Category: Local Business

Straumann Malaysia, part of The Straumann Group, a Leading Implantology Company, Intends to Provide 3,000 Dental Implant Packages to the Ministry of Health Malaysia as part of MoU

Straumann Group Sdn. Bhd, the Malaysian subsidiary of Straumann Group, global leader in implantology and aesthetic-dentistry, (Straumann Malaysia) intends to provide 3,000 dental implant packages worth in excess of RM10 million, which will benefit the lower-income group (B40) and underprivileged Malaysians. This intention was communicated within the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) announced by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH).

Mr. Guillaume Daniellot, CEO of Straumann Group; Yang Berhormat Tuan Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Health Malaysia [L-R]

The discussion of the MoU was led by Malaysia’s Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Tuan Khairy Jamaluddin and the Straumann Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Guillaume Daniellot.

Straumann Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Guillaume Daniellot said, “This is a significant milestone for the Straumann Group, and we appreciate MOH’s willingness to collaborate with us. Oral, especially dental health is critical to everyone’s wellbeing, and we believe that everyone has the right to quality medical treatments, especially holistic and ethical dental treatments. This Programme is part of the broader community oral health initiative to raise awareness on the long-term impact of tooth loss while ensuring that underprivileged Malaysian communities have access to world-class dental products and services for a better quality of life. We look forward to working closely with our local counterparts to bring the Programme to life while supporting MOH in its ambitions under the National Oral Health Plan 2021-2030.”

About Straumann Group

The Straumann Group (SIX: STMN) is a global leader in tooth replacement and orthodontic solutions that restore smiles and confidence. It unites global and international brands that stand for excellence, innovation and quality in replacement, corrective and digital dentistry, including Anthogyr, ClearCorrect, Dental Wings, Medentika, Neodent, NUVO, Straumann and other fully/partly owned companies and partners. In collaboration with leading clinics, institutes and universities, the Group researches, develops, manufactures and supplies dental implants, instruments, CADCAM prosthetics, orthodontic aligners, biomaterials and digital solutions for use in tooth correction, replacement and restoration or to prevent tooth loss.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Group currently employs more than 9000 people worldwide. Its products, solutions and services are available in more than 100 countries through a broad network of distribution subsidiaries and partners. For more information, please visit our website at: https://www.straumann.com

Media Contacts:
Lok Ru Jun
Narro Communications
E: rujun@narrocomms.com
T: +6012 339 0613

Cheong Sue Fyenn
Narro Communications
E: suefyenn@narrocomms.com
T: +6016 910 7625

Star Teen Filipino Race Driver Bianca Bustamante Unveils NFT Project to Achieve her F1 Dream

Bianca Bustamante, a 17 year-old rising motorsport star from the Philippines, announced that she is launching a groundbreaking project, The Dark Horse – an NFT Access Pass that redefines the career progression of young athletes by embracing technology, social media and community building in the age of blockchain and web3.0. The project will ultimately enable her to build long term engagement with her fan community in ways never imagined before.

Bustamante recently secured a coveted race seat in W Series’ Academy team, as the young Filipino driver continues to demonstrate her impressive talent ahead of her debut formula car season. Her talent is proven, being a multiple Asian champion in karting, and was the only racer selected on this year’s W Series grid to come straight out of karting into Formula 3 machinery.

Although fortunate to have earned a race seat in a top international series, the teenager is now faced with the realities of finding ways to sustain her basic living needs, as well as career essentials such as practice, training, and coaching. In a male dominated sport traditionally known to be reserved for the wealthy, Bustamante has worked hard to break through both of those barriers through her sheer determination, self-belief, and hard work.

This ambitious project is all about shaking up the norm and challenging tradition, as Bustamante’s NFT Access Pass will allow for direct interaction with her fans, giveaways to celebrate her milestones, and even behind-the-scenes content, to allow fans to see what it is like to be a female race driver breaking the bias. The ultimate goal of this project is to create an unparalleled fan experience and community, as well as a platform for her sponsors, to ultimately join her on the journey to the top of the sport in Formula 1.

Bustamante also hopes that this project paves the way for other young race drivers to have new avenues to help them gain a voice, grow their community, and raise the necessary support to compete in a sport that requires substantial funding.

What is The Dark Horse?
The Dark Horse is a brave new take on the traditional talent agency and early sponsorship functions – reimagined through blockchain technology. It supports the dreams of drivers like Bianca ? underestimated athletes with surprising speed, strength, ambition and commitment. The Dark Horse project allows Bianca to reap the immediate benefits of the crypto ecosystem with airdrops, tokenization, metaverse integration and beyond.

Project details
The Dark Horse campaign launched last week, with the Whitelist now open and the NFT Mint set to take place from the 27th of May 2022. With a total of 2,000 NFTs available for minting, the first 200 True Fans who join the whitelist will receive priority pricing. Among these, 50 NFTs will be especially allocated to Bustamante’s fans based in the Philippines – also at priority pricing

These 2,000 NFT Access Pass holders will be given access to her inner circle – the BiaCrew community – and receive unique benefits throughout her motorsport career. Pricing for the NFTs are as follows:

  • 0.07 ETH for the first 200 registered whitelist;
  • 0.07 ETH for 50 whitelist allotment created specifically for fans from the Philippines;
  • 0.095 ETH for the remainder of the whitelist;
  • 0.15 ETH upon public mint.

Proceeds from the NFT sale will provide Bianca with the resources that she needs to keep on racing and more. Breakdown of proceeds are as follows:

  • 75% of the proceeds will go towards Bianca’s racing career: coaching, fitness training, track practice and daily living necessities;
  • 20% will go towards service costs from The Dark Horse Team;
  • 5% will be reserved for the community, in the form of rewards, gifts, charitable causes etc.

In return, owners of the NFT Access Pass benefit from gaining instant access to the BiaCrew community, as well as unprecedented access to Bianca’s professional life and the motorsport world at large, including:

  • Regular BTS Content with Bianca (Training & Traveling, AMA’s, Insights etc);
  • Community Interaction with Bianca;
  • Complimentary BiaCrew Merch Pack (upon 2x mint);
  • Priority in future drops along with surprise airdrops;
  • Milestone Prize Pool to BiaCrew community;
  • And more to be announced.

Quotes:

Bianca Bustamante – Race Driver
“I’m so excited to be part of The Dark Horse as a way to support my dream to climb the F1 ladder. It’s been a roller-coaster year for me so far, having secured full-time drives at both W Series and the USF Juniors Series. The Dark Horse is a great opportunity for me to embrace new technology to create a sustainable platform aimed at giving back to those who believe in me. What I’m most excited about are the cool, fun ways in which I can directly interact with my fans. In return for their support, I will work hard to become the best driver in the world and, along with my team, deliver unique content and insights into my life and the motorsport world.”

Darryl O’Young – Manager of Bianca Bustamante
“The challenges of becoming a professional race driver are real, and I know first hand truly how much heart it requires. Bianca has it all: the full package of speed, intelligence, grit and determination – key attributes to making it to the top. Bianca is the embodiment of The Dark Horse ? a happy and unassuming teenager off the track, but once that helmet goes on…you better watch out! We are proud to put together this project aimed at giving back to the fans that believe in her. We are committed to seeing this project through for the long term, growing her community alongside Bianca’s journey and rise.”

Ben Reid – Founder & CEO, Digital Creators (Venture Studio)
“Digital Creators is excited to be the design and build partner on this project. The NFT market is maturing, and projects that offer true, unique value proposition and utility are increasingly crucial in this space. With The Dark Horse, we have created an NFT access pass that achieves exactly that, by giving our “1,000 true fans” a front row seat to an upcoming motorsport talent’s journey. NFT holders will get cool artwork, access to future NFT drops, insider content, prize pools and a range of other surprises the team has in store. This is the user’s chance to both support Bianca, and be a part of history in redefining how rising sports talent can supercharge their careers.”

The Dark Horse Socials:
Discord / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

Bianca Bustamante Socials:
Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn

Media Contact: pr@craftbamboo.com

Q&M Dental net profit, excluding other gains or losses, increased by 25% to S$7.2 million on S$46.8 million of revenue for quarter ended 31 March 2022

Q&M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited, a leading private dental healthcare group in Asia, reported net profit excluding other gains or losses attributable to shareholders of S$7.2 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2022 (1Q2022) compared to S$5.8 million in the corresponding period (1Q2021).

Dr Ng Chin Siau, Chief Executive Officer of Q&M Dental said, “We are heartened by our continuous strong performance in 1Q2022 following a record-setting year FY2021. Our core dental business will remain strong, and with the abolishing of most of the pandemic restrictions, a positive impact on the economy, we are looking forward to resuming our growth trajectory of expanding our network of clinics in the coming quarters.”

Growth & Expansion in Operations

As at 31 March 2022, the Group’s number of dental outlets in Singapore has grown to 99, from 85 as at 31 March 2021. Similarly in Malaysia, the number of dental outlets has increased to 41, as compared to 36 previously.

The Group also continues to focus on its expansion into medical diagnostics, with its associated Company, Aoxin Q&M Dental Group Limited and through its recent acquisition of 49% shareholding of Acumen Diagnostics Pte. Ltd., raising Q&M’s effective interest in Acumen Diagnostics from 51% to 67%. In the near term, Acumen Diagnostics’ clinical testing laboratory will roll out its pipeline of new tests, including PCR assays for dengue, sepsis and, identification of bacterial pathogens and their associated antibiotics resistance in pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Its longer-term plans include the development of new vaccines.

For 1Q2022, revenue contribution from dental and medical clinics was relatively unchanged with a marginal decrease of 2% to S$38.6 million, despite the challenges of the tightening of Safe Management Measures (SMM) due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Revenue contribution from medical laboratory and dental equipment & supplies segment surged by 80% to S$8.2 million on the back of increased revenue from Covid-19 testing from Acumen Diagnostics, the Group’s medical laboratory business, which obtained its medical laboratory license in September 2020.

The Group’s net profit after tax excluding other gains or losses for 1Q2022 increased by 25% to S$7.2 million, from S$5.8 million in the corresponding period last year, translating to an earnings per share of 0.69 Singapore cent.

As at 31 March 2022, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of S$43.5 million with net assets of S$94.9 million. This translates to Net Asset Value per share of 10.10 cents per share.

Outlook & Further Expansion Plans

With the opening up of the Singapore economy gathering pace in 2022, the country expects to see businesses ramping up in most sectors with those that were most severely affected by the pandemic like F&B, tourism to especially benefit. The government is forecasting GDP growth of between 3.0 to 5.0% in 2022, Barring any major changes in the global macroeconomic and political situation or any new adverse developments in the evolving Covid-19 situation, the Group is cautiously optimistic on its business outlook.
The Group intends to continue executing the business plans outlined below:

– Expansion of network of dental clinics in Singapore and Malaysia

The Group currently operates 99 clinics in Singapore. With the economy opening up in 2022, the Group will also intensively increase its reach through organic growth of its dental clinic network in Singapore. This will be supported by an expansion of its team of dentists to undergird the future growth of its operations in Singapore. We will continue to develop, invest and optimise our digital Artificial Intelligence (AI) guided clinical decision support system to provide the most effective and suitable treatment plans for patients. The Group believes it is well-positioned to cater to the rising demand for primary and high-value specialist dental healthcare services of its patients.

Currently, the Group operates 41 clinics in Malaysia. The clinics are located in Johor (16 dental clinics), Kuala Lumpur (9 dental clinics), Selangor (11 dental clinics), Melaka (4 dental clinics) and 1 dental clinic in Negeri Sembilan.

The Group intends to open at least 30 dental clinics a year from 2021 onwards in Singapore and Malaysia for the next 10 years. The eventual number of dental outlets will depend on available opportunities, pertinent market conditions and the evolving Covid-19 situation.

– Expansion into private dental healthcare market in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”)

The main thrust of the Group’s proposed expansion in PRC is through organic growth to develop a new and sustainable growth pillar that can yield long term value for the Group.

– Expansion in Southeast Asia

The Group is continuously looking out for strategic opportunities to expand its dental business and regional footprint to other Southeast Asian countries.

– Medical Laboratory

The Group will focus on rolling out its clinical testing laboratory pipeline of new tests including PCR assays for dengue sepsis and identification of bacterial pathogens and their associated antibiotics resistance in pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

Please see links for PDF documents from SGXNET.
Results: https://tinyurl.com/QnM-1Q2022-Result
Press Release: https://tinyurl.com/QnM-1Q-2022-Release

About Q&M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited (QC7.SI)

Q&M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited (QC7.SI) (“Q&M” or together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) is a leading private dental healthcare group in Asia.

The Group owns the largest network of private dental outlets in Singapore, operating 99 dental outlets across the country. Underpinned by about 290 experienced dentists and over 350 supporting staff, the Group sees an average of 40,000 patient visits a month in Singapore. The Group also operates 5 medical clinics and a dental supplies and equipment distribution company.

Outside of Singapore, the Group has 41 dental clinics and a dental supplies and equipment distribution company in Malaysia, as well as a dental clinic in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). Q&M is also the substantial shareholder of Aoxin Q&M Dental Group Limited, a dental Group listed on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange that operates dental clinics and hospitals primarily in the north- eastern region of the PRC. The Group aims to expand its operations geographically and vertically through the value chain in Malaysia, the PRC and within the ASEAN region.

The Q&M College of Dentistry was established in 2019 to offer postgraduate dental education as part of its commitment to continual education and professional development of dentists. It offers Singapore’s first private postgraduate diploma programme in clinical dentistry.

In 2020, the Group expanded into the medical laboratories and research industry with the strategic investment into Acumen Diagnostics Pte. Ltd. (“Acumen”). Acumen currently focuses on the manufacture, sale and distribution of COVID-19 diagnostic test kits, as well as COVID-19 testing. It is also working to roll out a pipeline of new tests, including PCR assays for dengue, sepsis and, identification of bacterial pathogens and their associated antibiotics resistance in pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

EM2AI Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group that focuses on developing AI-powered solutions to diagnosis and treatment planning has rolled out IDMS, enabling dentists within the Group’s network to administer ethical treatment plans for patients.

The Group was listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX- ST”) on 26 November 2009. For more information on the Group, please visit www.QandMDental.com.sg

For more information, please contact:
Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd
Wayne Koo
Tel: +65 9338-8166
Email: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg

Derek Yeo
Tel: +65 9791-4707
Email: derek@waterbrooks.com.sg

G3 Global Awarded RM118 Million Contract to Drive Digital Transformation of KLIA and klia2

Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialist G3 Global Berhad has secured the Group’s largest contract since restructuring the business with an RM118.38 million agreement to design and develop the Airport Integrated Security and Safety System (AIS3) for Malaysia’s two busiest airports – Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and klia2 – in collaboration with SenseTime, a leading AI software company listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEX).

Mr. Dirk Quinten, Managing Director of G3 Global Berhad
Mr. Martin Huang, Managing Director of SenseTime International

The contract, which was awarded by Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd (MA Sepang) on 15 April 2022, is the first master system architect project among the world’s Top 10 airports. MA Sepang is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and provides maintenance and airport facilities administration services.

G3 Global will leverage its AI capabilities and the deep industry knowledge of SenseTime to develop a state-of-the-art integrated platform that includes enhancing existing systems to improve the overall safety and security management capabilities.

Mr. Dirk Quinten, Managing Director of G3 Global Berhad said, “In pre-pandemic 2019, both KLIA and klia2 served 62.3 million passengers, of which almost 72% or 44.6 million were international arrivals. Post-reopening of international borders, the airports’ traffic is bound to recover and hence, there is a great need for a technologically-advanced smart security management system for both airports. This is where our AIS3 system will come in with its AI capabilities.

Our system is efficient, highly-integrated and has advanced data analytics capabilities. This will help to achieve faster and improved decision making in strengthening the airports’ safety management. The AIS3 will be key in transforming KLIA and klia2 into high-tech airports in the world, enabling them to be better equipped to handle more passengers in the future.

Meanwhile, with the partnership between G3 Global and SenseTime in this project, the Group can leverage on the experience and track record gained for upcoming proprietary analytic-based projects. G3 Global will also be able to diversify into Augmented Reality and retail solutions, integrated with our airport Big Data initiative.”

As G3 Global’s principal AI partner, SenseTime’s industry-leading AI platforms will complement the Group’s capabilities to provide a comprehensive suite of products for an end-to-end experience.

Mr. Martin Huang, Managing Director of SenseTime International said, “As a leading AI software company focused on creating a better AI-empowered future through innovation, SenseTime is committed to leveraging AI technologies for a positive Whole-of-Society impact, benefitting businesses and people alike. Together with our partner G3, we saw an opportunity to revitalise airport operations as we learn to live in the new normal. As demand for air travel grows, our leading AI-enabled capabilities will support airports to perform these key operations sustainably and provide a safer travel journey overall.”

The AIS3 project is expected to be completed by March 2024. G3 Global’s partnership with SenseTime began in April 2019 after both parties signed a Collaboration Agreement to jointly explore various projects relating to the application of interface technologies and platforms.

Upon the successful completion of the AIS3 project, G3 Global will look at scaling a similar AI-based security management model to other airports in Malaysia and across the region. This would further strengthen the Group’s position as the largest listed AI player in Malaysia.

G3 Global: https://g3global.com.my/
G3 Global: 7184 / [BURSA: G3G] [RIC: GLOA:KL] [BBG: G3G:MK]

SenseTime: https://www.sensetime.com/en
SenseTime: [HKSE: 20]

Avantor Announces Investment in Manufacturing and Distribution Hub in Singapore to Serve Rapidly Growing Asia Pacific Biopharma Industry

Avantor, Inc. (NYSE: AVTR), a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences, advanced technologies and applied materials industries, today announced it will create a new manufacturing and distribution Hub in Singapore, by integrating its existing distribution facility with new manufacturing operations. The new Hub, which brings Avantor solutions closer to regional customers and strengthens global supply chain capabilities, will be fully operational early next year.

Avantor announced it will create a new Manufacturing and Distribution Hub in Singapore by integrating its existing distribution facility with new manufacturing operations.

“The Singapore Manufacturing and Distribution Hub will enable Avantor to better serve the fast-growing Asia Pacific Biopharma market by facilitating shorter lead times, enhancing supply chain security and increasing capacity in the region,” said Christophe Couturier, Executive Vice President, AMEA, Avantor. “The Hub will boost regional innovation and serve as an industry benchmark for Singapore and Asia Pacific’s global quality and regulatory standards, and demonstrates Avantor’s commitment to growing our presence in the region.”

The new Hub will provide a range of services including quality control and inventory management expertise, and feature cGMP manufacturing suites and testing labs for process ingredients and excipients.

About Avantor

Avantor, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education & government, and advanced technologies & applied materials industries. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities in the industries we serve. Our global footprint enables us to serve more than 225,000 customer locations and gives us extensive access to research laboratories and scientists in more than 180 countries. We set science in motion to create a better world.

For more information, visit https://news.avantorsciences.com/home and find us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avantorinc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Avantor_News
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Avantorinc/

Regional Media Contact
Christina Koh
Director, Communications – AMEA
Avantor
M: +65 9720 0169
Christina.Koh@avantorsciences.com

Asia Pacific Rail Leaders to Gather in May for the First Time in More Than Three Years

Asia Pacific Rail 2022, the leading annual gathering of Asia Pacific’s rail leaders, will take place in Bangkok on 11-12 May 2022. After an absence of more than three years, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event marks the first time that the region’s rail leaders have been able to gather together since 2019. The 2022 edition will gather over 1,000 of the region’s leading rail professionals and is endorsed by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

All of Thailand’s major rail operators and authorities will be represented at the event: Asia Era One Co. Ltd, Bangkok Expressway & Metro Public Company Limited, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company, Department of Rail Transport, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, Office of Transport Policy & Planning, State Railway of Thailand and Thailand’s Ministry of Transport will all be sharing updates on the latest plans and opportunities for Thailand’s rail industry.

International rail operators from Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines and India will also be onsite at the event, including Land Transport Authority Singapore, Metro Trains Melbourne, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and PT MRT Jakarta. Hong Kong’s MRT Corporation will be joining the event virtually owing to the continued travel restrictions.

“With borders across the region opening up, the Asia Pacific Rail team have been working tirelessly to bring this outstanding group or rail operators and technology partners together under one roof for the first time in years,” says Paul Clark, Managing Director – Asia for
Terrapinn. “We’re delighted to be bringing the event to Thailand for the first time and for our attendees to hear about the fantastic opportunities available in its rail sector. This is the event where the region’s rail leaders chart the future of rail and we can’t wait to get started.”

Asia Pacific Rail will offer five tracks of content across the two days – Digital Rail; Signalling & Communications; Operations, Maintenance & Asset Management; Mainline and Project Updates and attendees will be free to move between the content tracks as they wish.

Keynote speakers at the event include:
– Pichet Kunadhamraks, Deputy Director-General, Department of Rail Transport, Ministry of Transport, Thailand
– Punya Chupanit, Director General, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning
– Vithaya Punmongkol, Deputy Governor, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand
– Ling Fang, President Asia Pacific, Alstom
– Jacob Kam, Chief Executive Officer, MTR Corporation*
– Chua Chong Kheng, Deputy Chief Executive – Infrastructure and Development, Land Transport Authority
– Catherine Baxter, Chief Operating Officer, Metro Trains Melbourne
– TC Chew, Director, Global Rail Business Leader, Arup
– Steven Xiong, CTO in Rail Industry, Huawei EBG
– Arezki Touat, Senior Vice President, Systra Asia
– Sumit Srisantithum, Chief Operating Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company
– Tony Lee, Operations Director, MTR Hong Kong*
– Toby Tiberghien, Turnkey & Rolling Stock Director, East Asia, Alstom
– Narelle Rogers, ANZ Rail Systems Lead, Jacobs
– Adi Lau, Managing Director – Mainland China Business & Global Operations Standards, MTR Corporation*
– Alvin Gee, Deputy Managing Director – Administration, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited

*Joining virtually

More than 50 sponsors and exhibitors will be onsite demonstrating the latest technologies and innovations to help the region’s rail operators, including Diamond Sponsors Alstom, Huawei, Platinum Sponsors, Siemens & Thales, and Gold Sponsors Arup, Jacobs and KONE. There will also be a technology showcase theatre running on the exhibition floor where attendees can enjoy practical insights into deploying the latest technologies in their rail operations.

Press attendance is complimentary. Enquiries should be directed to: Christine Lee
Marketing Director Terrapinn Asia christine.lee@terrapinn.com

About Asia Pacific Rail 2022

Asia Pacific Rail 2022 will take place at BITEC in Bangkok on 11-12 May 2022 in Halls EH 103 and 104. All attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination for entry and masks will be worn onsite.

About Terrapinn

Terrapinn has been sparking ideas, innovations and relationships that transform business for over 30 years. Using our global footprint, we bring innovators, disrupters and change agents together, discussing and demonstrating the technology, strategies and personalities that are changing the way the world does business. Whether you’re looking to make new connections, introduce product or inspire change in your industry, we invite you to join us as agitators of change. Terrapinn – spark something.

Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad Supports Yayasan Seri Negara’s Ramadhan Initiative

Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (Bursa: MGRC, 0155), a leading genomics and biopharmaceutical specialist, is pleased to support Yayasan Seri Negara’s (YSN) Ihya Ramadhan 2022 programme through a monetary donation to help those in need.

The Ihya Ramadhan 2022 programme will be held in several locations throughout the country and involves the breaking of fast and the giving of monetary aid to orphans and the underprivileged.

Encik Azri Azerai, Executive Director of Malaysian Genomics, said, “We are happy and honoured to be able to assist YSN in their Ihya Ramadhan 2022 programme. Every little bit helps, and we want to do our part in easing the burden of those in need such as orphans and the underprivileged.”

Malaysian Genomics’ cash aid will be distributed to orphans and the underprivileged at the Shah Alam district police headquarters during the Ihya Ramadhan 2022 programme held at the location on 27 April 2022 at 6pm.

Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad: http://www.mgrc.com.my/
Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad: 0155 / [BURSA: MGRC] [RIC: MGRC:KL] [BBG: MGRC:MK]

Electricity Retailer Union Power Named as Partner for Anantara Energy Holdings US$5 Billion Plan to Export Up to 4 TWh of Renewable Energy Annually from Indonesia to Singapore

Singapore’s homegrown electricity retailer Union Power Pte Ltd (Union Power) has been appointed as distribution partner for a proposed US$5 billion project promoted by Anantara Energy Holdings Pte Ltd (Anantara) to generate renewable energy in Indonesia and export up to 4 TWh of it to the city state.

Anantara’s project involves generating up to 3.5 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy from a 4,000-hectare site in the Riau Islands and a battery capable of storing up to 12 GWh – one of the largest in the world – before being connected to Singapore via an undersea cable.

The electricity import is subject to licensing approval from the Energy Market Authority of Singapore which has announced major plans to diversify its energy mix into renewables and reduce its reliance on liquified natural gas, and transition towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

Singapore’s green plans include the importation of clean renewable energy from neighbouring countries.

Union Power, a member of homegrown Union Energy Corporation Pte Ltd (UEC) which has more than 40 years of business history, will be involved in retailing a significant portion of the imported clean energy to its base of 22,000 residential and business customers, leveraging upon the Company’s deep domain knowledge and extensive network in Singapore.

The partnership is part of Union Power’s strategies to diversify towards solar and renewable energy, as the Company seeks to transform its business to support Singapore’s green plans. Through its solar arm Union Solar, Union Power installs, operates and finances solar PV systems on the rooftops of commercial buildings, allowing customers in Singapore to enjoy competitive solar energy tariffs compared to conventional retailer tariffs. To date, Union Solar has been building a pipeline of 11 commercial & industrial projects, and expects demand to grow in the months ahead.

Other efforts include building infrastructure for Electric Vehicle charging, as well as a partnership with a Dutch company to distribute a flexible light-weight solar foil which can be wrapped around structures, eliminating the need for supporting frames and structures and providing greater versatility of locations to harness solar power.

The agreement between Anantara and UEC, along with the formal joint-development agreement for the Anantara partnership and Anantara’s Memorandum of Understanding with Riau Islands Province, were signed on 19 April in the Indonesian embassy in Singapore in the presence of Ambassador His Excellency Mr Suryo Pratomo and the Governor of Riau Islands Province Mr Ansar Ahmad.

Singapore-registered Anantara is a joint venture between German solar energy turnkey solutions provider, ib vogt, and Quantum Power Asia, the developer of Indonesia’s first utility-scale solar PV plant.

Union Power’s Executive Director Ms. Ellen Teo said, “It is a great honour for Union Power to be part of this prestigious project. We remain committed to the Singapore Government’s vision for a greener energy market, and believe our intimate knowledge of the issues faced by Singapore consumers will add significant value to the project. This partnership will be one of the most significant that we have undertaken, and will no doubt lead to even more opportunities in the near future. We accept this with deep honour and heartfelt commitment.”

Simon G. Bell, Managing Director and CEO, Quantum Power Asia said, “Partnering with Union Power is a foundational strategy for ensuring strong execution capability in Singapore that will lead to Anatantara delivering excellence in making available clean electricity in the Singapore market. Along with ib vogt, we look forward to a long-term relationship with the Union Power team.”

David Ludwig, Director Asia Pacific, ib vogt, said, “We are very enthusiastic about the partnership, which combines the strengths of Union and Quantum, for the Singapore import tender. Each consortium member is a leader in their respective fields and together we are able to provide a very competitive and compelling offer to substantially contribute to Singapore’s decarbonisation efforts as well as the economic development of the Riau Islands.”

About Union Power

Union Power Pte Ltd is a leading digital energy retailer, licensed by Singapore’s Energy Market Authority. The Company is a subsidiary of Union Energy Corporation – the largest bottled-gas supplier in Singapore, which has over 40 years of operating track record in the business of retailing LPG, Natural Gas, Diesel and Electricity in the Commercial, Industrial and Residential markets.

Founded in 2017, Union Power launched Union Solar in September 2020, in line with its push towards sustainable solutions through solar energy power generation. For more information, please visit: https://unionpower.com.sg/

Media & Investor Contact Information
WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd
Isaac Tang, unionpower@wer1.net, M: +65 9748 0688

Venturi Partners Hits Final Close of USD 175M in Maiden Fund

Venturi Partners, a Singapore-based investment platform that empowers audacious brands in India and Southeast Asia, announced today that its maiden fund has hit its final close of USD 175 million. The firm may, however, increase the quantum of the fund with demand for investments going up.

(L-R) – Rishika Chandan, Managing Director; Nicholas Cator, Founder and Managing Partner; Lauren Burns, Chief Operating Officer and Sarvesh Nevatia, Executive Director of Venturi Partners

Founded by veteran consumer investor Nicholas Cator, the investment platform’s expertise lies in identifying and supporting Asian high-growth consumer companies with an online or offline presence in sectors ranging from FMCG to education and healthcare services. The Venturi team has, in their previous roles, invested and supported a variety of consumer brands such as Byju’s, Lazada, Pristyn Care, Cure.fit, Chewy, Oatly, Global Fashion Group, Burger King, Sula Vineyards, Domino’s & Future Consumer.

Venturi has already deployed 30% percent of the fund across three investments in India and South- East Asia, and aims to deploy the rest over the next 24 months. The platform typically invests $10 million to $40 million in series B to series D rounds. The team has strong prior entrepreneurial and operating backgrounds and will leverage this experience to be a value-added partner to its companies.

“The Venturi team has a unique expertise, network and track record in the Consumer space in the region. Founders today are looking for more than just investors – they want long term partners that understand consumer trends and brands and have a long-term mindset. Adding value to portfolio companies by being sector focused, operationally minded and supporting management teams on specific projects is more relevant now than ever. We will only make 8 investments from Fund – 1 and work closely with our founders,” said Nicholas Cator, Managing Partner at Venturi Partners.

The platform has raised commitments from large EU and Asian family offices, such as Peugeot Invest, Ackermans & Van Haaren and Frederic De Mevius, Founder of Verlinvest and a member of the family ownership of ABI.

“Our aim is to build a long-term, partnership-based investment platform with a small number of Families with similar values that want to participate in the Asian consumer growth story. We offer our Families more transparency on our portfolio than a traditional fund and will offer up to 100% of their commitment in co-investment opportunities. This enables us to deploy larger amounts into our portfolio companies and to support them over multiple rounds,” said Nicholas Cator, Managing Partner at Venturi Partners

About Venturi Partners

Founded in 2019 by veteran consumer investor Nicholas Cator, Venturi Partners is an Asia-focused investment platform that enables consumer-facing business startups to build disruptive brands in India and Southeast Asia. The firm provides growth funding to customer-centric, purpose-driven brands in India and Southeast Asia, with a focus on education, healthcare and fast-moving consumer goods, that have a shared desire to create a positive impact on the world. Venturi has built a unique investment platform for families wanting to participate in the long-term consumer growth trends in Asia. The platform is built around shared values and long-term partnerships, and aims to bring operational value-add to entrepreneurs building tomorrow’s leading brands in Asia.

For more information, please visit www.venturi.partners.

Media contacts:
Adfactors PR:
Snigdha Nair, India: Snigdha.nair@adfactorspr.com
Namrata Sharma, Singapore: Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com

Believe Pte raises $55M in Series C funding to continue its global mission of delivering breakthrough personal care and beauty products

Singapore-headquartered Believe Pte Ltd, a fast-growing consumer products company serving the global Muslim audience with brands spanning skincare, fragrances, make-up and hair care has raised Series C funding of US $55M from incoming investors Venturi Partners and IIFL AMC alongside continued participation from Jungle Ventures, Accel, Alteria Capital and Genesis Alternative Ventures. Investment from IIFL AMC is subject to approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

The Company (started in mid-2019) has delivered rapid growth in its relatively short history, thereby inspiring investor interest and has cumulatively raised over US$ 80M over the last two years.

The Series A and Series B fund raises were led by Accel and Jungle Ventures with participation from Wamda Capital, a Middle East based fund. The current Series C raise in Believe’s third year of operation is led by Venturi Partners, a Singapore-based investment platform founded by veteran consumer investor Nicholas Cator. Venturi Partners enables consumer-facing business startups to build disruptive brands in sectors such as FMCG, education, health-tech, home improvement, etc. in India and Southeast Asia. IIFL AMC’s private equity fund that has backed several leading consumer brands will also co-lead this round, subject to approval from SEBI.

This is Venturi’s second investment and is a testament to the investment platform’s expertise in identifying and supporting multi-geography, high-growth consumer brands with an online and offline presence. Nicholas Cator, Founder & Managing Partner at Venturi said, “We are excited to be backing the most experienced BPC founders in the region and have been extremely impressed by their ability to build a diversified portfolio of products and a unique distribution network during a pandemic. We are convinced that with its strong team and group of investors, Believe will become the leading global halal and clean BPC house of brands.”

With the likes of Swiggy, Licious, Dailyhunt, and Country Delight in its portfolio, IIFL AMC looks to back market leaders and disruptors across businesses, while keeping sight of profitability at steady state. Chetan Naik, Fund Manager at IIFL AMC, said, “Believe has demonstrated unprecedented traction and growth in a very short period via its brands focused on the global markets in the BPC segment. With its unique positioning of halal based clean products (devoid of alcohol and animal ingredients), it has addressed the latent need of a large target market in a highly focused manner. Its growth is a testament to how a relevantly positioned brand with strong product efficacy creates resonance with its consumer and creates value for all. We are delighted to partner with the exceptional team at Believe for the company’s next phase of growth.”

Believe is a house of brands that includes Lafz, ZM and Dr.Rhazes. The brands have received incredible customer love in Bangladesh and India with a growing base in GCC countries. They are sold in over 8 countries and are manufactured across the globe including countries like South Korea, Italy, Spain, France, Germany and UAE.

While Lafz is the flagship premium brand crafted with traditional ingredients; ZM’s vegan, cruelty free, single ingredient positioning finds popularity among the youthful and aspirational.

Believe’s vision to create enduring brands consistent with consumers’ belief systems while ensuring highest efficacy, quality and uniqueness drives its success across distribution formats in the Middle East and Asia. This fundraise will catalyze consolidating market share in Bangladesh and India (via strategic acquisitions) while deepening reach in GCC and South East Asia (through both organic and inorganic growth) paving the path to becoming a large global CPG conglomerate.

Ankit Mahajan, CEO of Believe PTE Ltd said, “We have received tremendous consumer love all the way from launching our first product in 2019 to witnessing 2.5x growth in last 1 year. Our 2000+ family of happy Believers is our eyes and ears to the ground that help us be nimble and responsive to consumer needs. We have created a relentless marketing organization that has the ability to identify consumer needs, use of 12-member strong R&D expertise to make fantastic products and then put our international supply chain to deliver global standard products to countries across the world.”

IndigoEdge, Bangalore (India) headquartered investment bank focused on new age consumer brands was the sole advisor for this transaction.

Media contacts:
Adfactors PR:
Snigdha Nair, India: Snigdha.nair@adfactorspr.com
Namrata Sharma, Singapore: Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com