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NetDragon Published White Paper on Education Technology at BRICS Summit in Brazil

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (“NetDragon” or “the Company”, Hong Kong Stock Code: 777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce that, the Company participated in the 11th BRICS Summit on November 13-14, 2019. The Summit was held at Brasilia, capital of Brazil. The theme of the conference was “Economic Growth for an Innovative Future”. Digital economy and technological innovation were two focused topics. Participants included heads of state of the BRICS five member states, core multilateral partners, and well-known enterprises from various fields to jointly discuss the future innovative cooperation model. On the other hand, at the “BRICS Business Council Meeting 2019”, the “White Paper on Education Technology in BRICS 2019” (“White Paper”), mainly drafted by NetDragon, was officially published.

With the support of the BRICS cooperation mechanism and the “Belt and Road Initiative”, NetDragon’s overseas business development has been well recognized. NetDragon has participated in the BRICS Summit for three consecutive years, and this was its second year to be invited as a core member of the Digital Economy Working Group of the BRICS Business Council. Mr. Liu Dejian, Founder and Chairman of NetDragon, Dr. Xiong Li, CEO of NetDragon, attended the Summit representing NetDragon.

In July 2018, NetDragon joined the Digital Economy Working Group of the BRICS Business Council and participated in the preparation of the White Paper, in order to discuss the exploration and practice of the BRICS countries in the field of digital education, which received broad attention from the event attendees. Regarding the intention of participating in the drafting and publishing of the White Paper, Mr. Liu Dejian commented: “Integration of cutting-edge technology and education is the key focus of the industry. We hope to share our achievements in digital education over the years and work together with the BRICS countries to promote digital education and improve the quality of education. Although the BRICS countries have made significant progress in education in recent years, there remains a huge gap compared with developed countries. Therefore, we must take a more proactive role in the application of information technology to foster education upgrades, which is also the fundamental reason of our devotion to developing digital education technology.”

Since NetDragon’s expansion into the education industry, the Company has acquired a series of digital education companies worldwide, becoming an owner and promoter of rich teaching resources, advanced digital technologies and advanced pedagogical concepts. To date, NetDragon’s educational products and solutions have been gradually promoted and applied in the BRICS countries and countries along the “Belt and Road”. In recent years, NetDragon has provided the latest interactive learning technology to more than 20,000 smart classrooms in Moscow, Russia. Meanwhile, NetDragon plans to build 265,000 pop-up classrooms in Egypt within three years. In addition, NetDragon products have entered the Indian market for many years, and more than 100,000 classrooms have adopted NetDragon’s digital education solutions. NetDragon has also signed cooperation memorandums of understanding or strategic cooperation agreements with government departments, educational institutions and enterprises in Canada, Singapore, Japan, Nigeria, Kenya, and Serbia. As at today, NetDragon’s digital education business covers more than 2 million classrooms in more than 190 countries, with over 100 million registered users.

At the summit, Dr. Xiong Li, CEO of NetDragon, held discussion with Dr. Meng Shusen, Chairman and President of China Unicom Global Limited. As a key member of the Digital Economy Working Group of the BRICS Business Council, China Unicom is one of the earliest Chinese enterprises to expand overseas. NetDragon and China Unicom discussed the industry application of 5G technology, and planned the future collaboration direction of the two companies.

When asked about the cooperation with China Unicom, Dr. Xiong Li, CEO of NetDragon, commented, “China Unicom and our company have cooperated in various fields and successfully applied 5G technology in classrooms. In the future, both parties will explore further collaboration in international markets.” With the development of information technology, integration of digital technology and education has become a global trend, including the BRICS countries. As a major player in the global online and mobile digital education industry, NetDragon builds an education service platform system covering hardware, software, platforms and resources. Its businesses covers pre-school education, basic education, higher education, vocational education, corporate training, non-degree education and lifelong education, in pursuit of creating a global lifelong learning community. In the future, NetDragon will continue to adhere to its education vision and strive to become an advocate of global education development and innovation.

About Netdragon Websoft Holdings Limited
NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) is a global leader in building internet communities with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users. These include China’s number one online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China’s most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless, which was sold to Baidu for US$1.9 billion in 2013 as the largest Internet M&A transaction in China.

Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known online game developers in China with a history of successful game titles including Eudemons Online, Heroes Evolved and Conquer Online. In recent years, NetDragon has also started to scale its online education business on the back of management’s vision to create the largest global online learning community, and to bring the “classroom of the future” to every school around the world. For more information, please visit www.netdragon.com.

For investor enquiries, please contact:
NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited
Ms. Maggie Zhou
Senior Director of Investor Relations
Tel.: +852 2850 7266 / +86 591 8390 2825
Email: maggie@nd.com.cn
Website: ir.netdragon.com

Jacobson Pharma Launches Smartfish Health Nutrition Products from Norway in Greater China and Asia Pacific Region

Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited (“Jacobson Pharma” or the “Group”; Stock Code: 2633), a leading company engaging in research, development, production, marketing and sale of generic drugs and proprietary medicines, announced the launch of Smartfish’s health nutrition range of products in Greater China (including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) and Asia under an exclusive distribution agreement with Smartfish AS, a branded health nutrition company incorporated in Norway.

According to the agreement, the Group has an in-licensed right for 10 years to distribute and market Smartfish’s consumer health products in Greater China and the Asia Pacific Region, covering four product ranges, namely “Smartfish Recharge” for sports nutrition, “Smartfish Resolve” for improving metabolic health and diabetes care, “Smartfish Reflect” for promoting adults’ brain health and cognitive function, and “Smartfish Cream” for benefiting children’s brain development

Built upon a patented emulsion technology and clinically substantiated, Smartfish’s Omega-3-enhanced nutritional drinks and emulsion products complement the fast-growing medical and consumer nutrition markets with products of evidence-based health benefits.

Differentiated from standard fish oil supplements, Smartfish’s emulsion carries high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, in synergy with other nutrients, that can produce the potentiating anti-inflammatory effects to deliver various health benefits . It can also ensure a tasty delivery of nutrients by protecting Omega-3 fatty acids, which are rich in fish oil, from oxidizing and forming the rancid taste. The products are clinically tested, and all health benefit claims for Smartfish products are supported by rigorous science.

Smartfish’s products range provides health nutrition for the elderly and the young, medical nutrition for chronic disease patients, and sports nutrition for athletes. Smartfish has established itself as a trusted nutritional source for professional athletes worldwide being the official supplier of sports nutrition drinks to sports clubs and national teams, which include English Premier League Tottenham Hotspurs Football Club and Norwegian Nordic Combined National Team of Skiing.

Jacobson Pharma’s strategic collaboration with Smartfish also included a shareholding investment of 9.04% of Smartfish’s issued capital made in July 2019, which is expected to forge a stronger partnership and platform for both companies on exploring potential business cooperation in the high growing consumer health nutrition market in the future.

Mr. Derek Sum, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jacobson Pharma, comments, “We welcome Smartfish’s nutrition products with well-documented potency to our consumer health product portfolio. The health nutrition market has witnessed strong growth driven by the greater inclination towards self-care and health problems prevention, alongside a growing aged population and increase in disposable income. Through this collaboration, Jacobson Pharma has primed itself to collaborate with Smartfish in exploiting the latent demand for clinically substantiated health nutrition products to meet different lifestyle and healthcare needs among consumers in Greater China and the Asia Pacific Region.”

About Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited (Stock Code: 2633)
Jacobson Pharma is a leading generic drug company in Hong Kong. The Group’s proprietary brand portfolio, notably being Po Chai Pills, Ho Chai Kung Tji Thung San, Contractubex Scar Gel, Flying Eagle Wood Lok Medicated Oil, Tong Tai Chung Woodlok Oil, Doan’s Ointment, Saplingtan, Shiling Oil and Col-gan Tablet have been widely recognised by the market. The Group aims to enrich its portfolio through addition of high value-added products covering sterile injections, oncology products as well as orphan drugs and biosimilars. With its corporate headquarters based in Hong Kong, the Group has also established its operating subsidiaries in China, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore and Cambodia forming a regional commercial platform to tap the market potential in the Asia Pacific and Greater China region. Jacobson Pharma has been a constituent stock of MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index since 1 June 2017. For more details about Jacobson Pharma, please visit the Group’s website:
http://www.jacobsonpharma.com

About Smartfish AS
Smartfish is a company incorporated in Norway which focuses on research & development, production and marketing of advanced, science-based and clinically documented nutritional products. Smartfish provides unique nutritional solutions for both medical use and consumer health. Its nutrition products are based on a proprietary emulsion technology that enables the effective delivery of high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, whey protein and other nutrients. Smartfish has a number of ongoing clinical development projects and studies in the pipeline in close collaboration with renowned researchers and institutions around the world. The company was founded in 2001 and is now headquartered in Oslo, Norway with an operating subsidiary in Lund, Sweden. Smartfish’s main shareholders include Investinor (a Norwegian-based fund) and Industrifonden (a Nordic fund). Learn more on www.smartfishnutrition.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee Tel: (852) 2864 4834 Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Stephanie Liu Tel: (852) 2864 4852 Email: stephanie.liu@sprg.com.hk
Tika Lum Tel: (852) 2864 4806 Email: tika.lum@sprg.com.hk
Fax: (852) 2527 1196

12th HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair Closes

The 12th HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), ended on Saturday (9 November) after a successful three-day run (7 to 9 November). The fair was staged at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and featured 1,075 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, showcasing remarkable wines from around the world.

Over 15,000 buyers from 70 countries and regions visited the fair. Buyer attendance from Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Cambodia, Korea and Vietnam recorded satisfactory growth. Numerous renowned importers, retailers and e-tailers, including France’s Auchan, Russia’s Wine Shopper (Winestore LLC), Spain’s Caldos Extremenos S.L., Uruguay’s Los Dominguez, Japan’s Daimaru Department Store and Japan Craft Sake Company Co Ltd, Korea’s Shinsegae Liquor & Beverage, Singapore’s Underground Wines Pte Ltd, Mainland China’s Netease Yanxuan and Long Vision Global International Inc., also sourced actively onsite. In addition, the fair was open to members of the public aged 18 or above on Saturday (9 November), attracting over 21,000 wine lovers to taste and purchase wines and attend a series of events such as master classes, wine tastings and cocktail demonstrations.

Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “At this year’s Wine & Spirits Fair, the exhibitors showcased a fantastic assortment of wines from different regions of the world. We also welcomed new exhibitors from Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Vietnam to enrich the selection for buyers. In addition to wines and spirits, craft beers have surged in popularity in Hong Kong, and many local brews have attracted their share of fans. Exhibitors from Ukraine, Italy and Japan also brought their specialty beers to the Beer Zone to present to buyers. Other remarkable wines and spirits featured at the fair included the Sav Sparkling wine from Sweden, a refreshing baijiu catering to the taste of young consumers in Mainland China, as well as Japanese gins that have been gaining popularity. The diversity of products offered buyers ample choice for different needs and tastes.”

Chau added that, as a duty-free port, Hong Kong is regarded by global wine merchants as the most cost-effective distribution hub. Coupled with the keen demand for different wines from Asian and Mainland Chinese consumers, the global wine industry sees the Wine & Spirits Fair as an important promotion and trading platform. Exhibitors of all types of wines and spirits make good use of Hong Kong as a gateway to expand their business to Mainland China and other Asian markets.

Manuela Liebchen, Marketing Manager of Germany’s Deutsches Weininstitut, said: “Hong Kong has become a premier wine hub in Asia over the years, serving as the foothold for German wineries to penetrate the Mainland China market. Since the Hong Kong fair’s inauguration, we have been exhibiting here for 12 years. The HKTDC has made utmost effort continuously to attract so many buyers from Mainland China, Taiwan, Macao and various countries in Southeast Asia. German wine producers can meet with different buyers to explore opportunities. This fair is well-organised and draws a lot of quality buyers. Through the event this year, we are able to secure a large number of buyers from Mainland China, Brazil, Australia and other countries. The results are very encouraging.”Aura International from Mainland China successfully sourced new suppliers at the fair. Leo Ai Yi Fei, President of the company, said that the Wine & Spirits Fair is an excellent exhibition with a lot of good quality wines and spirits. He is now placing an initial order involving about 1,200 bottles of a scotch whisky with an UK exhibitor. Talks are underway with a Japanese whisky supplier with a potential order worth about RMB600,000.

During the fair, the HKTDC organised around 60 exciting activities, including a diverse array of seminars on wines, whiskies, Japanese wines, cocktails, craft beers and spirits, along with wine-tasting and wine-pairing events, offering visitors an all-round platform for trading and exchange.

In addition, the HKTDC again co-organised the Asia Wine Academy with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). Lu Yang, the world’s first Chinese Master Sommelier, and Jeannie Cho Lee, Master of Wine, hosted a session titled “Looking into Variations of Cabernet” that was enthusiastically received. On the first day of the Wine Industry Conference, Debra Meiburg, Master of Wine, moderated a session titled “Game Changer: Marketing Wine in Millennial Bottles” that examined ways to promote wines to the younger generation.

Fair website: http://hkwinefair.hktdc.com
Hong Kong Wine Journey: www.hktdc.com/hkwinejourney/
Asia Wine Academy: https://hkwinefair.hktdc.com/dm/2019/asia_wine/index_en.html
Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition: http://www.hkiwsc.com/
HKTDC’s autumn trade fairs supporting services: https://home.hktdc.com/en/s/autumn-fairs-open
Product highlights and photo download: Click here https://bit.ly/2CsVJ1J
Please download more photos from here https://bit.ly/2CqKyXk
For more comments from the exhibitors and buyers, please visit: https://bit.ly/32qqKhm

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Contact:
Iris Chow, Tel: +852 2584 4537, Email: iris.cc.chow@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

USD 150 Million Strategic Investment by Ascendent Capital Partners in NetDragon’s Education Subsidiary

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (“NetDragon” or the “Company”, Hong Kong Stock Code: 777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce the signing of definitive agreements with Ascendent Capital Partners (“Ascendent”) in connection with a USD 150 million strategic investment in NetDragon’s education subsidiary.

The private convertible securities to be issued to Ascendent can be converted into the ordinary shares of NetDragon’s education subsidiary at a valuation of USD 1.35 billion, and this strategic investment is part of the broader collaboration between NetDragon and Ascendent, an institutional investor with extensive experience and active investments in the Greater China education sector.

In recent years, NetDragon has emerged as a global leader within the education technology market. In addition to servicing educators and school districts in China with its unique offerings including the award-winning 101 Education PPT application and smart classroom solutions, the Company has also become a global platform with its acquisitions of Promethean, Edmodo and JumpStart, all of which are leading players in their respective business segments. Collectively, the platform has more than 13 million monthly active users and over 100 million registered users world-wide.

Ascendent, a private investment firm focused on Greater China-related investment opportunities, with a strong track record in the education sector, is regarded as a trusted partner by its portfolio companies, working with management teams to grow the underlying businesses and implement value-add initiatives to enhance operational and financial performance.

Ascendent’s investment portfolio in the education sector covers kindergartens, learning centers, K-12 international schools, and study abroad service providers in the Greater China region. As part of our collaboration with Ascendent, NetDragon intends to bring its full suite of products and services to the students, teachers and parents within Ascendent’s education portfolio network, and explore potential partnership opportunities with various Ascendent’s portfolio companies.

Mr. Leon Meng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ascendent, commented, “We believe in the vision and capabilities of NetDragon’s management team to pursue innovative education technology solutions, and to improve the overall learning environment for students, teachers and parents around the world. We look forward to fully leveraging Ascendent’s experience and expertise in the education sector to assist the Company in reaching its next stage of development.”

Dr. Simon Leung, Vice Chairman of NetDragon, added, “We are excited to have Ascendent as both a financial and strategic partner, and believe that this investment will further springboard our developments in Asia while also supporting our broader vision of building a global, connected learning community.”

The proceeds from the strategic investment by Ascendent will be used to support product development and growth strategies, as well as to fund potential acquisitions and investments in the education sector.

About Ascendent Capital Partners
Ascendent Capital Partners (“Ascendent”) is a private investment firm focused on Greater China-related investment opportunities. Managed by a team of experienced investors, the firm provides strategic advice and capital to businesses that are well positioned to capitalize on the domestic growth and consumption in the Greater China region, notably in the education, consumer, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Ascendent has built a high-quality portfolio of companies led by world class entrepreneurs and executives that are based or active in China. For more information, please visit www.ascendentcp.com.

iGalen and Holista announce resolution with ATM Metabolics

PERTH, AU, Nov 8, 2019 – (ACN Newswire) – Holista, a research-driven biotech company that develops natural ingredient and wellness products, and its distributor iGalen are pleased to announce that they have resolved their disputes with ATM Metabolics and its founder Dr. Joseph Ahrens, a two time Nobel prize nominee and discoverer of Emulin. As a result, they will no longer be carrying Emulin.

If you would like to purchase the product in the future, please contact ATM at www.atmmetabolics.com. We wish ATM and Dr. Ahrens success in their future endeavours, and thank them for working with us to resolve the disputes.

Holista CollTech (ASX:HCT) is a research-driven biotech company. Headquartered in Perth with operations in Malaysia, it is dedicated to delivering first-class natural ingredients and wellness products globally. Holista’s ingredients include low-GI baked products, reduced-sodium salts, low-fat fried foods and low calorie sugar. www.holistaco.com.

iGalern markets a range of premium-quality nutritional supplements that are sold directly to Distributors and Preferred Customers throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Mexico, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Visit www.igalen.com.

About Holista CollTech Ltd

Holista CollTech Ltd (“Holista”) is a research-driven biotech company, the result of a merger between Holista Biotech Sdn Bhd and CollTech Australia Ltd. Headquartered in Perth and with extensive operations in Malaysia, the company is dedicated to delivering first-class natural ingredients and wellness products globally. Holista is a leader in the research of herbs and ingredients for the making of healthier food.

Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”), Holista researches, develops, manufactures and markets “health-style” products to address the unmet and evolving needs of natural medicine. Holista’s suite of ingredients, among other things, includes low-GI baked products, reduced-sodium salts, low-fat fried foods and low calories sugar without compromising taste, odour and mouthfeel. Holista remains the only company to produce sheep (ovine) collagen using patented extraction methods. For more information, please refer to http://www.holistaco.com

Hong Kong International Optical Fair opens today

HONG KONG, Nov 6, 2019 – (ACN Newswire) – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), the 27th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Optical Fair opened today and runs until 8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This year’s fair welcomes 810 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions to showcase the latest design trends and eyewear products.

“As a major production centre and exporter in the global optical industry, the value of Hong Kong’s total optical exports in the first nine months of this year exceeded HK$15.3 billion, which was on a par with last year,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau. “An emphasis on design, technology and quality management continue to bring success to Hong Kong eyewear companies in an increasingly competitive world. The Hong Kong International Optical Fair provides an important one-stop marketing and sourcing platform for the industry.”

Mr Chau noted that the HKTDC has organised 81 buying missions from 55 countries and regions, bringing more than 5,200 buyers to the fair. Among the participating buyers, more than 80% come from emerging markets such as Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. More than 6,700 buyers have pre-registered to visit the fair.

The HKTDC has enhanced its free shuttle bus service for the fair to take event participants between the exhibition venue, major hotels and transportation hubs. HKTDC Services Counters are available in the buffer halls at Hong Kong International Airport, where buyers can find fair information and register for buyer badges in advance. Buyer Concierge Desks have also been set up to strengthen connections with exhibitors.

Innovative technologies on display

The fair includes a total of 12 group pavilions representing France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Visionaries of Style (VOS) as well as the HKOMA. It also features several group pavilions from the mainland including Yingtan in Jiangxi province, Danyang in Jiangsu province, Mayu in Zhejiang province and Chongqing. The IT Solutions, Shop Fittings & Equipment zone, which made its debut last year, will continue to be a popular draw in 2019, showcasing innovative eyewear technologies, including eyewear customisation software nuVision that allows people to “try on” a huge range of sunglasses virtually (Booth: 1E-A34).

The fair also showcases French brand McLaren’s pure titanium eyewear made using the latest 3D printing technologies (Booth: GH-B05). Local brand OSSII SOUND presents Connector smart glasses that combine eyewear with Bluetooth earphones (Booth: GH-R03). Other product zones include Frames, Lenses & Parts, Eyewear Accessories, Sporting & Professional Eyewear, Kids Eyewear & Reading Glasses, Optometric Instruments, Equipment & Machinery, Contact Lenses & Accessories, and Diagnostic Instruments.

Brand Name Gallery showcases latest global designs

The Brand Name Gallery features 230 renowned international brands, including new participants Absolute Vintage Eyewear (Hong Kong), Maserati (Italy) and NANOVISTA (Spain). Other renowned brands include Paul Hueman (Korea), BMW (Germany), Stepper (Germany), Etnia Barcelona (Spain) and Savile Row (UK). Highlighted products include:

– UK brand LAURA ASHLEY’s artistic Four Seasons Series features pink lenses decorated with floral patterns in a design that’s both romantic and fashionable. (Booth: GH-J01)

– MATSUDA is a company that anchors itself in the tradition of craftsmanship with a rich history of making eyeglasses for Japanese emperors. At the fair it showcases a new eyewear series including flip-up sunglasses crafted from titanium. Each finished creation is an object of art. (Booth: GH-F14)

– Italian brand MOMODESIGN uses stainless steel frames in unique colours, while the arms are made with malleable acetate to make the eyewear lighter. (Booth: GH-R01)

Several Brand Name Gallery eyewear parades are staged throughout the fair period, with models showcasing the latest collections from trendsetting eyewear brands.

Spotlighting local creative design forces

To promote Hong Kong’s original brand designs and help Hong Kong eyewear companies expand into the global market, the HKOMA is showcasing the latest collections from 30 local eyewear designers at the Brand Name Gallery and Hong Kong Eyewear Good Design. Participating brands include BIG HORN (Booth: GH-L04), HACHILL (Booth: GH-D10) and P+US (Booth: GH-B39).

New exhibitor Absolute Vintage Eyewear (Booth: GH-E40) brings eyewear created specifically for Asian faces and made from natural bullhorn to showcase local craftsmanship of Hong Kong. Kevin Ching, the award-winning designer from Hong Kong brand BIG HORN, has been striving to create designs that combine innovation, creativity and fashion flair. He presents eyewear inspired by the costumes of Chinese ethnic minorities, with diamond-shaped patterns on the lenses and Swarovski fine stones along the arms.

All the award-winning and finalist entries of the 21st Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition are on display at Hall 1D during the fair period to showcase Hong Kong’s creative prowess to international buyers. Details of the prize-winning pieces can be found at: https://bit.ly/2BYhDda

Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium

The 17th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium will be held tomorrow (7 November) on the theme “Advancements in Optometric Specialties”, with Dr Tony Ko, Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, delivering the opening remarks. Experts including Prof Rob Jacobs, Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, and Dr Frederick R Edmunds, an optometrist from the United States, will explore topics including aviation optometry, sports vision, and the application of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology and optometry.

The symposium has been certified by the Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) for the first time this year. Optometrists participating in the symposium can apply for COPE credits, which are approved by optometrist associations and supervisory committees from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As for local certification, the symposium continues to be certified by the Hong Kong Optometrists Board, allowing participants to apply for three or six Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours for half-day attendance and full-day attendance respectively.

Other events at the fair include today’s “Quick Take: Disruption in Eyewear”, at which Albert Chan, Head of Hong Kong Office at renowned international market research institute Coresight Research, examined the latest trends in the global eyewear market and explored how start-ups can enter the market through innovative ideas.

Held alongside the Optical Fair, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair runs from 7 to 9 November, featuring 1,075 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions to showcase their quality wine and spirits.

The 27th HKTDC Hong Kong International Optical Fair

– Date: 6-8 November 2019 (Wednesday to Friday)

– Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

– Time: 6 Nov (Wed): 10am-6:30pm; 7 Nov (Thurs): 9:30am-6:30pm; 8 Nov (Fri): 9:30am-5pm

– No. of exhibitors: 810

– Product zones: Frames, Lenses & Parts, Contact Lenses & Accessories, Diagnostic Instruments, Eyewear Accessories, Kids Eyewear, Optometric Instruments, Equipment & Machinery, Reading Glasses, Sporting & Professional Eyewear, IT Solutions, Shop Fittings & Equipment

Fair website hkopticalfair.hktdc.com

Event details https://bit.ly/2PjpVUw

Supporting service https://home-uat.hktdc.com/en/s/autumn-fairs-open

Please download more photos from here http://bit.ly/2qr89o2

About HKTDC

Contact:

Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

Natalie Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: natalie.hy.wong@hktdc.org

ARA US Hospitality Trust Announces Acquisition of a Portfolio of Three Premium Marriott-Branded Upscale Select-Service Hotels in the United States

SINGAPORE, Nov 6, 2019 – (ACN Newswire) – ARA US Hospitality Trust (“ARA H-Trust”) is pleased to announce that it has today entered into a conditional purchase and sales agreement to acquire a portfolio of three Marriott-branded upscale select-service hotels in the United States for US$84.5 million. The three freehold properties are located within the markets of Raleigh, North Carolina and San Antonio, Texas, that benefit from diversified demand from nearby corporations, universities and leisure attractions.

The accretive acquisition at a net property income yield of 8.0% is expected to increase ARA H-Trust’s pro forma distribution income from the listing date on 9 May 2019 to 30 September 2019 by US$1.4 million, translating to a rise in distribution per stapled security from 3.13 US cents to 3.38 US cents assuming the acquisition was completed on listing date. The acquisition will be funded primarily with debt and by internal cash resources. Following this acquisition, ARA H-Trust’s portfolio will grow to 41 hotels with 5,340 guest rooms geographically diversified throughout 22 states in the United States.

Mr Lee Jin Yong, the Chief Executive Officer of the Managers, said, “This acquisition demonstrates our ability to execute third-party transactions at an attractive yield in the world’s largest lodging market. We will continue to explore acquisition opportunities to further diversify our portfolio by location and by brand, and most importantly to enhance stapled securityholders’ returns.”

DBS Bank Ltd. (“DBS”) was the Sole Issue Manager for the Offering (the “Sole Issue Manager”). DBS, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited and United Overseas Bank Limited were the Joint Financial Advisers and Joint Global Coordinators for the Offering (collectively, the “Joint Financial Advisers and Joint Global Coordinators”). DBS, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, United Overseas Bank Limited and Credit Suisse (Singapore) Limited were the Joint Bookrunners and Underwriters for the Offering (collectively, the “Joint Bookrunners and Underwriters”).

Mr Lee added, “We are excited with the addition of this high quality freehold portfolio which will broaden our earnings base with diversified and increased net property income. The portfolio has outperformed its competitive set recording RevPAR indices between 120% to 146%. The superior revenue per available room (RevPAR) performance will contribute robust, stable cashflows to our bottom-line. In addition, the acquisition will affiliate ARA H-Trust with Marriott, a leading global hotel brand, and Concord Hospitality, a well-regarded, experienced hotel developer and operator in the US. The new relationship with Concord is expected to broaden our network to source future accretive acquisitions.”

The portfolio consists of AC by Marriott Raleigh North Hills, Courtyard San Antonio at The Rim and Residence Inn San Antonio at The Rim.

AC by Marriott Raleigh North Hills is the newest hotel within the heart of Raleigh’s North Hills – one of Raleigh/Durham’s premier live-work-play destinations. North Hills is a mixed-use development that contains more than 1 million square feet of office space, with notable tenants such as PwC, KPMG and Bank of America, plus retail, entertainment, and residences. Universities around the area include North Carolina State University (35,000 students), Duke University (15,000 students) and University of North Carolina (29,000 students). It is also strategically located 20 to 30 minutes to the airport, downtown Raleigh, and the Research Triangle Park. The Research Triangle Park is one of the most prominent high-tech research and development parks in the United States and houses 200 companies (including IBM, SAS, GlaxoSmithKline, Cisco and Lenovo) with over 50,000 workers.

Courtyard San Antonio at The Rim and Residence Inn San Antonio at The Rim are located adjacent to each other in one of the most desirable submarkets in San Antonio. The local market features attractive residential, retail, office developments, as well as popular leisure attractions. Key demand drivers include Fortune 500 corporations (Valero, Nustar and USAA); Six Flags Fiesta Texas amusement park; The Rim, a 2.8 million square feet master development with retail, dining, and service amenities; the University of Texas at San Antonio (31,000 students); and Camp Bullis, a 28,000 acres US Army training facility with 6,000 employees and training throughput of over 170,000 annually.

Lee Jin Yong
Chief Executive Officer

For queries, please contact:
Aaron Goh
Assistant Manager, Investor Relations
Email: aarongoh@ara-group.com
Phone: +65 6601 9362

About ARA US Hospitality Trust

Listed on the Singapore Exchange on 9 May 2019, ARA US Hospitality Trust is a hospitality stapled group comprising ARA US Hospitality Property Trust (“ARA H-REIT”) and ARA US Hospitality Management Trust (“ARA H-BT”). ARA US Hospitality Trust invests in income-producing real estate assets used primarily for hospitality purposes located in the United States.

As at Listing Date, ARA US Hospitality Trust’s initial portfolio comprises 38 upscale Hyatt-branded select-service hotels across 21 states in the United States (the world’s largest lodging market) with a total of 4,950 rooms valued at US$719.5 million. 36 out of the 38 hotels have freehold land titles.

ARA US Hospitality Property Trust is managed by ARA Trust Management (USH) Pte. Ltd. and ARA US Hospitality Management Trust is managed by ARA Business Trust Management (USH) Pte. Ltd., collectively, the Managers. The Managers are whollyowned subsidiaries of ARA Asset Management Limited. For more information, please visit www.araushotels.com.

About the Sponsor

The Sponsor, ARA Real Estate Investors 23 Pte. Ltd., is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ARA Asset Management Limited, a premier global integrated real assets fund manager. As of 30 June 2019, Gross Assets Managed by ARA Group and its Associates is more than S$83 billion across over 100 cities in 23 countries.

Driven by a vision to be best-in-class real assets fund management company. ARA Group and its Associates’ businesses include:

(a) REITs – ARA is one of the largest REIT managers in Asia Pacific. The Group directly manages Suntec REIT, Cache Logistics Trust and ARA US Hospitality Trust, listed in Singapore; and Fortune REIT, Hui Xian REIT and Prosperity REIT, listed in Hong Kong. It also indirectly manages REITs in Japan, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia through its associate companies.
(b) Private real estate funds – The Group manages private funds providing investment opportunities in diverse real estate sectors and geographies that cater to different investor risk appetites.
(c) Country desks – ARA operates country desks in China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Europe and the United States. The country desks employ a strong understanding of each local market to facilitate the flow of inbound and outbound capital and cross-country collaborations. ARA has an expanded presence in Japan via its strategic stake in Kenedix, Inc. and in Europe via its strategic stake in Cromwell Property Group.
(d) Infrastructure – ARA Infrastructure was established in 2018 to cater to strong investor demand for global infrastructure investment.
(e) Real estate management services – As part of the Group’s investor-operator philosophy, its dedicated property management teams actively work the ground to manage its assets globally.

ARA’s multi-platform, multi-product global fund management strategy, combined with its dedicated teams with in-depth local knowledge, enables the Group to offer enduring value to investors. Built on a foundation of strong corporate governance and business integrity, ARA counts some of the world’s largest pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, endowments and family offices as its investors. For more information, please visit http://www.ara-group.com/.

SPRG Makes Record in Total Number of New Listing Communication Campaigns

Strategic Public Relations Group (“SPRG” or the “Group”) has completed seven IPO communication campaigns in 14 trading days, including that for ESR Cayman Ltd. (“ESR”; SEHK Stock Code: 1821) listed on the mainboard of HKEX today. It is also the 455th IPO project undertaken by the Group since its inception in 1995, a record in the Hong Kong IPO communication service market, speaking volumes to SPRG’s leadership in the Hong Kong financial communication industry.

Richard Tsang, Chairman of SPRG, said, “Despite the difficult times we are having this year, SPRG is still able to make strides in the financial communication market handling a record of new listing campaigns. On top of doing its best to secure new clients, SPRG has also remained loyal to its commitment to providing clients with exceptional services, creative ideas and execution meticulous. The Group’s success is very much owed to its experienced and professional team capable of building close and lasting ties with clients, as such many IPO clients ended up as long-term retainer clients. Going forward, we will continue to push to realise our corporate vision of having an ever stronger leadership in the IPO/IR communication market in Hong Kong.”

About Strategic Public Relations Group (“SPRG”)
SPRG is one of the largest public relations networks in Asia Pacific and the largest public relations consultancy in Hong Kong.

It has more than 320 professionals working from 15 wholly-owned offices, as well as an associate company in Australia, all providing clients with integrated communication services. With affiliates around the world and PROI Worldwide partners, SPRG can help clients access 140 cities globally.

Since its founding in 1995, SPRG has proved to be an investor relations and financial communications specialist. It has also become a leader in IPO communications in Hong Kong, having completed 455 new listing campaigns to date. Furthermore, SPRG has more than 170 listed company retainer clients and maintains a highly diversified portfolio of multinational and local financial institution clients. Indicative of SPRG’s diverse yet exceptional corporate communications capabilities, it advises clients on public, investor, media and government relations, corporate and marketing communications, issues and crisis communication management, event management and digital marketing, as well as provides media and presentation skills training, design and content creation, and editorial support.

SPRG has garnered over 380 prominent awards in the client campaign and agency categories, including “Network/Agency of the Year” titles from The Holmes Report, Campaign/PRWeek, Marketing magazine, The Stevie and Communication Director; all serve as testament to SPRG’s dedication to excellence.

For more information on SPRG and its services visit: www.sprg.asia

Enquiries
Strategic Public Relations Group
Eveline WAN
Tel: (852) 2864 4822
Fax: (852) 2114 4948
Email: eveline.wan@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.asia

Sheng Ye Capital Limited Transfers Listing to and Commences Trading on Main Board of HKEX

On 24 October, Sheng Ye Capital Limited (“Sheng Ye Capital” or the “Group”, stock code: 6069.HK), a professional enterprise financial services provider offering accounts receivable financing and other related solutions mainly in the energy, construction and medical sectors in the PRC, has transferred its listing from GEM to the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“HKEX”), adopting the new stock code “6069”. As the first commercial factoring company in the PRC to get listed on the Main Board of the HKEX, Sheng Ye Capital is well-positioned to capture future business opportunities, capitalizing on a greater awareness and acceptance of the “Sheng Ye” brand among investors.

Sheng Ye Capital has been principally engaged in the provision of factoring services; sales of factoring assets; and other services since its founding in 2014. Under the factoring services segment, the Group primarily generates interest income for financing provided to its factoring customers, with that financing secured by their accounts receivables. Under the sales of the factoring assets segment, the Group records a gain that is equal to the excess of the consideration received and receivable over the book value of the factoring assets as that value was recorded prior to the transfer. In addition, the Group also generates income through fees for its provision of guarantee services, consulting services, information technology services and miscellaneous services principally including accounts receivables management services without financing. The Group has a strong capital base with its principal operating subsidiary in the PRC – SY Factoring Limited having a registered capital of US$200 million, which provides assurance and confidence to the Group’s customers and financiers with its strong financial position and business commitment.

Investment Highlights
Encouraging Financial Performance with Growing Income from Factoring and Other Services
During the Track Record Period, the Group recorded an outstanding financial performance with the income from factoring and other services rising at a CAGR of approximately 99.1% to approximately RMB118.7 million, RMB215.3 million and RMB470.4 million for each of the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018 (the “Track Record Period”). The significant increment was mainly attributed to the increase in revenue from factoring services driven by the successful expansion of the factoring business of the Group with the support of the net proceeds from the Global Offering of GEM Listing in 2017, the top-up placing, bank and other borrowings, as well as an increase in gain on sales of factoring assets due to a rising market demand. Along with the expansion of the factoring business, the Group’s profit for the year rose at a CAGR of approximately 110.1% amounting to approximately RMB48.0 million, RMB88.8 million and RMB211.9 million for each of the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Broader Shareholding Base and Recognition from Investment Community to Support Business Growth
In July 2018, Sheng Ye Capital completed a top-up placing arrangement and received active engagement of three subscribers, namely Taiping Trustees Limited, Olympus Capital Asia and Pavilion Capital Pte Ltd, with subscription comprising up to approximately 73% of the total share placement. Sheng Ye Capital received total net proceeds of approximately HK$819.5 million from the subscription and the funds raised provide further strong support for the development of the Group’s online factoring platform and factoring operations. The completion of such a large-scale financing provided Sheng Ye Capital with additional funding for fueling future business growth and at the same time broadened the Group’s shareholder base. The Group was included as one of the constituents of MSCI China All Shares Small Cap Index in May 2018, clear evidence of its strengths and widespread appreciation of its business development and future prospects among investors.

Continuously Growing High-quality Customer Base Focusing on the Energy, Construction and Medical Industries
Sheng Ye Capital has been providing factoring and other services to suppliers of established corporates which are Fortune Global 500 or State-owned Enterprises in three main strategic and non-cyclical industries, reflecting a high quality and reliable customer base. As at 30 June 2019, the Group had served over 3,000 customers across the entire country and is still expanding.

Advanced Online Factoring Platform “Sheng Yi Tong” for Integrated Factoring Services
To facilitate the further development of its factoring business and better serve its customers who engage the Group’s factoring services, Sheng Ye Capital has launched its own online factoring platform, “Sheng Yi Tong” in November 2016. Currently the platform can perform a variety of functions in relation to the Group’s factoring business, whereby Sheng Ye Capital can promptly assess and approve the factoring loan application of customers, and, at the same time, carry out all-in-one risk management and monitoring services on this self-developed online factoring platform. Sheng Ye Capital will continue to invest in and upgrade its online factoring platform as well as to enhance the security and backup features of the platform to better serve its factoring business in the forthcoming years with the enhancement expected to be completed in the financial year ending 31 December 2020.

Stringent Risk Management System Tailored to the Characteristics of the Group’s Business Operations
As a specialized enterprise financial services provider offering accounts receivable financing and other related services, it is important that Sheng Ye Capital has effective risk management procedures for identifying and mitigating its operational risks. In this regard, the Group has developed a risk management system specifically tailored to its business operations to manage such risks through comprehensive due diligence on its customers and underlying debtors, independent information review and multi-level approval processes. During the Track Record Period and up to 29 September 2019, the Group did not experience any non-performing assets, nor impairment loss on the Group’s factoring assets, reflecting the effectiveness of its risk management system.

Business Outlook and Future Prospects
Looking forward, the Group will continue to focus on the construction, energy and medical sectors and expand its clientele and factoring assets. The Group considers that the transfer of the listing status from GEM to the Main Board of HKEX can raise awareness and acceptance of the “Sheng Ye” brand among investors, providing greater access to more efficient financing channels both locally and abroad to support its business growth. The Group is also determined to explore new and relatively low-cost financing channels in the future in order to raise funds for growing the business most cost-effectively.

Driven by the supportive national policy in the PRC, Sheng Ye Capital will continue to capitalize on its strengths and core competencies in conducting business. With its advanced online factoring platform “Sheng Yi Tong” and a professional risk management mechanism, the Group will be able to standardize its financial products and customize solutions and offer customers integrated factoring service account receivable financing, account receivable management services and credit evaluation, among other services, helping them secure funding at different stages of their development.

About Sheng Ye Capital Limited (Stock code: 6069.HK)
Sheng Ye Capital Limited is a professional enterprise financial services provider offering accounts receivable financing and other related solutions to customers who mainly engaged in the energy, construction and medical sectors in the PRC. It has a strong capital base with its principal operating subsidiary in the PRC – SY Factoring Limited having a registered capital of US$200 million. Sheng Ye Capital was listed on GEM of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“HKEX”) in July 2017, and it was included as one of the constituents of MSCI China All Shares Small Cap Index in 2018. Sheng Ye Capital transferred its listing to the Main Board of HKEX in October 2019. For more information about Sheng Ye Capital, please visit: http://www.shengyecapital.com/.

The 16th JCB World Conference Held in Hawaii

Sharing the future of the payment business including new payment methodologies with representatives from 150 partner companies from 27 countries and regions around the world

JCB Co., Ltd. held the 16th JCB World Conference in Ko Olina, Hawaii on 16 and 17 October. First held in 1988, the JCB World Conference is a biennial event where JCB partners from all over the world share JCB business strategy and strengthen partnerships. In the past the conference has been held in such locations as Tokyo, Kyoto, Vienna, San Francisco, Bali, and Taiwan. A total of 500 people representing around 150 partner companies, primarily JCB brand card issuers and merchant acquirers, from 27 countries and regions around the world gathered at the conference this year.

Aiming to strengthen partnerships, JCB shared information about the future of the payment business including new payment methodologies, in order to provide better services and products to customers as the only global payment brand based in Japan. JCB also shared its current business developments and the value of the Hawaii market, where JCB launched business in 1989.

The 16th JCB World Conference Program

JCB Speech
“Two Years in Review” – Recent developments in the payments world
Ichiro Hamakawa
Chairman & CEO, JCB Co., Ltd.

Keynote Address
“Digital Payments: A Global Movement – Top 10 Trends”
Kevin Grieve
Managing Director, Payments Lead North America, Accenture

Theme Session
“Our Efforts and Expectations on MaaS for the Authentication and Progress of Credit Card Settlement”
Shuichi Murakami
President, Toyota Mobility Service Co., Ltd.

Theme Session
“Digital Identity and the Future of Payment Authentication”
Marek Juda
EVP, Chief Digital Officer, IDEMIA

Theme Session
“Driving a Trusted Future – Human Centric Innovation”
Izumi Nagahori
Corporate Executive Officer, EVP, Head of Digital Software & Solution Business Group, Technology Solutions Business, Fujitsu Limited

Theme Session
“Future of Payments and Authentication”
Tac Watanabe
Executive Vice President, Brand Infrastructure & Technologies Department, JCB Co., Ltd.

Theme Speech
“Regional Invigoration by Spreading Inbound Tourism Around Japan”
Hiroyuki Takahashi
President and CEO, JTB Corp.

Theme Speech
“JCB Destination Marketing”
Hiroshi Terada
Executive Vice President, Brand Marketing Department, JCB Co., Ltd.

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information: www.global.jcb/en.

Contact
Kumiko Kida
JCB
Corporate Communications
Email: kumiko.kida@jcb.co.jp
Phone: +81 3 5778 8353