Asian Financial Forum returns as Region’s First Major International Financial Assembly in 2025

– Bringing together scholars, financial officials and business leaders for discussions on the theme ‘Powering the Next Growth Engine’

  • Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, the 18th Asian Financial Forum 2025 (AFF), will be the region’s first major international financial and business event of the year.
  • Heavyweight speakers include Prof Justin Lin YifuChief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012); Prof Stuart Russell, Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI; Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures; and Joe Tsai, Chairman of the Alibaba Group.
  • The event brings together scholars, financial officials and business leaders from Mainland China, ASEAN, the Middle East, Europe and the United States to share invaluable insights.

The 18th Asian Financial Forum 2025 (AFF), co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 13 and 14 January (Monday and Tuesday). Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, AFF will be the first major financial and business event in the region in the new year, bringing together more than 100 global policymakers, business leaders, financial experts and investors, entrepreneurs, tech giants and economists to share their views on issues related to political leadership, geopolitical tensions, monetary policy shifts, macroeconomic challenges and more. These industry heavyweights will discuss the latest developments in financial markets and investment opportunities and explore how Hong Kong can leverage its strengths as an international financial centre to seek breakthroughs in a period of change.

Harnessing Hong Kong’s unique advantages to demonstrate financial excellence
Launched in 2007, the AFF has become a flagship financial event for Hong Kong and the broader region, showcasing the city’s status as an international financial centre and its role as a connector in spearheading regional financial activities. Against the backdrop of a constantly shifting global economic landscape, Hong Kong has been leveraging its unique geographical position, professional services and global perspective to continue fostering collaboration and ensuring mutual success between Asia and the world.

Luanne LimChairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, of HSBC, said: “The geopolitical and economic landscape of 2025 is set to be fraught with challenges, underscoring the importance of international collaboration. The Forum adopts the theme ‘Powering the Next Growth Engine’, bringing together influential speakers and thought leaders to share insights, dissect the evolving global landscape and spotlight emerging investment opportunities. Key areas of focus include the growth potential of emerging markets such as Mainland China, ASEAN and the Middle East, as well as advancements in sectors like artificial intelligence, fintech, sustainability, philanthropy and family offices. The Forum continues to provide a premier platform for renowned global investors and fundraisers to collaborate and ignite new engines for growth with its strong international influence and diverse perspectives.”

Impactful sessions spotlight global issues
The Forum will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, with a two-day programme featuring various panels and workshops, including plenary sessions, policy dialogues, keynote luncheons, breakfast panels and fireside chats, as well as thematic workshops focusing on development and innovation across different industries. It will continue to stage well-received sessions such as Global Economic OutlookChina Opportunities and CIO InsightsGlobal Economic Outlook will analyse international economic trends and provide insights into business opportunities and wealth accumulation in emerging industries and regions in 2025. China Opportunities will focus on examining the investment outlook in Mainland China under the acceleration of technological innovation and its impact on global businesses. CIO Insights will explore new opportunities for cross-regional cooperation from macroeconomic and asset allocation perspectives, offering participants insights and strategies that can help realise long-term growth. 

Financial pioneers share insights on future economy
One of the keynote speakers at AFF will be Prof Justin Lin Yifu, a globally renowned economist and Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012). Prof Lin will deliver an in-depth analysis of the shifting global economic landscape and the impact on Mainland China and international markets, exploring strategies for achieving stable growth and driving rapid economic development amid a complex international environment.

The Forum will also bring together scholars, financial officials and business leaders from the mainland, ASEAN, the Middle East, Europe and the United States to shed light on a range of key topics, including macroeconomics, China opportunities, investment prospects, artificial intelligence (AI) and fintech as well as sustainability.

As the world’s second largest economy, the mainland’s economic and industrial development plays a significant role in driving global economic growth. Heavyweight speakers include Dr Fred Hu, Founder and Chairman of Primavera Capital Group; Jin Liqun, President and Chair of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Li Yimei, Chief Executive Officer of China Asset Management, and Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group, will take the stage at AFF to share their views.

Emerging markets such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Middle East will also be spotlighted. Speakers from ASEAN will include Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community of ASEAN while a new session will highlight the opportunities in financial cooperation and investment between the Middle East and Hong Kong, featuring speakers from the two places.

A stellar line-up of speakers and company representatives from Europe and the US will offer new impetus at various panel discussions. Featured speakers include Edward Dolman, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phillips Auctioneers; Christopher Donahue, President & Chief Executive Officer of Federated Hermes, Inc; Antoine Gosset-Grainville, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AXA; Dr Hou Yang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Greater China Region and Global Senior Vice President of Microsoft; Philip Lane, Chief Economist and Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank; Vincent Mortier, Group Chief Investment Officer of Amundi; and Dr Olli Rehn, Governor and Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Finland.

AI and fintech are having a profound impact as they become more broadly adopted in the financial services sector. Prof Stuart Russell, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum Council on AI; Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures and Ken Wong, Executive Vice President of Lenovo and President of Lenovo Solutions & Services Group, will address the latest industry developments and prospects at the AFF. Prof Russell, Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley and Co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI and the OECD’s Expert Group on AI Futures, will explore the prospects of AI becoming a new engine for global economic growth.

Sustainable development is another key topic at the AFF. In different sessions of the Forum, Sue Lloyd, Vice Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB); Martin Neubert, Partner and Group Chief Investment Officer of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and Jiadi Yu, Chief Investment Officer of International Finance Corporation (IFC), will share views on how the adoption of the ISSB will contribute to market confidence in Hong Kong’s capital markets.

Diverse exhibition zones create opportunities, innovative technologies drive growth
The Fintech Showcase, InnoVenture Salon, FintechHK Start-up Salon and Global Investment Zone will be assembled at the AFF to help fintech companies, start-ups and international investment agencies from around the world to connect businesses, showcase the latest technological innovations and promote collaboration.

In addition to offering pitching and startup advisory sessions, the InnoVenture Salon features an exhibition of innovative technologies across various fields such as regtech, deep tech, green tech, health tech and food tech and agri-tech. This capacity-building support will connect entrepreneurs with potential clients, users and investors from different regions and industries, helping businesses refine their strategies, expand operations and thrive in the global market. Additionally, AFF Deal-making, a unique deal-sourcing and matching session, will build on the success of previous years to connect sources of funds and deals from around the world through one-on-one meetings.

AFF – Hong Kong’s major annual financial event
International large-scale events play a strategically important role for Hong Kong. As the first major financial event of the year, the AFF is designed to provide industry professionals with the latest insights and help them explore new opportunities. Early bird registration is now open for participants. The AFF is collaborating with various organisations to provide special travel, dining and shopping discounts and privileges for overseas participants, encouraging them to make the most of their stay and experience the vitality of Hong Kong. More details regarding the content, speaker lineup and media registration arrangements for the AFF will be announced at a press conference on 7 January 2025.

Websites
– Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/about-aff
– Programme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/info-programme
– Speaker list: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakers

Members of the media interested in interviewing speakers at the Asian Financial Forum should email ayiu@yuantung.com.hk or lsong@yuantung.com.hk by 8 January 2025.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Bz8p9t

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Media enquiries

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Louise Song Tel: (852) 3428 5691 Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

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 exhibitionsconferences 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.

GENERALIFX Unveils Multimillion-Dollar AI Strategy Autopilot to Revolutionize Trading

Empowering Investors with Cutting-Edge AI: GENERALIFX’s New Autopilot Strategy Redefines Trading Precision and Performance

GENERALIFX, a premier trading software provider and financial education platform, is excited to announce the official launch of its Multimillion-Dollar AI Strategy Autopilot. This groundbreaking innovation leverages advanced AI-driven technology to help investors make precise and informed trading decisions on autopilot across global markets.

GENERALIFX is proud to emphasize its role as a trading software provider and not a broker. The company’s mission is to empower traders by providing cutting-edge tools, AI algorithms, and education to enhance their trading journeys while maintaining the highest levels of transparency.

AI Strategy Backed by Myfxbook-Verified Results and 5-Star Trustpilot Ratings
The Multimillion-Dollar AI Strategy Autopilot has already garnered immense praise from the trading community for its exceptional performance. Its verified results on myfxbook showcase industry-leading accuracy and consistency, setting a new benchmark for automated trading solutions. With transparency at its core, GENERALIFX allows users to witness the AI’s real-world performance in action-results that truly must be seen to be believed.

Further underscoring its credibility, GENERALIFX maintains a 5-star rating on Trustpilot, reflecting the trust and satisfaction of thousands of global traders. This combination of verifiable success and stellar user feedback positions GENERALIFX as the go-to platform for traders seeking efficiency, reliability, and results.

“Trading has never been more accessible and innovative,” said a GENERALIFX spokesperson. “The Multimillion-Dollar AI Strategy Autopilot offers a new level of precision and ease, combining cutting-edge AI technology with a user-friendly approach. Our verified results and unwavering trust on Trustpilot prove that GENERALIFX is the ultimate partner for traders worldwide-empowering them to achieve success in markets like forex, crypto, gold, stocks, and oil.”

Empowering Traders Through Education and Innovation

GENERALIFX believes in a learn-and-earn philosophy, combining automation with education. Alongside its AI-driven solutions, the company provides comprehensive resources designed to help traders at every level master their craft.

From step-by-step tutorials on how to trade forex, stocks, and commodities like gold and oil, to in-depth guides on crypto trading strategies, GENERALIFX ensures that users are equipped to understand the markets they trade in. Whether you’re an experienced investor or a beginner, GENERALIFX empowers you to become a confident, knowledgeable trader.

Learn more about GENERALIFX’s educational resources here.

Designed for Every Type of Trader

The Multimillion-Dollar AI Strategy Autopilot is tailored to meet the needs of all traders:

  • Beginners benefit from automated trades while learning through GENERALIFX’s educational platform.
  • Experienced traders amplify their performance with precise AI-driven strategies.
  • Passive investors enjoy peace of mind as the AI identifies and executes trades on autopilot.

Covering a range of asset classes-including forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, gold, and oil-this AI solution is versatile, adaptive, and powerful. Traders can customize their risk parameters, trading styles, and goals to achieve optimal results.

Why GENERALIFX Stands Out

GENERALIFX’s focus on transparency, performance, and education makes it unique in the trading landscape. Here’s why traders choose GENERALIFX:

  • Verified Results: Real-world, myfxbook-verified performance to ensure trust and transparency.
  • 5-Star Trustpilot Rating: Thousands of satisfied traders globally.
  • Innovative AI Solutions: Trade smarter with AI-powered algorithms.
  • Educational Excellence: Learn to trade with professional guides, tutorials, and strategies.
  • Non-Broker Commitment: GENERALIFX is a software provider and does not act as a broker, ensuring impartiality.

Through strategic partnerships with Tier-1 international brokers, GENERALIFX ensures users operate in secure, regulated trading environments for the best experience.

Ready to Experience the Future of Trading?

GENERALIFX invites traders worldwide to experience the future of trading with its Multimillion-Dollar AI Strategy Autopilot. Whether you want to automate your trades, improve your performance, or expand your market knowledge, GENERALIFX provides the tools, transparency, and education needed to succeed.

See the verified myfxbook results and discover how GENERALIFX’s AI strategy can transform your trading journey. Learn more about mastering financial markets with GENERALIFX here.

About GENERALIFX
GENERALIFX is a trusted trading software provider and educational platform dedicated to empowering traders through innovation, verified results, and comprehensive learning resources. GENERALIFX is not a broker but partners with Tier-1 international brokers to provide users with a secure and seamless trading environment.

Media Contact:
GENERALIFX Public Relations
Email: support@generalifx.com
Website: https://generalifx.com

SOURCE: GENERALIFX

Fosun Bolsters Core Business with Two Key Asset Privatizations

On the evening of 10 December, Fosun Tourism Group (FTG) announced on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange its plan to repurchase shares at a price of HK$7.8 per share. This price represents a 111% premium over the closing price of the day before the last trading day. This privatization will raise FTG’s market value to HK$10.5 billion, and the announcement swiftly captured widespread attention.

The market generally perceives this move as part of Fosun’s strategy to focus on its core businesses and consolidate resources to support its core industries with established advantages. In June, Fosun Pharma announced its plan to privatize its biopharmaceutical subsidiary, Shanghai Henlius, through a merger.

Within a year, with two key subsidiaries announced for privatization, what strategy is Fosun pursuing? Analysts suggest that “These two subsidiaries are high-quality assets of Fosun, and their privatization reflects Fosun’s commitment to strengthening its focus on core businesses with established advantages. This move also indicates that Fosun has ample cash flow, enabling it to pursue sustainable growth and make flexible adjustments.”

Recently, Fosun has been active in its core sectors, such as tourism and pharmaceuticals. The company recently co-organized a biopharmaceutical innovation forum and signed agreements with several high-profile institutions. It also shipped its independently-developed drug, HANQUYOU, to the U.S. and expanded Club Med into the Greater Bay Area. These actions demonstrate Fosun’s intention to focus on its core businesses, building momentum for high-quality growth.

Focusing on asset-light operations to create long-term value through a “retreat to advance” strategy in the tourism sector
Since the trading halt of FTG on 27 November, speculation about its privatization has circulated widely in the market. The announcement on 10 December confirmed FTG’s privatization, with investors noting that the privatization is a win-win choice.

According to public information, FTG has been a core subsidiary within Fosun’s Happiness business segment since its establishment. In the first half of 2024, it reported a business volume of RMB10.65 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA of RMB2.09 billion and a profit attributable to equity holders of the company of RMB320 million, reflecting a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023, excluding the one-off gain on disposal of resorts.

In recent years, FTG has faced challenges due to global macroeconomic environment, trends in the tourism industry, and the overall performance of the Hong Kong stock market. Since its listing, the company’s share price has not reflected its true value, and trading volumes have been low, limiting its financing capacity. The advantages of being a listed company have not been fully realized, while maintaining its listing status has incurred additional costs. Completing the privatization will not only resolve liquidity issues but also enhance strategic flexibility and focus on long-term sustainable development.

As a flagship brand of FTG, Club Med has recently achieved a new breakthrough. On 29 November, Shenzhen, CITIC, and Fosun signed a cooperation framework agreement to launch Club Med at Jinsha Bay in Dapeng New District, a key area for tourism development in Shenzhen. This collaboration is viewed in the tourism industry as a powerful alliance, combining high-quality resources.

Club Med Joyview, the product line set to debut in Jinsha Bay, is designed specifically for the Chinese market, focusing on urban short-distance vacations. It has already seen success in locations such as Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang and Heilongtan in Sichuan. Dapeng New District holds high hopes for the project, believing that the establishment of a Club Med resort in Jinsha Bay will “fill a gap in high-end family resorts in Shenzhen and enhance the international profile and tourism appeal of both Shenzhen and Dapeng New District.”

Analysts noted that Fosun is increasingly strengthening its asset-light strategy in the tourism sector. By leveraging strong intellectual properties and operational capabilities, Fosun has been accelerating partnerships with local governments and state-owned enterprises to seize promising projects. In addition to launching Club Med in Jinsha Bay, the recent signing of the second phase of the Taicang Alps Resort and the launch of the ULTRAMED Hainan are also prime examples of this asset-light approach.

“At first glance, Fosun’s move towards privatization may seem like a ‘retreat’. However, the clear strategic direction and the steady advancement of asset-light projects indicate that the company is actually ‘retreating to advance’. In an uncertain market cycle, this approach maximizes strategic flexibility, allowing a focus on long-term goals and sustainable development.”

Strengthening the pharmaceutical sector and embracing integrated innovation with a global perspective
In addition to the tourism sector, pharmaceuticals continue to be a key pillar of Fosun’s business profile, with the company making significant strides in this area recently.

On 2-3 December, Fosun co-organized the first “Greater Bay Area (GBA) Star” Biopharmaceutical Original Innovation Forum in Shenzhen. Just two weeks prior, it co-organized another forum themed on “Original Innovation” in Shanghai.

By co-organizing two high-profile industry forums within a month, Fosun has demonstrated its leadership and influence in the biopharmaceutical field. Fosun also signed strategic cooperation agreements with Fudan University, Shanghai University, the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Ruijin Hospital, among others, to jointly promote original innovation.

Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, said at the forum, “Good innovation must start from demand. In the biopharmaceutical sector, this means putting ‘patients first’. Additionally, innovation should maintain a ‘global perspective’, always embracing an open mindset and adhering to a win-win cooperation.”

While driving innovation in the industry, Fosun has also made important breakthroughs in broaden its global market reach. On 29 November, the first batch of HANQUYOU, a trastuzumab biosimilar independently developed and manufactured by Shanghai Henlius, was shipped to the U.S.

HANQUYOU is the first China-developed monoclonal antibody biosimilar approved in China, the EU, and the U.S. To date, it has been approved in 50 countries and regions, benefiting over 220,000 HER2-positive breast and gastric cancer patients globally. According to Shanghai Henlius, approximately 6.5 million units of HANQUYOU have been shipped globally since its commercialization in 2020. In 2023 alone, HANQUYOU contributed over RMB2.7 billion in sales revenue.

Industry expert believes that successfully entering the U.S. market will significantly enhance the growth trajectory of HANQUYOU and lay a solid foundation for the overseas expansion of Shanghai Henlius’ products. “The reasoning is simple: by breaking into the toughest market, the company gains confidence when approaching other countries and regions.”

After more than a decade of development, Shanghai Henlius has built a diversified and robust product pipeline encompassing over 50 molecules, covering areas such as oncology, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmology. Currently, 6 products have been approved for marketing in China, 3 have been approved for marketing in overseas markets, and 24 indications have received approval, and 4 applications have been accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the EU. In addition to HANQUYOU, products such as HANSIZHUANG, HANLIKANG, HANDAYUAN, and HANBEITAI maintain leading positions in their respective markets.

Notably, in June, Fosun Pharma announced its plans to privatize its subsidiary, Shanghai Henlius, through a merger. The proposed purchase price is HK$24.6 per share, representing a premium of 36.67% over the closing price on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on the undisturbed date, and a premium of 52.04% over the average closing price based on the daily closing prices of H Shares as quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the 30 trading days immediately prior to and including the undisturbed date. The total cash consideration shall not exceed HK$5.407 billion. Following this announcement, Fosun Pharma’s share price surged significantly.

The industry generally views this privatization as a way for Shanghai Henlius to implement its long-term strategy more flexibly, which will help avoid the pressures of market expectations and stock price volatility associated with being publicly listed. This move also allows for a fresh start, enabling the company to explore new development opportunities through asset restructuring and industry adjustments. Once privatized, Shanghai Henlius’ core capabilities and long-term value will be further realized, thereby enhancing Fosun’s competitive edge in the pharmaceutical sector.

Strong financial position and ample cash flow recognized by domestic and international institutions
From a financial perspective, Fosun’s recent series of strategic moves reflects its solid financial standing and ample cash flow, enabling it to pursue various strategies, including privatization.

As of 30 June 2024, the company’s cash, bank balances and term deposits reached RMB109.55 billion, representing an increase of approximately RMB17.1 billion since the end of 2023.

Recently, S&P and securities firms such as CITIC, have released reports highly recognizing Fosun’s focus on its core businesses in the household consumption sector, its optimization of asset structure, and its successful U.S. dollar note issuance to broaden its funding channels. Several securities firms have assigned Fosun a “Buy” rating.

S&P believes Fosun has adequate liquidity buffer to meet its debt maturities obligation over the next two years and expects Fosun to continue divesting its non-core assets, leading to a steady decline in its debt. Furthermore, as offshore subsidiaries reach maturity, Fosun International’s dividend receipts are expected to enhance significantly. Therefore, S&P maintained a “stable” rating outlook on Fosun International.

CITIC Securities noted that since 2020, Fosun has focused on developing strategically core businesses with market leadership while optimizing its asset structure and financial position through the divestment of non-strategy and non-core assets. As the company deepens its global operations, enhances business synergies, and improves its technological innovation capabilities, it is poised to unlock long-term growth potential.

Analysts expressed that with strong financial backing, Fosun is continuously enhancing its competitiveness by focusing on its core sectors and exploring new growth opportunities, thereby further releasing its long-term value.

Loop Industries Completes Convertible Preferred Financing With Reed Societe Generale Group and Sells First Technology License For An Infinite Loop Manufacturing Facility in Europe

  • REED SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP INVESTS €10 MILLION IN LOOP VIA A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITY AT A $4.75 CONVERSION PRICE.
  • LOOP COMPLETES ITS INAUGURAL SALE OF AN INFINITE LOOP™ TECHNOLOGY LICENSE, GENERATING AN UPFRONT PAYMENT OF €10 MILLION.
  • FORMATION OF A EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP TO DEPLOY INFINITE LOOP™ MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY.
  • PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION OF THE INFINITE LOOP™ FACILITY IN INDIA AND FINANCE LOOP’S OPERATIONAL CASH REQUIREMENTS.

LOOP MANAGEMENT TO HOLD UPDATE CALL AT 8:45 AM ET on December 13, 2024

Loop Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:LOOP) (the Company, Loop, we, us, or our), a clean technology company whose mission is to accelerate a circular plastics economy by manufacturing 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic and textile-to-textile (T2T) polyester fiber, has secured €10 million through a convertible preferred security financing with Reed Societe Generale Group, a European investment firm majority-owned by the bank Societe Generale. Additionally, as part of the Reed Societe Generale Group transaction, Loop has finalized the sale of its first Infinite Loop™ technology license, generating an initial €10 million payment, with additional milestone-based payments from Reed Societe Generale Group to follow.

The Reed Societe Generale Group transaction marks a pivotal step in Loop’s commercialization strategy, enabling the deployment of its patented recycling technology across Europe and supporting capital investment in cost-effective manufacturing regions, including its joint venture in India with strategic partner Ester Industries Ltd. Proceeds from the financing and licensing deal will fund the Indian project and Loop’s operational cash flow needs.

Key terms of the €10 million convertible preferred security include:

  • 13% PIK dividend rate
  • 5-year term
  • Convertible to Loop common stock at $4.75 per share or redeemable in cash

The technology license will be granted to a European partnership owned 90% by Reed Societe Generale Group and 10% by Loop, which is being formed to develop Infinite Loop™ manufacturing facilities in Europe. Loop retains the right to increase its equity stake in the European manufacturing facility, as well as potential future facilities, to a maximum of 50% for each facility. The license is to build one Infinite Loop™ manufacturing facility in Europe. Future facilities under this partnership will require the purchase of additional technology licenses from Loop.

The license sale underscores the commercial readiness of Loop’s technology, validated by four years of successful operations at its Terrebonne facility, which supplies bottle-grade PET resin for consumer packaging and T2T polyester fiber to advance circular fashion for apparel brands. Loop is committed to expanding the reach of its proven solution to the plastic waste global issue by partnering with well-financed, reliable customers through technology licenses and engineering services. This strategy allows Loop to address global demand in regions where it does not plan to build facilities, driving further growth and value creation while focusing Loop’s internal resources and capital on direct equity investments.

With regulatory approval for Societe Generale’s acquisition of a 75% stake in Reed Societe Generale Group finalized, it is positioned to deploy capital into this and other projects. The previous condition precedent to closing relating to government funding is no longer applicable, although Loop expects that such additional financing will be available when the Indian project is approved to begin construction. Funding for both the financing and the initial payment for the technology license is expected within seven business days following the incorporation of the European partnership company.

Julien Touati, CEO of Reed Societe Generale Group, commented: “Reducing dependency on virgin plastics is a global challenge. We are proud to support the rollout of Loop’s technology in Europe by becoming the majority shareholder of this European partnership. This strategic investment allows us to leverage Loop’s unique expertise and strong relationships with world-class brands committed to decarbonizing their supply chains. It fits perfectly with our ambition to actively contribute to the industrialization of Europe’s circular economy, significantly reduce pollution, and foster sustainable growth.”

“The sale of our first technology license is a transformative milestone, proving the scalability and market readiness of our Infinite Loop™ technology,” said Daniel Solomita, CEO and Founder of Loop Industries. “Our financing agreement and partnership with Reed Societe Generale Group propels us into a new phase of growth – expanding into Europe with strategic precision while advancing our flagship Infinite Loop™ project in India. These strategic steps align with our long-term investment vision and underscore our commitment to innovation, scalability, and delivering exceptional value for our shareholders. I look forward to working closely with Julien and his team at Reed Societe Generale Group in leading the circular economy in plastic packaging and circular fashion in Europe.”

Corporate Update Call
Senior Management of Loop will host a corporate update call, followed by a question-and-answer session, which can be accessed via the dial-in numbers below.

Date: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 8:45 am Eastern Time

Participant joining details (by Telephone):
United States (Local): +1 404 975 4839
United States (Toll-Free): +1 833 470 1428
Access Code: 625641

OR

Registration Link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=2e808989&confId=75536

– Avoid wait time – Bypass speaking with an operator to join the call
– Receive a Calendar Invitation with call access details including your unique PIN

About Loop Industries
Loop Industries is a technology company whose mission is to accelerate the world’s shift toward sustainable PET plastic and polyester fiber and away from our dependence on fossil fuels. Loop Industries owns patented and proprietary technology that depolymerizes no and low-value waste PET plastic and polyester fiber, including plastic bottles and packaging, carpets and textiles of any color, transparency or condition and even ocean plastics that have been degraded by the sun and salt, to its base building blocks (monomers). The monomers are filtered, purified and polymerized to create virgin-quality Loop™ branded PET resin suitable for use in food-grade packaging and polyester fiber, thus enabling our customers to meet their sustainability objectives. Loop™ PET plastic and polyester fiber can be recycled infinitely without degradation of quality, successfully closing the plastic loop. Loop Industries is contributing to the global movement towards a circular economy by reducing plastic waste and recovering waste plastic for a sustainable future.

Common shares of the Company are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “LOOP.”

For more information, please visit www.loopindustries.com. Follow Loop on Twitter: @loopindustries, Instagram: loopindustries, Facebook: Loop Industries and LinkedIn: Loop Industries

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “should,” “could,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of such terms or similar words. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about Loop’s market opportunity, its growth strategies, plans and timelines for completing the €10 million convertible preferred stock financing and technology license sale, plans for use of expected proceeds, ability to improve and expand its capabilities and seek additional financing, and plans for future growth and future operations including expansion in Europe and advancing the joint venture in India. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Loop’s control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with among other things: (i) our ability to commercialize our technology and products, (ii) the status of our relationships with our partners, (iii) development and protection of our intellectual property and products, (iv) industry competition, (v) our need for and ability to obtain additional funding relative to our current and future financial commitments, (vi) our ability to continue as a going concern, (vii) engineering, contracting, and building our manufacturing facilities, (viii) our ability to scale, manufacture, and sell our products in order to generate revenues, (ix) our proposed business model and our ability to execute it, (x) our ability to obtain the necessary approvals or satisfy any closing conditions in respect of any of our proposed partnerships, (xi) our joint venture projects and our ability to recover certain expenditures in connection them, (xii) adverse effects on the Company’s business and operations as a result of increased regulatory, media, or financial reporting scrutiny, practices, rumors, or otherwise, (xiii) public health issues, such as disease epidemics, which may lead to reduced access to capital markets, supply chain disruptions, and government-imposed business closures, (xiv) war, regional tensions, and economic or other conflicts that could impact market stability and our business; (xv) the effect of the continuing worldwide macroeconomic uncertainty and its impacts, including inflation, market volatility and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates, (xvi) the outcome of any Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) investigations or class action litigation filed against us, (xvii) our ability to hire and/or retain qualified employees and consultants, (xviii) other events or circumstances over which we have little or no control, and (xix) other factors discussed in Loop’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 filed with the SEC and in Loop’s subsequent filings with the SEC. More detailed information about Loop and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in Loop’s filings with the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. Loop assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.

For More Information:
Investor Relations:
Kevin C. O’Dowd, Investor Relations
Loop Industries, Inc.
+1 617-755-4602
kodowd@loopindustries.com

Media Inquiries:
Andrea Kostiuk, VP Marketing & Communications
Loop Industries, Inc.
+1 (450) 951-8555
akostiuk@loopindustries.com

SOURCE: Loop Industries

The Payment Cards Group Limited and Black Bear Merchant Services Limited Join Forces to Launch a New Brand ‘AbbyPay’

– Empowering Local Merchants with Payment Technology
– to Create a Combined Leader in the Asia-Pacific Payment Market

The Payment Cards Group Limited (PCG), a cloud-native payment processor and acquirer, and Black Bear Merchant Services Limited (the holding company of BBMSL Limited BBMSL) are pleased to announce the signing of a strategic alliance to establish a new brand and group holding company, ABBY Pay&Tech Holdings Limited (AbbyPay). Under this new strategic alliance, AbbyPay will leverage PCG’s market leading position as an acquirer with principal memberships in all major card schemes including Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, UnionPay, and JCB. The combined group will also leverage strong digital payment technology capabilities from PCG’s A3A, Asia’s first cloud-based payment processing and settlement platform, in servicing BBMSL’s strong customer base. This strategic alliance will accelerate PCG’s expansion in market share by covering 50,000 local merchants in Hong Kong and other Asia Pacific regions with multiple brands to meet diverse market demands and empower local merchants through innovative payment technology.

From left to right: Mr. Barry Mak, representative of AbbyPay, Mr. Peter Wu, Founder of PCG, Mr. Gerald Yu, Chief Executive Officer of BBMSL, Ms. Ester Chow, Chief Financial Officer of BBMSL, and Ms. Beatrice Tai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of PCG, jointly officiated the signing ceremony.

Beatrice Tai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of PCG, said, “This strategic alliance marks an important milestone for PCG in the field of payment solutions in the Asia-Pacific region. With the technological advantages of our A3A platform, combined with BBMSL’s stong market coverage, AbbyPay will provide innovative, seamless payment and settlement solutions for micro merchants, SMEs, and enterprises, rapidly and efficiently tapping into new markets across various industries in the Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to AbbyPay expanding its business footprint and further consolidating the local payment industry, strengthening PCG’s leading market position in the payment sector.”

Gerald Yu, Chief Executive Officer of BBMSL, said, “This strategic alliance represents PCG’s high recognition of BBMSL’s years of effort and achievements in the Hong Kong market, reflecting our potential and confidence in working together. Since 2017, BBMSL has held a significant market share in the local SME merchant market and has gained widespread recognition and support in Hong Kong. These advantages will lay a solid foundation for AbbyPay’s development. I look forward to working with AbbyPay to fulfill BBMSL’s mission, grow alongside SMEs, and hope this partnership creates even greater achievements.”

Introducing Asia’s first cloud-based payment processing and settlement platform, A3A, in the Asia-Pacific Region to unleash the potential of digital payments
AbbyPay will offer Asia’s first cloud-based payment processing and settlement platform, A3A, across markets in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Through a single API, A3A offers direct end-to-end processing with major card schemes (such as Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, JCB, and UnionPay), e-wallet networks, and mobile payment platforms. Comparing to traditional payment processing platforms, A3A boasts competitive advantages such as low integration fee, speedy and easy integration, instant settlement, and real-time transaction data insights.

Mr. Barry Mak, representative of AbbyPay, shared AbbyPay’s vision.

Barry Mak, representative of AbbyPay, said, “We have entered a new era of payment in the Asia Pacific market. AbbyPay is groundbreaking in Hong Kong’s payment industry and will disrupt the entire sector, bringing unprecedented opportunities. PCG has strong technological capabilities, while BBMSL has a solid customer base and market recognition in the local market. I firmly believe that AbbyPay has unlimited potential in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, leading future payment trends while serving and creating value for all types of merchants, from large chain restaurants to SMEs and micro merchants.”

About Payment Cards Group (PCG)
Payment Cards Group (PCG) is an innovative and leading payment technology company with operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 2016, PCG has become an acquirer with principal memberships in all major card schemes and e-wallet networks. Its subsidiary, Yedpay, has firmly established itself as a payment acceptance business in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, A3A, another member of PCG, has developed a cloud-native payment processing platform that operates through RESTful APIs, significantly reducing costs and streamlining complex processes while providing users with real-time transaction data and insights. As an acquiring processor, PCG serves as the backbone infrastructure of the entire payment industry by its Asia’s 1st cloud-based processing and settlement platform. Rooted in Hong Kong with a global vison, PCG seeks to empower merchants with cutting-edge payment technology solutions and drive high-quality development in the global payment ecosystem. For more information, please visit PCG’s website: https://www.yedpay.com/en/

For media enquiries, please contact:

AJA (IR and Communications)
Avy Yu
Email: avy.yu@ajacapital.com.hkTel: (852) 9500 4443

Eudice Law
Email: eudice.law@ajacapital.com.hk
Tel: (852) 9326 1113

Eastern River Pty Ltd Forecasts Strong Growth in the Global Corporate Bond Market in 2024, with Australian Bonds Also Showing Resilience

  • Strong International Demand and Sustainability Trends Drive Growth in Corporate Bonds, with Australian Market Showing Continued Resilience

Eastern River Pty Ltd, a leading bond specialist, reports that the global corporate bond market has experienced a remarkable surge in 2024, driven by strong international demand for stable, income-generating assets. While the Australian corporate bond market has also seen impressive growth, it is the international market that has truly captured investor attention this year. Robust issuance, driven by favourable borrowing conditions, heightened appetite for yield, and increasing interest in sustainability-linked bonds, has made 2024 a standout year for the global bond market, according to insights from Eastern River.

Rising Global Corporate Bond Demand: A Key Focus for Eastern River
Eastern River has closely tracked the rise of global corporate bonds as an asset class in 2024. Corporate bonds have become a central focus for institutional investors seeking stable returns amid slower global economic growth and geopolitical uncertainties. With central banks, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, moderating their rate-hiking cycles, the backdrop for bond issuance has become more favourable, leading to a surge in investor interest.

Eastern River notes that corporate bonds-offering yields significantly higher than sovereign bonds-have become particularly attractive to institutional investors, including pension funds, asset managers, and insurance companies. These investors are broadening their portfolios to include corporate bonds, capitalising on diverse credit opportunities across a range of sectors and regions. The performance of global corporate bonds has been especially strong in emerging markets, as well as in developed economies, as institutional investors seek to enhance yield prospects.

Australian Corporate Bonds Maintain Strong Demand: Insights from Eastern River
While international bonds have been the primary focus in 2024, Eastern River has also been closely monitoring the performance of Australian corporate bonds. The Australian market continues to show resilience, benefiting from global trends and favourable domestic conditions. With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintaining a steady monetary policy throughout 2024, the country’s borrowing environment has remained stable, encouraging local corporations to issue bonds at favourable terms.

According to Eastern River’s analysis, Australian corporations have capitalised on these favourable conditions, leading to increased bond issuance in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and financial services. Australia has become an attractive destination for global investors, particularly those seeking exposure to well-rated credits outside their home markets. Eastern River’s research indicates that Australian bonds continue to offer security and reliable returns, making them appealing to international investors looking to diversify their portfolios.

ESG and Sustainability-Linked Bonds: A Major Trend Identified by Eastern River
One of the key trends Eastern River has identified in 2024 is the continued rise of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability-linked bonds in both the Australian and global corporate bond markets. ESG-focused bonds are now a major component of the investment landscape, driven by growing investor demand for responsible, ethical investments.

On a global scale, Eastern River has reported that the green bond market has seen record levels of issuance, as corporations align their financing with international climate and sustainability goals. In Australia, ESG bonds have been particularly prominent in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and financial services. Eastern River has observed businesses raising capital for renewable energy projects, sustainable transport systems, and carbon reduction initiatives, all of which are attracting increasing interest from global investors.

The rising global appetite for ESG bonds has created new opportunities for investors, enabling them to achieve competitive returns while supporting sustainable development. Eastern River believes that this trend will continue to accelerate in the years to come, and the firm remains committed to tracking ESG developments in both the Australian and international bond markets.

Insights from Eastern River
Craig Thompson, Head Analyst at Eastern River, shared his insights on the current state of the global corporate bond market:

“2024 has been a year of strong performance for corporate bonds, particularly in the international market. At Eastern River, we’ve observed that despite ongoing economic challenges, the fixed-income market continues to attract investors seeking stable returns. With central banks moderating their tightening cycles, corporate bonds have emerged as a key asset class for balancing risk and return.”

He added, “The rise of ESG and sustainability-linked bonds is a defining feature of this year’s market. Corporations are responding to the growing demand for responsible finance by issuing green and social bonds at unprecedented levels. Eastern River anticipates that this trend will continue, and ESG bonds will play an increasingly important role in the bond market in the years to come.”

Looking Ahead: Eastern River’s Forecast for 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, Eastern River forecasts continued growth for the corporate bond market in both Australia and globally. A combination of favourable economic conditions, strong investor demand, and a heightened focus on sustainability will likely drive further expansion. With international bonds in particularly high demand, global investors are increasingly looking beyond their home markets to take advantage of enhanced yield opportunities and diversified risk profiles.

Looking forward, Eastern River believes that sustainability-linked bonds will remain a critical component of the corporate bond market. As both Australian and global corporations continue to issue ESG bonds, the market is expected to evolve with a stronger emphasis on long-term environmental and social goals. Eastern River will continue to closely monitor these developments and provide investors with insights to navigate the evolving bond market landscape.

Contact Details
Eastern River Pty Ltd
Mrs. Sally Peters (Public Relations Officer)
media@easternriver.com

SOURCE: Eastern River Pty Ltd

SCIB Reports 14.6% Revenue Growth to RM45.1 Million in Q1FY2025

The Company’s Manufacturing Division Remains a Key Contributor Amid Market Volatility

Industrialised building systems specialist, Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (SCIB or the Company) is pleased to announce its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025 (Q1 FY2025). The Company reported a revenue of RM45.1 million, marking a 14.6% year-on-year increase compared to RM39.4 million in Q1 FY2024. The growth in revenue is largely due to the increased recognition of construction works done from ongoing projects.

Ku Chong Hong, Managing Director of SCIB
Ku Chong Hong, Managing Director of SCIB

As for Q1FY2025, SCIB’s Manufacturing division continues to play a pivotal role in the Company’s performance, contributing RM32.5 million to the total revenue, a 9.9% increase from RM29.6 million in Q1 FY2024. This growth was primarily driven by increased sales of foundation piles and Industrialised Building System (“IBS”) products, especially for major projects such as the Kuching Urban Transportation System (“KUTS”), the Sarawak Second Trunk Road (“STR”) and school projects in Sarawak.

Profit Before Tax (“PBT”) for the manufacturing segment stood at RM3.8 million. Meanwhile, the Construction/Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (“EPCC”) division reported revenue of RM12.6 million, an increase from RM9.8 million in the same quarter last year. However, the segment recorded a Loss Before Tax (“LBT”) of RM2.0 million due to unanticipated unrealised foreign exchange loss recognised. The division remains focused on delivering ongoing projects while exploring new opportunities for expansion.

During the quarter, SCIB maintained its commitment to strengthening its financial foundation and broadening its project portfolio. Additionally, SCIB had recently acquired a 2.49-hectares land parcel at Bintulu Sibiu Road, Bintulu, for RM9.2 million, followed by another parcel of 7.3-hectares land in Jalan Bintulu-Sibu as part of its plan to collaborate  with developers for residential housing projects that utilise SCIB’s high-quality products and industry expertise, while expanding SCIB’s products and services offering to serve the fundamental needs of the Sarawak market.

Mr. Ku Chong Hong, Managing Director of SCIB, commented, “The results of Q1 FY2025 reflect the challenges of a dynamic economic environment. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening the financial foundation of the Company. Besides targeting to secure projects consistently, the recent securing of financial facilities from SME Bank and the proposed private placement of 10.0% of SCIB’s total issued shares underscore our focus on enhancing our cash position and ensuring financial stability to support our operational and strategic initiatives.”

Looking ahead, SCIB remains optimistic about Malaysia’s construction sector, bolstered by the record allocation in Budget 2025 of RM421 billion, including RM86 billion for development expenditure. The RM5.9 billion allocated for Sarawak, aimed at upgrading public infrastructure such as schools, healthcare centres, and airports, as well as large-scale projects like the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (“SSLR”) and the North Coastal Highway, aligns seamlessly with SCIB’s expertise and strategic direction. The Company is poised to leverage its manufacturing capabilities and strategic initiatives to secure a strong foothold in both local and regional markets, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term value for its stakeholders.

ABOUT SARAWAK CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES BERHAD
Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (“SCIB”) was founded in 1975 and has evolved from a small enterprise into a reputable Group of companies listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. Currently, SCIB is operating three factories in Kuching, Sarawak, one factory in the Pending Industrial Estate and two factories in the Demak Laut industrial park.

SCIB is well known for professional management and has long history of innovative ideas and technological advances. Coupled with its wealth of experience and research acquired in more than three decades, SCIB offers its clients in-depth expertise through a combination of technology, efficiency and speed.

For more information, visit scib.com.my.

Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad

For more information, please contact:
Jazzmin Wan
Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz

Stephanie Chow
Email: s.chow@swanconsultancy.biz

EdgePoint Infrastructure Inks Strategic Partnership with CelcomDigi to expand connectivity in Malaysia at TowerXchange Meet Up Asia 2024

Signs second agreement with Malaysian Technical Standards Forum Bhd aimed at ensuring quality infrastructure is deployed in Malaysia

EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd (EPT), part of EdgePoint Infrastructure (EdgePoint), the ASEAN-based independent telecommunications infrastructure company today inked a strategic partnership with leading mobile network provider (MNOs) in Malaysia, CelcomDigi Bhd (CelcomDigi), at the annual TowerXchange Meet Up Asia 2024, an exclusive meeting place for Asia-Pacific tower players.

Mr Suresh Sidhu – Chief Executive Officer at EdgePoint Infrastructure
Encik Muniff Kamaruddin – Chief Executive Officer at EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Mohamad Idham Nawawi – Chief Executive Officer, CelcomDigi Bhd
Mr Joachim Rajaram – Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, CelcomDigi Bhd [L-R]

Present at the event were Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus, Managing Director of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Yang Mulia Tunku Dato’ Mahmood Fawzy Tunku Muhiyiddin, Chairman of EdgePoint Malaysia Holdings. This partnership represents EdgePoint’s increasing commitment to serve MNO partners holistically to help them not only overcome today’s challenges but to prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Partnering with Malaysia’s largest MNO CelcomDigi Berhad, EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd inked a Memorandum of Agreement (“MoA”), to collaborate on the expansion of CelcomDigi’s connectivity reach, realise network synergies and focus on cost optimisation aimed at ultimately benefiting CelcomDigi customers with seamless connectivity. This partnership also lays the foundation for advanced, future-ready connectivity solutions opportunities such as in-building solutions and small cells for improved indoor coverage, ensuring that CelcomDigi is prepared for growth and increased data demand.

Muniff Kamaruddin, Chief Executive Officer of EdgePoint Towers said, “This partnership is a natural extension to the fruitful working relationship EdgePoint and CelcomDigi has enjoyed to date. We look forward to helping CelcomDigi realise the benefits of the merger, as well as prepare for the future. As Malaysia accelerates its efforts for ubiquitous connectivity, we look forward to continuing to develop and deploy future ready infrastructure and innovative technologies quickly to enhance the digital experiences of consumers and enterprises alike in the country”.

Datuk Idham Nawawi, Chief Executive Officer of CelcomDigi said, “The country is in prime position to be a regional leader in 5G and AI development. We are committed to building a state-of-the-art network for our customers and advance the nation into a 5G-AI powered digital society. Through partnerships like this, we will be able to optimise our newly modernised network to better serve our customers in more areas across the country and accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation.”

Also at the event, a second agreement aimed at ensuring quality infrastructure is deployed in Malaysia was signed between Persatuan Penyedia Infrastruktur Telekomunikasi Malaysia (PPIT) and Malaysian Technical Standards Forum Bhd (MTFSB), the standardisation body for Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry, with all members of PPIT committing to fulfilling the requirements of network interoperability, safety and other technical aspects of network facilities, network services, approval of equipment and all matters related to designing and deploying infrastructure. Signing on behalf of PPIT was the organisation’s President, Muniff Kamaruddin with Puan Normarinee Mohd Nor, Chief Executive Officer of MTSFB.

Speaking at the event Puan Normarinee Mohd Nor, Chief Executive Officer of MTSFB said “As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, it is our responsibility to ensure that we set clear, forward-thinking and relevant standards that enable innovation while maintaining reliability, security, sustainability and interoperability. Our goal is to foster a collaborative ecosystem where industry leaders, regulators, infrastructure and technology providers can work together to build a more connected, sustainable future for all”

EdgePoint currently owns more than 15,000 towers across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

ABOUT EDGEPOINT INFRASTRUCTURE
EdgePoint Infrastructure is an ASEAN based independent telecommunications infrastructure company that aspires towards Building a Connected, Digital ASEAN. Headquartered in Singapore with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, through EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, PT Centratama Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk and EdgePoints Towers Inc. respectively, the company is focused on providing sharable and leading-edge telecom structures, small cells and in-building systems. EdgePoint aims to be an industry leader through scale and innovation, driving operational efficiencies through the adoption of analytics and digital technologies.

For more information on EdgePoint, please visit https://edgepointinfra.com/

ABOUT CELCOMDIGI
CelcomDigi is Malaysia’s largest mobile network operator with more than 20.2 million users on its network. Established on 1 December 2022 from the merger of Celcom and Digi, the company aims to serve the growing digital needs of its customers by leveraging its newly combined widest network footprint, distribution touchpoints, innovative range of digital products and services, and superior customer experience, powered by passionate CDzens. The company has clearly defined ambitions to advance the nation, inspire Malaysian society, and be a leader in inclusion and ESG practices. For more information on CelcomDigi, visit www.celcomdigi.com.

ABOUT MTFSB
The Malaysian Technical Standards Forum Bhd (MTSFB) is the leading standardization body for Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry. MTSFB was first established on 8 June 2004 as a company limited by guarantee and was later designated as the Technical Standards Forum by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on 27 October 2004 pursuant to Section 94 (Chapter 9 of Part V) and Section 184 (Chapter 3 of Part VII) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998) to develop and maintain technical codes for Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry (CMI)”

Propel Global Reports Encouraging 24.2% Growth in Revenue to RM34.3 Million in Q1 FY2025

  • Group Remains Cautiously Optimistic on Growth Opportunities in Oil & Gas and HVAC

PROPEL GLOBAL BERHAD (Propel Global or the Group), a provider of oil and gas (O&G) services, today announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 (Q1 FY2025). The Group recorded revenue of RM34.3 million for the quarter ended 30 September 2024, reflecting a 24.2% increase from RM27.6 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (Q1 FY2024).

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

The Group achieved revenue growth in Q1 FY2025, driven primarily by the Oil & Gas (“O&G”) segment, which contributed RM20.3 million. This performance was supported by ongoing Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Commissioning (“EPCC”) and Marine Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning (“HVAC”) projects. While the segment’s profit before tax (“PBT”) moderated to RM1.4 million compared to RM5.0 million in Q1 FY2024, this was primarily due to a foreign exchange loss of RM1.1 million from the depreciation of the US Dollar and the absence of one-off gains recorded in the previous year, amounting to RM2.8 million.

The Technical Services (“TS”) segment achieved impressive revenue growth, reaching RM11.2 million, up from RM8.6 million in Q1 FY2024, reflecting progress on the construction of an electronics factory in Chuping, Perlis. Although the segment posted a marginal loss before tax (“LBT”) of RM0.2 million, this was mainly due to increased material and operational costs, which the Group is actively addressing to enhance margins moving forward.

The Information and Communications Technology (“ICT”) segment continued its steady performance, contributing RM2.8 million in revenue and RM0.6 million in PBT. This reflects the success of the Group’s diversification strategy and its ability to capitalise on growth opportunities in the digital technology sector.

For Q1 FY2025, the Group reported a LBT of RM4.0 million, compared to a PBT of RM0.9 million in Q1 FY2024. This was due to higher corporate administrative expenses, including professional charges and staff costs, along with a fair value loss of RM0.5 million on quoted shares and goodwill impairment losses of RM0.2 million. The absence of one-off gains recorded in the previous year further impacted the overall comparative performance.

Despite these challenges, the Group remains well-positioned for future growth, with total equity of RM102.5 million and cash and cash equivalents of RM19.8 million as of 30 September 2024. This robust position enables PGB to invest in strategic initiatives and confidently navigate market uncertainties while maintaining a focus on long term value creation for stakeholders.

Ms. Angeline Lee, Executive Director / Group Chief Executive Officer of Propel Global commented, “Our Q1 FY2025 results highlight the resilience of our business amidst external challenges. While foreign exchange losses and the absence of one-off gains impacted our profitability, our revenue growth reflects the strength of our core operations and ongoing diversification efforts.”

She added, “With our increased stake in Best Wide Engineering Sdn. Bhd. (“BWE”) to 90.0%, we are well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities in the oil and gas sector, particularly as Petronas continues its RM60 billion capital expenditure. Additionally, our focus on HVAC services aligns with Malaysia’s sustainability goals under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and Budget 2025, positioning us to meet the rising demand for energy-efficient solutions.”

The Group remains optimistic about its growth prospects in fiscal year 2025 (“FY2025”). In the O&G segment, Petronas’ substantial investments, including RM10 billion in recently awarded contracts for Maintenance, Construction, and Modification (“MCM”) projects, provide a solid foundation for growth. The HVAC segment is set to benefit from Malaysia’s ambitious sustainability goals, with RM300 million allocated under Budget 2025 to support green initiatives and the potential introduction of a carbon tax in 2026 further encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. PGB’s expertise in energy-efficient solutions positions the Group to capitalise on these trends.

While global economic uncertainties persist, driven by geopolitical tensions and potential supply chain disruptions following the recent US presidential election, Malaysia’s economy is expected to grow steadily, with GDP forecasted to rise by 4.5% to 5.5% in 2025. This positive outlook, supported by a historic RM421 billion in expenditure under Budget 2025, underscores the Group’s confidence in its ability to navigate challenges and deliver sustainable growth for its stakeholders.

ABOUT PROPEL GLOBAL BERHAD
Propel Global Berhad (Propel Global or the Group) is a provider of oil and gas (O&G) services, including the supply and provision of maintenance services for air-conditioning and ventilation systems, alongside specialised oilfield services such as pipe recovery, well intervention, diagnostic and sand management, and production enhancement. The Group also offers engineering and technical works for the O&G industry. In addition, Propel Global provides technical services for industrial, commercial, and residential construction and office maintenance, as well as ICT services, including trading in hardware, software, and spare parts. The Group also engages in investment holding activities.

Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Propel Global Berhad

For more information, please contact:
Jazzmin Wan
Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz

Xinyi Ching
Email: x.ching@swanconsultancy.biz

TOPVISION Launches Prospectus for the Transfer of Listing from the LEAP Market to ACE Market

Company Sets To Raise RM17.89 Million From ACE Market PO

TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad (TOPVISION or the Company), an experienced player in medical eye care services in Malaysia, is pleased to announce the launch of its prospectus for the upcoming Public Offering in conjunction with TOPVISION’s transfer of listing from the LEAP Market to the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (Bursa Securities), a move that underscores its continuous commitment to delivering high-quality eye healthcare nationwide as well as boosts TOPVISION’s public market visibility.

Group Photo 1 Caption (L-R):

1. Mr. Phang Siew Loong, Head of Equity Markets, Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad
2. Wendy Teh, Co-head, Corporate Finance, Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad
3. Mr. Tan Kah Poh, Independent Non-Executive Director, TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad
4. Datuk Kenny Liew Hock Nean, Executive Vice Chairman, TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad
5. Mr. Lee Geok Ai, Independent Non-Executive Chairman, TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad
6. Dr. Peter Chong Kuok Siong, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad
7. Ms. Lim May Wan, Independent Non-Executive Director, TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad

This Public Offering aims to raise RM17.89 million through the issuance of 54.22 million new ordinary shares at a retail price of RM0.33 per share. The funds raised from this exercise will be allocated as follows:

RM7.90 million for the establishment of the TOPVISION International Eye Specialist Centre in Klang Valley, a tertiary eye ambulatory care centre with subspecialty services like retinal surgery, cornea transplants, and paediatric ophthalmology to meet patient needs and elevate eye healthcare standards.

RM5.00 million for expanding the ACC network with new centres in Kuala Terengganu and Tawau, Sabah, expanding TOPVISION’s presence in East Malaysia and enhancing access to quality eye care.

RM0.50 million for purchase of machines, including phacoemulsification machines to improve service quality across TOPVISION’s network.

RM4.50 million for listing expenses for the transfer of listing from the LEAP Market to the ACE Market of Bursa Securities.

Dr. Peter Chong Kuok Siong, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of TOPVISION said, “We are thrilled to launch our prospectus, marking TOPVISION’s another milestone in the process of transfer its listing to the ACE Market. This move not only accelerates our growth but underscores our commitment to advancing eye healthcare across Malaysia. With funds raised, we will expand our ACC network, establish TOPVISION International, and invest in new machines, all aimed at enhancing patient care. This listing reflects our dedication to sustainable growth, clinical excellence, and our mission to improve the quality of life for our patients.”

Mr. Phang Siew Loong, Head of Equity Market of Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad commented, “TOPVISION’s transition to the ACE Market marks a pivotal milestone in its growth journey. We are proud to support TOPVISION as it builds on its strong foundation of clinical excellence and patient-centered care. With this listing, TOPVISION is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for specialised eye care, aligning with Malaysia’s healthcare goals and paving the way for sustainable growth and innovation in the sector.”

The medical eye care industry in Malaysia is projected to grow significantly, with revenue expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 10.0% from RM849.50 million in 2024 to RM1,249.40 million by 2028. This growth is driven by several key demand and supply factors. On the demand side, factors include steady population growth, an ageing population, increased medical tourism, growing consumer affluence, and a rise in lifestyle-related diseases. Meanwhile, supply-side growth is supported by advancements in medical eye care technology and strong government support.

Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Sole Underwriter and Sole Bookrunner.

Group Photo 2 Caption (L-R):

1. Mr. Phang Siew Loong, Head of Equity Markets, Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad
2. Datuk Kenny Liew Hock Nean, Executive Vice Chairman, TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad
3. Dr. Peter Chong Kuok Siong, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad

About TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad (TOPVISION)
TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad is a prominent provider of medical eye care services in Malaysia, specialising in comprehensive eye care treatments including cataract surgery, treatment and management of glaucoma, and treatment and management of vitreous and retinal diseases. TOPVISION was listed on the LEAP Market in 2018, founded with a commitment to delivering advanced and patient-centric medical services, TOPVISION operates a growing network of ambulatory care centres (ACCs) across Malaysia. The Company leverages medical technology and a team of experienced ophthalmologists to provide high-quality treatments. As an experienced player in the field, TOPVISION continues to expand its services, focusing on both innovation and accessibility to enhance the eye health of patients throughout the region.

For more information, visit https://www.tvesc.com/en/

Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of TOPVISION Eye Specialist Berhad

For more information, please contact:
Jazzmin Wan
Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz

Xinyi Ching
Email: x.ching@swanconsultancy.biz