Samaiden Group Signs Agreement to Explore Cambodia Venture

  • Group partners Management Venture Asia (Cambodia) Ltd. for clean energy-related opportunities

Samaiden Group Berhad (Bursa: SAMAIDEN, 0223), a clean energy solution specialist principally involved in engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and power, is pleased to announce that the Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Samaiden Sdn Bhd, has signed a partnership agreement with Management Venture Asia (Cambodia) Ltd. (MVA) today, to explore the clean energy-related business opportunities in Cambodia.

Group Managing Director of Samaiden, Ir. Chow Pui Hee
Director of MVA, H.E. Salah Essa

MVA, a business consultancy and clean energy project developer based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is primarily engaged in facilitating business ventures and taking products to market and market research throughout Asia. The company has successfully completed the development of 20MW ground mounted solar project in Bavet, in which the project was awarded power purchase agreement by the Electricite du Cambodge in August 2019.

Group Managing Director of Samaiden, Ir. Chow Pui Hee said, “We’re looking forward to the collaboration with MVA given their strong presence in Cambodia. Expanding in Southeast Asia is part of our 5-years plan given the region’s growing population and its geographical advantages.”

“We firmly believe the partnership with MVA will ensure our expansion plans in Cambodia are focused. We are honoured to have MVA as our business partner in the development of clean energy in the country given its vast experiences and network in clean energy infrastructure.

The Director of MVA, H.E. Salah Essa quotes, “We are looking forward to this collaboration with Samaiden in the renewable and sustainable energy businesses in Cambodia and hope to draw on their industry experience and skills to make this venture successful for nation growth and aligning with country goal towards Net Zero Carbon policy 2050.”

Samaiden Group Berhad: 0223 [BURSA: SAMAIDEN], https://samaiden.com.my/

Singapore-based Semiconductor Equipment and Materials Specialist Rokko Marks 30 Years of R&D Breakthroughs, Focus on Quality & Reliable Technical Support

Rokko Holdings Ltd (Rokko) has marked its 30th anniversary as a proven specialist in the global semiconductor industry, having overcome successive challenges and business cycles through its commitment to innovation and R&D, with a focus on quality and strong technical support at the core of its corporate culture.

Rokko’s Founder and Managing Director Mr Gary Lim

With over 89 patents granted related to its semiconductor equipment and advanced material divisions, Rokko has remained nimble while forging industry leadership in providing advanced materials support as well as high-precision equipment for the back end (assembly, testing and packaging services) of the industry.

Headquartered in Singapore, it has benefited from the country’s predictable industrial policy and robust legal framework that protects Intellectual Property. Fortuitously, the Singapore domicile has also allowed Rokko to navigate recent challenges of the U.S.-China ‘tech war’ that have impacted the semiconductor industry in particular.

Rokko has a substantial customer base in China and Taiwan which accounts for over half of its annual revenue for the past few years. The balance is derived from the ASEAN region which has generally avoided geopolitical tensions affecting the chip sector.

Rokko’s Founder and Managing Director Mr Gary Lim said, “As 2022 draws to an end, we mark a major milestone in our history as a Singapore enterprise. Our management team has remained resolute in innovating constantly to stay ahead of the curve. This spirit has helped us to overcome many downturns in industry cycles, and in riding out the recent challenges of the pandemic.”

According to market research by Gartner, the global semiconductor industry is estimated to achieve global revenue of USD612 billion in 2022. With many industry experts expecting the revenue to rise to USD1.0 trillion by 2030, the sector – and Rokko’s prospects – remain bright.

Rokko was established in 1992 by Mr Lim, with an initial 12 employees. It has grown to a team of 250 that includes a pool of talented engineers, operating from 2 facilities in Singapore (including the corporate headquarters) and another 2 manufacturing facilities in Johor state, Malaysia.

The company is renowned for its proprietary back-end semiconductor high-precision equipment such as dual-track Auto Sawing and Sorting systems and Auto Vision Inspection (AVI) systems – which are sought after for their high productivity, reliability and quality.

These and other breakthrough equipment and tooling designs developed by Rokko’s exceptional R&D team have set new industry standards. Customers using Rokko’s products and solutions have been able to halve their capital expenditure for the complex singulation process of back-end semiconductor packaging and assembly in recent years.

In its second area of semiconductor expertise – advanced materials for semiconductor packaging – Rokko has successfully developed a complex IC leadframe design with an extremely fine line etching process to meet customers’ advanced packaging standards.

Rokko’s major customers now include the world’s top-ranking Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) players as well as MNCs involved in advanced packaging materials. This successful record has helped Rokko to achieve a critical competitive advantage in volume production after substantial investments in R&D and capacity expansion in recent years.

With a strong commitment to sustainability, the company’s environmentally conscious investments include a certified ‘Class A’ wastewater management system at its facility in Malaysia.

Rokko’s products are also certified for the automobile industry’s quality standard – IATF16949 – and are also accredited with the ISO14000 environmental compliance standard.

About Rokko Holdings Ltd.

Established in 1992, Rokko Holdings Ltd. (“Rokko”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) provide precision engineering services to well-established customers in the semiconductor and electronics industries. The Group has operations in 4 locations in Singapore and Malaysia, with a combined staff strength of 250. Rokko has been granted 89 patents to date. Its strong emphasis on R&D, backed by a team of talented engineers, has allowed the Company to thrive despite intense competition, and economic and industry cycles.

Rokko is renowned for breakthrough technology and deep commitment to quality and customer support dedicated to the back-end Semiconductor Assembly and Testing sector. Its products include complex IC leadframe design as well as high-precision tooling and equipment under ROKKO trademarks.

Rokko Holdings Ltd.
Tel: +65 6749 5885; Fax: +65 6747 5979
Email: sales@rokko.net
Website: www.rokko.net

Propel Global to Acquire 51% Stake in O&G Engineering Firm for RM7.82 Million

Propel Global Berhad (Bursa: MAIN, PGB, 0091), provider of oil and gas supporting services such as well services , engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) services, maintenance of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as downstream specialty chemicals to the oil and gas (O&G) industry, today announced that the Company has entered into a conditional share sale agreement to buy a 51% stake in Best Wide Engineering (M) Sdn. Bhd. (BWE) for RM7.82 million.

Ms. Angeline Lee, Group Chief Executive Officer of Propel Global

BWE provides engineering and technical works for the O&G industry through engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) of new plants and plant modification works; design and supply of skidded process systems and engineered equipment for onshore plants and offshore platforms and; project management and engineering consultancy services. Its shareholders and directors are Azizi bin Alias (Azizi) with 45.8% equity interest, Jasniazrin Shah Bin Mohd Hata (Jasniazrin) with 44.2% equity interest and Tan Siew Lee (Siew Lee) with 10.0% equity interest.

Propel Global is acquiring the 51% stake from Azizi, who is selling his entire equity interest, and Siew Lee, who is selling 5.2% of his holdings. As part of the share sale agreement, Propel Global has also entered into a put and call option agreement with Jasniazrin and Siew Lee that requires the Company to purchase up to 49.0% of the remaining equity interest in BWE from them and, Jasniazrin and Siew Lee will grant Propel Global the right during the call option period that requires them to sell up to 34.0% equity interest in BWE to the Company.

BWE, which has 15 ongoing contracts with total unbilled contract value of RM21.8 million expected to be realised over the next three years, is guaranteeing a profit of RM2.4 million and RM2.6 million in profit after tax (PAT) for the financial year ended 30 November (FYE) 2022 and FYE 2023 respectively. BWE reported revenue of RM18.6 million and PAT of RM178,000 for FYE2019; RM19.0 million revenue and RM395,000 PAT for FYE2020 and; RM38.5 million revenue and RM2.3 million PAT for FYE2021. Currently, BWE has a tender book of RM41.3 million.

Ms. Angeline Lee, Group Chief Executive Officer of Propel Global said, “The acquisition is in line with the Group’s strategy to grow the O&G business through expanding our offerings and enhancing market presence as an O&G engineering services provider. BWE’s expertise and experience in EPCC works complements the Group’s existing O&G business.”

“We believe that combining the core competencies of BWE with the Group would enable the latter to bundle a wider range of service offerings to its customers and provide it with a competitive edge over competitors. The Group will also be able to tap into BWE’s existing customer base for cross-marketing opportunities and additional revenue stream.”

Propel Global Berhad: 0091 [BURSA: PGB], https://www.propelglobal.com.my/

SCIB Concludes 46th AGM Successfully

Company moves forward with growth plans leveraging on strengths as leading IBS manufacturer in East Malaysia and adoption of 3D printing for construction

Civil engineering specialist Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (SCIB) held the Company’s 46th AGM virtually today in which shareholders voted to reappoint NEXIA SSY PLT as the auditor and authorised the directors to fix its remuneration.

Group MD and CEO of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman

Shareholders also passed a resolution authorising the issuance and allotment of shares pursuant to Sections 75 and 76 of the Companies Act 2016 while waiving their pre-emptive rights.

The resolutions to re-elect Dato’ Dr. Ir. Ts. Mohd Abdul Karim bin Abdullah and Datu Haji Abdul Hadi bin Datuk Abdul Kadir to the board of directors were not tabled as they retired effective 8 December 2022. Other resolutions passed included the reappointments of eligible directors up for re-election.

Group Managing Director of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman, said, “We are happy to engage with our shareholders virtually in the AGM today and answer their questions. On behalf of SCIB, I would like to thank them for having placed their trust and confidence in us at what has been a challenging period. We would also like to thank both Dato’ Dr. Ir. Ts. Mohd Abdul Karim and Datu Haji Abdul Hadi for their years of leadership and dedication to SCIB.”

“I can confidently say that the Company is looking forward to 2023 following the measures we have adopted focusing on our strengths and ensuring our resilience in the face of changes in the construction industry.”

Among the measures the Company took is a kitchen-sinking exercise pertaining to the recent cancellation of four projects as well as the settlement agreement over six projects in Qatar and Oman. These measures were taken to safeguard the Company’s interests. In respect of the cancellation of the five projects, the decision was taken after reviewing and updating the Company’s order book records to reflect the current situation while, in respect of the projects in Qatar and Oman, there is no financial impact to the trade receivables.

“In regards to the outlook, as East Malaysia’s leading precast concrete and Industrialised Building System (IBS) manufacturer, we expect Sarawak Economic Development Corp’s successful tender of the RM448 million System Package Two contract for the Kuching Urban Transportation System project phase one to have positive impact for the state economy while the announcement of the RM50 billion MRT3 project will spur demand for civil engineering services and building materials as well as give a much needed boost to the nation’s construction sector.”

“We intend to leverage on our strengths as a leading precast concrete and IBS manufacturer to seek opportunities for our engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) business where we specialise in small-to-mid-sized projects for water, electricity, roads, health and education infrastructure. SCIB’s geographical scope expanded to Peninsular Malaysia in recent years and we are also seeking EPCC opportunities in neighbouring Kalimantan in which our manufacturing business can play a pivotal role. To ensure business sustainability, we have also adopted technology such as 3D printing for construction as we transform to meet the challenges of the present and the future.”

As of 30 November 2022, SCIB has an order book of RM564.7 million with earnings visibility until 2026.

Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd: 9237 [BURSA: SCIB], http://scib.com.my

Olympus to Join Government Project to Verify Dissemination of Endoscopic AI Diagnosis in Vietnam

Participating in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan project to conduct a survey study for international expansion of AI diagnosis support system and education for doctors in Vietnam

Olympus Corporation (Olympus), a global medtech company committed to making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, today announced their part in a project in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan (MIC), entitled, “Survey Study for International Expansion of Endoscopes Utilizing High-definition Imaging Technology AI Diagnosis Support System in Vietnam.”

This is the third year, after similar projects in Thailand in fiscal year 2021 and India in fiscal year 2020, that Olympus has acted as a corporate partner to investigate the effectiveness and potential dissemination of an AI diagnostic support system. As part of these projects, Olympus has researched clinical applications in collaboration with major local medical institutions. Past clinical use by doctors in India and Thailand, along with consultation with Japanese physicians, showed the effectiveness and potential for future use of EndoBRAIN-EYE and other endoscope diagnostic imaging support software.

From November 2022 to March 2023, Olympus, in collaboration with CYBERNET SYSTEMS CO., LTD., will conduct research on the effectiveness and future use of the AI diagnostic support system EndoBRAIN-EYE at Cho Ray Hospital and 108 Hospital in Vietnam. In addition, specialist lecturers and physicians from Japan’s Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital and Shizuoka Cancer Center will provide expert guidance to doctors at major Vietnamese hospitals. They will train doctors in techniques for detecting diseases and differential diagnosis with colonoscopes using EndoBRAIN-EYE, and they will also instruct on how to train the next generation of endoscopists.

Participants in kick-off meeting
Participants in kick-off meeting

At the kick-off meeting on November 28, Ho Dang Quy Dung M.D. from Cho Ray Hospital said, “AI is a new and powerful technology making endoscpic procedure more efficient and high quality. I do think that AI will be the big breakthrough of the filed of GI endoscopy in the upcoming years. I hope we have the opportunity to work with Japanese experts in the field of AI in endoscopy.” Professor Shin’ei Kudo from Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital also commented, “I hope this project will contribute to not only dissemination of the AI technology but also increased partnership between Vietnam and Japan, and look forward to amazing results from this exciting collaboration.”

Background of Olympus’ Participation
Cancer rates have been on the rise in recent years in Vietnam, and colorectal cancer in particular has become a significant issue. It ranks fourth among all cancer cases in men and third among all cancers in women, as well as ranking second in mortality rate among all cancers in both men and women. While the demand for endoscopic screenings, which are essential for the early detection and treatment of cancer, is expected to increase, there is a shortage of physicians with the advanced knowledge and skills required for these examinations. Olympus has joined this project to support the specialists training doctors in Vietnam, to verify the effectiveness and dissemination of AI-assisted colonoscopy, and to contribute to the development of the healthcare environment in Vietnam.

Purpose of the MIC Project
The MIC aims to realize the sustainable development goals and SDG pledges to ensure “no one will be left behind.” To this end, the MIC aims to realize a model that contributes to SDG through digitization and to disseminate and promote an SDG + ICT model domestically and overseas between both the public and private sectors. This project aims to contribute to the introduction and dissemination of Japan’s endoscopic AI diagnostic support system to Vietnam in response to the social issue of increasing cancer prevalence in Vietnam.

Project Scope:
1) Surveys on the policies in the medical, health, and hygiene sectors and the introduction of medical information and communication technology
Information will be collected from major medical institutions and external research institutions to investigate the state of dissemination of medical information systems, including endoscopy systems.

2) Verification through proof-of-concept tests
Research will be conducted on the effectiveness and future use of the AI diagnosis support system at Cho Ray Hospital and 108 Hospital in Vietnam. Physicians from Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital and Shizuoka Cancer Center will train doctors at major Vietnamese hospitals covering processes from the detection of disease utilizing a colonoscope with an AI diagnostic support system to discriminatory diagnosis, as well as provide training in how to pass on this knowledge to other doctors. Olympus will provide equipment and training courses.

Company names and product names in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of each company.
Products or devices presented include future technology which may be pending regional regulatory approval and are not available for sale in all regions.

About Olympus
In its Endoscopic Solutions business, Olympus uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs and enhance the quality of life for patients. Starting with the world’s first gastrocamera in 1950, Olympus’ Endoscopic Solutions portfolio has grown to include endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, digital and integrated customer solutions, as well as solutions for infection prevention. For more information, visit www.olympus-global.com and follow our global Twitter account: @Olympus_Corp.

Media contact:
Nao Tsukamoto
Global-Public_Relations@olympus.com

Olympus Corp [TYO: 7733] [ADR: OCPNY] [GDR: OLYS] https://www.olympus-global.com

SCIB Posts 14.5% Increase in Revenue to RM30.3 Million in 1Q FY2023

  • Company sees LBT narrow by 65.3% and revenue contribution from manufacturing increase by 26.8%

Civil engineering specialist Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (SCIB) today announced that the Company registered a 14.5% increase in revenue to RM30.3 million for the first quarter ended 30 September 2022 (1Q FY2023) compared with RM26.5 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year (1Q FY2022).

Group MD and CEO of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman
Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Encik Shamsul Anuar bin Ahamad Ibrahim

For the quarter under review, SCIB’s loss before tax (LBT) narrowed by 65.3% to RM942,000 compared with LBT of RM2.7 million in 1Q FY2022.

On a segmental basis, revenue contribution from manufacturing increased 26.8% to RM24.2 million in 1Q FY2023 compared with RM19.1 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year while revenue contribution from the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) business decreased 16.9% to RM6.2 million from RM7.4 million.

Group Managing Director of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman, said, “The manufacturing business continues to be the mainstay in the quarter under review. It has also returned to profitability as there was a profit before tax of RM1.0 million compared with LBT of RM217,000 in 1Q FY2022 mainly attributable to the increase in revenue and contribution margins from the sales of concrete products and lower administrative expenses. The EPCC business saw a slight decline and while there was a loss, profitability actually improved as a result of lower administrative expenses.”

“We remain cautiously optimistic as we leverage on our strengths as the largest precast concrete and Industrialised Building System (IBS) manufacturer in Sarawak and Sabah to continue seeking opportunities in Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia focusing on small-to-mid-sized infrastructure for water, electricity, roads, health and education projects.

Chairman of SCIB, Encik Shamsul Anuar bin Ahamad Ibrahim added, “We view favourably Sarawak Economic Development Corp’s successful tender of the RM448 million System Package Two contract for the Kuching Urban Transportation System project phase one as such projects have positive spillover for the state economy.”

“The Company recently unveiled an IBS sample house built with 3D printer technology to showcase the important role technology has and will continue to have in the construction industry. These technology initiatives will play an increasingly important role for us as we transform to meet the challenges of the present and the future,” En. Shamsul Anuar said.

The Company also announced separately on the stock exchange that SCIB and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, SCIB International (Labuan) Ltd., SCIB Properties Sdn. Bhd. and SCIB Industrialised Building System Sdn. Bhd, have issued notices of termination to four clients to mutually terminate contracts with them.

En. Rosland said, “The Company is enforcing its rights under the contracts and taking the necessary measures to protect SCIB’s interests in mitigating the risks arising from the long-overdue debts owing by the clients or the slow or non-movement of progress for projects that these clients have undertaken due to uncertainties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the economic and political situations. We also made this decision after reviewing and updating the Company’s order book records to reflect the current situation.”

As of 30 November 2022, SCIB has an order book of RM564.7 million with earnings visibility until 2026.

Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd: 9237 [BURSA: SCIB], http://scib.com.my

JE Cleantech (JCSE) Announces Strong Growth in Q3 2022

JE Cleantech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: JCSE), (“the Company”) a Singapore-based cleantech company, today announced encouraging Q3 financial results, for the three months period ended 30 September 2022 (the “reporting period”). During the reporting period, the Company has maintained strong growth in its overall business performance with revenue that more than doubled and a strong turnaround in net income.

For the three months period ended September 30, 2022, the Company’s total revenue increased by approximately S$3.5 million or 141.8% to approximately S$5.9 million from approximately S$2.4 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2021. The increase was mainly derived from the increase in revenue generated from the Company’s sale of cleaning systems and other equipment business of approximately S$3.2 million and the provision of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services business of approximately S$0.3 million, attributable to the post COVID-19 recovery of business.

Net income of the Company for the reporting period amounted to approximately S$0.6 million, compared to a net loss of approximately S$0.2 million in the same period last year, indicating a significant turnaround for its business performance.

During the reporting period, the Company recorded a gross profit margin of approximately 26.0%, an increase of 63.5% year-over-year. Diluted Earnings Per Share was approximately S$0.05, compared to the basic losses per share of approximately S$0.01 during the same period in 2021.

Ms. Bee Yin Hong, CEO and Founder, JE Cleantech said, “We are excited to announce that JE Cleantech has performed well during Q3 2022. Our Q3 results reflect our strong focus on exploiting the rapid recovery of the electronic manufacturing and F&B sectors. As a leading manufacturer of precision cleaning systems and provider of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services in Singapore, we will continue to drive our long-term expansion plans”.

JE Cleantech has been providing centralized dishwashing services in Singapore since 2013, for customers in various industries, including HDD manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, food and beverage, and public transportation. The Company’s revenue contributes approximately 15 per cent market share in 2020 in terms of revenue (source: Euromonitor estimates from desk research and trade interviews with leading centralized dishwashing services providers and the relevant trade associations in Singapore). Moving forward, the Company will persistently spare no efforts in further expanding its business, widening its product offerings to more industries, growing its market share, and generating long-term and sustainable returns for its shareholders and investors.

About JE Cleantech Holdings Limited

JE Cleantech Holdings Limited is based in Singapore and is principally engaged in (i) the sale of cleaning systems and other equipment; and (ii) the provision of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services. Through its subsidiary, JCS-Echigo Pte Ltd, the company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells cleaning systems for various industrial end-use applications primarily to customers in Singapore and Malaysia. Its cleaning systems are mainly designed for precision cleaning, with features such as particle filtration, ultrasonic or megasonic rinses with a wide range of frequencies, high pressure drying technology, high flow rate spray, and deionized water rinses, which are designed for effective removal of contaminants and to minimize particle generation and entrapment. The Company also has provided centralized dishwashing services, through its subsidiary, Hygieia Warewashing Pte Ltd, since 2013 and general cleaning services since 2015, both mainly for food and beverage establishments in Singapore. http://www.jecleantech.sg/

[1] These financial and other data for the three months and nine months periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2022 have not been audited or reviewed by the Auditors.

Disclaimer: Forward looking statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such words or phrases as “should,” “intends,” “is subject to,” “expects,” “will,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “estimated,” “projected,” “may,” “I or we believe,” “future prospects,” “our strategy,” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements made in this press release that relate to our future contract revenues among other things involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those expected and stated in this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update “forward-looking” statements.

For Media Enquiries and Investor Relations, please contact:
jcse@preciouscomms.com

Minetech Records 32% Increase in Revenue for 2Q

Company’s loss before tax continues to narrow on higher revenue contribution from civil engineering and manufacturing divisions

Civil engineering specialist and bituminous products manufacturer Minetech Resources Berhad today reported that the Company recorded a 31.9% rise in revenue to RM26.9 million for the second quarter ended 30 September 2022 (2Q FY2023) compared with RM20.4 million in the corresponding quarter of the last financial year (2Q FY2022).

Matt Chin, Executive Director of Minetech

The Company registered a loss before tax (LBT) of RM1.5 million for the quarter under review compared with LBT of RM4.7 million in 2Q FY2022.

On a segmental basis, the civil engineering division recorded a 8.1% rise in revenue to RM16.1 million in 2Q FY2023 compared with RM14.9 million in 2Q FY2022. The manufacturing division, which produces bituminous products for pipe coating, waterproofing and sealing, posted a 166.7% increase in revenue to RM7.2 million compared with RM2.7 million in the same quarter of the previous financial year.

For the first-half of the financial year ended 30 September 2023 (1H FY2023), Minetech registered a 36.9% increase in revenue to RM50.9 million compared with RM37.2 million in 1H FY2022. The Company recorded LBT of RM3.1 million in the period under review compared with RM9.1 million in 1H FY2022.

Matt Chin, Executive Director of Minetech, said, “We continue to see our financial performance improve with narrower losses on higher revenue contribution from the civil engineering division’s Selinsing Gold Mine due to increase in work volume as well as from the Cheras-Kajang Highway, Wangsa Brezza Hill and GM Emerald Square.”

“We have seen a significant increase in revenue contribution from the manufacturing division mainly due to the rise in sales of coating enamel and blown asphalt products as a result of improved demand from both domestic and overseas markets.”

“While economic growth is on a stronger footing based on Malaysia’s third-quarter GDP figures, we note the increased risks of a slowdown in 2023 as global uncertainties stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China’s slowdown and inflationary pressure continue to weigh on sentiments. We continue to emphasise various cost-control measures and cash conservation and at the same time exploring opportunities that have seen us venturing into technology and innovation and penetrating into second-tier construction activities. These initiatives have helped us weather the storm and continue to create value for shareholders and other stakeholders.”

Minetech Resources Berhad: 7219 [BURSA: MINE], https://minetech.com.my/

Southern Score Builders Berhad Completes Regularisation Plan

Company to focus on expanding construction services business and IBS manufacturing

Southern Score Builders Berhad (Bursa: SSB8, 0045), a former Guidance Note 3 (GN3) company, has completed its regularisation plan which involves, amongst others, the acquisition of Southern Score Sdn Bhd (SSSB), a G7 contractor. Following the acquisition, Southern Score Builders will be involved the provision of construction management services mainly for high-rise residential buildings. Shares of the Company also resumed trading after being suspended since December 2020.

Gan Yee Hin, ED and CEO of Southern Score Builders

Led by an experienced and technically strong management team, SSSB adopts construction practices that support the efficiency optimisation of its construction projects. It adopts industrialised building system (IBS) in most of its development and construction projects which is aimed at increasing productivity and improving quality of its projects. Besides that, by leveraging on its asset-light and flexible delivery model, SSSB is able to offer a standardised and cost-efficient building process which enables scalability and flexibility with lower exposure to cyclicality and house prices.

SSSB recorded net profit of RM6.51 million, RM19.20 million and RM35.18 million in the financial years ended 31 December 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively, and realised net profit margin of 9.7%, 12.9% and 12.3% in the 3 years.

The regularisation plan involved, amongst others, the acquisition of the entire equity interest in SSSB from Super Advantage Property Sdn Bhd for a purchase consideration of RM252.0 million satisfied via the issuance of 1.68 billion consideration shares. Super Advantage, being the vendor of SSSB, has provided cumulative net profit guarantee of RM80.0 million over the three-year period from 2022 to 2024.

Other than the acquisition, the completed regularisation plan also entailed the following:
– consolidation of every ten existing shares in Southern Score Builders into one consolidated share;
– settlement of debt amounting to RM3.1 million to Mr. Chai Tham Poh, an Executive Director of Southern Score Builders, via the issuance of 20.67 million of settlement shares;
– private placement of 543.05 million shares at an issue price of RM0.20 per share to identified investors; and
– exemption under the take-over rules from the obligation to undertake a mandatory take-over offer for the remaining Southern Score Builders shares not already owned by Super Advantage as well as Tan Sri Datuk Seri Gan Yu Chai and Gan Yee Hin (“Exemption”).

The completion of the Regularisation Plan will allow the Company to return to a better and stronger financial standing and profitability. Further, the acquisition of SSSB will allow the Company to diversify its business into construction management services whereby the Company is expected to benefit from expected recovery in the construction sector.

The shareholders of Super Advantage are Tan Sri Datuk Seri Gan Yu Chai, the Managing Director of Southern Score Builders, a veteran in the construction and property development industries with more than 30 years’ experience as well as Gan Yee Hin, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Score Builders.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Score Builders, Gan Yee Hin, said, “We would like to thank Bursa Securities for their guidance and support throughout the progression of regularisation plan. Our thanks also go to Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad, the principal adviser, sponsor and placement agent in relation to the regularisation plan and to Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd, the independent adviser for the Exemption. We would also like to acknowledge the work of the other professionals who worked diligently to ensure the successful completion of the regularisation plan.”

“As a listed entity, Southern Score Builders will be able to further expand our construction services while leveraging on our expertise and business network. We are also intensifying our venture in IBS production through the construction of a manufacturing plant as we see demand growing from the construction sector.”

About Southern Score Builders Berhad (formerly known as G Neptune Berhad)
Southern Score Builders is principally involved in the provision of construction management services mainly in Kuala Lumpur. The scope of Southern Score Builders’ construction services involves the provision of professional project management services from project initiation until the completion of construction works. These services encompass project initiation, planning and design, appointment of subcontractors, procurement; construction project management as well as inspection and completion handover. To-date, via SSSB, Southern Score Builders has completed several projects including, amongst others, the PR1MA Jalan Jubilee project. SSSB is a CIDB Grade 7 contractor. https://southernscore.com.my/

Image Caption for Picture 1
https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_SouthernScore202211109.jpg
From L-R:
Mr. Cheah Hannon, Independent Non-Executive Director of G Neptune Berhad
Ms. Yvonne Phe Kheng Peng, Independent Non-Executive Director of Southern Score Builders Berhad
Mr. Chai Tham Poh, Executive Director of G Neptune Berhad
Tan Sri Datuk Seri Gan Yu Chai, Managing Director of Southern Score Builders Berhad
Mr. Gan Yee Hin, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Score Builders Berhad
Datuk Sydney Lim Tau Chin, Executive Director of Southern Score Builders Berhad
Dato’ Haji Mohd Amran Bin Wahid, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman of G Neptune Berhad
Ms. Amy Too Siew Mooi, Independent Non-Executive Director of Southern Score Builders Berhad

Image Caption for Picture 2
https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_SouthernScore2022111092.jpg
From L-R:
Mr. Cheah Hannon, Independent Non-Executive Director of G Neptune Berhad
Dato’ Haji Mohd Amran Bin Wahid, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman of G Neptune Berhad
Datuk Sydney Lim Tau Chin, Executive Director of Southern Score Builders Berhad
Tan Sri Datuk Seri Gan Yu Chai, Managing Director of Southern Score Builders Berhad
Mr. Gan Yee Hin, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Score Builders Berhad
Mr. Chai Tham Poh, Executive Director of G Neptune Berhad
Ms. Yvonne Phe Kheng Peng, Independent Non-Executive Director of Southern Score Builders Berhad
Ms. Amy Too Siew Mooi, Independent Non-Executive Director of Southern Score Builders Berhad

JE Cleantech Holdings Limited Announces Receipt of NASDAQ Notification Regarding Minimum Bid Price Deficiency

JE Cleantech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: JCSE), a manufacturer of a broad range of cleaning systems, announced that on November 3, 2022, it received a written notification from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Nasdaq Notification”). The Notification stated that the Company’s ordinary shares failed to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 over the last 30 consecutive business days as required by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). Receipt of the Nasdaq Notification does not result in the immediate delisting of the Company’s ordinary shares and has no immediate effect on the listing or the trading of the Company’s ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “JCSE”.

Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has a compliance period of 180 calendar days from the date of the Nasdaq Notification, or until May 2, 2023, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement. If at any time before May 2, 2023 the closing bid of the Company’s ordinary shares is at least $1.00 for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, the Company will be deemed to have regained compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement following which Nasdaq will provide a written confirmation of compliance and the matter will be closed.

In the event that the Company does not regain compliance by May 2, 2023, the Company may be eligible for additional time to qualify. To qualify for additional time, the Company will be required to meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market with the exception of the bid price requirement.

In the event that the Company does not regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement by May 2, 2023 and is ineligible for an additional grace period, Nasdaq will provide further written notice that the Company’s ordinary shares are subject to delisting from The Nasdaq Capital Market. In that event, the Company may appeal the determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel or consider transferring the listing and trading of its ordinary shares to the OTCQX of the OTC Markets.

The Company intends to monitor the closing bid price of its ordinary shares. Receipt of the Nasdaq Notification has no effect on the Company’s business operations.

“We are cognizant of the value to our shareholders of the listing of our shares on Nasdaq given the liquidity and pricing efficiency that the exchange provides. We pledge our best efforts towards improved performance which we believe will allow to meet the continued listing standards,” stated Ms. Bee Yin Hong, CEO and Founder of JE Cleantech.

About JE Cleantech Holdings Limited

JE Cleantech Holdings Limited is based in Singapore and is principally engaged in (i) the sale of cleaning systems and other equipment; and (ii) the provision of centralized dishwashing and ancillary services. Through its subsidiary, JCS-Echigo Pte Ltd, the company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells cleaning systems for various industrial end-use applications primarily to customers in Singapore and Malaysia. Its cleaning systems are mainly designed for precision cleaning, with features such as particle filtration, ultrasonic or megasonic rinses with a wide range of frequencies, high pressure drying technology, high flow rate spray, and deionized water rinses, which are designed for effective removal of contaminants and to minimize particle generation and entrapment. The Company also has provided centralized dishwashing services, through its subsidiary, Hygieia Warewashing Pte Ltd, since 2013 and general cleaning services since 2015, both mainly for food and beverage establishments in Singapore. For more information about JE Cleantech, please visit our website: www.jecleantech.sg.

JE Cleantech Contact:
enquiry@cleantech.sg

Corporate Communications
Address
3 Woodlands Sector 1
Singapore 738361
Telephone
+65 6368 4198

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. JE Cleantech’s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and, consequently, readers should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, JE Cleantech’s expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated potential financial impacts.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside JE Cleantech’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) dependence on our customer groups’ needs and relationship with them; (2) the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of JE Cleantech Holdings Limited’s ordinary shares on Nasdaq; (3) the ability of JE Cleantech to continue grow its business operations, manage growth profitably, retain its key employees and timing of meeting expected business milestones; (4) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (5) the possibility that JE Cleantech may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; and (6) other risks and uncertainties identified, including those under “Risk Factors,” contained in the filings with the SEC. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. JE Cleantech cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. JE Cleantech does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.