SMI Vantage Introduces AI-inspired F&B concept – Robochef

SMI Vantage Limited, an investment and management company listed on the mainboard of the SGX, today announced it has entered into a binding multi-year franchise agreement with Dutch Oriental Restaurant LLC, to open Robochef F&B outlets in Singapore.

This breakthrough AI-driven Robochef will feature machines that will prepare and cook meals that are freshly made on the spot, fast and hassle-free, and importantly, consistent in taste every single time. It will be introduced to malls and residential locations across Singapore and will feature 10-15 rice, noodles, meat and vegetarian dishes to cater to a wide variety of tastes. The menu will be constantly refreshed, depending on the availability of fresh local ingredients, responding to the needs and requirement of local consumers.

Artificial Intelligence plays a significant role in the way the dishes are prepared, providing precise cooking times, temperature control, ingredient selection and seasoning, all programmed to produce the perfect dish each time.

“I am delighted that we are moving forward with this powerful F&B concept, which I believe will excite the marketplace and is entirely consistent with the announcements made on SMI Vantage’s new business direction,” said Mark Bedingham, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This will be a platform, building on the extensive F&B knowledge and experience within SMI Vantage, and will offer the opportunity for us to grow this business from our Singapore base. In a high labour-cost environment such as Singapore, Robochef is able to keep running costs down and help alleviate manpower constraints and is thus an ideal solution for both customer-facing outlets as well as for central kitchen operations.” he added.

“We are honoured to be in partnership with SMI for our AI Robochef. SMI’s strong market and business network would enable our rapid expansion into key markets in Asia Pacific starting with Singapore. Robochef is the world’s first Artificial Intelligence-enabled Cloud based system. It not only stores famous creations from global celebrity chefs; but learns, adapts and personalises different cooking styles for localisation. Simply, imagine digital music app store, download your favourite recipe anytime and anywhere to whip up a freshly cooked dish at a touch of a button in no time,” said Sandy Tan, Vice President (Asia Pacific), Robochef AI Tech, Dutch Oriental Group of Companies.

About SMI Vantage

SMI Vantage Limited is an investment and management company focused on capitalising on strong trends in the new economy including technology-based SaaS services and other high-tech platforms. Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Stock Exchange, SMI Vantage Limited has a highly capable and experienced management team with a proven track record in building strong business partnerships and alliances. https://www.smivantage.com/

About Dutch Oriental

Headquartered in Dubai, Dutch Oriental is focused on Robotics, AI Technology in hospitality and F&B. Dutch Oriental is also the Builder and Operator of the Largest & Most Luxurious Mega Yachts, Super Yachts and Cultural Boat Fleets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). https://dutchoriental.com/

For media queries, please reach out to:
Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd
Wayne Koo – wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg +65 9338-8166
Derek Yeo – derek@waterbrooks.com.sg +65 9791-4707

Proud Investor Relations partner:
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NFA promotes healthy eating to reduce food waste

The National Food Agency (NFA) has started a campaign to promote eating healthy and delicious food by providing recommendations for the composition of foods on the plate in order to reduce waste.

Head of the National Food Agency (NFA), Arief Prasetyo (ANTARA/HO-NFA)

NFA Head Arief Prasetyo said on Sunday that the campaign aimed to reduce food waste from the farm to the table, was initiated as part of Gelar Pangan Nusantara to mark the 42nd World Food Day.

The campaign is encouraging people to fill one-third of their plates with staple foods (not necessarily rice), one-third with vegetables, one-sixth with side dishes, and one-sixth with fruits.

“Such composition is suitable to meet the standard of expected food pattern as well as energy sufficiency,” he explained.

The campaign is also advising people to eat at least one egg every day to increase their nutritional intake and reduce the prevalence of stunting in children, considering that eggs are nutrient-rich and affordable.

As part of this year’s Gelar Pangan Nusantara, people and stakeholders related to food have been invited to jointly help achieve food security as a pillar for upholding state sovereignty.

“Through this event, we want to make World Food Day a momentum to recharge our spirit in building and strengthening national food,” Prasetyo said.

The event comprises a number of activities such as a series of educational events and several competitions to encourage creativity as well as to entertain – all of which contain messages and campaigns about strengthening food security.

Meanwhile, to ensure that the food security program runs well, Prasetyo has invited stakeholders from the upstream to downstream, along with the pentahelix sector, consisting of academics, businesses, government, community, and the media to continue to strengthen collaboration.

The recent Gelar Pangan Nusantara event held at Brawijaya University in Malang, for example, was a part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the NFA and the academic sector.

“The NFA as an institution that carries out government duties in the food sector, of course, cannot run alone,” Prasetyo said.

As a concrete collaboration, the NFA and Brawijaya University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on education, research, and community service in the food sector.

They have also signed a cooperation agreement on synergizing education, research, and community services to improve community nutrition through the diversification of consumption of diverse, balanced, and safe foods.

“The cooperation made during World Food Day is in line with the instruction of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who is very serious about dealing with food problems. The President has ordered not only to solve macro and micro problems but also to strengthen collaboration,” Prasetyo added.

Meanwhile, deputy governor of East Java, Emil Elestianto Dardak, said that Gelar Pangan Nusantara is an event that seeks to strengthen the spirit of supporting food security programs.

“Through today’s event, let’s invigorate the spirit, supporting the National Food Agency program to make local food more secure from both supply and demand (side),” he said in his speech.

According to Emil, the NFA in the future will aim to maintain a balance, not only by preventing prices from rising but also keeping them from falling.

The rector of Brawijaya University, Widodo, welcomed the Gelar Pangan Nusantara event, which was held on the campus from October 22-23, 2022, saying the university is ready to support the national food security program through the development of innovation and technology.

The event featured several activities including a food expo, food and nutrition symposium, talk show, local food creation cafe festival, cooking demo, business matching, coaching clinic, poster contest, as well a drawing competition for elementary and junior high school students.

Written by: Abdul Hakim, Yashinta Difa, Editor: Fardah Assegaf (c) ANTARA 2022
Source article: https://en.antaranews.com/news/256453/nfa-promotes-healthy-eating-to-reduce-food-waste

Helping to Grow the Work from Cafe Culture in Balestier

A newly-established co-working space with food and beverage (F&B) options is aiming to enhance and build on a work from cafe culture in the heart of Balestier, while allowing for hybrid working and interacting with communities within the vicinity.

Located at 355, Balestier Road, Thank You Come Again (TYCA) is a social hub with a cafe and restaurant, and also presents a flexible workspace for residents around the area who have been craving for a comfortable location to call their own as they continue with remote working several days a week. Apart from just providing them a location to get work done, which also includes private work pods for conference calls and livestreaming, TYCA will also curate different kinds of experiences for patrons of the venue, which was officially opened on 22 October.

TYCA, a lifestyle brand created by Cover Projects, which also started the Initial Residence – a service residence at the same location – will also offer F&B options ranging from breakfast all the way to dinner which is a mixture of Mediterranean and contemporary cooking.

TYCA’s grab and go provides convenience for people on go. A seasonal menu will be based on classics such as specialty coffee, hot pressed sandwiches, fresh salads and ready to eat pastas and pastries. TYCA will also serve out garden to table dining offerings in partnership with plant stylists The Nature Dialogue and The Initial Residence where a variety of edibles such as kale and basil are grown at the Initial Residence’s terrace garden will be used in the preparation of certain dishes at TYCA.

“TYCA’s presence at the Initial Residence aims to serve the wider community in Balestier, in addition to the residents who have started calling the serviced residence home. It is a social hub, a food and beverage outlet, a retail and events space all rolled into one,” said Mr Lim Keong Wee, managing director of Cover Projects.

“The idea of combining TYCA and The Initial Residence is to create an integrated experience of live, work and play so that patrons can get their work done while experiencing the comfort of living in the city fringes.”

The official opening of Initial Residence and TYCA comes at a time when studies are showing that more young Singaporeans, compared with older age groups, are considering renting and flat sharing as they find current property prices too high, according to a consumer sentiment study released by real estate portal PropertyGuru in September.

“The statistics are indicating that there is a demand for comfortable co-living spaces with amenities to boot, and we are aiming to plug that gap with the introduction of Initial Residence and TYCA in the city fringes,” added Lim, who also runs an design practice.

Among the fringe activities featured on TYCA’s official opening day included a plant-styling workshop by Nature Dialogue, Sake Tasting Experience by Tsunan Brewery and Coffee Workshop by Liberty Coffee. A multi-functional space for individuals, group discussions and learnings will also provided added value for patrons and guests at the facility.

“In time, there will be more fringe activities which we will introduce to TYCA which will benefit patrons, and these will include physical and mental wellness programmes and also a hub for cyclists who ply through the Balestier route,” added Mr Lim.

TYCA will also offer an event hall for organisations keen to use the space for corporate or group events. All enquiries can be forwarded to reservations@tyca.com.sg. Follow TYCA on Instagram @tyca_sg and on Facebook @Th4nk.Y0u.C0me.Ag4in.

For media queries, please contact hello@swstrategies.org.

About Thank You Come Again
TYCA is a Singapore-born food and beverage and co-working space outlet in Singapore which serves up contemporary cuisines at affordable prices for working adults. TYCA provides a convenient location along the city fringes for residents of the area and nearby communities to use as location for remote working, and is housed below The Initial Residence. TYCA also aims to curate social experiences such as group dining, plant styling courses and wellness activities for patrons, bringing work and play closer to neighbourhoods.

Taking the Scary Out of Halloween Animals

  • Yowie sets the record straight on the creepy, crawlies of Halloween – the scariest part is that many are endangered.

Is there any other holiday that has more animals associated with it than Halloween? From cats and bats to spiders and snakes and all manner of creepy crawlies, animals are front and center this holiday season offering the perfect opportunity to learn more about them and how we can protect them.

Yowie is dedicated to educating children about endangered animals and how important it is to protect them while also providing delicious, clean-label chocolate. This Halloween they’re working to take the scary out of their featured animals and teach children the importance of wildlife conservation. The surprise-inside chocolate treat is sustainably sourced, Rainforest Alliance Certified, and contains no GMOs, palm oil, gluten, nuts or artificial colors and flavors. Plus, each Yowie features an endangered animal collectible inside and a bite-size leaflet to help kids learn about that animal.

“There are so many animals that are thought of as scary this time of year, but the scariest thing is that many are endangered,” explained Yowie CMO Cynthia Thayer. “Our current series includes the Peacock Tarantula, the Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper, and the Southern Bent-winged Bat. All are endangered, and all could be considered scary, but we’ve focused on their superpowers in our newest collection. This bright blue tarantula has hypersensitive hairs, the red-eyed snake’s infrared vision helps it hunt, and the bat’s ultrasonic calls can’t be heard by humans. There is so much more to these animals than being “spooky,” and we love sharing this knowledge with our customers.”

Yowie’s commitment to Halloween extends far beyond their impressive animal knowledge – they also boast a ton of fun and educational Halloween activities and games on YowieWorld.com. From arts and crafts to coloring sheets to lunchbox trivia, Yowie is your one-stop shop for Halloween fun! Explore more of the wonderful world of Yowie on Facebook, or look for @YowieWorld on Instagram. You can also find easy, interactive, and educational craft projects and games on Yowie’s YouTube channel and on Pinterest.

About Yowie
Yowie is best known for its flagship product, the Yowie surprise-inside chocolate. Each Yowie product is created in the shape of the Yowie characters and contains limited-edition collectible animal toys and a full-color leaflet featuring a picture of the real-life animal, its profile and level of endangerment. Our social media channels and website allow collectors to learn more about the animals and their world while having loads of fun through games and competitions. The combination of tasty, clean-label treats, fun animal toys and a digital platform encourages kids to learn about the natural world and understand its need for protection. For more information visit www.yowieworld.com.

Contact:
Devin Mainville
devin@kmkmedia.com
(779) 221-3764

SOURCE: Yowie Group

Planning a Fall Party? Put the Yowie Surprise into it!

  • Yowie has tons of ideas for your next party! From games and activities to treats and prizes, Yowie is the perfect addition to your fall celebration.

From Halloween to fall parties, birthdays to back to school celebrations, as the weather turns crisp there is no shortage of reasons to party and no party is complete without a Yowie Surprise! From games to treats to prizes, the Yowie Surprise Inside Chocolate is the perfect way to celebrate fall.

Some fun ways to incorporate Yowie into your celebration include:

  • Give Yowie away for your Halloween contest.
  • Guess how many Yowie are in the cauldron or harvest basket. The winner wins them!
  • Yowie scavenger hunt! Hide Yowie throughout your party place and see who finds the most.
  • Catch the Yowie! Try tossing a Yowie between two people and keep taking one step backward. The pair who can toss and catch the Yowie from the furthest distance win the Yowie!

You can find more Yowie games and activities at https://yowieworld.com/parties/.

Parents can feel good about providing this party treat because Yowie is more than just delicious all-natural chocolate. The surprise-inside chocolate treat is sustainably sourced, Rainforest Alliance Certified, and contains no GMOs, palm oil, gluten or nuts. Plus, each Yowie features an endangered animal collectible figurine and a bite-size leaflet to help kids learn about the animal.

“Yowie is the perfect addition to any party because its more than just a sweet treat, it’s a smart treat!” says Yowie CMO Cynthia Thayer.

Explore more of the wonderful world of Yowie at www.yowieworld.com, find them on Facebook, or look for @YowieWorld on Instagram. You can also find easy, interactive, and educational craft projects and games on Yowie’s YouTube channel and on Pinterest.

About Yowie
Yowie is best known for its flagship product, the Yowie surprise-inside chocolate. Each Yowie product is created in the shape of the Yowie characters and contains limited-edition collectible animal toys and a full-color leaflet featuring a picture of the real-life animal, its profile and level of endangerment. Our social media channels and website allow collectors to learn more about the animals and their world while having loads of fun through games and competitions. The combination of tasty, clean-label treats, fun animal toys and a digital platform encourages kids to learn about the natural world and understand its need for protection. For more information visit www.yowieworld.com.

Contact:
Devin Mainville
devin@kmkmedia.com, (779) 221-3764

SOURCE: Yowie Group

Blackbixon Cafe Officially Debuts in Downtown KL

BlackBixon2Go Sdn. Bhd. (BB2GO), a subsidiary of Ni Hsin Group Berhad, is delighted to announce the official launch of the first BlackBixon Cafe & Restaurant today in a tastefully designed 3-storey bungalow house with a roof top garden.

Mr. Khoo Chee Kong, Managing Director of BlackBixon2Go Sdn. Bhd.; Yang Berhormat Senator Dato’ Sri Ti Lian Ker, Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, Malaysia; Chermaine Poo, Independent Non-Executive Director of Ni Shin Group Berhad.; Dato’ Minarwan Bin Datuk Haji Nawawi, Hockey Icon; Amarjeet Singh, General Manager of Marketing of BlackBixon2Go Sdn. Bhd. [L-R]

The tastefully furnished cafe and restaurant with BlackBixon-themed wall graffiti and art pieces, is located along a tree-lined street on Jalan Inai, off Jalan Tun Razak, filled with old bungalows interspersed with offices. The Cafe has a total area of 5,993 sq. ft. occupying two floors and can accommodate up to 200 pax while the roof top garden opens up to a spectacular view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

The Cafe caters to families as well as office workers looking for nourishing and tasty Western classics such as freshly prepared breads and pastries to a wide selection of hearty and delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner favourites accompanied by specialty coffees and must-try BlackBixon signature drinks. BlackBixon specialty coffees are brewed from premium arabica beans specially selected from the best plantations in Rwanda and Brazil.

The official launch was attended by Yang Berhormat Senator Dato’ Sri Ti Lian Ker, Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, Malaysia.

Mr. Khoo Chee Kong, Managing Director of BB2GO, said, “Following years of planning, the BlackBixon Cafe & Restaurant is a culmination of a dream that started with the distribution of healthy coffee beverages – energy, nutritional and original variants – under our concept of cafe@home @office @anywhere bringing to our customers the convenience of enjoying a cup of healthy coffee anywhere and everywhere. Not satisfied with providing the convenience to our customers to brew their own coffee, we took a further step to serve them fresh hot coffee at convenient locations around town. That’s where our BB2GO barista bikers shine, serving coffee from our BB Coffee Bikes, which are electric bikes (EV Bikes) whose battery power is also used to operate the coffee machines. This makes our EV Bikes a totally self-sufficient mobile coffee bar that is green and environmentally sustainable.”

“The specialty dishes and signature drinks are created by our own chefs and baristas. Among the dishes are Charcoal Bun Beef Burger, Lamb Schnitzel, Chili Soft Shell Crab Pasta and Black Truffle Squid Ink Carbonara, while specialty drinks include Charcoal Latte and the Monochrome. We will have more savoury dishes and drinks to come as we set up other outlets in the Klang Valley and across the country.”

“We also take this opportunity to introduce our BlackBixon Sporting Hall of Fame where we honour the sports icons of Malaysia for their outstanding achievements and contributions to our country. In conjunction with the Grand Opening of our BlackBixon Cafe & Restaurant we are also inducting some of our great sporting icons into our BlackBixon Sporting Hall of Fame. They are Datuk Santokh Singh, Dato’ Minarwan Bin Datuk Haji Nawawi, Karamjit Singh, M. Kumaresan, Muhammad Roslin Hashim and Muhammad Hafiz Hashim.”

“To qualify as a member of the BlackBixon Hall of Fame, nominees must have been selected to represent Malaysia as an Olympian, World Champion, retired from active sports and have contributed to the development of the sports at a senior level within a sport recognised by the Youth & Sports Ministry.”

Opening hours for BlackBixon Cafe & Restaurant are from 08.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m., 7 days a week. BlackBixon Cafe & Restaurant serves only halal meats.

Ni Hsin Group Berhad: NIHSIN [Bursa: 7215] [RIC: NHSN:KL] [BB: NHR:MK], http://www.ni-hsin.com/

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

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

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

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

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

About The GrowHub Innovations Company

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

About KOUFUKU GROUP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taiwan Rides on Post-Pandemic Wave with Taiwan Food World GO Project, Boosting Market Growth in SEA Market

  • MOEA launches NT$200-million (US$6.67 million) program to expand food markets worldwide

As the world progressively leaves the pandemic behind, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has joined hands with Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) to ride the waves of the new era with the Taiwan Food World GO Project.

The inaugural event was held at the Hilton Singapore Orchard yesterday and was live-streamed simultaneously across three countries – Korea Republic, Vietnam and Malaysia.

The Taiwan Food World GO Project global event is an NT$200-million (US$6.67 million) project which incorporates a series of marketing activities, through the assistance in funding, international certifications and professional advice, to help Taiwan food manufacturers penetrate overseas markets.

With the Chinese market taking up the majority of Taiwan food product sales, Taiwan plans to diversify its markets further, eyeing increased market shares in Asian, North American, European and Oceanian markets to raise export volumes, with MOEA and TAITRA hoping that this project will help Taiwanese food manufacturers reach up to 50,000 overseas consumers.

The following companies showcased their popular products during the launch event:

Kuang Chuan
– Assam Milk Tea
– Earl Grey Milk Tea
– Cold Brew Fragrant Green Tea
– Cold Brew Black Tea

Bamboo House
– Four Treasures

Tai Yang Tang
– Tai Yang Biscuits

Shu Lin Biscuit
– Lins Handmade Cookies

Taiwan TTL
– Hua Diao Wine Chicken Noodles
– Lychee Fruit Beer

Du Hsiao Yue
– Pork Sauce

Zong Hong
– Black Fungus Drink

Oklao
– Taiwan Series Drip Coffee
– Musician Series Drip Coffee
– World Finest Drip Coffee Bundle

Sunny Hills Delights
– Pineapple Cake

MICO
– French Cookies

TaiSun
– Mixed Congee
– Oatmeal with Chestnut

Wei Zhe
– Pineapple Nougat with Biscuit

San Shu Gong
– Mango Jelly

Hurng Fur Foods
– Brown Sugar Soft Flour Cake

Ms. Cynthia Kiang, Director General, Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA, said, “Taiwanese food, especially our iconic pineapple cakes and bubble milk tea, has always been loved by foreigners. These signature food products are the national food icon of Taiwan, and a must-buy for tourists. With the residual pandemic restrictions still in place, the “Taiwan Food World GO Project” will provide an avenue for everyone around the world to have access to Taiwan’s food products, safely and healthily.”

Following the kick-off event, TAITRA will be running a food fair in local Prime Supermarket outlets and a four-day FHA – Food & Beverage event at Singapore Expo Hall, in September 2022, featuring a wide variety of innovative food products from 24 different Taiwanese food manufacturers.

Media Contact
PRecious Communications for TAITRA
Jacqualine Chan
Tel: +65 6303 0567
E-mail: taitra@preciouscomms.com

Taiwan External Trade Development Council
Taiwan Trade Center, Singapore
Anna Wu – Chief Representative Officer
Tel: +65 6235 0369
Email: singapore@taitra.org.tw

Yowie Helps Kids Stay on Track at School and at Home With Downloadable Rewards Chart, Fun Activities and a Sweet Treat

Surprise-Inside Confectionery Brand Provides Everything Parents and Educators Need to Help Kids Complete Homework, Chores and Have Fun Doing It!

Every parent knows keeping kids in a routine is paramount to success at school and at home. Yowie, the surprise-inside chocolate, is thrilled to help parents and children around the world with its Yowie Reward Chart – a fun, easy way to track a child’s daily and weekly homework and chores and give them a delicious and educational treat at the end of the week! The downloadable chart can be found at YowieWorld.com.

Parents can feel good about this weekly smart treat reward because Yowie is more than just delicious all-natural chocolate. The surprise-inside chocolate treat is sustainably sourced, Rainforest Alliance Certified, and contains no GMOs, palm oil, gluten or nuts.

Each Yowie features an endangered animal collectible figurine and a bite-size leaflet to help kids learn about the animal.

The Rewards Chart can be used in the classroom as well! The interactive chart will hold students accountable to classroom responsibilities and the reward of a Yowie can transition seamlessly into lessons on endangered animals, wildlife habitats and environmental conservation!

“Nothing gets my kids more excited than on the nights when I bring home a Yowie. Having the rewards chart on the fridge has been such an exciting experience for the kids and they’re learning responsibility at the same time; I love it!” said dad and Yowie enthusiast Dan Bedford.

Plus, Yowie World has put together fun activities to help kids make the most of the Yowie surprise-inside reward. From making a display tower for their Yowie figurines out of Yowie capsules to making creative capsule creatures to tending a capsule garden – kids will be rewarded not only with a treat but also with manipulatives combining fine motor skills and playtime.

For more activities and games, visit www.yowieworld.com, find them on Facebook, or look for @YowieWorld on Instagram. You can also find easy, interactive, and educational craft projects and games on Yowie’s YouTube channel and on Pinterest.

About Yowie
Yowie is best known for its flagship product, the Yowie surprise-inside chocolate. Each Yowie product is created in the shape of the Yowie characters and contains limited-edition collectible animal toys and a full-color leaflet featuring a picture of the real-life animal, its profile and level of endangerment. Our social media channels and website allow collectors to learn more about the animals and their world while having loads of fun through games and competitions. The combination of tasty, clean-label treats, fun animal toys and a digital platform encourages kids to learn about the natural world and understand its need for protection. For more information visit www.yowieworld.com.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Devin Mainville
devin@kmkmedia.com, (779) 221-3764

SOURCE: Yowie Group