Category: Finance

ShareInvestor Group’s S$30M Merger with InvestingNote Adds Vitality to Singapore’s Retail Investing Scene

  • Deal terms value Combined Group at over S$30 million
  • Enlarged customer base spans Gen X, Gen Y (Millennials) and Gen Z
  • Combined talents and technologies to spur development of innovative products
  • Merger provides for business partnerships with Advertisers, Sponsors, Key Opinion Leaders, and Brokerages
  • Merged business footprint to expand beyond current markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia
  • Enlarged ShareInvestor Group sets its sights on Initial Public Offering (IPO) within the next few years

ShareInvestor Pte Ltd, Singapore’s largest independent platform for investor relations, market data tools and investor education, today announced its merger with Investing Note Pte. Ltd., a fast-growing and profitable community-driven platform serving young retail investors since 2014. ShareInvestor is an established brand with a 22-year track record of profitability. The deal terms for the merger values the combined Group at more than S$30 million.

Mr Christopher Lee SI CEO [L] and Mr Shanison Lin InvestingNote CEO [R]

InvestingNote is renowned for its large following of Gen Y (Millennials) and Gen Z investors, due in no small part to its CEO, Shanison Lin Xinshan, being a Millennial himself who shares the younger generation’s life aspirations, immersion in the digital world, and financial objectives.

Shanison’s belief that financial literacy should be fun and profitable has powered Investing Note to be the largest social network for young retail investors in both Singapore and Malaysia. Advertisers, sponsors, key opinion leaders and brokerages have been quick to recognise the value of tying up with Investing Note to engage its subscriber base of youthful and enthusiastic investors.

ShareInvestor and InvestingNote have had a long and mutually fruitful association starting with Shanison joining ShareInvestor as a software engineer after he graduated from [NUS] in 2009 with a Bachelor of Information Technology on a Ministry of Education (MOE) scholarship, until 2014 when he left to start InvestingNote. In 2015, ShareInvestor took an initial 15% stake in the startup and subsequently both ShareInvestor and two of its senior Management increased their total stake to 32%. Throughout the years, ShareInvestor’s senior Management has provided strategic guidance to InvestingNote, and the synergy that the two companies enjoy has spawned many successful project collaborations.

Mr Christopher Lee, CEO, ShareInvestor Group said: “The merger with InvestingNote is a natural progression for ShareInvestor given our long and synergistic relationship. It makes us even more attractive as a one-stop platform for advertisers, sponsors, key opinion leaders, brokerages and other financial intermediaries to forge win-win business partnerships with us. The merger also brings on board new talents and technologies and positions ShareInvestor as a future-ready financial intermediary for both traditional and digital assets.”

Mr Shanison Lin Xinshan, Founder of InvestingNote, said: “This is a pivotal moment for us as we mark the beginning of the next phase of growth. ShareInvestor has always been our shareholder and close partner since the early days of InvestingNote. I am super excited about starting this new journey together!”

Commenting on the merger, Mr Chan Kum Kong, Head of Research and FinLit, Singapore Exchange (SGX Group) said, “With the rise of a younger generation of tech-savvy investors, there is a need for high quality information and innovative solutions for online communities to hone their investment skills. The merger between ShareInvestor and InvestingNote will combine talents and capabilities of both platforms and broaden their reach to investors in the region. We look forward to the merged entity bringing added vibrancy to Singapore’s retail investing landscape.”

Mr Greg Baker, CEO of TD Ameritrade Singapore, said, “Knowledge is an investor’s best asset, and young investors know this. They place a high value on credible insights that can help them make smarter investment choices, in their pursuit of financial well-being. We have worked with ShareInvestor for over a decade and look forward to furthering our collaboration with the enlarged entity to make investor education readily accessible to all.”

Mr Gavin Chia, Managing Director, Moomoo Financial Singapore Pte. Ltd. said, “We have a symbiotic relationship with ShareInvestor and InvestingNote. In today’s increasingly complex financial markets, investor education is of utmost importance for informed decision making. The ShareInvestor Group’s services and its footprint in the Southeast Asia region will serve us well as we venture into these markets.”

Mr Christopher Lee concluded: “The Group’s enhanced talent and technology resources, together with its growing footprint in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, give us confidence that we can be the leading regional financial intermediary, riding on the promising economic outlook for the ASEAN markets.”

The merged Group has set its sights for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Singapore Exchange or another reputable stock exchange within the next few years.

To know more about ShareInvestor and Investing Note, please visit https://www.shareinvestorholdings.com/ and https://www.investingnote.com/

For more information, please contact:
Mr Wayne Koo
Mobile: +65 9338-8166
Office: +65 6958-8008 / 6958-8005 / 6958-8006
Email: query@waterbrooks.com.sg / wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg

About ShareInvestor (www.shareinvestorholdings.com)
A leading regional media and technology company, ShareInvestor Pte Ltd (SI) was founded in 1999 to empower investors to make informed investment decisions. SI focuses on providing investor relations, market data and investor education services, and operates the largest investor relations network in the region.

SI Group has over 130 employees in four countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia). It has also made strategic investments in investor relations/public relations firm, Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd (www.waterbrooks.com.sg), and Singapore’s leading social media platform for investors, Investing Note Pte Ltd (www.investingnote.com).

SI (www.shareinvestor.com) provides online market data for multiple markets across its online platform tools ShareInvestor Station(TM), ShareInvestor WebPro(TM) and ShareInvestor Mobile. Its other products include Investor-One (www.investor-one.com), a website on investor education, market news, corporate developments, and data analytics; as well as Inve$t, the e-magazine published weekly in Singapore and Malaysia.

SI organises financial investment seminars and conferences for investors. Its annual large-scale events INVEST Fair(TM) (www.investfair.com.sg) in Singapore and Malaysia draws thousands of participants.

About InvestingNote (www.investingnote.com)
Investing Note is the largest and most interactive platform for investments in Singapore and Malaysia. It is a community-driven platform designed specifically to help investors and traders to share ideas on stocks, personal finance, news and insights through social networking and a variety of useful investment tools. Previously, the company (Investing Note Pte Ltd) has received funding support from Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Singapore Press Holdings (SPH).

ACROMETA receives LOA for S$6.1 million design and build works from a global clinical research organisation

AcroMeta Group Limited, an established specialist engineering service provider in the field of controlled environments serving mainly the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia sectors, has received a letter of award (LOA) for the design and build of laboratory and office space worth approximately S$6.1 million from a global clinical research organisation that helps companies conduct clinical development of drugs or medical devices (the Project).

The Project site work is commencing soon and a binding contract would be executed in due course. In the unlikely event that the execution of contract is not followed through, the Group is safeguarded as it would be entitled to claim a maximum value of approximately S$1.8 million for value of works performed.

Said Mr Lim Say Chin, Executive Chairman, “We are greatly encouraged that the Project involves a new customer in the biotechnology space. This speaks of the confidence that our customers have in our capabilities. We will continue to work hard towards delivering quality services, leveraging on our established track record and proven expertise as controlled environment specialist engineers.”

The Project is expected to contribute positively to the earnings per share and net tangible assets per share of the Group for the current financial year ending 30 September 2023.

To the best of the Directors’ knowledge, none of the Directors and controlling shareholders of the Company have any interests, direct or indirect, in the Project, other than through their respective shareholdings in the Company.

About ACROMETA Group Limited (SGX Stock Code: 1CH1)
ACROMETA (Previously known as ACROMEC Limited) is an established specialist engineering services provider with more than 25 years of experience in the field of controlled environments. The Group has over the years acquired expertise in the design and construction of facilities requiring controlled environments such as laboratories, medical and sterile facilities and cleanrooms.

ACROMETA’s business is divided into two main business segments: (i) Engineering, procurement, and construction services, specialising in architectural, and mechanical, electrical and process works within controlled environments; and (ii) Maintenance and repair services of facilities and equipment of controlled environments and their supporting infrastructure.

The Group mainly serves the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia, and electronics sectors. ACROMETA counts amongst its customers, hospitals and medical centres, government agencies, research and development companies or agencies, research and development units of multinational corporations, tertiary educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, semiconductor manufacturing companies, and multinational engineering companies. The company has been listed on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange since 2016. For more information, please visit www.acrometa.com.

Media and Analysts Contact:
ACROMETA Group Limited
Mr. Jerry Tan
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +65 6415 0574
Email: jerry.tan@acromec.com

Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd
Mr. Wayne Koo
Tel: +65 6958 8008 / +65 9338 8166
Email: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg
Email: query@waterbrooks.com.sg

This media release has been reviewed by the Company’s sponsor, Evolve Capital Advisory Private Limited (the “Sponsor”). It has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “Exchange”) and the Exchange assumes no responsibility for the contents of this document, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this document.

The contact person for the Sponsor is Mr. Jerry Chua, 138 Robinson Road, #13-02 Oxley Tower, Singapore 068906, jerrychua@evolvecapitalasia.com.

ACROMETA Group Limited: [SGX: 43F] [BIC: ACRO:SP] [RIC: ACRO.SI], www.acrometa.com

OYO announces up to 70% discount on bookings for school holiday season in Malaysia

  • OYO announces up to 70% discount on bookings on all its properties across Malaysia during school holidays
  • Price assurance and revenue assurance plans have been introduced to support hotel partners during the ongoing holiday season
  • School holidays have been announced from December 10 until end of the month
  • Hotel bookings are expected to remain strong during school holidays as a lot of people take advantage of this season for their annual vacations

Global hospitality technology platform OYO has announced up to 70% discount on bookings during the school holidays in Malaysia. The discount scheme will be available till the end of this month across all OYO properties in different segments such as Collection O, Capital O, OYO Rooms and Spot On in the country. This year, tourism activities in Malaysia are expected to resume in full fervour after a two-year break, attracting tourists from all over the country to indulge in three-week-long celebrations.

Global hospitality technology platform OYO has announced up to 70% discount on bookings during the school holidays in Malaysia. [Image: oyo]
OYO has a presence across Malaysia with a network of more than 8,000 hotels in 75 cities and towns in primary, secondary and tertiary markets. [Image: oyo]

The scheme is tailor-made to ensure that guests planning to embark on their annual vacations are able to book clean, safe and convenient stays that add more excitement to their holiday spirits. It is also designed to boost government initiatives to promote domestic tourism after two subdued years.

As per the Tourism Malaysia report, the government is planning to refresh and elevate the ‘Cuti-Cuti Malaysia’ brand and image to promote domestic tourism aggressively by leveraging digital platforms. It also aims to increase tourism revenue by increasing domestic tourist arrivals and their average length of stay. In addition to this, there are plans to market and promote ‘One Product One District’ as a main attraction for domestic tourists.

OYO’s discount scheme is also aligned with Malaysia Digital Nomad Program to establish Malaysia as the preferred Digital Nomad Hub and support the local community of digital nomads in the country as a catalyst for tourism recovery.

OYO has a wide presence across a network of more than 8,000 hotels in 75 cities and towns throughout Malaysia including in primary, secondary and tertiary cities and towns.

Guests can avail of this discount by downloading the OYO App, clicking on the red ‘Nearby’ icon to discover a valid participating hotel in the city of their choice, selecting from the coupon codes ‘MYDEDAGANG55’, ‘OYODEDAGANG65’, ‘OYODEDAGANG55’, ‘MYPSALE’ and hitting the Book Now and Pay at Hotel button. Customers can also book through the OYO website www.oyorooms.com and through multiple online booking sites such as Agoda, Booking and Traveloka.

OYO booking data reveals that guests are more likely to look for clean, hygienic and contactless properties. OYO properties that are tagged as Sanitized Stays receive twice as many customers as those without. Most of the hotels are equipped with facilities such as Wi-Fi and air-conditioning to ensure maximum convenience for the guests.

Speaking about the offer, Ankit Tandon, Global CBO and CEO, SEAME said “OYO Malaysia is determined to provide guests with a wide range of accommodations while ensuring flexibility in booking and assurance of sanitization. With this offer, we also want to showcase our strength as a hospitality technology platform with a wide range of accommodation options. School holiday season is also an opportunity for us to help our hotel partners boost their revenue. We have introduced price assurance and revenue assurance programs for them which have received an overwhelming response with some of them even committing a higher volume of business than earlier”.

Customers choose OYO’s platform for many reasons, including accessibility to OYO’s hotels at competitive prices, quality accommodation, ease of use of its app, personalization, and flexibility of the OYO platform. They can also resolve their queries quickly with OYO’s 24*7 chatbot – Yo! Chat.

Website: https://www.oyorooms.com/my/

Media contact:
Abhishek Sinha
PR & Corporate Communications
Email: abhishek.sinha3@oyorooms.com

Belgravia Hartford Provides Year End Update on Zonetail Litigation

Belgravia Hartford Capital Inc. (CSE: BLGV) (Belgravia Hartford, Belgravia or the Company) provides a shareholder status update on its litigation with Zonetail Inc. (TSXV: ZONE) (Zonetail).

Belgravia and Zonetail are currently engaged in litigation which Zonetail launched in December 2019, the litigation is related to their prior commercial relationship.

Background Summary
1. Prior to becoming a publicly listed company, Zonetail solicited Belgravia to purchase its shares through private placement transactions in an effort to build working capital, and in part, to complete its going public transaction;
2. From February 2018 to November 2018 Belgravia invested $876,600 in Zonetail common shares at an average cost price of $0.1885/common share (the “Zonetail Share Cost Price”);
3. Additionally, on July 26, 2018, at the repeated request of Zonetail, Belgravia, in good faith, agreed to loan Zonetail $325,000 (the “Loan”) and issued a promissory note in the amount of $325,000 plus 8% interest due November 1, 2018 (the “Promissory Note”) which was agreed to and signed by Zonetail in promise of payment;
4. In August, 2018, Zonetail paid an interest payment of 144,444 common shares representing 8% of the interest payable;
5. Further, on October 30, 2018, Belgravia, in good faith, agreed to amend the date of repayment of the Promissory Note to the earlier of (i) that date which is 12 months from the closing of the Zonetail going public transaction, or (ii) November 1, 2019 and increased interest payable from 8% interest to 18% interest on the Promissory Note;
6. From March 2018 through February 2019 Belgravia was engaged by Zonetail to implement certain management services to fulfil its listing requirement. Belgravia provided services to assist Zonetail with Corporate Governance structure, meeting listing requirements and a number of other corporate initiatives;
7. On November 21, 2018, Zonetail became a publicly-traded company on the TSX Venture Exchange. As a result, Belgravia’s equity position, 4,749,999 common shares and 1,905,555 share purchase warrants was subject to Tier 2 escrow provisions and released over three years: 2019, 2020, and 2021;
8. On November 23, 2018, Zonetail paid an interest payment on the Loan of $32,500 to Belgravia in accordance with the Promissory Note;

Steps to Degradation of Relationship between Belgravia and Zonetail
9. During Q2 of 2019, five months after the going public transaction was complete and only then the second tranche of the escrowed funds were released, the average market price of Zonetail common shares had plummeted to a price of approximately of $0.06 per common share or 1/3 of the original Zonetail Share Cost Price. Belgravia’s total loss on investment: Over $700,000;
10. On August 29, 2019, Zonetail released it’s Q2 Financials which indicated approx. $17,000 of cash in the treasury;
11. In December 2019, Zonetail commenced a legal action against Belgravia, instead of repaying the Loan in good faith. Belgravia continues to demand immediate repayment of the Loan and the debt owed, being $506,125 (principal and unpaid interest to date); and
12. Belgravia has counterclaimed for $2,500,000 against Zonetail seeking to (among other things) hold Zonetail accountable for the full amount of the Loan repayment and applicable interest (i.e., $506,125).

Mehdi Azodi President & CEO of Belgravia Hartford stated, “Belgravia will vigorously defend itself and assert its right to re-payment of the Loan in accordance with the Promissory Note. Belgravia is moving rapidly towards scheduling a trial date and will provide a further update in early Q1 of 2023.”

About Belgravia Hartford
Belgravia Hartford Capital Inc. (Belgravia or the Company) is a publicly traded investment holding company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Belgravia is focused on growing its assets and holdings and increasing its net asset value (NAV). Belgravia invests in a portfolio of private and public companies located in jurisdictions governed by the rule of law. It takes a multi-sector investment approach with emphasis in the resources and commodities sector. Belgravia and its investments are considered high risk holdings and it may expose shareholders to significant volatility and losses. For more information, please visit www.belgraviahartford.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements that use forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “potential” or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding planned investment activities & related returns, the timing for completion of research and development activities, the potential value of royalties, and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, changes in market trends, the completion, results and timing of research undertaken by the Company, risks associated with resource assets, the impact of general economic conditions, commodity prices, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory, environmental, and governmental approvals, and the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

For More Information, Please Contact:
Mehdi Azodi, President & CEO
Belgravia Hartford Capital Inc.
(250) 763-5533
mazodi@blgv.ca

Heavyweights to speak as AFF opens conference year

  • Forum returns in physical format, drawing more than 100 policymakers and business leaders as speakers

The 16th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held on 11 and 12 January next year in hybrid format.

Ban Ki-Moon, eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations and more policymakers and business leaders will deliver keynote speeches at AFF 2023.
Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Christiana Figueres, Co-Founder of Global Optimism and Former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Themed “Accelerating Transformation: Impact – Inclusion – Innovation”, the Forum will include addresses from more than 100 global business leaders, policymakers, financial and wealth management experts, entrepreneurs, tech giants and economists who will share their views on issues related to global finance, economy, trade and sustainability. The Forum will also provide a platform to connect participants for business and investment opportunities to strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.

As the restrictions on arrivals have been relaxed, more international business travellers are expected to visit Hong Kong and participate in international conferences. To promote the vitality of the city, the HKTDC has curated a variety of exclusive benefits for AFF delegates from overseas, enriching their stay beyond the two-day forum.

Speakers include the Former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Former Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

As the premier financial and business forum and the first large-scale business exchange event kicking off the new year, AFF assembles more than 100 heavyweight thought leaders to examine ways to formulate better business strategies and develop a blueprint for sustainable growth after a turbulent 2022, and explore how global corporates can work together to create a resilient economic landscape through innovation and inclusion. This year’s forum draws a number of policymakers and business leaders to share their views, including the following three eminent keynote speakers:

– Ban Ki-moon, eighth Secretary-General of the UN
Ban Ki-moon served as Secretary-General of the UN between 2007 and 2016. During his tenure, he focused on the response to global challenges, from climate change and economic upheaval to pandemics and food and energy crisis. He will deliver his keynote address and share his insights on coping with global challenges and promoting sustainable development with multilateral cooperation on the first day of Forum (11 January).

– Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Helen Clark was the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1999 to 2008. Throughout her tenure, she engaged widely in policy development and advocacy across the international, economic, social and cultural spheres. She will deliver her keynote address under the theme of equality and diversity on the second day of Forum (12 January).

– Christiana Figueres, Co-founder of Global Optimism and Former Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
Christiana Figueres is an internationally recognised leader fostering climate action. As the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change from 2010 to 2016, she actively coordinated climate change initiatives to jointly deliver the 2015 Paris Agreement. She will discuss the latest trends in climate action and net-zero policies on the second day of Forum (12 January).

Discussion sessions on hot market topics
The two-day Forum will include more than 40 discussion sessions, featuring heavyweight financial, government and business leaders to shed light on major topics, including global economic outlook, regional trade collaborations such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, asset and wealth management, environment, social and governance (ESG) and green finance, insurance and risk management, family office ecosystem, philanthropy and impact investing, financial inclusion, decentralised finance (DeFi), Web3 and Metaverse, monetary reforms and central bank digital currencies (CBDC) opportunities.

In the main panel discussions, international financial and business leaders including Valerie Baudson, Chief Executive Officer of Amundi; Takeshi Kunibe, Chairman of the Board, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Vista Equity Partners; Mark Tucker, Group Chairman of HSBC Holdings; Dr Jose Vinals, Group Chairman, Standard Chartered; Dr Ridha Wirakusumah, CEO of Indonesia Investment Authority and James Turner, Group Chief Financial Officer, Prudential will examine macroeconomic trends amid the epidemic recovery and external uncertainties, and key market opportunities.

Tackling environmental challenges, energy and food crises has become top of the agenda on global level. Rapid development of Web3 and other financial technologies have also shaped the future of economy. In light of this, AFF will establish the Global Spectrum series, together with the Fireside Chat, to discuss various disruptive innovations and initiatives in society, covering venture capital and start-up ecosystem, transition to net-zero and ESG standard-setting, food security, health equity, metaverse and non-fungible token (NFT) and more. Speakers include Prof KC Chan, Senior Advisor, WeLab; Luanne Lim, Chief Executive, Hong Kong, HSBC; Benedicte Nolens, Head of the Hong Kong Centre, BIS Innovation Hub; Alfred Chuang, General Partner, Race Capital; Andrew Schwabecher, CEO & Representative Director, Japan Computer Vision Corp. and Adam Litle, Chief Executive Officer, Sound Agriculture. The Dialogues for Tomorrow series will also invite forward-looking industry leaders, including Sebastian Fahey, EVP, Managing Director, EMEA and Executive Lead, Metaverse, Sotheby’s; Jeremy Coller, CIO, Managing Partner and Founder of Coller Capital and Charles Li, Founder and Chairman of Micro Connect.

AFF Deal Flow in hybrid mode with extended period
In addition to gathering global financial and business leaders to share insights, the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association will again co-organise the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session. The first two days of the matchmaking meeting (11 and 12 January) will allow participants to meet at the physical Forum venue, and continue online till 17 January with a digital extension, offering investors and project owners prolonged period to connect and explore collaboration opportunities. The matchmaking projects will cover industries ranging from deep technology, digital technology and media, medical technology, education and infrastructure to real-estate services. A function for identifying ESG-integrated projects debuted last year has also been enhanced to facilitate business matching.

Nearly 100 exhibitors showcase new technologies and investment opportunities
The AFF will also house nearly 100 local and overseas exhibitors, international financial institutions, technology companies, start-ups and investment promotion agencies and sponsors including PwC, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China, HSBC, UBS, China International Capital Corporation, Huatai International, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and Cyberport to showcase leading financial technologies. Three highlighted zones, including Fintech Showcase, InnoVenture Salon and FintechHK Start-up Salon will allow on-site participants to experience technologies of tomorrow.

Wide array of exclusive discounts and privileges for overseas delegates
As the first large-scale business exchange event in 2023, the HKTDC has curated a variety of exclusive travel, food and hotel discounts and privileges in collaboration with Hong Kong Tourism Board, Klook, LKF Concepts and hotels to encourage AFF delegates from overseas to make the most out of their stay and experience the vitality of Hong Kong outside the Forum.

Participants who register now can enjoy an early bird discount. More activity details, speaker line-up and media registration arrangements will be announced in early January.

Website
– Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en
– AFF Programme List: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/info-programme
– AFF Speaker List: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speaker
– Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3FklQrP

Members of the media interested in interviewing AFF 2023 speakers can send an email to tleung@yuantung.com.hk or ayiu@yuantung.com.hk on or before 5 January 2023.

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 research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Tiffany Leung, Tel: +852 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Fung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

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/

JP Morgan, Citi, BNP Paribas, Barclays, and Lloyds Banking Group make new strategic investment in operational risk management firm Acin

  • Acin closes Series B with consortium of industry-leading banks

Acin, the global operational risk control data network, today announced it has closed $24 million in Series B funding from a strategic consortium of industry-leading banks, comprised of JP Morgan, Citi, BNP Paribas, Barclays, and Lloyds Banking Group.

The funding round was also supported by existing investors Notion Capital, Talis Capital and Fitch Ventures, the equity investment arm of Fitch Group.

This funding will enable further strategic product development in partnership with investing banks and existing clients. Additionally, it will enable Acin to expand and accelerate into new areas across the financial services industry.

Acin’s platform empowers financial institutions to digitise their operational and non-financial risk analysis, using ground breaking data analytic capabilities. Acin has established a network that calibrates data and facilitates the sharing of best practice between firms, underpinned by a standardised library of risks and controls. The results revolutionise the understanding and management of firms’ operational and non-financial risk positions accelerating their journey to become safer and more efficient. Minimising operational risk capital is a shared industry ambition and Acin’s solution is a key building block.

Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view the associated PDF document.
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/7475J_1-2022-12-14.pdf

About Acin
Founded in 2018, the Acin platform is the defining global operational risk network for connecting and quantifying data from the world’s largest financial institutions. Acin’s data analytic capabilities reveal gaps, duplication, and granular areas of weakness, enabling faster remediation at lower costs for completeness and optimised operations. This insight gives member firms exponentially deeper insights across their risk management landscape and against peer best practices.

Acin is making the financial services sector safer, delivering prioritisation and acceleration of value to transformation and simplification programmes, plus ongoing dynamic risk management value across all three lines of defence, enabling significant operational cost savings. Combined with substantial contributions to loss/penalty avoidance and the ability to evidence industry comparison and progress towards stated goals, reinvigorated discussions are now possible at both board and regulator level around residual risk and capital allocation.

Acin has achieved global industry recognition, including Risk.net’s OpRisk Innovation of the Year 2022 (second year in a row), Best ESG Risk Data Provider 2022, FS Tech Awards Risk Management Software of the Year 2021, and was named one of the most innovative regtech companies in 2019 and 2020.  Visit www.acin.com to learn more.

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HKTDC Export Index 4Q22: Hong Kong exports expected to grow 5% in 2023

  • Normalisation of cross-border trucking boosts export momentum

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) projects that Hong Kong’s exports will grow 5% next year – a recovery from the 6% decline this year. HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan said: “Hong Kong’s exports will gradually regain growth momentum amid the receding pandemic, easing of COVID-19 restrictions and resumption of cross-border land transportation.”

HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan (R) and Assistant Principal Economist (Greater China) Alice Tsang announced the HKTDC Export Index for the fourth quarter of 2022 and export forecast for 2023 at a press conference today (15 December)
HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan
HKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Greater China) Alice Tsang

The latest HKTDC Export Index survey shows that significantly more exporters indicated businesses were no longer suffering from pandemic-related problems (up 10.6 percentage points from the previous quarter to 32.7%), with progress made towards resolving the challenge of high transportation costs and logistics bottlenecks.

Yet, more respondents said buyers haggled over prices (25.7%, up 9.3 percentage points) and reduced order sizes (40.1%, up 5.0 percentage points). Most respondents said they expected sales next year to decrease (49.4%) or remain on a par with sales this year (28.3%). “Lingering geopolitics, coupled with the risk of global stagflation, has dampened consumer sentiment and business confidence,” Ms Fan explained.

Recessions risks
The risks of an economic slowdown or recession in major markets (36.2%) and difficulties in cross-border travel (21.1%) have become exporters’ key concerns. In response, most said they would develop new products (50.0%), stabilise cash flow (34.6%) and cut costs (30.5%) in the coming year. Other business strategies to be adopted included lowering minimum order quantities, increasing the use of e-commerce for sales and purchases as well as enhancing marketing, promotional or business matching activities.

“High inflation and high interest rates will weaken purchasing power and consumers’ desire in the European and American markets. Meanwhile, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become the bright spot for the city’s exports. Local exporters should also pay more attention to the opportunities in the Mainland China market. Product-wise, toys and timepieces related to smart and intellectual property (IP) will have higher chance,” Ms Fan said.

Sentiment edges down
The HKTDC interviewed some 500 Hong Kong exporters in mid-November for the survey to gauge business confidence about near-term export prospects. Respondents come from six major industries – clothing, electronics, jewellery, machinery, timepieces and toys. Readings above 50 indicate a positive sentiment, while below 50 is negative.

The HKTDC Export Index dropped 3.1 points from the previous quarter to 29.7. “The uncertainties led by slowing global demand has affected exporters’ sentiments,” said HKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Greater China) Alice Tsang.

Machinery, watches outperform
Ms Tsang added that machinery (38.3, up 3.4 points) was the most upbeat sector, followed by timepieces (36.8, up 3.0 points), while jewellery recorded a sharp fall of 13.4 points to 30.8. Other sectors such as toys (28.9, down 8.1 points) and fashion (23.8, down 7.4 points), also dropped significantly.

It is worth nothing that all major markets recorded declines. Exporters have more confidence in Asian countries, with Japan topping the table at 47.2, followed by Mainland China (44.4) and the ASEAN bloc (43.5). They, however, remained less optimistic about the EU (40.4) and the US (40.2) markets, as persistent inflationary pressures and the likelihood of recession were set to hamper demand.

Growth in Asia
In the first 10 months of 2022, Hong Kong’s total exports fell 4.4% over the same period last year. This was mainly due to pandemic disruption on cross-border trade flows between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the city’s exports to key major Asian markets saw double-digit growth, as the intra-regional supply chain expanded. For instance, Hong Kong’s exports to the ASEAN bloc increased 12.6% year-on-year, while they surged 15.0% and 13.5% to Taiwan and Korea, respectively.

However, Hong Kong’s exports to the US showed no growth and shipments to the EU fell 2.9% during the same period, as aggressive central bank monetary tightening, high energy and food inflation as well as the lingering Russia-Ukraine conflict dampened consumer and business sentiment.

New products, new opportunities
Looking ahead, it is expected that toys exports will benefit from new 3D live-action games, and other peripheral products derived from film, TV and video games. Household electrical appliance exports will also pick up next year, as many restaurants, hotels and offices resume normal operations.

New products, such as robot vacuum cleaners and sound-activated light switches, also appeal to consumers. Moreover, smartwatches with more advanced health and wellness functions, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and blood oxygen readouts are becoming more popular.

To view our press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

References
– HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/
– HKTDC Export Index 4Q22: Local Exporter Confidence Falters in Face of Global Economic Slowdown https://bit.ly/3FNwCIz
– Covid Legacy and Global Economic Downturn Impact Hong Kong’s 2023 Export Outlook https://bit.ly/3FOh7QH
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3FOi7nI

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 research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

Tonghai Financial Garners CarbonCare Label Three Years in A Row, “CarbonCare Label Level 3 – Achievement” This Year and “CarbonCare Star Label” Special Recognition

China Tonghai Financial Limited (Tonghai Financial or the Group), is pleased to announce that it has earned the CarbonCare Label Level 3 – Achievement granted by CarbonCare InnoLab in recognition of its excellence in the sustainability development and efforts towards a greener future. It was also presented the CarbonCare Star Label, a special recognition for having won the CarbonCare Label for three consecutive years, evidencing its outstanding performance in fulfilling carbon reduction commitments.

This year, CarbonCare InnoLab aims to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions and investors worldwide for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery after the pandemic. Looking ahead, the Group will respond to the call by promoting environmental conservation in the communities and raising green awareness among its employees, so as to further enhance long term sustainability as well as contribute to the green development of the society. As ESG continues to gain market attention, carbon reduction has become the focus and goal of more companies. Tonghai Financial had been playing active role in important environmental issues. The CarbonCare ESG Label signifies the success of the Group’s effort in sustaining a green environment, and also a ringing endorsement of the commitment in providing a high standard of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) report for stakeholders.

CarbonCare InnoLab and Carbon Care Asia jointly launched the CarbonCare Label in 2011. To date, more than 450 CarbonCare Labels have been awarded to organizations in different sectors, including listed companies, government departments, public bodies, social enterprises, non-governmental organizations and commercial buildings/venues. In recent years, keeping pace with time, the Scheme has introduced different level labels so as to match the state of progress made by companies and organizations in sustainability and respond to the development in carbon management, ESG reporting and circular economy of companies.

About China Tonghai International Financial Limited
China Tonghai International Financial Limited (the “Company”, Stock Code: 00952.HK) is a Hong Kongbased financial services group which is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The Company was publicly listed in Hong Kong in 1997, it is committed to building a comprehensive, full-licensed integrated financial platform. The core businesses of the Company are brokerage business, interest income business, corporate finance business, asset management business and investments and others businesses. The Company strives to become the ideal partner for both corporate and individual investors in Hong Kong and China. The Company also offers premier one-stop financial services to its clients. The Company continued to provide capital markets services through its representative office or the wholly-owned foreign enterprise in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Shenyang, Ningbo, Dalian, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xiamen of the PRC and through its networks of Global Alliance Partners network and Oaklins International.

For further information, please contact:
Quam IR Limited
Mandy Lo Tel: (852) 2217-2753 Email: mandy.lo@tonghaifinancial.com
Charlie Chan Tel: (852) 2217-2504 Email: charlie.chan@tonghaifinancial.com

SNS Network Technology Posts 35.5% Rise in PAT to RM11.94 Million

  • Group continues to see growth in margins on demand from market’s digital transformation initiatives

SNS Network Technology Berhad, an ICT system and solutions provider, today reported a 35.5% rise in profit after tax (PAT) to RM11.94 million for the third quarter ended 31 October 2022 (3Q FY2023) compared with PAT of RM8.81 million in the immediately preceding quarter (2Q FY2023).

Managing Director of SNS, Ko Yun Hung

The Group registered revenue that increased 17.5% to RM348.84 million in 3Q FY2023 compared with RM296.93 million in 2Q FY2023. For the quarter under review, there was a 25.7% gain in gross profit (GP) to RM29.44 million compared with GP of RM23.43 million in 2Q FY2023 while profit before tax (PBT) increased 29.9% to RM15.28 million compared with PBT of RM11.76 million.

There are no comparative figures on a year-over-year basis as SNS was listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on 2 September 2022.

Managing Director of SNS, Ko Yun Hung, said, “We are seeing continuous growth in revenue and profit as well as margins supported by growing demand in the ICT industry by the commercial sector due to the market’s digital transformation initiatives as well as the implementation of government’s ICT initiatives as part of the digitalisation drive in schools. In fact, more and more organizations will continue to infuse digital technology into every process and function to boost up their productivities.”

“Building on the government’s digitalisation initiatives, we are fulfilling projects secured under the PerantiSiswa Keluarga Malaysia, a programme to bridge the digital gap and enhance the learning experience among tertiary students from the B40 group. In addition, our Group is very focused on expanding the device-as-a-service (DaaS) subscription-based service as we announced prior to our listing given the growth in the domestic DaaS market, which saw a CAGR of 39.04% from 2018, when the market was valued at RM139.95 million to 2021, when the market was valued at RM376.17 million.”

“SNS is in a strong cash position at RM89.24 million and we are ready to expand through our online, physical store and commercial channels offering products, services and solutions. The Group’s growth and strength is also supported by JOI(R), our in-house brand of devices and solutions catering to the needs of a growing audience of students enabling them to access educational tools and online learning for hybrid environment. We continue to also secure more DaaS projects from both the government and private sectors across all industries.”

The Group’s board of directors has also approved and declared a first interim single-tier dividend of 0.25 Sen per ordinary share amounting to RM4,031,949 in respect of financial year ending 31 January 2023, to be paid on 18 January 2023. The entitlement date is 3 January 2023.

SNS Network Technology: 0259 [BURSA: SNS], https://www.sns.com.my/