, United States of America – Dave Manning, Global Head of Hybrid Energy, Juwi Renewable Energies, South Africa – Alexander Schonfeldt, Managing Director & COO, Enerox, Austria – Chris Flavin, Director, Gridworks, United Kingdom – Ehab Mohamed Farouk, Manager, Planning New and Renewable Energy Authority, Egypt – Loda Dedekind, Lead Project Developer, CrossBoundary Energy, South Africa – Aleem Tharani, Partner, Bowmans, Kenya – Chris Chijiutomi, Director, CDC Group, United Kingdom – Kieran Whyte, Partner, Baker McKenzie, South Africa – Dumisani Tembo, Partner, AB & David, Zambia – Jose Maria Lopez, Director, MRC Consultants & Transaction Advisers, Spain – … and many more
The POWER WEEK ASIA will feature 3 supplementary workshops addressing cutting edge topics with Real Examples and Case Studies, including Renewable Energy, Energy Regulation & Policies and Energy Storage.
Seize this opportunity to stay ahead of your competitors in an industry that is ever-changing – POWER WEEK AFRICA is definitely for you!
Email Weslyn Lee to register your attendance now. For more information, please log onto www.power- week.com/africa.
About Infocus International Group
The organiser of POWER WEEK Conferences. Infocus International is a global business intelligence provider of strategic information and professional services for diverse business communities, designed to provide insights and to assist our clients on the global stage. The major knowledge-management companies strategically based in Singapore, independently researching and producing market-driven programmes across the region mainly in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.
Infocus International recognises clients’ needs and responds with innovative and result oriented programmes. All products are founded on high value content in diverse subject areas, and the highest level of quality is ensured trough intensive and in-depth market research from local and international insights.
Zhonghua Gas Holdings Limited (the “Company”; Stock Code: 8246) together with its subsidiaries (collective namely the “Group”) today announces that the completion of the Subscription Agreement of the issuance of the three-year convertible bonds in the aggregate principal amount of HK$97,800,000. The bond Subscriber is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Kai Yuan Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 1215). The net proceeds are intended to be used for the enhancement of the existing business of the Group and working capital.
The Board of Directors considers this move presents an opportunity for the Group to strengthen its financial position while optimizing its investor and capital base. It will also set a good foundation for further strategic alliance with the Subscriber. Therefore, the Group is optimistic towards the prospects of the Group.
Kai Yuan Holdings Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is principally engaged in investment holding. One of its substantial shareholders is renowned Chinese entrepreneur Mr. Du Shuang Hua, who was ranked 65th in the Hurun Rich List of 2019. He has extensive businesses covering industries in steel manufacturing, logistics, banking and properties development in the PRC. The subsidiary companies of Kai Yuan are principally engaged in hotel operation and money lending business.
The convertible bonds represent approximately 10.00% of the existing issued share capital of the Company as at the date of completion and approximately 9.09% of the issued share capital of the Company as enlarged by the issue of the Conversion Shares. The Company has a total of 3,622,136,000 Shares in issue. The initial Conversion Price of HK$0.27 (subject to adjustments) per Conversion Share.
Zhonghua Gas Holdings Limited Zhonghua Gas Holdings Limited is principally engaged in provision of diverse integrated new energy services including technological development, construction and consultancy services in relation to heat supply and coal-to-natural gas conversion, supply of liquefied natural gas, coupled with trading of new energy related industrial products. The Group is also engaged in the property investment business.
A safe, decent, and healthy home has been the first line of defense for families around the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the work of Habitat for Humanity, more than 5.9 million people accessed better housing in the last year, according to the global nonprofit’s fiscal year 2020 annual report released today. In Asia and the Pacific region, Habitat has helped more than 1.9 million people have access to better housing.
The report highlights how the organization addressed the need for safe, decent and affordable shelter worldwide, under mounting headwinds from the pandemic that restricted some of the ways Habitat traditionally executes its mission.
With many of the organization’s usual activities affected by the spread of COVID-19 over the course of the fiscal year (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020), its affiliated organizations in more than 70 countries and 1,100 communities across the United States found ways to adapt and continue serving.
“While this year has brought many challenges and heartaches to communities we serve across the world, I’m grateful that Habitat has had an opportunity to serve so many families when they needed it most,” said Jonathan T.M. Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “At Habitat, we are religious about our principles, but not about our tactics. I’ve been inspired by the ingenuity and flexibility of Habitat organizations around the world who quickly adapted to the crisis and built new strategies to carry out our mission. We are clear-eyed that the future will bring more headwinds, but I know that the people who enable our mission — our donors, staff, volunteers, advocates and the people we serve — are as dedicated as ever to our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic greatly curtailed traditional volunteer experiences, with build sites largely closed to general volunteers since February, Habitat still benefited from the hands and hearts of nearly 1 million volunteers before the shutdowns began.
In the fiscal year 2020, Habitat for Humanity International reported US$287 million in revenue, along with an estimated US$2.3 billion in total revenue through the organization’s federated network in the U.S. and around the world. Program spending at Habitat for Humanity International accounted for 74% of total expenses, including the distribution of US$193 million in cash and donated product to Habitat organizations.
The 5.9 million people who accessed new or improved housing through new home construction, rehabilitation, incremental improvements and repairs helped the organization reach the milestone of 35 million people served since its founding in 1976.
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Habitat views access to safe, decent, and affordable housing as the cornerstone of strong, thriving communities. Senghouch, Cheat, and their two young children are among the many families served by Habitat’s global network. Senghouch’s family built a new home with the help of Habitat for Humanity Cambodia. Living in a small village in Khsach Kandal district, Cambodia, Senghouch is now able to work comfortably on her weaving loom inside her home to earn more income for the family’s daily expenses. The training in water, sanitation, and hygiene practices conducted by Habitat has also helped to improve the children’s overall health.
In fiscal year 2020, Habitat continued to enable access to better housing for millions through its Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter. To address the impacts of COVID-19, the Center developed nearly 40 activities, from issuing small grants to shelter-related innovators to prototyping temporary shelter concepts.
Habitat’s impact is felt well beyond the individuals that it serves. Habitat’s work promotes and drives social and economic outcomes by stimulating other sectors of the economy through spending and job creation associated with home construction, renovation, and repair.
Findings from a recent Habitat report determined that emerging economies that have been struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic may be significantly underestimating their housing sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product of a country. The report, titled Cornerstone of Recovery: How Housing Can Help Emerging Market Economies Rebound from COVID-19, found that inclusive financial interventions in the housing sector can stimulate economies while also improving the wellbeing of families through healthier housing conditions.
Habitat is continuing its work in the face of growing need. Even before the pandemic, more than 1.6 billion people globally lack adequate shelter. The economic impact of COVID-19 has substantially increased the number of people struggling with the impossible choice of covering the cost of housing and other basic needs, like food, water, heat, and health care.
“These are our friends, our family and our neighbors, who now more than ever, could use the hand up that we can offer,” Reckford said. “The pandemic may have spread us apart physically, but we have never been more united it our work to build strength through shelter.”
To learn more and to read the full 2020 annual report, visit habitat.org/multimedia/annual-report-2020.
Note to Editor: To set up an interview, receive photos or for further information, contact Michele Soh MSoh@habitat.org, +65 9233 1544 or Rona Azucena, RAzucena@habitat.org.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort and has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.
Industry elites examine opportunities amid volatility at virtual event
The 10th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), an annual signature event for the industries jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today, running online for the first time in light of the pandemic. More than 60 experts and leaders from the logistics, maritime and aviation industries will share their insights at the two-day programme.
The 10th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened online today. Under the theme “Capturing Opportunities Amidst Volatility”, more than 60 experts and leaders from the logistics, maritime and aviation industries share their insights at the two-day event.
HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong said the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference’s online format this year allows the event to move beyond the limits of a physical location to connect global participants to a world of industry insights and expertise.
The opening session for ALMAC Online was officiated by Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR.
Today’s opening session was officiated by Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, welcomed international delegates to the conference, saying: “While the global pandemic has necessitated the conference to be held online, it will not impede our ability to provide a platform for learning, sharing and networking. In fact, the online format allows the conference to move beyond the limits of a physical location to connect global participants to a world of industry insights and expertise.” Also new this year, “Aviation” has been added to the conference name to highlight the industry’s importance.
Given the current challenges faced by the logistics, maritime and aviation industries, ALMAC Online is running under the theme “Capturing Opportunities Amidst Volatility”. The conference features more than 60 industry elite speakers who exchange their experiences in coping with the impact of the pandemic and, more importantly, share their forward-looking insights for future business development. With Asia playing a key role in global supply chain transformation under the new normal, ALMAC Online puts a sharp focus on examining Asia’s future role and cooperation within the region.
International participation from online to offline This year, more than 3000 industry elites from over 60 countries and regions have registered for the annual logistics event. Numerous virtual business-matching sessions and roundtables have been organised to connect participants from around the world — including countries such as France, Germany and Italy as well as various Asian countries and regions — with industry players and chambers from Hong Kong and Mainland China, helping them expand business connections and explore partnership opportunities. At the same time, participants from different parts of the world are joining ALMAC Online from nine satellite venues, where sessions are held and live-streamed.
AI-driven business matching creates more connections The ALMAC Online platform also provides several interactive functions that serve to connect different industry players around the world. Click-to-connect enables audience to identify potential partners with ease, perform one-on-one video conferencing, and exchange business cards. Online networking and artificial intelligence-(AI) driven business-matching services are also provided, creating easy connections between potential business partners. The Consultancy and Services Lounge also connects participants with some leading logistics technology and solutions providers. A total of 150-200 business matching meetings are expected to be held during the conference. Leading professionals and associations provide complimentary advisory services at the Meet the Experts and Meet the Shippers sessions, covering areas such as supply chain management and changing trade flows.
Air Freight Forum examines air cargo demand and industry collaboration While the pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the air cargo industry, soaring demand for COVID-19 vaccines and e-commerce deliveries requires companies to maintain operational resilience and service excellence. This and other topical issues were discussed as ALMAC Online kicked off this morning with the Air Freight Forum, co-organised with Airport Authority Hong Kong under the theme “Overcoming Challenges to Prevail under the Pandemic”. Several salient topics were explored, including global air cargo demand, operational agility, COVID-19 vaccine air logistics, cross-border e-commerce and industry collaboration. Chaired by Yvonne Ho, General Manager, Hong Kong and Macau, International Air Transport Association, the speakers included Marco Bloemen, Managing Director, Seabury Consulting; Frosti Lau, Chairman, HKIA Air Cargo Carrier Liaison Group; Tony Khan, President and Representative Director, DHL Express Japan; Frederic Leger, Director APCS Products, International Air Transport Association; William Xiong, Chief Strategist and General Manager for Export & Global Logistics, Cainiao Network; and Alaina Shum, General Manager, Aviation Logistics, Airport Authority Hong Kong.
Maritime Forum focuses on Hong Kong’s role The pandemic has disrupted the operation of the maritime industry but it has also inspired innovation and digitalisation that mitigate the impact. The outlook for the sector was in focus as the keynote address at this afternoon’s Maritime Forum was delivered by Kitack Lim, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization, who shared his thoughts on future business perspectives in the industry. This was followed by a session titled “The Way Forward for Hong Kong as an International Maritime Centre and its Role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area”, with speakers including Benjamin Wong, Head of Maritime Cluster, InvestHK; Captain Bjorn Hojgaard, Chairman, Hong Kong Shipowners Association; Hing Chao, Executive Chairman, Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings; Kenneth Lam, Chairman & CEO, Credit Agricole Asia Shipfinance Limited; and Rosita Lau, Partner, Hong Kong, Ince & Co. Discussions focused on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, how the industry should adapt to the new normal in the post-pandemic world, and sustaining Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre in the midst of uncertainties in trade and related regulations. The session also explored how Hong Kong can leverage its strengths in ship management, ship financing and maritime legal services for maintaining a key strategic role in the Greater Bay Area.
The Maritime Forum also featured sessions titled “A Catalyst for Change”, with speakers including Jeremy Nixon, CEO, Ocean Network Express; Huang Xiaowen, Executive Vice President, China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited; Esben Poulsson, Chairman, International Chamber of Shipping; and Vincent Clerc, CEO of Ocean and Logistics, A.P.Moller-Maersk. Panel members shared on the latest developments in the shipping industry, operational challenges brought about by COVID-19, the roadmap for recovery, and digital transformation trends in the face of an uncertain future.
Power Dialogue sessions at the forum featured Kelvin Leung, CEO, Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding, Grom Alexey Nikolaevich, CEO, Chairman of the Board, United Transport and Logistics Company – Eurasian Rail Alliance (UTLC ERA) and Zheng Shuangli, Director of Operations, Chengdu International Railway Port Investment & Development (Group) Co., Ltd. They examined Asian connectivity under the new normal and how the logistics industry can design smarter, stronger, better connected and more diverse supply chains to rebuild resilience and better manage future risk.
Supply Chain Management Forums cover logistics automation and social commerce As logistics and supply chains become increasingly AI-driven, the second day of the conference will feature two Supply Chain Management Forums examining the role of transformational automation and the new trend of social commerce. Speakers at the first forum, co-organised with the Hong Kong Shippers’ Council, will include Sunny Ho, Executive Director, Hong Kong Shippers’ Council; Wu Ying Ying, Solution Head, Hangzhou Hikvision Robotics Technology; Michael Xie, Head, DHL Consulting China; and Lyan Law, Senior Consultant, Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing, Hong Kong Productivity Council. They will examine automation, robotics and the deployment of AI in logistics and supply chains.
The second session, co-organised with GS1 Hong Kong, will be chaired by Heidi Ho, Principal Consultant, GS1 Hong Kong, with a panel featuring James Li, Head of Operations, Shopee Cross-Border; Tom Lin, Hong Kong/Taiwan Supply Chain Director, Procter & Gamble; and Ben Au, General Manager, Empower SCM Ltd. Under the theme “Shaking up Supply Chain Management from E-commerce to Social Commerce”, this session will look into the relationship between social commerce and supply chains/logistics; how the supply chain and logistics sector is responding to changing trends; and how industry players can grasp the opportunities arising from social commerce.
ALMAC finale: WTO addresses outlook for industry recovery The Closing Plenary session and respective keynote address, co-organised with The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, will feature Yonov Frederick Agah, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO), sharing his views on the theme “World Trade Organisation Outlook for Charting Recovery”. According to the latest World Trade Report from the WTO, trade costs brought about by COVID-19 are closely related to trade policy uncertainty and restrictions on travel and transportation. The impact of the pandemic on the logistics industry has been widespread, with global air freight and ocean freight volumes shrinking substantially amid land border closures, along with a halt to business travel that is crucial for connecting trade and managing global value chains. With a potential trade rebound being hindered by increasing trade policy barriers and regulatory differences as well as cyber disruptions, this session will examine the outlook for world trade and how the industry and governments can help mitigate disruption.
World-renowned speakers on global logistics risks The logistics, maritime and aviation industries face continued risks from escalating trade disputes, the pandemic and cyber disruptions, while the process of globalisation is challenged by geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism. Under these circumstances, global traders need to be more flexible in sourcing and production operations. Addressing these issues, ALMAC’s Closing Plenary will see leaders from different spheres share strategies for minimising the global logistics risks that lie ahead and assess the outlook for the industry under more volatile trade and business environments. Dr Agah will also speak at the Closing Plenary, titled “Leading through the New Paradigm of Global Logistics Risks under an Uncertain Trading Environment and Cyber Disruptions”, with other heavyweight speakers including Fox Chu, Partner, McKinsey; Jan Hoffmann, Chief, Trade Logistics Branch, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; Kenny Ye, Chief Operation Officer, Orient Overseas Container; Christopher Chan, Partner and Hong Kong Head of Shipping, Offshore and Logistics, Holman Fenwick Willan; Mathieu Renard Biron, Managing Director, Global Freight Forwarding, Kerry Logistics; and Stone Ho, Group Vice President, Apex Logistics International.
MarketTalks return to explore logistics opportunities Launched last year, InnoTalks and MarketTalks both return in 2020. The InnoTalks sessions feature innovative solutions to help conference participants keep abreast of the technological developments in the logistics industry and generate new impetus in their business. MarketTalks sessions, meanwhile, feature key industry players from Mainland China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, Malaysia and Thailand leading attendees in exploring new business opportunities among logistics ecosystems. Today, Liu Libing, Director of Marketing, New Land-Sea Corridor Operation Co, Ltd, shared on the current situation regarding the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor after nearly five years of development and explained how corporations can grasp opportunities arising from the corridor. Dato’ Hasan Azhari HJ. Idris, CEO, Invest Selangor, explored opportunities for halal logistics in Selangor. Ghanyapad Tantipipatpong, Chairwoman, Thai National Shippers’ Council, shared on the shift in supply chain strategies from globalisation to regionalisation. In other sessions, Xerrxes Master, Vice President, Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India, provided updates on India’s logistics industry and discussed the path to excellence. Tomorrow, Mohsen Ahmad, CEO – Logistics District, Dubai South, will focus on how the EZDubai development is positioning Dubai as a key hub for e-commerce.
About HKTDC The 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 trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
WPS Office Enhanced Technological Abilities and Established a Comprehensive Ecosystem for Office Products Online Games Business Expanded Development Plans for Long-term Growth Potential
Kingsoft Corporation Limited (“Kingsoft” or the “Company”; HKEx stock code: 03888), a leading Chinese software and Internet service company, has announced its unaudited quarterly results for the three months ended 30 September 2020 (“period under review”).
During the period under review, the revenue of Kingsoft increased 34% year-on-year to RMB1,397.3 million. Revenue from online games and office software and services and others represented 56% and 44% respectively of total revenue. Gross profit for the third quarter increased 40% year-on-year to RMB1,157.8 million, while operating profit increased 120% year-on-year to RMB361.5 million.
Mr. Jun LEI, Chairman of Kingsoft, commented, “The Company maintained a steady performance in the third quarter of 2020. Our outstanding results are mainly attributed to the increasing market recognition of our Kingsoft Office business as well as our continuous innovation in premium games. Regarding office software, Kingsoft Office’s licensing business and subscription services have been rapidly growing year-on-year. We continued to explore technology enhancement in the office software industry, optimize our user experience and strengthen our competitive advantages in online collaborative office products. In the online games sector, we will further pursue product innovation and enhance our capabilities in product development and operation, so as to expand our game categories.”
Mr. Tao ZOU, Chief Executive Officer of Kingsoft, added, “In the third quarter, our total revenue reached RMB1,397.3 million, up 34% year-on-year showing strong resilience despite the impact of the pandemic. Both of our office software and services and other business, as well as online games business have maintained strong revenue momentum as they were up 59% and 19% year-on-year respectively in the third quarter”
BUSINESS REVIEW Office Software and Services and Others Revenue from the office software and services and others for the third quarter of 2020 increased 59% year-on-year to RMB609.1 million. In software licensing business, business from government and enterprise markets maintained a rapid growth. Kingsoft Office has further enhanced its services and brand influence in several regional government and enterprise markets, as the Company continued to strengthen its technology capabilities and marketing efforts. Kingsoft has also maintained close cooperation with leading customers in traditional industries.
Kingsoft Office organized the 2nd Office Application Developer Conference in the third quarter of 2020 and brought together a diverse group of near 200 developers in its ecosystem. Kingsoft Office has launched innovative products such as WPS Document Writing and WPS Docs Online Preview during the period, and fully integrated the Linux version of Sogou Input Method into WPS for Linux Edition. Kingsoft Office has acquired Beijing Suwell Technology Co., Ltd. in the third quarter. Going forward, Kingsoft Office and Suwell’s collaboration in technology and product developments will drive the fixed-layout document format standards for government and enterprise customers.
During the quarter, Kingsoft Office’s personal subscription services maintained its rapid growth. The Company continued to explore innovative channels for marketing such as live-streaming e-commerce. In addition, WPS Docs has become the official office software supplier for the 31st Summer World University Games, and Kingsoft launched the WPS Office Education Edition. Kingsoft Office also entered into a smart office cooperation framework agreement with Tsinghua University, which further strengthened our presence in different market segments.
Online Games In the third quarter, revenue from the online games business reached to RMB788.2 million, represented a 19% growth year-on-year, mainly attributable to the continuous growth of the flagship JX Online III PC game. On 28 August 2020, Kingsoft celebrated the 11th anniversary of JX Online III PC game and shared with gamers the latest development of its technological innovation and content creation. In addition, Kingsoft introduced its development plans in film and television, music, animation, theatrical plays and e-sports which will help to further increase its user base and bring long-term growth potential to the core IP. On 29 October 2020, Kingsoft launched Feng Tian Zheng Dao, the anniversary expansion pack for JX Online III PC game, with a new season and enriched content, which brought players a better gaming experience. In addition, JX Online I mobile game has been renamed as New JX Online I: Yuan Qi Wang You with an all-new game appearance and received positive feedbacks from the players.
Mr. Jun LEI concluded, “In the third quarter, we once again demonstrated stable performance across all business divisions amidst a turbulent economic environment and complex international situations. We are confident in our strategy, business model, operation resilience and our prospects going forward. We will further strengthen our research and development capabilities, improve operational efficiency and promote product and service innovation. We will strive to provide our customers with excellent user experience, so as to achieve a sustainable growth in our business and create fruitful returns for our shareholders and business partners.”
About Kingsoft Corporation Limited Kingsoft is a leading software and Internet services company based in China listed on the stock exchange of Hong Kong. It has two subsidiaries including Seasun and Kingsoft Office. Following the implementation of its “mobile internet transformation” strategy, Kingsoft has completed the comprehensive transformation of its overall business and management models and formed a strategic platform with interactive entertainment and office software as the pillars and cloud services and AI as the new directions. The Company has more than 5,000 staff around the world and enjoys a large market share in China. For more information, please visit http://www.kingsoft.com.
Kingsoft Investor Relations: Francie Lu Tel: (86) 10 6292 7777 Email: ir@kingsoft.com
For further queries, please contact Hill+Knowlton Strategies Asia: Sophie Du Tel: (852) 2894 6264 Email: kingsoft@hkstrategies.com
On 16-19 November 2020 (09:00, GMT+8), The Future Energy Show Philippines (16-17 November) and The Future Energy Show Vietnam (18-19 November) launches live online, bringing together thousands of virtual participants to chart the future of energy in two of Southeast Asia’s most exciting markets.
With Vietnam’s growing population, industrialization, and position as the next cost-competitive global manufacturing hub the country’s demand for electricity is expected to increase to 526 billion kWh in 2030, an increase of 8.3 percent from 2021-30. Vietnam targets have 15-20% of its power capacity produced by renewable energy by 2030, doubling renewable energy capacity, to help achieve the goal of reliable energy and reduced carbon emissions in Vietnam.
To showcase possibilities in Vietnam’s renewable and smart energy industry, The Future Energy Show Vietnam, co-located live online with The Future Energy Show Philippines, will gather the energy sector ecosystem in the region to discuss industry strategies, trends, and key innovations to help local energy stakeholders in their work to achieve the growth of renewable energy.
On the morning of 17 November (09:30 PHT), Nguyen Nam Trung, Deputy Director of Business Development Department, EVNPECC3, and Nguyen Tuan Phat, Lawyer, The Blue Circle will kick-off the conference with a fireside chat on “Framework and DBO contracts form for renewable projects.” Following that, DNA Vietnam LLC’s Dang Chi Lieu takes the stage to address, “The future of solar auction in Vietnam,” while Hexagon Peak’s Founder & CEO, Milan Koev “Charts Vietnam’s rooftop solar future”. Yash Shah, Senior Vice President, Global Structured Finance of SMBC will also share about “Case studies: SMBC & Renewable energy projects financing.” Moving later into the morning, UL and Cleantech Solar leaders will also be sharing be energy storage applications and rooftop solar best practices.
At 3pm VNT, IFC – World Bank’s Senior Energy Specialist Shuvendu Bose will explore plans on “Driving solar power development in Vietnam”. Building on that, Hyunjung Lee, Senior Energy Economist, Asian Development Bank will evaluate “Financing challenges and possible solutions for scaling up clean energy investment in Vietnam.” The conference then takes on a more technical note with “Time domain calculation for Annual Energy Production – AEP,” a session conducted by EVNPECC3’s Renewable Energy Expert Le Thanh Vinh.
Headlining day 2 of the event (19 November), Nguyen Phuoc Quy Hai, Director, EVNSPC SCADA will share about Operating the grid with digital technologies. As if that wasn’t enough, leaders from USAID Clean Power Asia, Credit Guarantee & Investment Facility, Societe Generale, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Infraco Asia and Standard Chartered Bank battle it out on “Reaching bankability: Financing renewable energy projects in Vietnam”.
Over 40+ expert speakers will be addressing content on solar power, renewable energy financing, project development, energy storage, clean energy investment, innovation, energy efficiency and more across two channels. Alongside the conference, there will be a virtual exhibition hall, featuring world-class energy technology and innovations by leading solar players including Trina Solar, Jinko Solar, Huawei, Risen Energy, Hyundai Energy, AE Solar and many more.
The Future Energy Show Vietnam 2020 will take place back-to-back with The Future Energy Show Philippines creating a 4-day mega event on the future of energy in two of Southeast Asia’s most exciting and dynamic energy economies on 16-19 November. The virtual platform, networking, and on-demand sessions will also be available until the end of the year for registered attendees.
Attendance is free of charge. To get your passes and learn updates about the event, visit the official website at www.terrapinn.com/EnergyVN-ACN
The Future Energy Show Philippines and Vietnam 2020 – Virtual Edition FREE Admission to virtual exhibition & conference Date: 16-19 November 2020 Live online
About Terrapinn Terrapinn is a global events company. Our events promote innovation and technology that changes people’s lives. We partner with the world’s leading companies and innovators to make a difference.
For more information, please contact: Amanda Kwok Marketing Manager Email: amanda.kwok@terrapinn.com Telephone: (+65) 6322 2733
RIWI Corp. (TSXV: RIWI) (OTC Pink: RWCRF) (the “Company” or “RIWI”), a global trend-tracking and prediction technology firm, announces that BofA Securities has awarded an initial contract order to RIWI for over US$650,000 under its new three-year long-term agreement (the “Agreement”). BofA Securities represents the Bank of America’s institutional broker-dealer businesses, including Global Markets, Investment Banking, and Capital Markets.
This new contract order is the first request for RIWI data collection services under the Agreement signed between RIWI and BofA Securities on August 1, 2020. Under the Agreement, BofA Securities enjoys the opportunity to issue additional contract orders for RIWI data collection services – in any country of the world and on a broad range of topics affecting the global economy – up to July 31, 2023. This is the second three-year agreement RIWI has won with BofA Securities to date.
“This new, exciting work reflects RIWI’s commitment to client delivery excellence and our commitment to innovative and proprietary data collection techniques for analysts and economists in diverse sectors and with investment interests across the world,” said Neil Seeman, RIWI’s Chief Executive Officer.
RIWI’s offerings for the finance sector include: predictions about major geopolitical events that significantly impact equities and markets; high-frequency data on the behavioral and labor market impacts of public health phenomena, such as COVID-19 vaccine approvals and vaccine hesitancy; and real-time analytics about fast-changing consumer sentiment, employment, and business investment trends across China.
RIWI and the Future of Data Collection – Public Webinar, November 19, 3:30 pm Eastern Standard Time:
Please join us for: “The Legacy Polling Industry’s ‘Instrument Error’ and the US 2020 Presidential Election – Why RIWI and other Anonymous Prediction Tools are Making the ‘Art’ of Polling Obsolete”.
RIWI is among the only data organizations in the world to have defied media and consensus polling wisdom in the 2020 US election (RIWI always predicted an extremely close Electoral College race) and the 2016 US election (RIWI predicted an Electoral College win for President Donald J. Trump and the popular vote for Secretary Hillary Clinton). RIWI also predicted the outcomes of the key 2018 US Senate races, the turnout model that would define the outcome of Brexit and many market-moving, significant events across the globe, starting with the fall of the Mubarak regime in February 2011. In this talk, Jennifer Curley, President and CEO of Curley Company and publisher of The Association 100, the newsletter that provides actionable strategies and trends to top association executives across the United States, interviews Neil Seeman, founder and CEO of RIWI, to discuss why instrument error is the core problem with traditional polling – and why it is getting worse. Prior to founding Curley Company, Ms. Curley served as a Vice President at Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, where she ran the technology policy practice. During the Administration of President Bill Clinton, she was a political appointee in the Protocol Office of the White House and Department of State. Ms. Curley started her career in the United States Senate as an aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
RIWI is a global trend-tracking and prediction technology firm. On a monthly or annual subscription basis, RIWI offers its clients tracking surveys, continuous risk monitoring, predictive analytics and ad effectiveness tests in all countries – without collecting any personally identifiable data. https://riwi.com/
RIWI CORP. Signed: “Neil Seeman” Neil Seeman, Chief Executive Officer
For more information, please contact: Daniel Im, Chief Financial Officer danielim@riwi.com | +1-416-205-9984 ext. 2
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:
Information and statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation that involves risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information included herein is made as of the date of this news release and RIWI does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update forward-looking information unless required by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information relates to future events or future performance and reflects management of the Company’s expectations or beliefs regarding future events. This forward-looking information is based, in part, on assumptions and factors that may change or prove to be incorrect, thus causing actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking information.
Today, Blockpass has revealed its latest partner in the form of Base Protocol, a synthetic crypto asset that derives its price from the total market cap of all cryptocurrencies. Blockpass will be providing eKYC services to Base Protocol, which is currently preparing to launch its private BASE token pre-sale.
Described at the ‘S&P 500 for crypto’, Base Protocol acts as a one-stop trading instrument which allows holders to speculate on all cryptocurrencies simultaneously, rather than just one or a select portfolio of multiple. It allows traders to agnostically invest in the entire crypto ecosystem. Although this is its primary function, BASE tokens can also be used for other means, such as a safe transitory currency when trading between other cryptocurrencies with volatile prices, a price reference for all cryptocurrencies, or as a lending instrument to hedge on leveraged crypto trading.
Blockpass is a digital identity verification provider which provides a one-click compliance gateway to financial services and other regulated industries. From the Blockpass Mobile App, users can create, store, and manage a data-secure digital identity that can be used for an entire ecosystem of services, token purchases and access to regulated industry. For businesses and merchants, Blockpass is a comprehensive KYC & AML SaaS that requires no integration and no setup cost. You can set up a service in minutes, test the service for free and start verifying and on-boarding users.
“We’re very excited to be working with Base Protocol.” said Adam Vaziri, Blockpass CEO. “Cryptocurrencies have been notorious for price volatility and the sheer volume of different options available; having a token that is linked to the entire market is a great way to provide opportunities and mitigate all number of risks associated with cryptocurrency trading. By providing KYC services we can enable a safe, secure and regulatory compliant experience for Base Protocol and its users.”
“Base Protocol reviewed a variety of different KYC options when determining who to choose for our pre-sale. We ultimately chose to go with Blockpass as our partnered provider because they had the most intuitive, and flexible KYC portal that we were able to easily integrate onto our website.” Said Dylan Senter, Base Protocol Co-Founder and Business Development. “Blockpass is clearly built to align with the needs of any crypto company doing KYC, and they have the most affordable payment structure. Our favorite thing about Blockpass is that there is no minimum number of KYC checks that we must purchase. We have been very happy with our Blockpass experience so far, and will definitely be using them moving forward.”
Blockpass has grown significantly in size and use since its inception, both in the number and range of companies it has partnered with, and the scope of its work. Blockpass continues to develop its digital identity protocol with updates and additions to improve the compliance experience. Blockpass has seen rapidly increasing numbers of users in the past year as its identity verification solution is used for ICOs, STOs and IEOs, including supporting a number of successful fundraisers in the past few months.
With a current 90%+ discount on its services, a fact made possible due to the unique reusable nature of its verification method and put in place to help as many people as possible access KYC in the current pandemic, there has never been a better time to explore the potential of Blockpass. The Blockpass App is available from the App Store and Google Play.
About Blockpass
Blockpass is a fast, fully comprehensive KYC & AML screening software-as-a-service for Crypto, Defi and other regulated industries. With Blockpass, you get an unmatched set of benefits for any compliance service that includes pay-as-you-go, no setup cost, no integration necessary, free testing, immediate launch and at the lowest cost. Blockpass’ KYC Connect(TM) platform enables businesses to select requirements for customer onboarding that can include ID authentication, face-matching, address checking, AML ongoing monitoring and/or screening of sanctions lists, politically exposed persons (PEP), and adverse media. Through Blockpass, end-users easily create a verified portable identity that they can control and re-use to onboard with any service instantly.
The Base Protocol acts as a one-stop trading instrument which allows holders to speculate on the entire crypto industry simultaneously, rather than just one token or a select portfolio of multiple. This should be valuable for outsiders interested in crypto investing who don’t know which assets they “should” buy. It will also be useful for institutional investors seeking to diversify crypto exposure to the entire industry, and general crypto traders looking to hedge or diversify their investments.
Base Protocol (BASE) is a token whose price is pegged to the total market cap of all cryptocurrencies at a ratio of 1 : 1 trillion. BASE allows traders to speculate on the entire crypto industry with one token. If crypto market cap is $350B, BASE is $0.35. If crypto market cap is $700B, BASE is $0.70.
Declared an Interim Dividend of 4.0 HK Cents per share
Grand Ming Group Holdings Limited (the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”, stock code: 1271.HK) today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2020 (“FH 2020/21”).
Highlights – Revenue amounted to approximately HK$786.1 million, up by 114% from the last corresponding period. – Net profit reached approximately $70.2 million, representing an increase of 60%. – Underlying profit increased by 223% to approximately HK$83.4 million, excluding the change in fair value of investment properties. – Declared payment of an interim dividend of 4.0 HK cents per share. – Stays positive towards the booming business of data centre leasing, aiming at developing into two new high-tier data centres in near future. – Seizes opportunities to increase land reserve for property development in Hong Kong and cautiously eyes on the Mainland China market.
The Group’s consolidated revenue increased 114% from HK$367.5 million for the six months ended 30 September 2019 (“FH 2019/20”) to HK$786.1 million for FH 2020/21. The increase was primarily due to a rise in revenue recognition from the construction segment, in which the construction project in Kai Tak, Kowloon was progressing in full swing and recorded a substantial work in progress during the FH 2020/21.
The Group’s net profit for FH 2020/21 was approximately HK$70.2 million, representing an increase of approximately 60% when compared to that of approximately $44.0 million for FH 2019/20. Earnings per share was 4.9 HK cents (2019 (restated): 3.1 HK cents). The Group’s underlying profit for FH 2020/21, excluding the change in fair value of investment properties, amounted to approximately HK$83.4 million, representing an increase of approximately 223% as compared to an underlying profit of approximately $25.8 million for FH 2019/20. Underlying earnings per share was 5.9 HK cents (2019 (restated): 1.8 HK cents). The increase in net profit was mainly benefited from (i) the increase in revenue recognised from the construction segment; and (ii) a higher margin attained from the sales of one duplex and one typical unit in Cristallo, as compared to three typical units sold in the corresponding period of last financial year.
It is the Company’s policy to reward its shareholders by sharing part of its profits while ensuring that sufficient working capital are reserved for future development. The Board now declares to pay an interim dividend of 4.0 HK cents (2019: 4.0 HK cents) per share, payable on 16 December 2020 to shareholders whose names appear on the Company’s register of members on 4 December 2020.
During FH 2020/21, revenue derived from the construction business increased by approximately 227% or HK$373.6 million, from approximately HK$164.4 million for FH 2019/20 to approximately HK$538.0 million for FH 2020/21. The increase was primarily attributed to the construction project at Kai Tak that was in full swing and had substantial work in progress during the period under review.
The Group’s data centre leasing business remained buoyant during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Revenue derived from this segment increased approximately 8.6% or HK$6.2 million, from approximately HK$71.9 million for FH 2019/20 to approximately HK$78.1 million for FH 2020/21, primarily driven by the higher utilisation rate of iTech Tower 2 from newly committed customers. In September 2020, the Group completed the acquisition of two parcels of land in Fanling, New Territories for the purpose of developing into two new high-tier data centres.
The Grand Marine, the Group’s first residential property development project located at Tsing Yi, New Territories, provides a saleable area of approximately 345,000 square feet for 776 residential units comprising one-bedroom to four-bedroom and special units. Superstructure works have commenced and are going on in good progress. The whole project is expected to be completed by late 2021. The project has received tremendous responses from the market since its pre-sale in November 2019. Approximately 86% of the residential units had been sold, with cumulative presale proceeds of approximately HK$4.23 billion being recorded.
The Group’s luxury residential project, CRISTALLO, at No. 279 Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon was also well-received by the market. During FH 2020/21, sales and delivery of two apartments had been completed, and revenue of approximately HK$170 million was recognized accordingly. Furthermore, the Group entered into six provisional sales and purchase agreements for six apartments with an aggregate contract sum of HK$235.7 million. Completion of these 6 apartments are scheduled to take place between December 2020 and October 2021.
In order to increase its land bank, the Group also entered into a provisional sale and purchase agreement in early November 2020, in respect of the acquisition of a piece of land at No.1 Luen Fat Street, Fanling, New Territories, with a site area of approximately 6,800 square feet. The acquisition is scheduled to be completed in January 2021 and its consideration will be settled by the Group’s internal resources and/or bank borrowings.
Mr. Chan Hung Ming, Chairman and Executive Director of Grand Ming Group Holdings concluded, “Year 2020 is a COVID-19 pandemic year that poses huge challenges to different businesses. It also brought much of global economic activity to a halt during the first half of the year and the path to full recovery remains long and uncertain. While cautiously exploring for suitable property development projects in Mainland China, the Group will also utilize its existing resources to increase our land reserve in Hong Kong. In the meantime, we strive to promote the sales of the remaining units in the Grand Marine and Cristallo. On the other hand, we envision that the surging growth in the use of digital technology as a result of the pandemic will lead to high demands for new high-tier data centres. We acquired two parcels of greenfield land for the proposed high-tier data centre development in a move to expand our data centre capacities and seize the upcoming rising demand opportunities. For the construction segment, we currently maintain our focus in completing the projects in hand and adopt a ‘wait and see’ attitude in tendering new construction projects in face of the fierce market competition.”
About Grand Ming Group Holdings Limited (Stock code: 1271.HK) The Group is principally engaged in the business of building construction, property leasing and property development. As a local wholesale co-location provider of high-tier data centres, the Group is one of the dedicated service providers in Hong Kong which owns and uses the entire building for leasing to customers for data centre use. Its clientele includes multinational data centre operator, telecommunications company and financial institutions. The Group currently owns two high-tier data centre buildings, namely iTech Tower 1 and iTech Tower 2. It also acquired two parcels of land in Fanling, New Territories for developing into two new high-tier data centres. With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, the Group also provides building construction services as a main contractor, and is involved in residential property development projects with prominent local developers, as well as offering alteration, renovation and fitting-out services for existing buildings in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Group is developing a residential development project namely “The Grand Marine” at Sai Shan Road, Tsing Yi, as well as selling a luxury residential project, Cristallo, at Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon.
The new plug-in hybrid engine enables a world-leading 43% BTE
On November 13, BYD launched the DM-i hybrid technology alongside the official announcement of the high efficiency version, which is dedicated for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), of the 1.5L Xiaoyun engine. As a leader in new energy vehicles (NEVs), the announcements underline BYD’s lead in strategically segmenting its plug-in hybrid technologies. After defining new performance standards for PHEVs with the DM-p technology, BYD continues to break new ground with the DM-i, this time prioritizing ultra-efficient fuel consumption.
Eric Li, Deputy General Manager of BYD Auto Sales (Middle) presenting tech details of Xiaoyun Engine.
The new highly efficient 1.5L plug-in hybrid engine, is specifically built for the DM-i hybrid technology. With a Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) of 43%, it stands as the world’s highest thermally efficient gasoline engine in production. The engine’s immense fuel efficiency easily meets China’s newest national emissions standards, while also providing a distinctly smooth and quiet driving experience.
The DM-i Hybrid Technology – Bold new advances for a more fuel-efficient world In the Chinese government’s recent New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Plan (2021-2035), NEVs are expected to account for 20% of the total sales of new vehicles in China by 2025. Among these, the path for PHEVs shows immense potential.
By leveraging its Dual Platform strategy, BYD’s dual-mode (DM) hybrid technologies – the DM-p and the DM-i – further enhances the competitiveness of PHEVs against traditional fuel vehicles.
The DM-p platform, with a focus on exceptional performance, provides a power output that surpasses large fuel cars. This has drawn the interest of consumer groups that strongly care about environmental protection and sustainable lifestyles, while also holding high expectations for driving experiences.
New models with the DM-i hybrid technology will see a wide array of improvements, including further reductions in fuel consumption, faster acceleration, smoother and quieter rides, and more environmentally-friendly electric power. When compared to traditional fuel cars, vehicles equipped with DM-i hybrid technology stand out as superior products with their enhancement of driving experiences while being less reliant on fossil fuels. In addition, the prices of models with the DM-i hybrid technology are similar to the cost (tax and fee included) of fuel vehicles of the same type from outside of China. This is positioned to be a significant shift in the competition between PHEVs and fuel vehicles, impacting consumer and market perceptions of NEVs.
Eric Li, Deputy General Manager of BYD Auto Sales, said, “BYD has always insisted on self-reliance to build its core technology. With our advantages in new energy technologies, we have achieved major breakthroughs in several key areas. The DM-i hybrid will rigorously accelerate the replacement of traditional fuel cars with new energy vehicles.”
The Xiaoyun engine – Hardcore technology for premium thermal efficiency Powering the ultra-high thermal efficiency of the Xiaoyun is a multitude of innovative technical features, allowing it to reach its world-leading 43% BTE.
The Xiaoyun boasts an ultra-high compression ratio (CR) of 15.5, an increased B/S ratio, an Atkinson cycle for improved combustion efficiency, an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, a series of friction-reducing measures and an engine control system that is uniquely optimized for high thermal efficiency targets.
In addition, the Xiaoyun engine takes full advantage of the electrification of plug-in hybrid models, electrifying accessories and removing the traditional front-engine accessory drive system, further reducing wear and tear and improving efficiency.
For the first time ever, BYD has implemented split cooling technology for an engine. Through on-demand cylinder head and cylinder block temperature measurements, this enables precise and accurate cooling for the Xiaoyun engine to reach optimal running temperatures. By mitigating heating losses, this shortens the length of warming up the engine after a cold start by 15-20%, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions during the process.
To dramatically improve noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance, the engine has specially-optimized designs for the crankshaft, bearings, cylinder block, intake manifold, oil pan, timing cover, cylinder head cover and other components of the plug-in hybrid system.
About BYD BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest privately-owned enterprises. Since its inception in 1995, the company quickly developed solid expertise in rechargeable batteries and became a relentless advocate of sustainable development, successfully expanding its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 50 countries and regions. Its creation of a Zero Emissions Energy Ecosystem – comprising affordable solar power generation, reliable energy storage, and cutting-edge electrified transportation – has made it an industry leader in the energy and transportation sectors. BYD is listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. More information on the company can be found at http://www.byd.com.
Contacts In Asia-Pacific: Richard Li pr@byd.com; tel:+86-755-8988-8888-69666
