Category: Agritech

Sri Trang introduces an alternative job “Super Driver” to traditional natural rubber planter

  • To create natural rubber delivery network from plantations to factories, strengthening ‘Sri Trang Ecosystem’

Sri Trang Agro-Industry PCL (SET: STA) opens Aappplications for whom is interested to become Super Drivers, creatipng a secondary career and extra income for rubber planter and building rubber delivery network from plantations to factories of the Sri Trang Group. In order to connect all stakeholders in the rubber industry ecosystem and for STA to play a part in the drive towards the digital age.

Mr. Veerasith Sinchareonkul, Managing Director & Executive Director of Sri Trang Agro-Industry PCL (SET: STA), one of the world’s biggest leaders in the integrated natural rubber business, revealed that following the Company’s launch of the “Sri Trang Friends” Application, which was the first and the main Application that integrated various services to support plantation owners and trading partners, as well as other related services through the digital system, until recently when the new “Sri Trang Friends Station” was launched as the rubber trading program to allow interested natural rubber planters across the country to apply to join, to facilitate a more transparent and professional rubber trading business. This is a major development that will propel the Thai rubber industry towards the digital age, connecting all the people involved in Thailand’s natural rubber industry ecosystem.

Most recently, the Sri Trang Group initiated the new “Super Driver” model, acting as “heroes” of the rubber planters to provide rubber delivery services to Sri Trang rubber factories for fellow rubber planters who may be constrained by distance. The “Super Drivers” will pick up the rubber from plantation owners who require this service and then deliver the products to Sri Trang factories, thus alleviating the problems associated with approaching the factories and the delivery of rubber. Initially, the program is being launched as pilot projects in Loei and Ubon Ratchathani provinces and will soon be introduced throughout the country.

The major differences that makes the “Super Driver” model special are the approach and the application process. The main target groups are the rubber planters or those with families in the rubber plantation or rubber delivery businesses with their own delivery trucks and who like to earn extra income while being ready to be the representatives for delivery, and collect various types of natural rubber, such as fresh latex, cup lump rubber, raw rubber sheets and ribbed smoked rubber sheets from plantations in nearby vicinity to be delivered to factories in the Sri Trang Group. The main objective of the “Super Driver” recruitment is to create an additional income stream for rubber planters and related people, along with to help the rubber planters to have direct access to the factories as if having the factories located right on the gates of their plantations. This is also in line with the Company’s policy to conduct its businesses sustainably by caring for the stakeholders in all sectors.

There are no application fees for the applicants. Moreover, they will receive the following benefits : 1) the ready-for-use POS with downloaded Application; 2) a floor-stand weighing scale; 3) A gift set for Super Driver, etc. The income from the delivery of rubber to the factory plus the diligence bonus for each “Super Driver” is expected to approximately amount to18,500 baht per month.

“Our big mission is to create additional income stream for people in and around rubber plantations by they becoming ‘Super Drivers’ so they can elevate the quality of life. In addition, the model will provide easy access and opportunities for plantations that are located far away to be able to access the factories more readily while connecting all the people involved in the rubber industry ecosystem through the Application that has been developed by the Company. In the near future, the ‘Sri Trang Friends’ and ‘Sri Trang Friends Station’ Applications that support the two groups of users – rubber traders and the ‘Super Driver’ applicants – will have some connected functions that are aimed to be a positive and sustainable development towards the ‘Sri Trang Friends Ecosystem'”, Mr. Veerasith concluded.

Visit Sri Trang Gloves PCL (SET: STGT) (SGX: STGT) at https://www.sritranggloves.com/en.

Released for Sri Trang Gloves PCL by MT Multimedia Co Ltd
Wasana “Jeab” Wongsiri, T: +66 (0) 84 359 0659, +66 (0) 2 612 2081 ext. 131; E: wasana.w@mtmultimedia.com

The GrowHub Innovations Company and Tangobar Announce Partnership for Sustainable Regional Community Development and ASEAN market penetration

The GrowHub Innovations Company (“The GrowHub”), Asia Pacific’s only Web 3-enabled plug-and-play ecosystem builder for food traceability and carbon credits, announced its strategic partnership with Kyoto’s leading craft canning producer and food experience provider Tangobar LLC. (“tangobar”). Tangobar is committed to the development of canned foods using local agricultural and marine products as well as food promotion events. The GrowHub will be providing its proprietary Web-3 technology to Tangobar to support the sustainable development of the local community in Kyoto Prefecture (Kyoto by the Sea) and the penetration of its products in the ASEAN market.

With a goal of maximizing local food resources, knowledge, and techniques to promote the diversity of Kyoto’s rich landscape, Tangobar seeks to create a harmonious relationship between food producers and consumers to develop a sustainable food culture that is beneficial for all. The GrowHub’s mission of fostering sustainable and conscious trade and providing authentic food that consumers can trust via Web-3 technology aligns with Tangobar’s efforts to contribute to the local environment and communities.

The GrowHub’s unique blockchain solution, which enables direct two-way communication with consumers, will enable Tangobar to tell the rich story of its products and the local community in northern Kyoto while providing them the insights needed to expand and create demand for their product offerings among ASEAN consumers. By creating demand for food experience programs and local food processing, Tangobar hopes to contribute to new employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth in the region.

Dr. Daiki Nakaoka, the Country Head of The GrowHub Japan shared, “We are very pleased to partner with Tangobar, which contributes to the sustainable development of local communities. While many rural areas in Japan have wonderful food resources, they are faced with the challenges of increasing employment opportunities for locals and re-innovating food experience programs with environmental considerations. This partnership significantly enhances the opportunities for local communities to thrive in ASEAN in a sustainable manner.”

According to the ASEAN Food and Nutrition Security Report 2021, the shift in food retailing is resulting in increased consumption of unhealthy foods and diminishing the often critical role of informal traders in meeting the food and nutrition needs of communities. It is crucial for food producers to showcase transparency and provide extensive background on ingredients/products to end food consumers. By scaling-up sustainable agricultural practices in ASEAN, The GrowHub supports the livelihoods of small-scale food producers, while helping curb carbon gas emissions to push back impending catastrophe.

Mr. Naoya Seki, Founder, and CEO of Tangobar mentioned, “The GrowHub is a key player in distributing products that contribute to the development of a sustainable environment and society in ASEAN. It is beyond challenging to scale local food resources to potential consumers beyond Japan. As such, The GrowHub comes in as a bridge to enable us to communicate directly with ASEAN consumers. Through this, we are better able to tailor our products according to the needs and demands of new audiences. We are looking forward to our strong partnership with The GrowHub and future roadmaps for consumers to visit our production facilities in Kyoto.”

With the mission of “bringing consumers and producers closer together”, Tangobar commits to utilise local food resources, food knowledge, and techniques to improve the holistic well-being of people and nature. Moving forward, The Growhub will continue to strengthen Tangobar’s food offerings in the landscape and contribute to the sustainable development of local food communities in ASEAN.

About The GrowHub Innovations Company

The GrowHub Innovations Company (www.thegrowhub.co) is Asia Pacific’s only Web 3-enabled technology plug-and-play ecosystem builder focusing on food traceability and carbon credits. The GrowHub has strong and exclusive relations with the government bodies in Western Australia and Singapore – Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA) and PEEL Development, Shire of Murray. Currently, in eight markets across Australia and Asia Pacific, The GrowHub offers access to trusted premium products at affordable rates through the development of new agri-food and blockchain technologies emerging from our innovation centre at FIPWA. With the capital, network, and expertise, we use technology to improve the experience of “farm-to-fork”. From crunching data to enable producers to improve yields, to leveraging statistics to enable better transportation of produce, to the information on the quality of food you pay for at the table, our blockchain technology allows for full food traceability across the supply chain – so that you can trust in the food you eat. To find out more about GrowHub please visit: https://thegrowhub.co/

About Tangobar

Tangobar is a company engaged in the development of canned and other processed foods, and food experience programs, mainly in the Kyoto by the Sea area. With the MISSION of “bringing consumers and producers closer together”, tangobar is engaged in the business of delivering the attractiveness of local foods by utilizing local food resources, food knowledge, and techniques. In rural areas such as the Kyoto by the Sea area, there is nature such as oceans and mountains that nurtures rich foods that are not found in urban areas. Many food producers in these areas benefit from that nature. What we want to convey is the story that nature and people mutually create by the time the food reaches our mouths. By communicating these stories, we aim to create a relationship between the people who produce the food and the people who eat it. We believe that this relationship will lead to a sustainable food environment that is healthy for both people and nature, where the people who eat the food, the people who produce the food, and nature all care for each other. To find out more about Tangobar please visit: https://www.tangobar.co.jp/

For Media Enquires, Please Contact:
PRecious Communications for GrowHub
growhub@preciouscomms.com

PLS seals exclusive distributorship with China’s COFCO

  • Dulai Fruits to partner with one of world’s largest agrifood groups to advance durian business

PLS Plantations Berhad trading and export subsidiary, Dulai Fruits Enterprise Sdn Bhd cemented their export and exclusive distribution agreement with COFCO Food Import Co. Ltd, the import and distribution subsidiary of China Oil and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO) in Shanghai.

Back (L-R): Ms Zhengfeng, Mr. Eric Chan, CEO of Dulai Fruits, Ms. Wu Yiran, Vice General Manager of COFCO Food Import Co,. Ltd, Mr. Qiao Qingsong, Assistant General Manager of COFCO Food Import Co., Ltd; Front (L-R): Mr. Kenny Loh, Sales Director of Dulai Fruits, Mr. Jiao Guangyun, General Manager of Fruit Division of COFCO Food Import Co., Ltd

COFCO is China’s leader in the agricultural and food industry and a world leading agri-product trader with a global footprint with fully integrated value-chain. It is also China’s largest food processor, manufacturer, and trader.

The agreement was formalised in Shanghai, China.

This exclusive distribution agreement was inked after months of extensive engagements and evaluation by COFCO. This further re-enforced PLS’s track record and commitment to developing sustainable models in support of the Malaysia’s food security programme, that aims to scale the production of agriculture and aquaculture produce through strategic partnerships and joint-ventures with established and experienced farms and farmers.

PLS is a public-private-partnership (PPP) company which has a long history in co-operating with the State and Federal Government, and its related agencies. The major shareholder of PLS has worked with the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) since 1974 and also other land development and plantation agencies responsible for working with rural communities in the form of small holder farms. Part of PLS’s food security programme is to foster the planting of different cash crops such as oil palm, rubber, paddy, cocoa to forest plantations, and promote related economic activities such food processing.

Present for the signing of the agreement today at Shanghai are Ms. Wu Yiran, the Vice General Manager of COFCO Food Import CO., Ltd, whilst Mr Eric Chan, CEO of Dulai Fruits are on site as representatives of the Group.

Ms. Wu Yiran of COFCO said, “The demand for durian in China has been growing over the years, where in the span of four (4) years between 2017 and 2020, China’s annual import value of fresh durian has increased more than threefold. In fact, the General Administration of Customs saw the People Republic of China (PRC) importing 822 million kilogrammes of durian in 2021, which translates to an import value of $4.2 billion. With the local demand for fresh durian likely to continue increasing, we pleased to finalise this exclusive distributorship agreement which this partnership will ensure a steady supply of fresh, high-quality fruit and products, specifically for unique varieties of durian that can only be grown in Malaysia such as Musang King, Red Prawn, and D24, to name a few.

PLS is the only listed company in Malaysia that is sponsoring the food security programme and owns durian plantations. Dulai Fruit, a GTC certified company by PRC and is one of the pioneers certified to export durian from Malaysia to China. In addition, Dulai Fruits also has a noteworthy track record as a major processor and exporter of durian to China, especially their experience and expertise in developing frozen durian products and deep industry experience in cold chain logistics and warehousing.

With this exclusive distribution partnership, both PLS and COFCO aim to achieve an annual growth rate of 30% (annual import volume of 200 million yuan) in all types of durian imported from Malaysia over the next three (3) years.

This will lay a good foundation for bilateral investment in agriculture between the two parties moving forward, and together the two countries – China and Malaysia – will make proactive contributions to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Lee Hun Kheng, Group CEO of PLS said, “We have been working with COFCO prior to the pandemic and are pleased to be certified under China’s rigorous quality and food safety requirements. China’s emphasis on food security sets a high bar in terms of quality from its suppliers globally. This agreement is a significant milestone for PLS as it further established our long-term strategy to develop a comprehensive, end-to-end agrofood ecosystem that will support the production, processing and distribution of our products locally and internationally.”

Lee added, “Through COFCO, Malaysia’s durian will be distributed to China’s most populous cities and provinces, reaching a potential audience in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. This milestone is another step towards our goal to be a leading agrofood producer in which, our fresh, high quality durian fruit and products forms the backbone.”

“This will also be an opportunity for PLS to distribute Malaysian produce to China and the world, whilst ensuring that Malaysians continue to have access to affordable, quality produce. We are looking forward to putting Malaysia on the global map in terms of our local produce, especially our unique durian varieties, and to grow Malaysia’s durian market share in one of the world’s largest countries and markets. We are working hard to ensure that we meet the booming food and durian demand in both China and Malaysia, and are also optimistic that this partnership will be one of the many we will establish as we continue our expansion into different cash crops”, Lee said.

Eric Chan, CEO of Dulai Fruits said, “We are very excited to be here and to co-operate with COFCO and COFCO Food to increase the access to, and availability of Malaysia’s unique durian offerings across the different provinces in China to cater to rising demand. Prominent varieties such as Musang King, Tekka, and Black Thorn, among others, are unique to Malaysia due to our country’s climate, rainfall patterns and water source to its distinct soil composition around our Titiwangsa mountain range.”

Eric added, “This environment and geographical combination enable different durian varieties to thrive and produce the exceptional unique tastes and flavours that our high-quality Malaysian durians are increasingly known for. We are confident that this partnership will open more opportunities for Dulai Fruits to offer new and innovative products that will fortify Malaysia’s position as the producer of top-quality durians globally.”

COFCO, founded in 1949, is the leader of the agricultural and food industry in China, and one of the world’s leading agri-product traders. COFCO’s unique advantages in global distribution, fully-integrated value chain, and agricultural innovations, as well as its seat in the world’s largest emerging market make it one of the world’s leading agribusinesses, ready to build even more stable food corridors between major production areas and emerging markets.

PLS Plantations Berhad: 9695 / [BURSA: PLS], https://plsplantations.my/

The Growhub Innovations Company Announces Joint Project with Koufuku Group to Explore Asean Market Penetration

The GrowHub Innovations Company (“The GrowHub”), Asia Pacific’s only Web3-enabled plug-and-play ecosystem builder for food traceability and carbon credits, and KOUFUKU GROUP, a Japanese food company with over 50 years of history, have signed an MoU partnership for a joint project on market penetration using The GrowHub’s proprietary Web3 technology.

This partnership will further enhance Japan’s food traceability for Japanese consumers by enabling access to blockchain-driven technology solutions. The GrowHub’s Web3 technology provides food manufacturers with an evidence-based understanding of the conditions necessary for market penetration of their products in the ASEAN market. In addition, GrowHub can also help food companies meet market penetration requirements.

Dr. Daiki Nakaoka, the Country Head of GrowHub Japan, said, “The ASEAN market, which is expected to grow significantly, is attractive to many food manufacturers. However, the question and challenge of whether and how to gain acceptance of their products in that market is always a hurdle that is not low for food manufacturers to expand. This project would be one example that GrowHub’s unique Web3 technology demonstrates it can answer such questions to the food manufacturers and help them solve such challenges.

To ensure safety, provenance and traceability, GrowHub uses a proprietary blockchain-enabled technology platform that provides rich data-driven insights to agrifood producers and third-party solution providers by allowing partners to integrate directly into an existing system through GrowHub APIs. The information recorded on the blockchain is secure and non-reversible giving true transparency to the ecosystem.

About The GrowHub Innovations Company

The GrowHub Innovations Company ( www.thegrowhub.co ) is Asia Pacific’s only Web 3-enabled technology plug-and-play ecosystem builder focusing on food traceability and carbon credits. The GrowHub has strong and exclusive relations with the government bodies in Western Australia and Singapore – Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA) and PEEL Development, Shire of Murray. Currently in eight markets across Australia and Asia Pacific, The GrowHub offers access to trusted premium products at affordable rates through the development of new agri-food and blockchain technologies emerging from our innovation centre at FIPWA. With the capital, network and expertise, we use technology to improve the experience of “farm-to-fork”. From crunching data to enable producers to improve yields, to leveraging statistics to enable better transportation of produce, to the information on the quality of food you pay for at the table, our blockchain technology allows for full food traceability across the supply chain – so that you can trust in the food you eat.

About KOUFUKU GROUP

KOUFUKU GROUP was founded in 1968 as a rice shop and has been supporting food, beauty, and health in Japan for more than 50 years. Amidst growing social awareness of food safety and security, we have been aiming to create new value as a manufacturer that consistently provides delicious and safe food products, supports consumers’ eating habits, and maximizes the any further potential of food products. Furthermore, we also engages in businesses that focus on the happiness and future of people by developing high-quality health and beauty products and researching biomass for the beauty and health as well as the creation of a sustainable society. Under the corporate identity of “Science Materials and Create Happiness,” our business activities aim to realize a sustainable society, an extension of healthy life expectancy, a beautiful and glowing lifestyle, a safe and renewable food distribution, and carbon neutrality by the year 2030.

To find out more about GrowHub please visit: https://thegrowhub.co/

For Media Enquires, Please Contact:
PRecious Communications for GrowHub
growhub@preciouscomms.com

Pursued progress while ensuring stability and built up momentum, Legend Holdings realized revenue of RMB237,685 million in the first half of 2022

Legend Holdings Corporation (HKG: 3396) announced today the unaudited condensed consolidated interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2022 (the Reporting Perio”). During the Reporting Period, the Company’s revenue was RMB237,685 million and the net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company amounted to RMB2,131 million.

Mr. Li Peng, Executive Director and CEO of Legend Holdings, said that in the face of the complex international environment, in the first half of 2022, Legend Holdings pursued progress while ensuring stability, and deepened the strategic thinking of “industrial operation, technological innovation”, made steady improvement in its corporate competitiveness and operational efficiency, and further strengthened its investment and layout in the field of science and technology innovation; At the same time, we gave full play to the role of “chain leader”, practiced the concept of green development, actively fulfilled corporate social responsibility, and devoted ourselves to contribute to the high-quality development of China’s economy.

During the Reporting Period, Legend Holdings further consolidated the foundation of its industrial operations and strengthened its operational management. The revenue of the segment increased by 4% year-on-year to RMB235,775 million, and the net profit attributable to the equity holders of Legend Holdings increased by 20% year-on-year to RMB2,830 million.

  • Lenovo achieved revenue and profit growth for the ninth consecutive quarter. While maintaining its position as the world’s No.1 PC maker, Lenovo accelerated the development of new growth drivers with the revenue share of the non-PC business reaching a new high of 37% in the second quarter
  • Levima Group took the lead in achieving import substitution in the field of EVA photovoltaic materials. In the first quarter, the upgrading and transformation of EVA devices realized the expected effect, and the result in the second quarter reached a new high. In addition, the company continued to focus on the field of new materials, advancing the new projects in an orderly manner, and entered the field of electronic specialty gas;
  • The core business of Joyvio Group develops well as a whole. Joy Wing Mau continued to improve its vertically integrated fruit supply chain and achieved rapid growth in revenue. Global demand and prices for seafood products continued to rebound, and the revenue and profit of Joyvio Food have been improved;
  • With a healthy core capital adequacy ratio and strong international credit ratings, Banque Internationale a Luxembourg S.A. (“BIL”) achieved solid growth – successfully navigating the challenges faced by Europe’s economy. Meanwhile, BIL obtained QFLP status in Shenzhen, through which it will further support the introduction of foreign capital into China’s market and other initiatives.

During the Reporting Period, the industrial incubations and investments segment delivered stable and sound growth despite capital market volatility.

  • Legend Capital raised funds of RMB3.5 billion, invested in 26 new projects, and 4 portfolio companies went public;
  • Legend Star invested in nearly 20 new projects, more than 40 enterprises under management completed their next funding round, and it exited approximately 10 projects. The first round closing of the firm’s fifth USD fund and the final closing of its artificial intelligence special fund were also completed.;
  • Fullhan Microelectronics’s market share has significantly increased, and its performance has achieved growth. It continued to invest in mid- and high-end surveillance products to enhance profitability, and the expediting growth of smart home & smart automotive products has served as new driving engines;
  • Lakala maintained China’s No. 2 operator in terms of bank card transaction volume and leading operator in QR code payments. At the same time, it proactively provided technological support for other businesses;
  • The production and operation of Eastern Air Logistics have recovered steadily and achieved steady improvement in performance;
  • Zhengqi Holdings focused on the field of scientific and technological innovation, carried out industrial exploration and investment layout, and has so far helped 11 of its portfolio companies in total successfully go public;
  • JC Finance & Leasing achieved solid performance and year-on-year revenue growth amid the pandemic.

Increasing investment in scientific and technological innovation, adhering to innovation-driven development and continuously supporting the growth of Specialized and Innovative Enterprises

Legend Holdings stays true to its original aspiration of “revitalizing the country through business”. It has further increased its investment in technological innovation in line with the national strategy of achieving high-quality development driven by technological innovation and has achieved promising results.

  • Steady implementation of the “plan of doubling investments in Research and Development”

In the first half of 2022, Legend Holdings’ Family Group’s total R&D investment (excluding the capitalized R&D spending) reached RMB7.212 billion, and currently owns over 20,000 granted patents, ranking top among Chinese enterprises in various patent awards. Lenovo remains committed to its plan of doubling investments in R&D; it increased R&D spending by 23% year-on-year and grew R&D headcount by 29% year-on-year. Levima Advanced Materials adhered to its innovation-driven strategy. During the Reporting Period, it completed the laboratory R&D development for 9 new products and processes, the production technology formulas for 15 new products, and the industrialization of 5 new products.

  • Continuously “long-sought” in the field of science and technology

In the first half of 2022, Legend Holdings’ family group invested in nearly 50 new technology companies, covering multiple fields such as cutting-edge technologies, hard & core technologies, healthcare and medicine, and has contributed to the development of specialized and innovative enterprises in China through its empowerment. During the year as of August 15, 2022, 12 of its portfolio companies have successfully completed IPOs. Close to 50 of Legend Holdings’ family group’s portfolio companies made the newly announced list of the fourth official list of state-level specialized and innovative enterprises, such as Noitom, Hua Kong Tsingjiao, Spacety, Union Semiconductor, EasyDiagnosis Biomedicine, NuVolta Technologies, etc. Up to now, Legend Holdings’ family group has nearly 100 specialized and innovative companies in its portfolio.

Adhering to green growth, playing the full strength as a chain leader, and actively fulfilling corporate social responsibility

Legend Holdings is committed to promoting green development philosophy through the efforts of its portfolio companies to seize the green development opportunities, and jointly build an ecological civilization. Lenovo has set a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, transforming into “net-zero carbon emission plants” on the basis of its state-level green plants. The Company continues to create and provide smart solutions that facilitate the green transformation, empowering over 300 top industrial enterprises in China. Levima Advanced Materials focused on the development of new energy materials and biodegradable materials on top of its existing EVA photovoltaic film business; BIL helped Chinese companies issue overseas green bonds to facilitate the development of green finance; at the same time, Legend Capital, Legend Star, Zhengqi Holdings, etc. have further expanded investments in related fields to promote innovation and technological progress.

In terms of industrial chain, Legend Holdings promoted its subsidiaries to give full play to their advantages in operations and supply chains and assisted the coordinated development across the industrial chains. Lenovo was named a Gartner Global 25 Supply Chain for the eighth consecutive time. 90% of its manufacturing was from China, with 2,000 level-1 suppliers, directly providing more than 350,000 jobs. Levima Advanced Materials continued to make efforts in the field of new materials, expanding vertically to the upstream of the industrial chain while horizontally expanding to new segments, driving the mutual development with SMEs.

Corporate social responsibility is an important part of Legend Holdings’ overall strategy. The Company actively responds to the national call to steadily promote the implementation of the national employment stabilization policy within the family group, and carefully formulated and closely tracked various recruitment plans. While extensively attracting social talents, it focused on the recruitment of fresh graduates from colleges and universities, and actively expanded the scale of recruitment. In terms of public welfare undertakings, Legend Holdings has long focused on key areas such as fostering start-ups, contributing to rural revitalization, promoting social integrity and responding to disasters for years and insists on investing and carrying out relevant work effectively.

Mr. Ning Min, Chairman and Executive Director of Legend Holdings, said that, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee, China coped well with the changes in the international environment, and achieved economic and social development while effectively coordinating pandemic prevention and control, adhering to the guiding ideology of “people-centered”, and achieved a series of results in various tasks, which also created a good environment for the development of enterprises. In the first half of 2022, the Company continued to improve its position, strengthen its capabilities, seize the important opportunities arising from the transformation and upgrading of Chinese enterprises, focus on the real economy, increase efforts in the field of scientific and technological innovation, and earnestly fulfill its corporate social responsibilities. In the future, we will continue to aim at accomplishing the great goal of building a world-class enterprise, and contribute to the journey of achieving high-quality development and common prosperity!

PLS Plantations PAT up by 109.6%

PLS Plantations Berhad recorded a net profit after tax (PAT) of RM35.0 million, a strong conclusion to the financial year ended 30 June 2022 (FY2022). This represents an increase of 109.6% compared to RM16.7 million in the preceding financial year ended 30 June 2021 (FY2021). Total revenue for FY2022 stood at an all-time high of RM184.1 million, up 36.5% compared to RM134.8 million in FY2021 driven by increased sales and higher average selling prices of fresh fruit bunches (FFB).

Annual PAT was further moderated by several factors, including the recognition of fair value loss in biological assets of RM5.2 million compared to a RM1.4 million gain in the preceding quarter (Q3FY2022), higher tax, administration expenses, and a one-off provision for doubtful debt in the manufacturing and trading segment which the Company incurred in the last quarter of FY2022.

Net profit after tax and minority interest (PATMI) for the year stood at RM27.3 million, up 118.4% from RM12.5 million in the preceding financial year. The positive performance was mainly due to the improved quarter on quarter (QoQ) revenue of RM44.8 million up by 41.8% from RM31.6 million in the corresponding quarter for the period ended 31 June 2021 (Q5FY2021).

For the fourth quarter ended 30 June 2022 (Q4FY2022), PLS Plantations saw a dip in its PBT to RM4.8 million or 12.7% lower compared to RM5.5 million in Q5FY2021. Overall QoQ PAT saw a decrease to RM0.6 million, a decrease of 82.5% compared to RM3.7 million in the corresponding quarter last year. Earnings per share (EPS) currently stands at -0.10 sen (diluted) compared to 0.65 sen last year.

PLS Plantations Group CEO Lee Hun Kheng said, “It has been an eventful year for PLS Plantations. In addition to diversifying the business into different cash crops, we are also building our distribution channels and diversifying into downstream products, specifically into durian consumer products. We are focused on rolling out our Agropreneur Programme and building the Integrated Agrotech Park. Our collaboration with both the Federal and State Government and ecosystem partners will be the backbone of our efforts to play a role in strengthening the local agrofood ecology and network which will contribute to the nation’s overall food security. Over the coming months, we will be executing a series of partnerships that will allow PLS to fast track our crop diversification efforts – specifically intercropping and cash crops.”

The key initiatives for FY2022 initiated by PLS Plantations as part of its plan to become the nation’s leading sustainable agrofood company are:

i. a joint venture with Landasan Erajaya Sdn Bhd (“LESB”) on a proposed collaboration to undertake intercropping with cash crops, durian and other forest plantation activities;
ii. signing of Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (“MAFI”) to conduct an in-depth study and put forward a proposal for the national food security agenda; and
iii. launched the PLS Agropreneur Programme and PLS Integrated Agrotech Park to strengthen the local agrofood ecosystem.

About PLS Plantations Berhad

PLS Plantations was incorporated in Malaysia in 1987 and was listed on the Second Board of Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange in 1995. Currently listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, PLS and its subsidiaries are involved in the management and operation of forest, oil palm and durian plantations, as well as the processing, distribution and sale of durian products.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statement included in this press release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statement generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” or “believe.” These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations about future event. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statement, including, but not limited to our ability to win additional business. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future result, level of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this press release; as such, they should not be unduly relied upon as circumstances change. Except as required by law, we are not obligated, and we undertake no obligation, to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries to Improve Food Security for Malaysia

Inks MoU with PLS Plantations to conduct a study and develop a proposal for the nation’s food security programme

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PLS Plantations Berhad, a leading agrofood company in Malaysia, to conduct an in-depth study and put forward a proposal for the national food security programme.

YBhg Dato’ Haslina Binti Abdul Hamid, Secretary-General of MAFI, MAFI Minister YB Datuk Seri Dr. Ronald Kiandee, YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Bin Yaakob, PLS Plantations’ Group Chairman YBhg Tan Sri Mohammed Nazir Bin Abdul Razak, and PLS Plantations’ Group Chief Executive Officer Lee Hun Kheng.[L-R]

The MoU was officiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Bin Yaakob at the biennial Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism (MAHA) 2022. Also present was the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries, Yang Berhormat (YB) Datuk Seri Dr. Ronald Kiandee, and PLS Plantations’ Group Chairman, Yang Berbahagia (YBhg) Tan Sri Mohammed Nazir Bin Abdul Razak. Also in attendance to sign the MoU were YBhg Dato’ Haslina Binti Abdul Hamid, Secretary-General of MAFI, and PLS Plantations’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Lee Hun Kheng.

YB Datuk Seri Dr. Ronald Kiandee said, “Malaysia continues to rise on the Global Food Security Index (GFSI)[1] and is ranked 39th, up from the 43rd spot in 2020[2]. We have performed well with an overall score of 70.1 compared to the previous year of 67.9. The increase in Malaysia’s score (compared to the previous year) is the highest increase in score among the 113 countries involved.

However, due to multiple issues, compounded by rising population, and labour shortage, Malaysia’s food and agriculture imports remains high at around RM55.5 billion[3]. As such, it is crucial for the industry – both public and private – to work closely to further strengthen our food sufficiency throughout the entire supply chain. At the same time, we need to organise ourselves to capitalise on opportunities to generate higher incomes for agriculture frontliners, close the income gap, and improve livelihoods. Securing this future also requires us to attract more youth to participate in the sector and we see public-private partnerships as a key strategy to injecting new programmes, technologies, and platforms that will attract new farmers and participants to the industry. Through these efforts we are confident we can improve our national food security resilience, accessibility, and affordability of quality food, which is in line with our National Food Security Policy (DSMN Action Plan) 2021 – 2025[4].”

YBhg. Tan Sri Mohammed Nazir added, “This MoU is a significant milestone for PLS Plantations. We look forward to supporting MAFI and the industry’s efforts to further improve the nation’s food sufficiency levels. The research and proposal will serve as a baseline that will guide our efforts in rolling out our food security programme. In addition, our newly launched initiatives, the PLS Agropreneur Programme and PLS Integrated Agrotech Park, will contribute to creating a thriving ecosystem where we can attract the experienced and specialised farmers to scale their farms and produce, as well as bring the best and brightest to participate in the industry.”

The PLS Agropreneur Programme is a platform for new and experienced farmers who are interested to participate in the industry or scale their farms. It offers end-to-end support, from training and development, land lease, offtake network support, as well as financial support and incentives. The PLS Intergated Agrotech Park serves as a platform for collaboration with universities, and agrofood to science and technology companies.

He concluded, “Collaboration, specifically knowledge-sharing aided by technology and science have paved the way for the industries to grow and thrive. Likewise, for the agrofood industry, we see these initiatives as a way to elevate the industry, to bring our youth back to the suburbs and villages, and uplift the B40 communities, farmers and indigenous communities.”

[1] Source: GFSI by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) based in London, United Kingdom https://tinyurl.com/54zydpck
[2] Source: MAFI – https://www.mafi.gov.my/en_US/gfsi-2021
[3] Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia 2022 https://tinyurl.com/5xbvnv6r
[4] Source: MAFI – https://tinyurl.com/2ccdnp8h

About PLS Plantations Berhad
PLS Plantations was incorporated in Malaysia in 1987 and was listed on the Second Board of Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange in 1994. Currently listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, PLS and its subsidiaries are involved in the management and operation of forest, oil palm and durian plantations, as well as the processing, distribution and sale of durian products.

PLS Plantations received a Silver3 rating from RAM Sustainability in April 2022, setting the baseline for the Company’s sustainability journey and framework. PLS Plantations remains guided by environment, social and governance (ESG) values as they progress towards becoming the nation’s leading sustainable agrofood company. https://plsplantations.my/

Forward-Looking Statements
The statement included in this press release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statement generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” or “believe.” These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations about future event. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statement, including, but not limited to our ability to win additional business. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward- looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future result, level of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not rely upon forward- looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this press release; as such, they should not be unduly relied upon as circumstances change. Except as required by law, we are not obligated, and we undertake no obligation, to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

World’s Biggest Deal for Humanoid Robots Inked

Robotics innovator Beyond Imagination, Inc. has entered into an agreement with SELF Labs, Inc. to provide at least 1,000 humanoid robots for use in agricultural “grow boxes”‘. This is believed to be the largest deal of its kind.

SELF and Beyond are announcing a partnership to develop automated off-the-grid grow boxes. Each box will be equipped with solar panels, windmills, atmospheric water generators, 5G, and an advanced version of Beyond Imagination’s Beomni robot with its Omni-Purpose AI Brain. By aligning the visions of Milan Cheeks of SELF and Dr. Harry Kloor of Beyond, this futuristic take on farming will be made possible through a uniquely powerful combination of Omni-Purpose AI, humanoid robotics, blockchain, and game technology.

The deal with SELF represents one of the largest agreements to purchase humanoid robots in the world. Cheeks says that “We are committed to purchasing at least 1,000 robots in the next five years, but if the effectiveness of our combined technology is as we project, that number could easily grow to ten thousand or more.” According to a recent report by Markets and Markets, the humanoid robotics market will reach an estimated USD 17.3 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 63.5% between 2022 and 2027. The agreement with Beyond is in alignment with this prediction. Dr. Kloor commented, “Beyond Imagination expects to represent a billion USD or more of that market share by 2027, and with our partnership with SELF Labs we are well on our way to that goal.”

Each grow box will be connected to a SELF Labs-powered trivia-based simulation game called Cultivate Coin, which allows users to choose a role, learn about farming and the growing process, learn how to operate a grow box business, earn rewards, and most of all take part in the growing process virtually.

The Beomni Omni-Purpose AI powered humanoid robots supplied by Beyond will work autonomously inside of the boxes to tend to the growing crops. The boxes will run on solar energy, and by using atmospheric water generator technology will not require any outside sources for power or water, making them self-sufficient.

Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/OhHB6xmLu3c?feature=share

Most robots are targeted at narrow verticals or are merely elaborate R&D demos. Beomni is different. Its thinking general-purpose robotics platform learns from human pilots who train its AI Brain to tackle increasingly sophisticated tasks autonomously. Beomni, combined with Beyond’s Cloud Platform and evolving AI, can tackle limitless tasks without requiring special peripherals like industrial robots. Beomni is a fully mobile robot that is designed to work safely around humans. It is the world’s first fully functional general-purpose robotic system, and the first to be beta tested at a medical facility. According to Dr. Kloor, “Working with SELF and its community will enable us to rapidly train Beomni’s AI Brain to plant, care and tend, harvest, and box the crops in SELF’s grow boxes.”

Beomni has advanced significantly since it was revealed at CES in 2022. In April, the company demonstrated that Beomni can be operated from anyplace in the world. Additional prototyping and on-site evaluation projects are currently underway. The version Beyond will deploy in the grow boxes will be even more advanced, and will be part of Beyond’s 2.0 product line of Beomni robots.

“I’m excited to bring this idea to life!” said SELF Labs founder Milan Cheeks. “Adding decentralization and automation to the farming industry will benefit everyone. While there is no single solution to solve world hunger, our automated off the grid grow boxes is one tool that will go a long way in meeting the UN’s goal to reach zero hunger by 2030.”

The first box will be crafted at Box For Grow in New Hampton, NY. Once assembled, it will begin operation for use within the United States.

About SELF Labs

SELF Labs is an incubator that focuses on transitioning companies and individuals from Web 2 to Web 3. By investing and providing products that gamify life, we are able to create a form of entertainment while solving the world’s major issues. SELF Labs is on a mission to remove the hardships in life and provide products and services to bring a more leisurely lifestyle to everyone on the planet.

Founded in 2016, SELF has built its own private Blockchain called SELF Chain. SELF Chain is lifestyle blockchain that hosts a suite of reward tokens that users can earn on the Mirror Image One Gaming Console.

For more information and partnership inquiries, reach out to hello@selflabs.xyz

About Beyond Imagination, Inc.

Beyond Imagination, Inc. is a robotics and AI platform company that is focused on bringing humanoid robots to market rapidly to solve real-world problems. By partnering a human pilot with an evolving Omni-Purpose AI Brain, we are able to deploy our Beomni Robotics platform across a wide range of commercial applications. Our initial focus is in two sectors, agriculture and surgical assistance.

Founded by leading innovators in AI and robotics, and strengthened by a solid patent portfolio, Beyond Imagination, Inc. is poised to revolutionize life and fundamentally change the way we work, travel and engage with others around the world.

Beyond Imagination is continuing to take advanced orders and is always open to strategic partnerships and investments from qualified investors.

For photos and videos, see our media page at www.beomni.ai/media and our latest short video here: https://vimeo.com/717147889/634a211922. Our Press Kit may be found at www.beomni.ai/press-kit/

Source: Plato Data Intelligence: Platodata.ai

PLS Plantations appoints Lee Hun Kheng as Group CEO to advance business transformation

PLS Plantations Berhad announced the appointment of Lee Hun Kheng as the Group’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective today and retain his role as Executive Director of PLS Plantations. He will remain CEO of Aramijaya Agri & Agro Sdn. Bhd., a company that has been involved in developing innovating supply chain and forest management processes to create high quality sustainable forest products and services since 2002.

Mr. Lee Hun Kheng

PLS Plantations’ Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Tan Sri Nazir Razak said, “We are pleased to welcome Lee Hun Kheng as our new Group CEO. His role as CEO of Aramijaya, the Group’s forest plantation subsidiary and his 19 years’ experience in the upstream and downstream sectors of the plantations industry will be critical in helping PLS Plantations navigate the complex industry and dynamic environment, as the Group transforms itself into Malaysia’s leading sustainable agrifood company.

Mr. Lee’s appointment is part of the Group’s efforts to strengthen our senior management bench as the Group diversifies into commercial durian planting alongside cash crops and forest plantation.

PLS Plantations’ diversification is aligned with the nation’s food sufficiency efforts. We note and applaud the Prime Minister’s recent statement on the critical importance of food security and the various new government initiatives to support the agrifood industry. With our much strengthened management team, we are well positioned to play a major role in addressing the nation’s food security challenges.”

Prior to his appointment as CEO at Aramijaya, Lee Hun Kheng was the marketing manager, responsible for increasing the product line offerings, through setting up new accounts of timber products and establishing the research and development projects on plantation. He is also a member of The Incorporated Society of Planters, a society established to develop and advance the professional interests of members within the plantation industry.

About PLS Plantations Berhad

PLS Plantations was incorporated in Malaysia in 1987 and was listed on the Second Board of Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange on 28 February 1995. Currently listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, PLS Plantations and its subsidiaries are involved in the management and operation of forest, oil palm and durian plantations, as well as the processing, distribution and sale of durian products. https://plsplantations.my/

Forward-Looking Statements

The statement included in this press release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statement generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” or “believe.” These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations about future event. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statement, including, but not limited to our ability to win additional business. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward- looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future result, level of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not rely upon forward- looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this press release; as such, they should not be unduly relied upon as circumstances change. Except as required by law, we are not obligated, and we undertake no obligation, to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Azelis inaugurates state-of-the-art Regional Innovation Center for Food & Nutrition in Singapore

Azelis, a leading innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, announces the opening of its Regional Innovation Center (RIC) for Food & Nutrition (F&N) in Singapore, further demonstrating the Group’s commitment to continuously invest in its innovation capabilities.

The RIC will generate a wealth of possibilities for food innovation towards healthier and tastier solutions through pioneering, ready-to-use formulations with advanced, sustainable ingredients. Functioning as an innovation catalyst for the F&N ecosystem in Asia Pacific, the RIC is an essential milestone in Azelis’ growth strategy, strengthening the Group’s position as a leading provider of innovative solutions.

In addition to the RIC, Azelis’ five F&N application laboratories across Asia Pacific form a regional innovation network that brings together the technical expertise and formulation capabilities of the local and regional teams for greater synergy. This setup allows Azelis to serve the F&N market more efficiently, realize advanced ingredient synergies and develop ground-breaking formulations and sustainable solutions that will be cascaded across the region.

Vikash Raj, Asia Pacific Innovation Director, remarks: “The RIC allows us to support our customers in their projects by developing innovative solutions for all stages of the formulation process from concept to final product, across industry applications in Bakery, Beverage, Confectionery, Dairy and Savory. Focusing on innovation in new products and applications is our objective, and thanks to our comprehensive lateral value chain, we have access to sustainable building blocks for food and beverage formulations. Our vision for the RIC is to positively impact our sustainability, health, and wellness ambitions by creating pioneering formulations that address nutrition and health challenges and bring healthy solutions to the mainstream market.”

Laurent Nataf, CEO & President Asia Pacific, comments: “With more than 20 laboratories in the region covering our key market segments, we have significantly invested in our innovation capabilities across Asia Pacific to ensure we deliver on our brand promise, ‘Innovation through formulation’. Our regional innovation network builds on our formulation expertise and technical capabilities by encouraging greater collaboration across our teams to strengthen cross-country synergies, increase efficiency, and ensure consistent formulation success for our customers. We look forward to further strengthening our partnerships with our customers and principals by allowing them to leverage the strength of our ever-growing innovation network capabilities, remaining their innovation partner of choice.”

To find out more, watch a video introducing the Regional Innovation Center in Singapore. https://youtu.be/RDJ4OhQcDh8

Contact information
Azelis
Lillian Ying
Asia Pacific Corporate Communications Manager
T: +65 9855 8818
E: lillian.ying@azelis.com

About Azelis

Azelis is a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemical and food ingredients industry present in over 50 countries across the globe with over 3,000 employees. Our knowledgeable teams of industry, market and technical experts are each dedicated to a specific market within Life Sciences and Industrial Chemicals. We offer a lateral value chain of complementary products to more than 51,000 customers, supported by ~2,300 principal relationships, creating a turnover of EUR2.8 billion (2021). Azelis Group NV is listed on Euronext Brussels under ticker AZE.

Across our extensive network of more than 60 application laboratories, our award-winning staff help develop formulations and provide technical guidance throughout the customers’ product development process. We combine a global market reach with a local footprint to offer a reliable, integrated and unique digital service to local customers and attractive business opportunities to principals. EcoVadis Platinum rated, Azelis is a leader in sustainability. We believe in building and nurturing solid, honest and transparent relationships with our people and partners.

Impact through ideas. Innovation through formulation.

http://www.azelis.com/