Bin Zayed targets RM100 billion FDI to Malaysia in the next few years

Bin Zayed International LLC (BZI) has targeted RM100 billion worth of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Malaysia over the next few years, to be delivered in phases, starting with the development of Widad@Langkasuka.

BZI is a leading conglomerate owned by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is a senior member of the Abu Dhabi royal family member as well as a prominent business leader and philanthropist in the Gulf States, with diverse business interests in the local and international markets, and which its business ventures include management of real estate and construction of residential and commercial buildings and towers.

In a formal letter to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, BZI expressed its strong interest to invest in Malaysia via an exclusive collaboration with Widad Business Group.

“After some productive meetings and further discussions, WBG and BZI are most proud and pleased to jointly inform the Prime Minister that we have agreed to form a joint venture entity in Malaysia for the specific purpose of the development project in Langkawi, Kedah, Widad@Langkasuka. We are confident that this project will become one of the iconic projects in Malaysia which will bring Langkawi global recognition and a truly iconic place that Malaysia would be proud of,” said BZI Group Managing Director Sheikh Midhat Kidwai.

“Now that we have solemnized our business relationship via this joint venture, we would like to express our strong interest in acquiring or investing in more concessions and infrastructure projects. Starting with Widad@Langkasuka, we believe that our involvement in projects here can bring in FDI of more than RM100 billion for the next few years. This strong cash flow influx can assist to provide a significant recovery boost for the Malaysian economy as well as the creation of more than 30,000 jobs,” he added.

Issued by: Sense Consultancy on behalf of Bin Zayed International

For further media enquiries please contact:
Jaz Ng
Tel: +6012 202 0096
Email: jaz@leesense.com

Anthony Lee
Tel: +6012 338 3705
Email: anthony@leesense.com

Trintech Continues to Innovate Its Leading Financial Solutions to Meet the Needs of Large Enterprises Across the Globe

Trintech, a leading global provider of integrated Record to Report software solutions for the office of finance, today announced several key product enhancements to help large enterprises reduce the time spent on tasks and drive greater efficiencies in their month-end workflows.

“As our customers continue to focus on agility and sustainability during this time, the enhancements we have made in our solutions deliver greater control, enhanced visibility, increased efficiencies and certainty of accurate financial reporting that our large enterprise customers demand,” said Michael Ross, Chief Product Officer at Trintech.

With the latest release of Trintech’s Cadency Platform, finance and accounting professionals can elevate their financial automation with highly configurable and transparent workflows, integrated connector enhancements, and extended scalability and automation with new Smart Bots and ERP Bot enhancements. Leading Enterprises will benefit from the following:

– Greater efficiencies gained in the reconciliation process
– Additional automation capabilities to reduce the time to close
– Enhanced integration between Record to Report (R2R) processes to improve the overall experience
– Enhanced Bot functionality that drives deep automation and reduces administration burdens to refocus time and effort on higher value-added activities

In addition, the Cadency user experience provides intuitive, easy-to-use, standardized functionality that drives greater efficiencies throughout the finance and accounting team’s daily workflow.

Managing and performing transaction matching and account reconciliations are a cornerstone of the month-end close, and when done inefficiently, can be a very time-consuming and risk prone process. To help finance & accounting teams further reduce the time and risk in this process, Trintech has extended the automation capabilities between Cadency Match and Reconciliation Certify by leveraging leading technologies, such as Risk Intelligent RPA(TM) to reduce the number of accounts needing manual reconciliation, reduce the workload for end users and administrators and allow for a faster and more efficient month-end close.

In addition, Trintech has introduced Cadency Smart Bots so finance & accounting teams can benefit from purpose-built Bot capabilities that allow not only automation of repetitive manual tasks but also complete Record to Report (R2R) activities including the ability to:

– Prepare account reconciliations using files or data from external data repositories or email inboxes and attaching any supporting documents leveraging Cadency Reconciliation Certify
– Post Journals using data or files from external data repositories or email inboxes, along with any necessary back-up documentation leveraging Cadency Journal Entry
– Close tasks corresponding to Journal Entry postings, Account Reconciliations, etc. directly in Cadency Close.

About Trintech

Trintech Inc., a pioneer of Financial Corporate Performance Management (FCPM) software, combines unmatched technical and financial expertise to create innovative, cloud-based software solutions that deliver world-class financial operations and insights. From high volume transaction matching and streamlining daily operational reconciliations, to automating and managing balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany accounting, journal entries, disclosure reporting and bank fee analysis, to governance, risk and compliance – Trintech’s portfolio of financial solutions, including Cadency(R) Platform, Adra(R) Suite, and targeted tools, ReconNET(TM), T-Recs(R), and UPCS(R), help manage all aspects of the financial close process. Over 3,500 clients worldwide – including the majority of the Fortune 100 – rely on the company’s cloud-based software to continuously improve the efficiency, reliability, and strategic insights of their financial operations.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Trintech has offices located across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and the Nordics, as well as strategic partners in South Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific. To learn more about Trintech, visit www.trintech.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contact:
Kristina Pereira Tully
Vested
650-464-0080
trintech@fullyvested.com

SOURCE: Trintech, Inc.

Sheng Tai International Partners with IWG to open flexible workspace in Malaysia

Award-winning property company, Sheng Tai International Sdn Bhd (Sheng Tai International), continues to catalyse Malaysia’s, particularly Melaka, economic growth by signing a landmark agreement with the world’s largest global workspace provider, International Workplace Group plc (IWG) with brands including Regus and Spaces.

The franchise agreement includes Sheng Tai International and IWG collaborating to open flexible workspace in Malaysia. With the agreement, Sheng Tai International becomes IWG’s first partner since it opened up franchise opportunities in 2019 in the country.

Sheng Tai International has invested approximately RM8 million to begin this partnership with three centres in the company’s commercial properties in Melaka. The first centre, which will be developed under Regus, will open in Metrasquare, Melaka, by the end of the second quarter (Q2) 2021. While the second centre, under Spaces, will open at The Sail in 2025.

Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka, was present to witness the signing ceremony. Representing Sheng Tai International in the signing event and exchange of documents was Dato’ Leong Sir Ley, Founder and Chairman of Sheng Tai International and Collin Tan, Director. While IWG was represented by Vijayakumar Tangarasan, Country Head for Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei as well as Premita Dhaliwal, Head of Partnership Growth – Malaysia.

Dato’ Leong Sir Ley, Founder and Chairman of Sheng Tai International, said, “We are delighted to work with IWG to expand Malaysia’s flexible workspace industry.”

“We believe this is the right time to invest in the flexible workspace industry in Malaysia, especially in Melaka, in line with the optimistic outlook post-COVID-19 for the state and country. The pandemic has provided Melaka as well as flexible workspace industry an additional edge.”

“More and more people and global brands are looking at strategic locations that are beyond the city centre. In addition, the pandemic has accelerated the growth of flexible workspace trends around the world.”

“With our unique establishments in Malaysia coupled with IWG’s modern and world-class amenities, we are poised to appeal to discerning entrepreneurs, SMEs and multinational corporations, re-energising the economy in and around Melaka,” added Dato’ Leong.

“We also look forward to opening more flexible workspaces throughout Malaysia in the next five years.”

Gareth Haver, Regional Chief Executive Officer of IWG, said, “When we decided to open up franchising opportunities, we knew we needed strong partners, but more importantly, people who share our vision and values.”

“So we are thrilled to open a new chapter with Sheng Tai International. They have ambition and a solid track record that goes beyond the property. I believe their ability to draw global brands here during the pandemic is a testament to this,” Premita Dhaliwal from IWG Malaysia added.

Melaka Trade Square (Metrasquare) is a 6-acre commercial development comprising a residential component called the Metrasquare Serviced Suites, a three-star premium hotel called Hotel Metrasquare, a five-star hotel called Ames Hotel as well as retail lots, meeting and conference facilities, F&B amenities, as well as an upcoming Melaka historical gallery and art social space.

Located just five minutes drive away from the Ayer Keroh toll off the North-South Expressway, Metrasquare is also close to the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), government offices, hypermarkets and a host of tourist attractions such as Melaka Zoo and Night Safari; Melaka Bird Park; Wonderland Theme Park; Melaka Planetarium, World’s Bees Museum and Melaka International Trade Centre.

Flexible workspaces are due to grow exponentially in Malaysia as companies of all sizes adopt progressive hybrid work patterns. Businesses have realised that a hybrid model not only means happier and more engaged employees, but also a significant saving for the bottom line. A study reported by EY shows that companies can save about $11,000 for each employee that works in a hybrid manner.

Earlier this month, IWG announced a record start to 2021, adding half a million users to its network so far this year as well as penning its largest ever deal with NTT, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation. The deal will provide NTT’s 300,000 employees across its portfolio of companies and global network with access to IWG’s more than 3,500 workspaces globally.

For more information about Regus in Melaka, kindly contact Sheng Tai International at +6011 3737 3399.

About Sheng Tai International Sdn Bhd

Sheng Tai International Sdn. Bhd., formerly known as Sheng Tai Realty Sdn Bhd., is a diversified property development, real estate, investment management and hospitality company with specialised expertise in the area of property tourism. The company was founded by Dato’ Leong Sir Ley (“Dato SL Leong”), one of Malaysia’s very first businesswomen who single-handedly venture out of the country by setting up a significant network of real estate investment platform overseas. The company offers various categories of quality investment grade products with professional services and a warm, humanistic attitude. We welcome productive collaboration and corporate partnerships with the focal point of providing our foreign and local guests with comprehensive solutions and tailored experience.

Established in 2012 amid the storm of global economic turbulence, our continuing success owes to our ability to swim against the tide and see opportunity in every challenge. Our commitment to growth and quality excellence is an approach that has changed little since our emergence as a budding enterprise.

Locally, Sheng Tai International Sdn. Bhd. is well known in the industry through its subsidiaries such as Plentifield Marketing Sdn. Bhd., and Sheng Tai Impression Sdn. Bhd. At the international front, our presence is currently marked through our overseas arm called Sheng Tai International (HK) Limited, which has been operating since 2012 and served as an important gateway to the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. The company also recently opened its China’s flagship branch in Shanghai in September 2019; Tokyo in May 2020 and Beijing in October 2020.

Today, Sheng Tai International is an award-winning developer who has branched out across various parts of Asia, offering an extensive range of real property products, services and brands that cater to the luxury, upscale, and economy markets.

Sheng Tai International now has more than 500 personnel who are highly passionate and energetic, ensuring top quality services to our customers. The team is driven by strong corporate values that emphasise on integrity, professionalism and trustworthiness. Continuing our ethos of passionate expansion and conscientious innovation, Sheng Tai International aims to set a benchmark as the curator of contemporary living and the leading influence in inventive real estate business models. For more information about Sheng Tai International, please visit http://shengtaiinternational.com.

About IWG Plc

IWG is the world’s largest provider of flexible workspaces and has remained at the forefront of enabling and providing flexible workspaces. It offers a wide variety of flexible office options around the world, including Regus, Spaces, HQ, and Signature. IWG helps millions of people and their businesses to work more productively by providing a choice of professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces, communities and services. IWG operates in over 1,100 towns and cities in more than 120 countries. For more information about becoming an IWG franchise partner visit.

This press release is issued on behalf of: Sheng Tai International Sdn Bhd

For further enquiries, please contact:
I-Mae Liew
Tel: +6012 383 5688

Chin Hin Group Property to acquire 45% stake in Aima Construction for RM31.5 million

Chin Hin Group Property Berhad (CHGP; 7187), a Bursa Main Market listed company primarily involved in assembly and sales of new and rebuilt commercial vehicles as well as property development, announced today its proposed acquisition of 45% equity in Aima Construction Sdn Bhd (“Aima”), signifying its interest to venture into the construction industry.

Aima has an established track record spanning over three decades mainly doing construction work for mid-rise and landed properties, completing approximately RM1.7 billion worth of projects since its inception. It is also a Grade 7 contractor registered with Construction Industry Development Board and is principally engaged in the business of construction, contractors, subcontractors. Its total order book value currently stands at RM320 million.

According to a filing with Bursa Malaysia, CHGP entered into a conditional share sale agreement with Uniplaza Sdn Bhd for the proposed acquisition of ordinary shares in Aima representing an equity interest of 45% for a consideration of RM31.5 million which will be fully satisfied via allotment and issuance of up to 35,795,400 new ordinary shares in CHGP at an issue price of RM0.88 per Consideration Share.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Proposed Acquisition is expected to be completed by the third quarter of year 2021.

CHGP Executive Director Mr Chiau Haw Choon said: “Following the Proposed Acquisition, Aima will become an associate company of CHGP, and this will allow us to have an indirect access to the on-going and future projects of Aima. In addition, it will accelerate CHGP’s expansion plan without an initial cash outlay as the Purchase Consideration will be fully satisfied via allotment and issuance of Consideration Shares. Ultimately, our goal is to transform CHGP into a major property and construction player – therefore this corporate exercise fits into our strategy perfectly.”

He added that Aima will also be able to tap into CHGP’s vast network in the property and construction industry to boost its construction orderbook.

Meanwhile, Aima Managing Director Mr Khor Ken Yeon stated: “This is a historic day for Aima, as we formally announce our desire to join forces with CHGP and take our business to new heights. Synergistic benefits are expected to arise from the Proposed Acquisition as both CHGP and Aima are operating in and servicing the same industry, ie the property development industry and construction industry. Especially in regard to CHGP’s plans to launch RM3.73 billion worth of projects in the coming years, we can expect to see significant participation from our end as construction work for properties has been our forte for several decades.”

To recap, CHGP announced on 8 February 2021 its plans to spend RM268 million to acquire 81.9 acres of land in the Klang Valley to develop five different property projects. It aims to generate RM3.73 billion in gross development value (GDV) from on-going and future developments in the next two years.

CHGP has two ongoing projects – Aera Residence and 8th & Stellar. Aera Residence is a serviced apartment project in Petaling Jaya, with an estimated GDV of RM332 million. Meanwhile, 8th & Stellar is a two-tower mixed-use development comprising serviced apartments, duplex lofts, office space and shoplots on a 2.2-acre leasehold tract in Sri Petaling. Its estimated gross development value is RM470 million. The take-up rate for both projects currently stand at 98% and 69% respectively.

Issued by: Sense Consultancy on behalf of Chin Hin Group Property Berhad

For further media enquiries please contact:
Anthony Lee
Tel: +6012 338 3705
Email: anthony@leesense.com

Jaz Ng
Tel: +6012 202 0096
Email: jaz@leesense.com

HouseAfrica Announces Partnership With Domineum

HouseAfrica, furthering its dedication to making African real estate transactions seamless and transparent, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Domineum, an enterprise blockchain technology and back-end services provider.

HouseAfrica’s PropVat.com, Africa’s largest property technology platform, connects real estate stakeholders, property developers, home buyers, financial institutions, valuers and government regulators, to verify and validate property authenticity before purchase or credit application.

“We are particularly excited about our partnership with Domineum, as it helps us toward our goal of unlocking trapped real estate value in Nigeria, estimated at $300-900 billion dollars. We believe in collaboration. PropVat, our cutting-edge solution for unlocking Nigeria’s and Africa’s huge dead asset pool, is built on blockchain and collaboration,” says Uba Nnamdi, Co-Founder and CEO HouseAfrica.

“Domineum is excited to partner with HouseAfrica to deliver its bespoke products and services to the government sector, land departments and other agencies, and the services sector, to real estate and financial businesses. Real estate investment is a real deal and blockchain can be seen as the game changer,” says Mohammed Ibrahim Jega, Co-founder, Domineum.

PropVat works in partnership with key stakeholders in the real estate sector, including the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Nigerian Bar Association and Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), building a data-driven ecosystem for fast and easy means of processing interactive and transparent real estate transactions.

About PropVat
Using PropVat.com for verification helps to reduce the risk of fraudulent misrepresentation of ownership and valuation information. The PropVat platform generates a PVN (Property Verification Number) for quick access to a Verification Report, E-deed (powered by blockchain), and detailed property quality analysis. Major Financial Institutions are already using PropVat for their verification needs. Visit https://propvat.com, twitter.com/propvat, linkedin.com/company/propvat/ and facebook.com/propvat.

About HouseAfrica
HouseAfrica is building the largest African property platform using technology to connect real estate stakeholders to verify and validate property authenticity before purchase or credit application, helping to make convenient, secured, fast, transparent, and affordable property transactions. In 2019, HouseAfrica won the Best African Blockchain Startup at the AfricArena Conference Fantom Blockchain Challenge. Visit https://houseafrica.io.

About Domineum
Domineum is a software development company and consultant that aims to disrupt several sectors in the emerging markets, and leap-frog the current infrastructure with distributed ledger (blockchain) technology and Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions for governments and businesses. Domineum provides efficient back-end solutions to verify and authenticate Land and Property Registry, Mortgage, Identity Management, Cargo Tracking and Supply Chain systems. Visit https://www.domineum.io.

Contact: hello@houseafrica.io

Hektar REIT 2020 Performance: Resilience in Adversity

Dato’ Hisham bin Othman, CEO of Hektar Asset Management

– Achieved Revenue at RM111.1 million & Net Property Income of RM53.0 million
– Positive Anchor Commitment at Subang Parade and Mahkota Parade
– Stable Portfolio occupancy at 88.4%
– 3-star ESG rating by FTSE Russell

Hektar Asset Management Sdn. Bhd., the Manager for Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust (Hektar REIT), today announced Hektar REIT’s annual results for Financial Year ended 31 December 2020 (FY20) with revenue at RM111.1 million, down 18.9% compared to the same period in the preceding year. Property Operating Expenses reduced by RM3.5 million or savings of 5.7% compared to the previous year. Net Property Income (NPI) was reported at RM53.0 million, a decline of 29.8% from 2019. FY20 was a challenging year for the retail sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of various mobility restrictions throughout the year, which resulted in a decline in income from rental, carpark and food court.

For the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2020 (4Q 2020), Hektar REIT posted revenue of RM29.8 million, which is 14.5% lower compared to the same quarter of the preceding year. NPI was RM12.4 million, a decline of 37.3% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year. However, when compared to the previous quarter, revenue increased by 14.7%. Despite the challenges to malls as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on the retail sector, the REIT managed to attract new and secured existing tenants covering 10.2% of Hektar REIT’s Net Lettable Area (NLA) in this quarter. The REIT continually engages with tenants in all six shopping centres to ensure the sustainability of their business.

Dato’ Hisham bin Othman, Chief Executive Officer of Hektar Asset Management Sdn. Bhd, commented, “We cannot deny that 2020 was a challenging year for our malls given the mobility restrictions and stringent standard operating procedures that had to be implemented to curb further spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, we strived to ensure that business remained sustainable for our tenants and us at all times.”

“We expect consumer sentiment to improve over the second half of 2021 as more people get vaccinated and the economy recovers. To ensure that our portfolio of malls remain competitive and continue to attract visitors, we have also been busy with remixing & rejuvenating our tenant mix and reconfiguring of spaces along with other optimum asset enhancement initiatives”.

Income Distribution

As earlier announced, Hektar REIT declared an income distribution of RM4.2 million for 4Q 2020, which is equivalent to 0.90 sen per unit. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the retail industry significantly and the REIT has also not been spared. However, we remain committed to steering our portfolio into recovery this year.

Positive Anchor Commitment at Subang Parade and Mahkota Parade

Anchor support for Hektar’s two largest malls, Subang Parade and Mahkota Parade, remains positive. Subang Parade saw the introduction of premium supermarket Village Grocer. Parkson, our long-term anchor, refurbished their lower ground space at Subang Parade and renewed their tenancy at Mahkota Parade. A new mini-anchor, EcoShop, also opened at Subang Parade in December 2020. The commitment by these anchors is a testament to the confidence in the long-term prospects of the malls.

Stable Portfolio Occupancy

Hektar REIT’s portfolio of malls remained steady at an overall occupancy rate of 88.4% for FY2020. The overall portfolio registered 80 new and renewed tenancies representing NLA of 364,014 sq ft or 17.8% of total NLA. Hektar REIT reached out to eligible tenants by providing rental assistance and engaging with our shoppers to boost tenant sales through marketing promotions via physical and digital platforms.

Sustainability Efforts

Hektar REIT is committed to fulfill its obligation to ensure that all the business activities are performed to high standards of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Overall, energy consumption for the portfolio declined by 19.1%, translating into reduction of carbon emissions of 1.2 million kgCO2. Hektar REIT is a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index and in its latest December 2020 evaluation, its ESG conduct has been recognised with a 3-star ESG rating by FTSE Russell.

For further information, please log on to www.bursamalaysia.com

ABOUT HEKTAR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust (“Hektar REIT”) is Malaysia’s first listed retail-focused REIT. The primary objectives of Hektar REIT are to provide unitholders with sustainable dividend income and to achieve long-term capital appreciation of the REIT. Hektar REIT was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 4 December 2006 and currently owns 2 million square feet of retail space in 4 states with assets valued at RM1.2 billion as at 31 December 2020. The REIT’s strategic partner is Frasers Centrepoint Trust, part of Frasers Property Ltd, headquartered in Singapore. Hektar REIT is managed by Hektar Asset Management Sdn Bhd and the property manager is Hektar Property Services Sdn Bhd. Hektar REIT’s portfolio of commercial properties includes Subang Parade in Subang Jaya, Selangor; Mahkota Parade in Melaka; Wetex Parade & Classic Hotel in Muar, Johor; Central Square in Sungai Petani, Kedah; Kulim Central in Kulim, Kedah and Segamat Central in Segamat, Johor. For more information, please visit www.HektarREIT.com

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The past performance of Hektar REIT is not indicative of the future performance of Hektar REIT. This document may contain forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Actual future results may vary materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on the Manager’s current view of future events.

For more information or inquiries, please contact:
Hektar Asset Management Sdn Bhd
D1-U3-10, Solaris Dutamas
No 1, Jalan Dutamas 1
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Investor Communications
Tel: +6 03 6205 5570
Fax: +6 03 6205 5571
Email | Web 

Champion REIT Announces 2020 Annual Results

  • The office portfolio delivered a mild growth in rental income
  • Retail environment continued to be impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
  • Remain cautious on the outlook for 2021
Ms. Ada Wong, CEO of Champion REIT

Champion Real Estate Investment Trust (HKG:2778), the owner of Three Garden Road and Langham Place, announces its financial results for year ended 31 December 2020.

Summary of financial results

FY 2020 FY 2019 Change
Total Rental Income (HK$ mil) 2,633 2,778 – 5.2%
Net Property Income (HK$ mil) 2,347 2,481 – 5.4%
Distributable Income (HK$ mil) 1,554 1,648 – 5.7%
Distribution per unit (HK$) 0.2500 0.2662 – 6.1%

31 Dec 2020 31 Dec 2019 Change
Gross Value of Portfolio (HK$ mil) 67,318 81,178 – 17.1%
Net Asset Value per unit (HK$) 8.61 11.04 – 22.0%
Gearing Ratio 23.0% 18.0% + 5.0pp

Overview
The unprecedented and protracted COVID-19 pandemic had put our business as well as that of our tenants in a precarious situation. Against the backdrop of a global economic downturn, Champion REIT recorded a decline in distributable income by 5.7% to HK$1,554 million and distribution per unit (“DPU”) dropped 6.1% to HK$0.2500.

Three Garden Road
Three Garden Road maintained the rental income at the stable level of HK$1,518 million in 2020, (2019: HK$1,512 million) and achieved a mild positive rental reversion. Average passing rent increased to HK$110.4 per sq. ft. (based on lettable area) as at 31 December 2020. Occupancy of the property was 86.8% as at 31 December 2020.

Langham Place Office Tower
Despite the challenging business environment, total rental income of Langham Place Office Tower remained stable at HK$378 million in 2020 (2019: HK$375 million), and passing rent of the property slightly increased to HK$47.7 per sq. ft. (based on gross floor area) as at 31 December 2020. Occupancy of the property was 88.7% as at 31 December 2020.

Langham Place Mall
The operating environment was extremely challenging for the Hong Kong retail market in 2020. Given the significant drop in tenants sales, total rental income of the Langham Place Mall recorded a 17.3% decline to HK$738 million, mainly dragged by a significant decline in turnover rent. The average passing rent dropped to HK$179.3 per sq. ft. (based on lettable area) as at 31 December 2020. Amid the challenging environment, the mall remained fully occupied as at 31 December 2020.

Distribution
Distributable income of the Trust declined 5.7% to HK$1,554 million (2019: HK$1,648 million) and DPU dropped 6.1% to HK$0.2500 (2019: HK$0.2662). Based on the closing unit price of HK$4.53 recorded on 31 December 2020, the total DPU represented a distribution yield of 5.5%.

Asset Value
The appraised value of the Trust’s property portfolio was HK$67.3 billion as at 31 December 2020, sliding 17.1% from HK$81.2 billion as at 31 December 2019.

Outlook
We remain cautious on the outlook of our business for 2021. Although the availability of COVID-19 vaccines gives hope for people’s daily lives and economic activities to return to normal, the process is likely lengthy. The real estate industry could potentially be disrupted in the post-pandemic era because of behavioural changes, such as work-from-home policy. Issues on various fronts – namely social distancing measures, Sino-US trade under a new US president, pending resumption of global travel and local unemployment – will all have a bearing on the office rental and retail markets.

In the coming year, we will endeavour to maintain occupancy for all the properties in the portfolio. We will also continue to adopt flexible leasing strategies to retain existing tenants and attract new tenants. The overall operating environment of our business will remain very difficult in 2021, we will continue to work closely with tenants and stakeholders in collaboration for the sustainable development of the Trust. Furthermore, we will take a prudent approach in identifying diversification opportunities globally for external growth for the Trust.

About Champion REIT (Stock Code: 2778)
Champion Real Estate Investment Trust is a trust formed to own and invest in income producing office and retail properties. The Trust focuses on Grade-A commercial properties in prime locations. It currently offers investors direct exposure to 2.93 million sq. ft. of prime office and retail properties by way of two landmark properties, Three Garden Road and Langham Place, one on each side of the Victoria Harbour. Since 2015, the Trust has been included in the Constituent of Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index of Hang Seng Indexes.
Website: www.championreit.com

ZALL celebrates the opening of its first overseas Chinese bookstore in Singapore

ZALL Group, Asia’s leading B2B e-commerce group, has officially opened its first overseas all-in-one Chinese bookstore on 8 February 2021 that is situated right in the heart of Orchard Road at Wheelock Place. The bookstore comprises of a cafe, art gallery and craft store, as well as event and outdoor spaces. Aspiring to create an all-in-one lifestyle experience, ZALL Bookstore seeks to create the perfect quintessential conducive environment for like-minded individuals who are passionate about Chinese culture, literature and arts to congregate and interact.

“Perfect for enthusiasts who are keen to learn more about Chinese culture, ZALL Bookstore creates a completely immersive experience into the world of books,” said Yan Ge, spokesperson of ZALL Bookstore. “ZALL Bookstore aims to represent the richness of the Chinese heritage by offering readers an array of books with varied genres, as well as a collaborative setting for our readers to rediscover themselves whilst reading.”

Serving as a gateway into the world of rich Chinese history and culture, ZALL Bookstore caters to diverse cultural interests and offers a comprehensive curated collection of more than 30,000 books on Chinese literature, humanities, history, and philosophy from China and Taiwan – featuring adult and children’s books from international bestsellers, Chinese authors and foreign literary works. Beyond books, ZALL Bookstore also embodies the spirit of humanities, creativity, art and lifestyle that seeks to nourish a reader’s soul with experiential charm into Chinese culture.

The interior of ZALL Bookstore accentuates the calligraphic elements of black and white, inspired by the essence of the Jiangnan watertown, with a spiral staircase – the key element of the bookstore is the circular arch that extends from the second floor to the first, resembling that of a river bridge in the water towns symbolising the essence of connecting the two streets of the town/city.

Stepping into the bookstore on the first floor, readers will be greeted with calligraphic elements of black and white, inspired by the essence of the Jiangnan watertown, and would be able to browse an extensive range of Children’s books as soon as they enter the bookstore.

This floor also includes a public multifunctional reading area that can hold events from new book releases to reading events; and a cafe that provides a cosy space for anyone seeking a quiet space to read, and to relax by enjoying the variety of coffee blends, Chinese Chu tea and Taiwan tea served at the cafe, amidst the hustle and bustle of Orchard road.

Walking up the spiral staircase to the second floor, readers shall be able to appreciate the well-designed circular arch that extends from the second floor to the first, resembling that of a river bridge in the water towns which symbolises the essence of connecting the two streets of the town/city.

The second floor of the bookstore boasts the Adults’ section, where lovers of Chinese books can have the most pleasurable book-hunting experience in an exquisite ambience. There would also be a section for cultural creatives and fresh stationery ideas for art and design lovers.

Readers will be pleasantly surprised by the art gallery on the second floor of the bookstore if they wish for a change in scenery as this section will showcase the collection of creative artworks and thought-provoking paintings by Singapore’s local talents and international artists.

Readers are invited to come and rediscover the joys of reading whilst immersing themselves into the rich Chinese culture. For more information, please visit ZALL Bookstore at Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road, https://www.facebook.com/zallbookstore

About ZALL Bookstore

ZALL Bookstore offers a place for cultural exchange, social gathering and homecoming providing a conducive space for everyone. ZALL bookstore is the first upscaled Chinese-themed bookstore in Singapore, featuring an all-in-one lifestyle experience. ZALL bookstore is the ideal location for events such as artistic exchanges that will nourish a reader’s soul with experiential charm into Chinese culture. Its cafe will allow a quiet cafe experience of Singapore’s coffee culture, providing cosy corners for anyone seeking a quiet space to read. ZALL Bookstore not only feature books, but also embodies the spirit of humanities, creativity, art, and lifestyle, that will cater to the diverse arts and cultural interests in Singapore and aspiring to create the unique arts paradise reshaping Singapore’s Chinese cultural landscape.

Haitong International Initiates an “Outperform” Research Report for Redsun Properties with Target Price at HK$3.39

Redsun Properties Group Limited (HKG:1996) a leading comprehensive property developer in Mainland China has been given an “Outperform” initiate research report by Haitong International, with a target price of HK$3.39 backed by its dual-driven synergic in residential and commercial properties.

Redsun Properties is a comprehensive property enterprise with an established presence in the Yangtze River Delta region and keenness on national expansion. It has experience in both of commercial property development/operation and residential property development, thus it geared up its strategic cooperation in acquiring land with proven efficacy, coupled with the dual-driven strategy, commercial/residential linkage, and improved quality and efficacy enhancement in operation.

76% of Redsun Properties’ total landbank is located in 2nd-tier cities and 73% is located in the Yangtze River Delta region, with 55% in Jiangsu province. Haitong International thinks the Group has built good brand recognition in Jiangsu; this could also help it to obtain quality lands in this region. Although Redsun Properties’ contracted sales grew fast in past years, it maintains a good balance between financial health and business growth. Haitong International believes the Group could reduce its asset liability ratio under 70% in 2021 and going forward.

About Redsun Properties Group Limited (HKG:1996)

Redsun Properties Group Limited (“Redsun Properties” or “The Group”) is a leading comprehensive developer in China, focusing on the development of residential properties and the development, operation and management of commercial and comprehensive properties. The Group has established a steady regional leading position in Jiangsu Province by taking root in Nanjing, Jiangsu and Yangtze River Delta. Since the incorporation of Nanjing Redsun in 1999, Redsun Properties has worked in the sector of property development and sales for 20 years, established the Hong Yang brand and received widespread recognition for the development capacity and industry position.

While developing residential properties, Redsun Properties also operates commercial complexes covering shopping malls, amusement parks and community centers, hotels and office buildings. Most of the commercial property buildings are adjacent to the Group’s residential property projects, providing ancillary services for the residents and also increasing the value of the Group’s residential property projects.

Redsun Properties is a constituent of the MSCI China Small Cap Index, Hang Seng Composite Index and Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong Index.

The International Forum on Higher Education 2020 held in Zhengzhou, China

International Forum on Higher Education 2020, Zhengzhou Conference Venue
Address by Zhong Denghua, member Party Leadership Group and Vice Minister of Education P.R.C
Keynote by Du Yubo, President of the China Association of Higher Education

The International Forum on Higher Education 2020, co-hosted by China Association of Higher Education and Zhengzhou University, supported by Henan Provincial People’s Government, was held in Zhengzhou on November 21-22. More than one hundred Chinese and foreign experts and scholars discussed the modernization of higher education on the theme of “Accelerating Modernization of University Governance Systems and Capacity Building”.

In the opening address, the Chinese Vice Minister of Education, Zhong Denghua pointed out that it was necessary to combine the spirit of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Party in order to understand the achievements in higher education development, which would further strengthen confidence in the higher education system. And then focus on the construction of a strong education country, enhance the ability and level of service to construct a new development pattern, to build a quality development system of higher education in the new era.

Zhong Denghua stressed that peace and development are the major theme of the times, and the concept of “A Community of Shared Future for Mankind” which was deeply rooted in the hearts of people. The Chinese government will, as always, support exchanges and cooperation in higher education in various countries.

In the keynote address, Du Yubo, President of the Chinese Association of Higher Education, gave a systematic explanation on adapting to the needs of the new development pattern and promoting the high-quality development of higher education, with the theme of “Adapting to the needs of the new development pattern to promote the high-quality development of higher education.”

Song Zhenghui, Secretary of CPC Committee of Zhengzhou University, as co-organizer of the forum, in his address said Zhengzhou University was developing its own characteristics and comparative advantages, updating its administrative philosophy and its university governance in line with Chinese culture, traditions and values, giving full play to the advantages of the system and carrying out the president’s responsibilities under the leadership of the party committee. With systematic thinking, the University was building a scientific academic and administrative organizational structure, innovating the governance systems, and building a national “double cycle” system for the development of higher education.
(From Weiwei Li, Haijun Ma.)

Source:
http://www.henan.gov.cn/2020/11-22/1906589.html

Media Contact:
Anna Chen
493677115@qq.com