AsiaPresswire

Society Pass Inc Integrates with Stripe Inc’s Payments Platform

SINGAPORE, Nov 28, 2022 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – Society Pass Incorporated (“SoPa”) (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia’s leading data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces the integration of Stripe’s financial infrastructure solutions onto the SoPa platform to power transaction settlement services for merchants and customers on SoPa’s ecosystem.

Leveraging Stripe’s cutting-edge technology solutions, Society Pass expands the product and geographical reach of its ecosystem, simplifies payment flows, and accepts payments at scale in multiple currencies. In addition, SoPa leverages Stripe’s anti-fraud technology, Stripe Radar, to detect and block fraud using machine learning. Merchants on SoPa’s ecosystem utilise Stripe’s payment infrastructure to accept credit and debit cards payments from customers, enable their customers to checkout in a simple way, and at the same time provide a superior shopping experience to consumers.

Rokas Sidlauskas, Chief Marketing Officer of Society Pass, comments, “We are thrilled to announce this integration with Stripe which provides diverse payment options to our consumers whilst streamlining the process for merchants to manage their finances and get paid faster. Since our incorporation, Society Pass has redefined the e-commerce experience for millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants in SEA. By offering convenience, flexibility, and control on both sides of the retail transaction, SoPa paves a win-win path for our merchants and consumers alike. Partnering with Stripe is an organic path to accelerate this goal”.

As a global financial infrastructure platform, Stripe makes it easy for companies to launch, run and scale their business from day one. Stripe offers a broad set of software tools, including services like built-in-machine-learning powered fraud protection, advanced analytics and infrastructure that makes it easy for businesses of all sizes to scale locally and internationally, while reducing the time and resources spent on payments so they can focus on their core business.

Society Pass’ first-in-class ecosystem transforms the entire retail value chain towards a more digital future in SEA. Looking ahead, SoPa will continue to simplify the use and access to online shopping, leveraging cutting edge technologies and capabilities to tailor more intelligent, individualized, and contextual experiences for the next generation consumers. In addition, SoPa is committed to make continuous efforts in reinforcing and diversifying its ecosystem by means of strategic acquisitions of market-leading companies and partnerships with visionary entrepreneurs in six distinct B2C e-commerce verticals: loyalty, lifestyle, food & beverage delivery, telecoms, digital marketing, and travel.

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021. SOPA shares were added to the Russell 2000 index in December 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 205,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines; Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam; and Mangan.ph, a leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines.

For more information on Society Pass, please check out:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contacts:
PRecious Communications
sopa@preciouscomms.com

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/society-pass-inc-integrates-with-stripe-incs-payments-platform/

NEC to create a global innovation base near Tokyo

TOKYO, Nov 28, 2022 – (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – NEC Corporation has announced the construction of a global base for innovation near Tokyo. The provisionally named “NEC Innovation Building” is slated to be 12 stories above ground and to provide a total floor area of approximately 50,000 square meters at a construction cost of roughly 33 billion yen (USD 236 million). Construction will begin in March 2023 and is expected to be complete in June 2025.

Image of the NEC Innovation Building

The new building is scheduled to be used by approximately 4,700 people belonging to organizations, such as the Global Innovation Unit, that are involved in the creation of innovation, including the development of cutting-edge technologies and new business development at NEC. By making use of NEC’s diverse assets, the company aims to become a forum for “creating knowledge” by interacting with startups and partners around the world and creating social value through open innovation.

Visitors will be welcomed at an open main entrance on the second floor, and the fifth to twelfth floors will have have an atrium structure in the center with an interior staircase to provide opportunities for interaction and communication among users. In addition to office floors, the building will also have a floor for evaluation experiments and demonstrations, a floor for joint research and development with partners, and a floor for events and networking. Moreover, as a flagship building for work style reform, a “Communication Hub” will be provided as a forum for collaboration with team members throughout the building, as well as an “Innovation Hub” where individuals from inside and outside the company can gather and a variety of digital technologies, such as facial recognition, will be installed.

As part of efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and promote energy conservation, the building will feature methods for taking advantage of solar power generation from the roof, geothermal heat, efficient natural ventilation using the atrium and natural lighting through sunlight from skylights. Furthermore, NEC plans to optimize control using various sensors, including lighting control from motion sensors and illuminance sensors, human flow and radiation temperature detection control using image sensors, and ventilation control using real-time occupancy detection.

As a countermeasure against disasters, the building will adopt a seismic isolation structure and a machine/equipment arrangement that does not impair the building’s functions, even with a flood height of 2.6m.

As a key measure of NEC’s Mid-term Management Plan 2025, the company is promoting “Smart Work 2.0” work style reform in order to create an environment in which organizations and individuals can perform at their best and enhance job satisfaction by following NEC’s Code of Values(1). Going forward, NEC will further develop its Smart Work 2.0 and promote deeper connections with the future by creating social value through innovation with various stakeholders. In this way, the company will realize the “NEC 2030VISION”(2).

Overview of the new building

Address: NEC Tamagawa Plant.
1753 Shimonumabe, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
Building structure: Steel frame structure, partially reinforced concrete structure
Building area: 8,750 m2
Total floor area: 49,950 m2
Number of stories: 12 floors above ground
Staff capacity: Approximately 4,700 people
Start of construction: March 2023 (planned)
Completion: June 2025 (planned)
Total construction cost: Approx. 33 billion yen

(1) About the NEC Way
https://www.nec.com/en/global/about/the-nec-way.html
(2) About the NEC 2030VISION
www.nec.com/en/global/about/vision/index.html

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.

source https://netdace.com/jcn-newswire/nec-to-create-a-global-innovation-base-near-tokyo/

Fujitsu establishes new center in Israel to strengthen data and security technologies

TOKYO, Nov 28, 2022 – (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – Fujitsu Limited today revealed plans to open a new center for research and development in Tel Aviv, accelerating the recruitment of world-class talent to advance innovation in the field of Data and Security, an urgent priority for businesses and society in an era of increasing connectivity and uncertainty.

From April 2023, the newly established location in Tel Aviv will allow Fujitsu to further enhance its presence in Israel with a team composed of experts recruited from Israel alongside researchers from Japan and Europe. This team will be dedicated to strengthening security technology for communications networks as part of Fujitsu’s global strategy for Data and Security, one of 5 key technology areas under the company’s global R&D strategy.

With the establishment of the “Fujitsu Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Israel” at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Ben-Gurion University) in 2021, Fujitsu took its first steps to tapping into the innovative potential of Israeli tech talent to embark on research to make AI technology more secure.

Visiting Israel to oversee the establishment of the new center, Fujitsu Limited CTO Vivek Mahajan commented, “As one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries, Israel offers Fujitsu a concentration of talent and an environment to sustain innovation like few other places. I look forward to recruiting more local researchers to join our team in Tel Aviv and contribute to our mission of delivering security and trust for network technologies, as well as further deepening collaboration with Ben Gurion University. I anticipate that our newly established teams in Israel will work with our global research network to play a central role in leading the development of Fujitsu’s future security and AI technologies.”

During his stay in Israel, Fujitsu CTO Vivek Mahajan will be the guest of the Foreign Trade Administration at the Ministry of Economy and the Israel Export Institute, participating as a speaker at the HLS&CYBER conference and exhibition 2022. He is expected to speak in a panel centered on the theme: Shaping the Future: AI & Robotics in Law Enforcement.

Overview

Location: Tel Aviv, Israel

Staff: Approximately 10 researchers

General Manager: Dr. Adel Rouz （Fujitsu Research of Europe Ltd. CEO）

Research Overview:
In a borderless world in which the real and digital increasingly converge with developments like Web 3.0 and the Metaverse, ensuring trust for all connected people, data, and systems represents a key priority for technology companies. Fujitsu is currently developing IDYX technology(1), CDL technology(2), and transparent trust technology(3) to help realize this kind of trust on a global scale in the data and security space.

The new research center will initially focus on R&D on the following two themes:

1. As the borderless world evolves, the complexity of society will further increase. To build relationships with new, diverse stakeholders across the globe, it will be important to ensure reliable information that serves as a basis for trust in the digital space. To this end, Fujitsu is working to develop new technologies that can secure trust based on physical information in real space, such as data sources. By combining the expertise of Ben-Gurion University and other institutions in cyber and network security with our company’s trust technology and know-how, we will conduct research on realizing trust for new network security that combines real-world and digital technologies and deploy the results globally.

2. Fujitsu will contribute to solving societal issues by globally implementing technologies that are expected to be used in a wide range of situations, including autonomous driving, self-checkout, as well as public safety, including anti-attack technologies for object detection AI, which recognizes information such as the position and type of a specific object from video data, while promoting synergies between local experts and researchers from Europe and Japan.

(1) IDYX:
IDentitY eXchange: Fujitsu’s technology that securely distributes personal identities (such as IDs and attribute information) among companies and individuals.
(2) CDL:
Chain Data Lineage: Fujitsu’s technology that can trace the distribution process and processing of data and goods back to their origin. Ensures end-to-end traceability of data and goods across organizations and improve the reliability of data distribution across industries.
(3) transparent trust technology :
Technology to prevent falsification in the creation and approval of business data exchanged between companies and government ministries, and to ensure its authenticity.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.

source https://netdace.com/jcn-newswire/fujitsu-establishes-new-center-in-israel-to-strengthen-data-and-security-technologies/

針對現時主流變異株Omicron BA.4-5復必泰二價新冠疫苗已運抵港澳並即將開打

HONG KONG, Nov 28, 2022 – (亞太商訊 via SEAPRWire.com) – 針對新冠病毒奧密克戎Omicron變異株BA.4-5的復必泰二價mRNA疫苗已於11月25日運抵港澳。同日，供6個月至4歲幼兒接種的復必泰mRNA疫苗劑型也運抵澳門。

根據澳門衛生局早前發佈的通知，為應對新冠病毒變異株Omicron的疫情，澳門特區政府已購買針對新冠病毒Omicron變異株BA.4-5的復必泰二價mRNA疫苗，根據資料，該疫苗暫時批准用於12歲或以上人士的加強劑，暫未有建議用於初種系列；同時，澳門特區政府亦已購買可供6個月至4歲幼兒接種的復必泰mRNA疫苗劑型，幼兒劑型的成份與現時成人劑型的成份相同，為原始株的單價mRNA疫苗，但接種劑量較成人配方每劑為低10倍。另外幼兒劑型的基礎接種為3針（每針含3微克）。

香港方面，公務員事務局局長楊何蓓茵說，市民11月27日起網上預約接種第四劑新冠疫苗時，可選擇復必泰二價疫苗，12月1日正式開打，當日起以即日籌到接種中心打第四針，亦可選擇接種二價疫苗。

復必泰二價疫苗可全面覆蓋奧密克戎病毒變異株
復星醫藥與BioNTech SE於11月18日共同發佈的新聞稿上指出，復必泰原始株／Omicron變異株BA.4-5二價疫苗（每劑30微克）（「復必泰二價疫苗」）是已上市復必泰BNT162b2的迭代和補充。復必泰二價疫苗每劑含有15微克編碼原始毒株刺突蛋白的mRNA和15微克編碼奧密克戎BA.4/BA.5變異毒株刺突蛋白的mRNA。由於奧密克戎BA.4和BA.5亞變種包含相同的刺突蛋白氨基酸序列，因此可以使用單個mRNA鏈同時靶向這兩個亞變種。除了添加奧密克戎BA.4/BA.5刺突蛋白的mRNA序列外，疫苗的所有其他成分保持不變。臨床前數據表明，復必泰二價疫苗作為加強劑接種後，針對奧密克戎 BA.1、BA.2和BA.4/BA.5變體以及原始野生型等病毒株均可產生強烈的中和抗體反應。

復必泰二價疫苗針對現時主流變異株Omicron BA.4和BA.5。有政府專家顧問稱，根據美國研究顯示，55歲以上人士若第四針接種「一價疫苗」，一個月後抽血驗到防感染抗體水平上升2.9倍；若第四針打「二價疫苗」，抗體水平會急增13倍。

按香港專家建議，復必泰二價疫苗可供12歲或以上合資格人士按現時的接種時間表，用作第四劑疫苗（或康復人士接種第三劑疫苗）的另一選擇，但他們仍可選擇接種科興或復必泰原始病毒株疫苗。專家建議兩類人士應接種第四劑疫苗（或康復人士作為接種第三劑疫苗）：（一）50歲或以上人士；及（二）12歲或以上免疫力弱人士。此外，18至49歲人士經考慮對自身的風險和益處，例如有較高暴露風險或個人需要，亦可接種第四劑疫苗。

港澳引入復必泰幼兒劑型疫苗，專家呼籲家長在冬季感染高峰期前儘快為子女完成接種
11月22日，澳門兒科專科醫學會聯同香港兒科醫學會、香港婦產科學會等10個港澳醫護組織發出聯合聲明，呼籲各嬰幼童、孕婦和喂哺母乳的婦女儘快接種新冠疫苗，亦應同時接種季節性流感疫苗，以預防新冠病毒和流行性感冒病毒冬季同時來襲所導致的重症、急性併發症、入院、死亡和中、長期後遺症。聲明指出，現時嬰幼兒自出生後已接種多種疫苗，以預防多類型有關的疾病。新冠疫苗和流感疫苗亦是利用同樣原理，接種後可避免嬰幼兒染疫後出現重症、併發症甚至死亡。新冠疫苗已於去年開始於全球廣泛接種，臨床效果非常有效，嚴重不良的疫苗反應相當罕見，所以家長和照顧者毋須擔心。

此前，澳門兒科專科醫學會已聯同港澳多個醫學會發出聯合聲明，指出不少家長誤以為自己和子女感染新冠肺炎後，已得到永久的抵抗力而毋須再接種新冠疫苗，是非常錯誤的想法。研究已證實感染 Omicron 後的免疫保護並不長久，縱使感染新冠病毒後身體會產生對抗病毒的抗體，但這些抗體水平只能維持一段短暫時間，保護能力亦會隨之消失，並不足已保護他們免受另一次新冠病毒的感染，和感染後接踵而來的重症和後遺症的風險。

事實上，港澳兩地政府均引入復必泰幼兒劑型疫苗，相信有助推動6個月至11歲兒童的接種率。香港醫院藥劑師學會會長崔俊明建議，儘早為半歲至11歲嬰幼兒接種三劑mRNA疫苗，在冬季感染高峰期前為幼童做好準備。他表示外國有研究發現兒童接種後產生的中和抗體，比成人更快下降; 並引述智利有研究發現，3至5歲兒童首兩針打滅活疫苗，第三針轉打mRNA疫苗，可推高抗體水平。

澳門衛生局：加強劑倡打mRNA疫苗
澳門衛生局長羅奕龍早前在慢性病防制委員會舉行2022年工作會議上強調，多項研究確定新冠疫苗的有效性和安全性，接種新冠疫苗能有效降低慢性病患者感染新冠病毒後重症和死亡的風險。因此，羅奕龍局長再次呼籲慢性病患者和老年人應盡早接種新冠疫苗。同時，已接種滅活疫苗的人士，以mRNA疫苗作為第三劑或第四劑，可以產生更高的抗體水平，預防效果更好，建議慢性病患者和老年人優先選用mRNA疫苗作第三劑或第四劑接種。

澳政府積極推「+旅遊」，促進本地經濟復甦
作為享譽海內外的世界旅遊休閒中心，澳門11月17-20日舉辦一年一度的體育盛事—澳門格蘭披治大賽車，當局表示4天賽程已圓滿結束並吸引了76,000人次入場。近日，澳門正在舉辦美食節，由2003年起美食節的舉辦日期與澳門格蘭披治大賽車配合，讓車迷遊客欣賞賽車之餘，也光臨美食嘉年華品賞各地美食。下月，澳門將舉辦「2022幻彩耀濠江」以「閃亮冬日」為主題，為旅客及市民帶來充滿閃亮幻彩的澳門冬日。

澳門提供復必泰原始株自費mRNA疫苗接種服務，將吸引外遊人士赴澳旅遊
事實上，澳門近年來也在積極發展醫療產業，配合「+旅遊」吸引大灣區、東南亞旅客來澳門享受高質素的醫療服務，有助大健康產業的發展。以往一直有很多內地旅客赴澳旅遊消費之餘，同時在澳門醫院接種流感或HPV疫苗。11月1日起內地恢復赴澳門旅遊電子簽注，而澳門科大醫院也公佈自11月1日起開放為非澳門本地居民提供復必泰mRNA新冠疫苗的自費接種服務，此新服務為希望「溝針」接種新冠疫苗的旅客，尤其是內地市民赴澳溝針帶來便利，可望有助進一步刺激澳門醫療旅遊及本地消費。可以預見的是，在海外旅行限制逐步放開，為了加強對新冠病毒的保護力，在出遊同時去澳門接種mRNA新冠疫苗，或將成為很多外遊人士的新選擇。

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/%e9%87%9d%e5%b0%8d%e7%8f%be%e6%99%82%e4%b8%bb%e6%b5%81%e8%ae%8a%e7%95%b0%e6%a0%aaomicron-ba-4-5%e5%be%a9%e5%bf%85%e6%b3%b0%e4%ba%8c%e5%83%b9%e6%96%b0%e5%86%a0%e7%96%ab%e8%8b%97%e5%b7%b2%e9%81%8b/

KlasJet 為其專屬機隊新增波音 737 BBJ2 飛機

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups.

KlasJet adds Boeing 737 BBJ2 to its exclusive fleet

倫敦, Nov. 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE via SEAPRWire.com) — 2021 年，全球商務飛機市場規模為 258.7 億美元，預計到 2029 年將達到 383.4 億美元，複合年均增長率為 4.06%。 2021 年，商務機航班在全球飛行了 330 萬次，創下歷史新高，相較之前於 2019 年達到的峰值高出 7%。私人飛機的統計數據顯示，全球有 21,929 架註冊飛機。

KlasJet 的總部位於歐盟，是公司包機和 ACMI（亦稱為濕租）服務供應商。該企業日前為其機隊新增波音 BBJ2, MSN 32971 噴射機，以擴大產品組合。該飛機將於 2023 年 4 月中旬開始投入營運，並以杜拜為基地。相應航班機位的銷售總代理是 Chapman Freeborn 阿聯酋杜拜辦事處。

波音 737 BBJ2 針對小型高級團體旅客的特定需求而設計，將會為 KlasJet 專屬私人飛機機隊錦上添花。 KlasJet 行政總裁 Rita Domkute 表示：「我們還有其他 56-68 座位的 VIP 波音 737 噴射機，其獨特設計非常適合大型團體，例如體育隊伍、商務和政界代表團。而 B737 BBJ2 則是富裕家庭、政府代表、總統、皇室成員和重要商務代表團的絕佳選擇。目前，該客機正在 Avia Solutions Group 旗下的整裝中心 JetMS Completion 進行內部的全面翻新。」

商務機公司包機服務在世界各地都有大量需求，因為大型團體可以享受商務航空的所有好處：靈活的飛行時間、奢華的機上服務、特別的座位，及與普通航空公司商務客位類似的單座位價格。她分享道：「這架新增的 B737 BBJ2 噴射機是居住或定期訪問該地區的高端人士之理想選擇，我們預期可以藉此鞏固本公司在快速增長的中東市場的地位。」

這架 23 座位的飛機經過精心打造，設有寬敞的休憩區、機上睡房和淋浴間。 KlasJet 的行政總裁續補充道：「此噴射機專為滿足我們客戶最尖端的需求而設計，團隊充分考慮到乘客的便利和舒適，並採用優質材料打造。」

今年較早時候，該航空公司新增了客運 ACMI 服務列表，讓其母公司 Avia Solutions Group 不斷壯大的容量供應商陣容如虎添翼。

如欲了解更多資訊，或想安排時間與 KlasJet 的代表面談，請透過 vilma.vaitiekunaite@aviasg.com 或 +37061112789 與 Vilma Vaitiekunaite 聯絡

關於 KlasJet
KlasJet 是一間提供專屬私人航班和商務機包機服務的頂尖公司，在全球團體定制航班領域享有盛譽。 KlasJet 總部位於立陶宛維爾紐斯，擁有設計獨特的噴射機機隊，在西歐和東歐、非洲和中東的機場營運航班，自成立以來一直為客戶提供舒適、安全和細緻的服務。

KlasJet 營運 7 架商務機和 BBJ 波音 737，載客量從 23 至 68 個座位不等。鑒於全球其他航空公司和旅行社普遍面臨航班時間表、擴展計劃和備用飛機供應的各種挑戰，該公司還為他們提供 ACMI 租賃服務。公司可用於 ACMI 租賃服務的機隊包括 6 架波音 737-800，每架可搭載 189 名乘客。

KlasJet 為 Avia Solutions Group 旗下公司，該集團在全球客運和貨運航班端到端容量解決方案具有領導地位。其為客戶提供的廣泛服務組合包括 ACMI、包機和貨運航班、飛機租賃和貿易、MRO（維護、維修和營運）服務、商務航空和 VIP 航班採購、飛行員和機組人員培訓、招聘服務，以及涵蓋各種相關營運的多項延伸服務。集團在全球管理的辦事處和生產設施超過 100 個。

欲了解更多資訊，請瀏覽：www.klasjet.aero 及 www.aviasg.com

可瀏覽以下網址，查閱此公告隨附的相片：
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source https://netdace.com/globenewswire/klasjet-%e7%82%ba%e5%85%b6%e5%b0%88%e5%b1%ac%e6%a9%9f%e9%9a%8a%e6%96%b0%e5%a2%9e%e6%b3%a2%e9%9f%b3-737-bbj2-%e9%a3%9b%e6%a9%9f/

Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) concludes

HONG KONG, Nov 27, 2022 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – With a lengthy history as a global trading port, Hong Kong this week hosted the 6th edition of Hong Kong Maritime Week. The week’s flagship event was the 12th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which came to a close last Wednesday. This signature two-day event for the maritime, air freight, logistics and supply chain management sectors and shippers from diverse manufacturing industries drew more than 90 industry experts and leaders sharing insights at over 30 sessions. ALMAC this year attracted more than 14,000 online and physical participants from over 50 countries and regions.

The 12th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference, jointly organised by the Government of HKSAR and HKTDC, concluded successfully today, attracting more than 14,000 physical and online participants from over 50 countries and regions.

Daryl Tay, President, North Asia District of UPS Parcel Delivery Service, said RCEP opens up huge opportunities in Asia.

Simon Bennett, Deputy Secretary General of International Chamber of Shipping, said fuel producers and shipowners needed incentives to invest in the uptake of new fuels.

Themed “The Future of the Sustainable Supply Chain: Connectivity, Collaboration, Innovation”, the hybrid-format conference attracted industry players from around the world who expanded business connections and explored partnership opportunities both face-to-face and virtually. Satellite conference venues across Mainland China, the wider Asian region, Australia and Europe also hosted physical events. In addition to relaying the conference from Hong Kong, some satellite venues invited experts to address logistics issues and share their experiences as well as join face-to-face exchanges and business matching activities.

Collaboration on supply chain integration to create opportunities

In the first Power Dialogue session, industry leaders discussed how Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) economies create opportunities by integrating regional trade and supply chains, and discussed strategic plans to capture opportunities. Daryl Tay, President, North Asia District of UPS Parcel Delivery Service, said RCEP opened huge opportunities in Asia. Regional collaboration was the key, so it was important to help SMEs understand the agreements and capitalise on RCEP opportunities.

GBA, decarbonisation and sustainable development

Connectivity is a major component of cooperation among the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities. The two maritime forums on day one brought together experts from maritime and technology sectors to examine Hong Kong’s unique role as an international maritime hub. Speakers discussed shipping sustainability, decarbonisation and digitalisation through practical collaborative action and uncovered potential opportunities and benefits switching to sustainable and digitalised shipping. Simon Bennett, Deputy Secretary General of International Chamber of Shipping, said moves towards sustainable supply chains through measures, such as greener fuels, played a key role in supply chain optimisation. Limited time meant it was important that economic measures be developed at a global level because, despite positive progress, investors needed a prompt signal, while fuel producers and shipowners should have incentives to invest in new fuel uptake.

Exhibitors showcase logistics solutions

Complementing the conference, an exhibition featured more than 50 stalls showcasing supply chain solutions and innovative logistics technologies to help SMEs enhance supply chain management. The HKTDC organised business matching meetings for participants and exhibitors to facilitate collaboration.

Hong Kong Maritime Week flagship event

ALMAC is the flagship event of Hong Kong Maritime Week, organised by the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board. The sixth Hong Kong Maritime Week runs from 20 to 26 November to showcase the vibrant Hong Kong maritime industry and promote Hong Kong as a preferred base for maritime business.

ALMAC: https://www.almac.hk/main/en/
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3V2OPqy

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media Enquiries
Please contact Impact Communications Company:
Cindy Chung, Tel: +852 9166 0827, Email: cindy.chung@impact-cc.com
Raymond Lee, Tel: +852 6539 4089, Email: raymond.lee@impact-cc.com

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/asian-logistics-maritime-and-aviation-conference-almac-concludes/

Equatorial Guinea president wins reelection, VP says on Twitter

Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo speaks after casting his ballot at the polling station of the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Malabo during Equatorial Guinea's presidential, legislative and municipal elections on Nov 20, 2022. (SAMUEL OBIANG / AFP)

DAKAR – Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema has won reelection with 95 percent of the Nov 20 vote and his party took all the senate and parliament seats, his son Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue said on Twitter on Saturday.

Reuters was not able to immediately verify the claim.

A win would given Obiang, 80, a sixth term in office, extending his 43-year rule and cementing his place as the world's longest-standing ruler

A win would given Obiang, 80, a sixth term in office, extending his 43-year rule and cementing his place as the world's longest-standing ruler.

"The definitive results prove us right again," the vice president tweeted. "We continue to prove to be a great political party!"

ALSO READ: World's longest-standing president seeks to extend rule

Obiang's ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) and coalition won the full 55 seats in the senate and the 100 seats in the lower house, known as the Chamber of Deputies. The president can now appoint the remaining 15 senate seats, his son said.

The West African country of around 1.5 million people has had only two presidents since independence from Spain in 1968.

READ MORE: Death toll soars to 98 from Equatorial Guinea explosions

Obiang ousted his uncle Francisco Macias Nguema in a coup in 1979.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/equatorial-guinea-president-wins-reelection-vp-says-on-twitter/

Venezuela’s frozen funds to be gradually released for aid

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro speaks during a meeting with Belize's Prime Minister Johnny Briceño (out of frame), at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, on Nov 25, 2022. (PEDRO RANCES MATTEY / AFP)

MEXICO CITY – Venezuela's government and opposition have asked the United Nations to manage a fund for billions of dollars now held in foreign banks, which will be gradually unfrozen to combat a humanitarian crisis in the oil-rich nation, delegates announced in Mexico City on Saturday.

Sources told Reuters last month the frozen funds amount to more than $3 billion.

The money, held in Venezuelan-owned accounts overseas, was frozen by US and European banks after the United States ramped up sanctions under the administration of President Donald Trump, designed to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to take steps toward free elections.

Talks between Maduro's government and its political opponents resumed in Mexico City on Saturday, mediated by Norway, after being on ice for more than a year

Talks between Maduro's government and its political opponents resumed in Mexico City on Saturday, mediated by Norway, after being on ice for more than a year.

ALSO READ: Venezuela blasts EU's decision to renew sanctions

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the talks as "an important step toward restoring democracy to Venezuelans.

"We will look to the parties to achieve lasting agreements that set the course for free and fair presidential elections in 2024," he said on Twitter.

Maduro also posted a statement on Twitter, saying: "We will always strive for dialogue with all Venezuelan society. We continue to take important steps for the well-being of our country."

Following the announcement for a UN-administered fund, the US Treasury Department issued a license for Chevron , the second largest US oil company, to expand operations in Venezuela, allowing it to import Venezuelan crude into the United States.

ALSO READ: Venezuela: ICC prosecutor's decision on rights probe rejected

The government's delegation was led by congressional leader Jorge Rodriguez of Venezuela's ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV), and the opposition group was headed by politician Gerardo Blyde.

Maduro had said the aim of the talks was to recover the "kidnapped" resources for public investment: "Then we will see what other issues can be discussed."

The funds are set to help stabilize the country's electric grid, improve education infrastructure and deal with the impact of this year's deadly rains and flooding.

It is part of a broad agenda that covers US sanctions on Venezuela, conditions for the next presidential elections and the status of hundreds of political prisoners – though these issues will not be discussed in this round of talks.

"This agreement provides the template for how further progress can be secured," the European Union said in a statement.

READ MORE: Venezuela files claim to force Bank of England to hand over gold

More than 7.1 million Venezuelans have left their country according to UN estimates this year, many migrating to other Latin American countries or the United States, as Venezuela battles high inflation, and food and medicine shortages. More than half of Venezuelan migrants do not have access to three meals a day, UN estimates showed.

In Venezuela, a survey by local universities this year showed some 78 percent of the population was worried about lack of food, compared with 88 percent in 2021.

Some Venezuelan and US critics raised concerns the liquidity injection could boost Maduro's credentials before the country's 2024 elections.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/venezuelas-frozen-funds-to-be-gradually-released-for-aid/

M23 rebels ask for dialogue after states declare ceasefire

Kenyan forces drive through Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo Friday Nov 25, 2022. (JEROME DELAY / AP)

KINSHASA – Democratic Republic of Congo's M23 rebel group on Friday said it wants to talk directly with the government after Congo's president and other African leaders signed a ceasefire deal aimed at stopping attacks by the militia.

Leaders of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Angola met this week in Luanda to find a solution to the conflict in eastern Congo, which has forced thousands to flee their homes.

The M23 said that it had already declared a unilateral ceasefire in April and that it is Congo's army which is initiating attacks

They signed an agreement saying they would enforce a ceasefire from Friday, and said regional troops would intervene against the M23 if it did not withdraw from its positions.

ALSO READ: African leaders agree on ceasefire in east Congo from Friday

However, the M23 was not part of the discussions and found out about the statement on social media, its spokesperson said.

"We thank the regional leaders for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the current conflict," said M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.

"Give us direct negotiations with the government to resolve the root causes of conflict that are producing all these wars here," he said. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa also issued a statement to the same effect.

ALSO READ: UN Security Council requests withdrawal of M23 rebels in DR Congo

Congo's government has ruled out negotiating with the M23, which it classifies as a terrorist group. Asked about this at a press briefing on Thursday, foreign minister Christophe Lutundula said: "It won't happen. I can reassure you on behalf of the government and the President of the Republic."

The M23 said that it had already declared a unilateral ceasefire in April and that it is Congo's army which is initiating attacks. However, fighting has continued since then, and the M23 has captured several towns in Congo's east.

ALSO READ: Hundreds flee as Congo's M23 rebels near key city of Goma

When it formed in 2012, the group was the latest in a series of ethnic Tutsi-led insurgencies to rise up against Congolese forces. It was pushed out of Congo in 2013 after seizing large swathes of territory, but has had a major resurgence this year.

Congo and UN experts have said the group is backed by Rwanda, which Rwanda denies.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/m23-rebels-ask-for-dialogue-after-states-declare-ceasefire/

Skill Labs Releases Revolutionary Achievement System for Gamers in Traditional and Blockchain Games

New York, NY, November 26, 2022 – (SEAPRWire) – Skill Labs is a one-stop gaming platform for all users trying to plug into the GameFi world. Recently, the team has implemented a real-time dashboard for GameFi users to help them decide whether to join a game and now they are moving forward by releasing a new feature – the Achievement System, where users in both traditional and Web3 Gaming create profiles, where they could gather their in-game achievements.

Skill Labs’ Achievement System

The Achievement System was released in beta in October 2022. The system allows players in traditional and blockchain games to mint NFTs as Proof-of-Skill. This will ensure that every player has complete control over their in-game achievements.

The system supports today’s top games, including Thetan Arena, Era7: Game of Truth, Tiny World, etc. The team is working on expanding the achievements to a vast number of games.

Gamers who use the Achievement System can benefit in various ways. First, gamers can use the system to track their progress in games. It will keep them motivated about their favorite games. Second, gamers can use the system to share their accomplishments with friends and the community. This will help them build a reputation as skilled gamers. Third, the system allows users to earn rewards and benefits from the games and community.

Thanks to Skill Labs, players worldwide can now redeem mint NFTs from both Web3 and traditional games, proving their in-game experience and achievements. Thousands of gamers tested the Achievement System on the release day to mint their NFTs. Use the Achievement System to track your progress in games, show off your accomplishments to friends, and earn rewards.

About Skill Labs

The Skill Labs team is a group of experienced developers who have created a platform that allows gamers to mint NFTs as Proof-of-Skill in traditional and blockchain games. Visit the Skill Labs website https://skilllabs.io/ to learn more about the company and its services.

Social links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Skill_Labs_gg

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/skilllabs

Telegram: https://t.me/skilllabs

Media Contact

Brand: Skill Labs

Contact: Ekaterina Khan, COO

E-Mail: kate@skillguilds.com

Website: https://skilllabs.io/

SOURCE: Skill Labs

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source https://netdace.com/top-story/skill-labs-releases-revolutionary-achievement-system-for-gamers-in-traditional-and-blockchain-games/

Jacobson Pharma Announces FY2023 Interim Results

HONG KONG, Nov 25, 2022 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited (“Jacobson Pharma” or the “Company”; Stock Code: 2633), a leading company engaged in the research, development, production, marketing and sale of essential medicines, specialty drugs and branded healthcare products, today announced the interim results of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Group”) for the six months ended 30 September 2022 (the “Reporting Period”).

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
— Revenue grew by 8.9% period-on-period, totaled HK$817.4 million
— Profit for the period up by 77.8%, amounted to HK$147.4 million
— Profit attributable to equity shareholders up by 70.2%, amounted to HK$136.2 million
— Sound financial position with net gearing ratio decreased from 29.2% to 20.8%
— The Board declares an interim dividend of HK2.8 cents per share
— Promising sales growth witnessed on certain key therapeutic lines including cardio-vascular, anti-diabetic as well as cold and flu products.
— Arsenic Trioxide Oral Solution, being the first specialty medicine made in the Group’s PIC/S GMP plant alongside robust clinical substantiation, attained approval for use in designated hospitals in the Greater Bay Area

During the Reporting Period, the Group delivered total revenue of HK$817.4 million, which represented a period-on-period growth of 8.9%. Gross profit increased by 24.8% to HK$340.4 million, whilst profit attributable to equity shareholders amounted to HK$136.2 million, up by 70.2%, which was mainly attributed to the uplifted sales revenue, alongside the enhancement in product mix and operating leverage, coupled with the subsidies from the HKSAR Government pertinent to the Employment Support Scheme.

The Group maintains a healthy financial position as supported by its strong cash flows, with adjusted EBITDA of HK$290.5 million for the Reporting Period and the net gearing ratio decreased significantly from 29.2% as at 31 March 2022 to 20.8% as at the end of the Reporting Period. In addition, the Group has a sound cash position, with cash and cash equivalents of HK$860.4 million as at the end of the Reporting Period. The Board declares the payment of an interim dividend for the six months ended 30 September 2022 of HK2.8 cents per share, up by 133.3% as compared to HK1.2 cents of FY2022 Interim.

Robust Portfolio of Essential Medicines to Meet Healthcare Demand
During the reported period, the generic drugs business of the Group demonstrated resilient performance, driven by steady growth in both private and public sectors. Overall growth was benefitted from the easing of social distancing measures which facilitated the resumption of medical consultation visits in both public and private sectors in Hong Kong, thus boosting the demand for essential drugs as well as specialty medicines.

Amid the fifth wave of the epidemic outbreak, the Group geared up its production and supply of symptomatic relief medicines to cater for the increased public demand, which was reflected by the growth of 48.5% in the Group’s range of cold and flu preparations in the public sector for the Reporting Period.

In addition, exhibiting a robust trend, medications for the aging population and chronic disease patients continued to present a strong demand. A case in point was that angiotensin II receptor antagonists and lipid-lowering products in the cardiovascular product class recorded a strong growth of 66.4% and 60.0% respectively in the private sector during the Reporting Period.

Steady Product Pipeline and Continuous Efforts in Portfolio Enhancement
As a continuous effort to meet the medical and patient needs with quality essential medicines, the Group launched a number of new products including Atorvastatin Tablet, Trimetazidine Modified Release Tablet, Olmesartan Tablets, Bicalutamide Tablet, Ofloxacin Ear Drop and Idarubicin Injection during the Reporting Period. Additionally, the Group has secured registration approval for 21 new products for upcoming market launches.

As of 30 September 2022, the Group has a total of 177 products in its research and development pipeline, among which 59 items have been approved for registration, 14 of them have been submitted for registration, 48 items have finished the development stage and are under stability preparation or stability study, and 27 items currently under formulation or pre-formulation research development stage.

Making In-roads into the Greater Bay Area
The Group’s collaboration with the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital in introducing its oral solution treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia, Arsenic Trioxide Oral Solution, into designated hospitals in the Greater Bay Area has been given approval by Guangdong Province Medical Product Administration. This marked the first Hong Kong-made specialty medicine ever gained approval under the “Interim Regulations on the Administration for Importing Urgently Needed Clinical Drugs and Medical Devices from Hong Kong and Macao to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area of Guangdong Province”.

Formulation of ESG Strategy and Respective KPIs
As a corporate citizen that places long-term commitment to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) duties, Jacobson Pharma has formulated and progressed on its ESG strategy, “Jacobson 5 to Thrive”, which underpins five priority areas, namely, product responsibility, commitment to employees, environmental stewardship, societal engagement and corporate governance duty. In response to such strategy, key performance indicators (KPIs) have been set and will continue to be evaluated from time to time in order to track respective progress on priority issues and programs, including greenhouse gas emissions, water and electricity usage, as well as utilisation of renewable energy.

Mr. Derek Sum, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jacobson Pharma, noted, “Although COVID-19 has had an impact on the Group’s business performance, we believe it will be transient. We are delighted that Jacobson Pharma achieved notable growth momentum in the first half of FY2023 amid the volatile economic sentiment. Thanks to the concerted effort of our teams, we delivered a resilient performance across both private and public sectors for our core business demonstrating an enhanced operational efficiency and a disciplined cost control.

“We remain positive about the future outlook of the healthcare industry and the growth prospect of the market for essential medicines. To capitalise on the emerging opportunities, we will continue to focus on advancing the Group’s growth strategies and positioning it as an eminent provider of essential medicines and specialty drugs in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.”

About Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited (Stock Code: 2633)
Jacobson Pharma is a leading pharmaceutical company in Hong Kong vertically integrated and engaged in the research, development, production, sale and distribution of essential medicines and specialty drugs. As a major provider of generic drugs in Hong Kong, the Group has one of the most extensive sales and distribution coverage for both the private and public sectors in Hong Kong, with an expanding reach into strategically selected Asian markets. Carrying a broad product portfolio and taking a pre-eminent market position in a number of therapeutic categories, the Group operates a host of 10 PIC/S GMP licensed production facilities for generic drugs in Hong Kong.

The Group aims at the continued strategic enrichment of its generic drug portfolios through the addition of high-value-added products. With its corporate headquarters based in Hong Kong, the Group has also established its operating subsidiaries in China, Macau, Taiwan and Cambodia, forming a regional commercial platform to tap the market potential in the Asia Pacific and Greater China region. Jacobson Pharma has been a constituent stock of MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index since 1 June 2017. For more details about Jacobson Pharma, please visit the Group’s website: http://www.jacobsonpharma.com

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/jacobson-pharma-announces-fy2023-interim-results/

香港董事學會舉行銀禧晚宴暨2022年度傑出董事獎頒獎典禮

HONG KONG, Nov 25, 2022 – (亞太商訊 via SEAPRWire.com) – 香港董事學會宣布2022年度傑出董事獎得獎者。「傑出董事獎」是學會的重點項目，為香港商界備受尊崇的獎項之一，同時也是亞洲首個相關獎項。傑出董事獎旨在表揚董事的傑出成就、加強和推動企業管治的公眾教育以及董事的專業操守。適逢董事學會及香港特別行政區同於1997 年 7 月 1 日成立，因此今屆頒獎典禮特別安排在共賀25 週年的銀禧晚宴上舉行，饒富意義。

主禮嘉賓財經事務及庫務局局長許正宇,GBS, JP (第一排第六位)頒發銀禧之星予香港董事學會之長期會員以示褒勉。他們是學會在97年創會之時的首批㑹員。

恭賀一眾實至名歸的得獎者!

今年的獎項主題為「適應轉變，持續發展」。正好反映這25年以来董事們深切領悟到適應力是瞬息萬變的世界形勢中最應具備的特質；持續發展則是所有企業追求的長遠目標。

今年的獲獎者無不積極培養企業文化，帶領企業未雨綢繆，從容面對變局中的跌宕起伏，展示了沉著應戰的韌力。他們同時以持續發展為主軸的卓越領導能力，堅定不移地推動企業邁步向前。

2022年度傑出董事獎各獲獎組別的得獎者如下：

上市公司
執行董事
— 四洲集團戴進傑先生
— 登輝控股有限公司鄧美華女士

董事會
— 碧瑤綠色集團
— 華潤啤酒(控股)有限公司
— 太興集團

非上市公司
執行董事
— 日本命力健康食品有限公司連舜香女士

董事會
— 康業控股有限公司

法定／非分配利潤組織
執行董事
— 內部審計師協會(香港分會) 李深女士

非執行董事
— 香港科技園公司鍾郝儀女士
— 香港科技園公司何超平先生
— KELY Support Group Andrew JONES 先生

董事會
— 競爭事務委員會
— 消費者委員會
— 香港工業總會
— 香港科技園公司

有關傑出董事獎
傑出董事獎於2001年推出，為亞洲首個同類獎項選舉，自此成為企業社群一年一度具影響力的盛事。傑出董事獎選舉旨在宣揚良好企業管治的重要性，表揚董事及董事會的優秀董事實務及企業管治，以及提高香港各界對優秀企業管治及董事職能專業化方面的關注。所有獎項均由公眾提名。良好的企業管治對各類型組織皆具重要性，為鼓勵所有董事實踐專業董事守則，此獎項按公司類別及職責劃分為不同組別，並從各組別中選出表現卓越的得獎者。公司組別包括上市公司、非上市公司及法定／非分配利潤組織，職責組別則包括執行董事、非執行董事及董事會。
有關傑出董事獎詳情，請瀏覽 https://www.hkiod.com/chn/dya-awardees.html。

有關香港董事學會
香港董事學會為香港代表專業董事的首要組織，其宗旨是促進所有公司的持久成就；為達成使命，學會致力提倡優秀企業管治與釐訂相關標準，以及協助董事的專業發展。作爲非分配利潤組織，憑藉由來自上市公司及非上市公司的會員基礎，香港董事學會致力於為董事提供教育項目及資訊服務，並代表董事發表有影響力的聲音。學會具備國際視野及多元文化環境，會務以兩文三語進行。學會為「全球董事學會網絡」的成員，該網絡為世界性聯盟，擁有22家具領導地位的成員學會，代表15萬名董事。
網址: http://www.hkiod.com。

新聞垂詢：
縱橫公共關係顧問集團有限公司
陳練 +852 2114 4396 / brenda.chan@sprg.com.hk
邱澤勤 +852 2114 4395 / chak.yau@sprg.com.hk

2022年度傑出董事獎查詢：
香港董事學會
蘇佩君 +852 2889 9986/ odessa.so@hkiod.com
任綺欣 +852 2889 1414/ joanne.yam@hkiod.com

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/%e9%a6%99%e6%b8%af%e8%91%a3%e4%ba%8b%e5%ad%b8%e6%9c%83%e8%88%89%e8%a1%8c%e9%8a%80%e7%a6%a7%e6%99%9a%e5%ae%b4%e6%9a%a82022%e5%b9%b4%e5%ba%a6%e5%82%91%e5%87%ba%e8%91%a3%e4%ba%8b%e7%8d%8e%e9%a0%92/

Russia slams European Parliament

A medical worker runs past a burning car after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct 10, 2022 after Russian missiles rained down on cities across Ukraine. (ROMAN HRYTSYNA / AP)

Russia slammed the European Parliament's resolution on Thursday, calling the resolution absurd. It also called the agency "a sponsor of idiocy".

The European Union's legislative body passed the decision on Wednesday in a landslide vote in Strasbourg. The document was supported by 494 MEPs, with 58 votes against and 44 abstentions. The resolution, which recognizes Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism" and a "state which uses means of terrorism", merged drafts penned by three different factions of the European Parliament.

"European Parliament members have given the member states an idea of developing European Union's legal framework 'for the designation of states as sponsors of terrorism and states which use means of terrorism' and called on European capitals to put Russia on this blacklist, so that no one has any doubt which state they mean," Russia's mission to the EU said on its Telegram channel.

The resolution is the EU's latest condemnation of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.

The move is largely symbolic, but Russian television channel RT called the document "nonbinding", while state news agency TASS said the resolution is just "recommendatory". The resolution urged member states to develop a new legal framework, which would allow the blacklisting, on terrorism grounds, not just for individuals or organizations, but entire nations.

Cyberattack claim

Shortly after lawmakers approved the resolution, the European Parliament's website was hit by a cyberattack claimed by pro-Russian hackers on Wednesday.

European Pirate Party MEP Mikulas Peksa said there are reports that the "pro-Russian hacking group Killnet has claimed responsibility for the attack".

The Russian government has not yet made any response to the attack. But Moscow has been accusing Kyiv's Western backers of ignoring its warnings that NATO's informal expansion into Ukraine was crossing Russia's red line.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move by the European Parliament, declaring that Russia had to be "isolated at all levels".

Late on Wednesday, Zelensky spoke to the United Nations Security Council, urging the council to support the Ukrainian peace formula following a wave of Russian missile strikes.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces said Russia launched 70 missiles at Ukraine on Wednesday in its latest "large-scale attack on crucial infrastructure facilities".

After the strikes, more than two-thirds of the Ukrainian capital was still without power on Thursday morning and many residents had no running water.

In Washington, the White House said the United States is sending an additional $400 million in ammunition and generators to Ukraine, and is pulling gear from its own stockpile to get the support to Kyiv as fast as possible, as Russia continues to target Ukraine's energy sources.

Agencies contributed to this story.

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/russia-slams-european-parliament/

Austral Gold to Sell Pinguino to E2 Metals for US$~10M

SYDNEY, AU, Nov 25, 2022 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – Austral Gold Limited (“Austral”) (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Share Sale Agreement (the “Agreement”) with E2 Metals Limited (“E2”) (ASX: E2M) and Austral Gold Canada Limited (“Austral Canada”), a Canadian subsidiary of Austral, pursuant to which Austral Canada has agreed to sell 100% of the common shares of SCRN Properties Limited (“SCRN”) to E2 (the “Transaction”) for total consideration of US$~10 million.

SCRN’s main asset is the polymetallic Pinguino Project, located in the Deseado Massif in the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina (please refer to About Pinguino).

SCRN is a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of Austral Canada. Under the terms of the Agreement, E2 is to acquire SCRN for a combination of cash, shares and options and, upon completion, Austral Canada will become the largest individual shareholder of E2.

Austral Gold’s Chief Executive Officer Stabro Kasaneva said: “We firmly believe in the Pinguino project. This transaction with E2 Metals will enable us to share in the project’s potential upside and use the proceeds from the sale to fund our exploration activities in Argentina and Chile. In addition, E2 Metals’ flagship Conserrat project is close to Pinguino and upon completion, we will become the largest shareholder in an ASX-listed Company with a sound shareholder base and strong position in the mining friendly Argentine province of Santa Cruz. We will also retain our 51% interest and option to acquire an additional 49% interest in the Sierra Blanca project, which is adjacent to the Pinguino project.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF CONSIDERATION:

– CASH: US$5 million of which US$2.5 million is to be paid at Closing and the remaining 50% in three annual instalments of:
— US$0.75 million on the first anniversary of the Closing date;
— US$0.75 million on the second anniversary of the Closing date; and
— US$1 million on the third anniversary of the Closing date.

– SHARES: Issuance from treasury of such number of E2 shares as is equivalent to 19.99% shareholding in E2 on a non-diluted basis, all of which are to be held in escrow with 50% released on the first anniversary of the Closing date and 50% released on the second anniversary of the Closing date. The E2 share closing price on the day prior to this announcement was A$0.13 valuing 19.99% of Austral’s pro-forma investment in E2 at A$6.5 million (US$4.4 million). The final valuation may change as it is dependent on the share price of E2 at Completion.

– OPTIONS: Grant of 15 million options, each exercisable for one ordinary share of E2 at an exercise price of 26 cents until the third anniversary of the Closing date. The options can only be exercised to the extent Austral will not exceed voting power in E2 of 19.99%. The value of the options was calculated at US$0.6 million using the Black Scholes model. The final valuation may change as it is dependent on E2’s share closing share prices for three years prior to Closing.

– BOARD REPRESENTATION: Austral will have the right to appoint one person to the E2 Board for as long as it holds at least nine percent (9%) of E2’s outstanding shares.

– ROYALTIES: Austral Canada will also retain its option to purchase either all or half of the existing 2% net smelter return royalty on the Pinguino project.

Completion of the Transaction remains subject to the satisfaction (or waiver) of a number of conditions precedent, including, but not limited to the following:

– approval by E2’s shareholders at a Shareholder Meeting;
– obtaining all applicable regulatory approvals; and
– the absence of material adverse changes to E2 or SCRN

If all conditions precedent for completion of the Transaction are satisfied or waived, the Transaction is expected to close during February 2023 or, in some circumstances due to regulatory delay, 31 March 2023, (or such later date agreed by the parties).

E2 plans to fund the costs of the Transaction from its treasury and from future financings, if required. The three annual deferred cash payments will be secured by a share mortgage over 51% of SCRN’s common shares until the second cash installment is paid, at which time the amount of SCRN shares covered by the share mortgage will be reduced to 19%.

About the Pinguino Project

The Silver-Gold-Zinc-Lead-Indium Pinguino Project is an advanced stage development project located in the south-central part of Argentina; 300km southwest of the city of Comodoro Rivadavia and 220km northwest of Puerto San Julian. It is 30km from E2’s Conserrat project. In the last years, six mines were constructed in the Santa Cruz Province, making it one of the most prominent precious metal regions in the world, including world class deposits such as Cerro Vanguardia and Cerro Negro. The Pinguino Project is embedded in a vein field similar, but smaller to Cerro Vanguardia, some 30km north-west along the same controlling structure as the Pinguino deposit (225km strike length of veins vs 115 km strike length of veins). The project has year-round access and is close to major infrastructure.

About Austral Gold Limited

Austral Gold Limited is a gold and silver explorer and mining producer whose strategy is to expand the life of its cash generating assets in Chile, restart its Casposo-Manantiales mine complex in Argentina and build a portfolio of quality assets in Chile, the USA and Argentina organically through exploration and via acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Austral owns a 100% interest in the Guanaco/Amancaya mines in Chile and the Casposo-Manantiales mine complex (currently on care and maintenance) in Argentina, a non-controlling interest in the Rawhide Mine in Nevada, USA and a non-controlling interest in Ensign Gold which holds the Mercur project in Utah, USA.

In addition, Austral owns an attractive portfolio of exploration projects in the Paleocene Belt in Chile (including those acquired in the 2021 acquisition of Revelo Resources Corp), a noncontrolling interest in Pampa Metals and a 51% interest in the Sierra Blanca project in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Austral Gold Limited is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: AGLD) and the Australian Securities Exchange. (ASX: AGD). For more information, please consult Austral’s website at www.australgold.com.

About E2 Metals Limited

E2 Metals Limited is an Australian exploration company focused on making new discoveries in the world class Santa Cruz gold and silver province, southern Argentina. It explores for gold, silver, and copper deposits. E2 Metals’ key focus is the Santa Cruz portfolio located in southern Argentina. Santa Cruz is one of the preeminent mining provinces in South America and is host to numerous intermediate and large producers such as Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti and Pan American Silver. The portfolio comprises 90,000 hectares of titles, owned 80% through the Company’s ownership in the local entity Minera Los Domos SA. The titles are within the Deseado Massif geological province and are prospective for epithermal gold and silver deposits such as the world-class Cerro Negro and Cerro Vanguardia mines.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Release approved by the Chief Executive Officer of Austral Gold, Stabro Kasaneva.

For additional information please contact:

Jose Bordogna
Chief Financial Officer
Austral Gold Limited
Jose.bordogna@australgold.com
+61 466 892 307

Ben Jarvis
Director
Austral Gold Limited
info@australgold.com
+61 413 150 448

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections – statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “may”, “could”, “potential”, “should”, “anticipates”, “likely”, “believes” and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include Austral Gold to sell the Pinguino project and become the largest shareholder in E2 Metals for ~US$10M, final valuation of the Transaction, conditions precedent including but not limited to the following: approval by E2’s shareholders at a Shareholder Meeting, obtaining all applicable regulatory approvals, the absence of material adverse changes to E2 or SCRN, the expected timeline to close the Transaction, E2’s plans to fund the costs of the Transaction from its treasury and from future financings, if required, the security to be provided for the deferred cash payments, the Transaction will enable us to share in the potential upside of Pinguino, and the proceeds from the sale will be used to fund the Company’s exploration activities in Argentina and Chile.

All of these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, business integration risks; uncertainty of production, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets especially in light of the effects of the novel coronavirus,, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral reserves and resource estimates, Austral’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and management, potential labour unrest, reclamation and closure requirements for mineral properties; unpredictable risks and hazards related to the development and operation of a mine or mineral property that are beyond the Company’s control, the availability of capital to fund all of the Company’s projects, and other risks and uncertainties identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s continuous disclosure documents filed on the ASX and on SEDAR. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management’s assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral’s forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/austral-gold-to-sell-pinguino-to-e2-metals-for-us10m/

穆迪：確認渤海銀行「Baa3」長期存款評級展望維持穩定

HONG KONG, Nov 25, 2022 – (亞太商訊 via SEAPRWire.com) – 據香港萬得通訊社報道，近日，享譽全球的國際權威評級機構——穆迪投資者服務公司（Moody’s Investors Service，以下簡稱「穆迪」）發布報告，確認渤海銀行股份有限公司（以下簡稱「渤海銀行」）（9668.HK）Baa3的長期存款評級，同時維持渤海銀行主體信用評級為投資級評級，展望穩定。

市場人士評價指出，這一評級結果顯示出國際主流評級機構對渤海銀行經營發展情况的認可，將有助于提振投資人信心，為渤海銀行在國際資本市場提高議價能力及降低融資成本奠定良好的基礎。

流動性狀况穩定適中系統重要性日益凸顯

信用是金融交易得以產生的原動力與核心基礎。作為提供金融交易主體履約能力或償付能力評判主體的信用評級機構，其出具的資信報告、風險提示成為越來越多金融交易、投資决策乃至監管部門的判斷基礎風險的重要依據。

穆迪在此次發布的報告中指出：此次維持渤海銀行的評級和穩定展望，反映了穆迪預期未來12-18個月，該行的財務狀况將總體保持穩定，幷且同期中國政府對該行提供支持的意願和能力將基本維持不變。同時維持渤海銀行主體信用評級為投資級評級，展望穩定。

儘管國內外疫情持續對業務開展產生部分影響，但渤海銀行近年來為减少對高風險行業的貸款敞口和對影子銀行產品的投資敞口，采取了多種降風險舉措，這也表明該行戰略重點從規模擴張轉向高質量發展。

穆迪預計，未來12-18個月，渤海銀行的流動性狀况將維持在穩定的適中水平，核心一級資本充足率仍將維持在8.0%-9.0%以上。

此外，穆迪還在報告中指出，渤海銀行的系統重要性在多方面日益得到凸顯：從成立背景來看，該行是在天津成立的唯一一家全國性股份制商業銀行，具有强大的政府持股背景，其中各類央企和天津政府下屬實體持股50.45%。從戰略地位來看，作為天津市最大的國有金融機構，渤海銀行是政府進一步發展和加强天津市金融服務業規劃下的旗艦企業。

因此，渤海銀行的存款評級、交易對手風險評級和交易對手風險評估有3個子級的提升，分別達到Baa3、Baa3和Baa3（cr）。

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/%e7%a9%86%e8%bf%aa%ef%bc%9a%e7%a2%ba%e8%aa%8d%e6%b8%a4%e6%b5%b7%e9%8a%80%e8%a1%8c%e3%80%8cbaa3%e3%80%8d%e9%95%b7%e6%9c%9f%e5%ad%98%e6%ac%be%e8%a9%95%e7%b4%9a-%e5%b1%95%e6%9c%9b%e7%b6%ad%e6%8c%81/

Fujitsu and SettleMint embark on global strategic agreement to accelerate enterprise blockchain technology

TOKYO, Nov 25, 2022 – (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – Fujitsu Limited and SettleMint today announced that they have entered a global strategic agreement to accelerate the digital transformation (DX) of the Fujitsu Enterprise Blockchain and Track and Trust Solutions. To kick-start co-creation activities, Fujitsu has made a strategic investment in SettleMint through a fund managed by its subsidiary Fujitsu Ventures Limited.
SettleMint and Fujitsu Limited decided to partner and accelerate the development and promotion of use cases to solve societal challenges and contribute to the realization of a shared vision of creating a sustainable world and solving social issues through innovation.

Under the agreement, Fujitsu will also use the SettleMint high-performance low code Blockchain platform for customers in Japan and globally as part of the solutions portfolio of Fujitsu Uvance Digital Shifts. Fujitsu will additionally provide professional services to help SettleMint customers develop and operate new systems, as well as modernize their existing systems by leveraging the breadth and depth of knowledge built up in the Enterprise Blockchain and Track and Trust Solutions team of Fujitsu Uvance Digital Shifts.

SettleMint and Fujitsu will work together to provide joint use cases, technology roadmaps, and solutions drawing on the digital experiences and solutions from both companies, including traceability solutions, trusted data processing, analytics, and advanced data transparency using blockchain technology.

“Our goal at SettleMint is to accelerate blockchain adoption for every organization, empowering them to innovate without barriers,” comments Matthew Van Niekerk, Founder & CEO, SettleMint. “Partnering with Fujitsu will allow us to extend our reach and provide even greater value to customers around the world.”

Frederik De Breuck, Head of the Fujitsu Track & Trust Division adds, “The fast way to build, launch, integrate and monitor blockchain implementations with a high-performance low-code development environment of SettleMint fits in our portfolio strategy in the enterprise blockchain space. Over the past years, both teams have already collaborated on projects such as our AB InBbev 100% Transparency project. The way of working and the co-creation mindset on both technology and business topics is a recipe for success.”

From an industry perspective, this collaboration offers the potential to accelerate Fujitsu’s experience, depth, and customer base in multiple industry verticals, including manufacturing, financial services, public sector, healthcare, and telecommunications.

The new global partnership builds on both companies’ work to trusted data, traceability, ESG, and sustainability challenges in Europe, Japan, and the rest of the world, including efforts to better manage and understand the impacts on customers and their increasingly complex ecosystems.

About SettleMint

SettleMint is a high-performance low-code platform for blockchain application development that empowers engineering teams to build, integrate and launch applications on web3 infrastructure. SettleMint is the answer to move rapidly and easily from use case concept to business case realization in a fraction of time and risk than any other solutions can offer.

The SettleMint platform makes it easy for IT teams to deliver blockchain applications rapidly, taking a visual development approach to deploy nodes, create new or customize smart contract templates, integrate end user applications and program complex and data integration flows with the 4000+ pre-built, fully configurable connectors. The platform includes a suite of ready-to-use tools, frameworks, templates, and APIs to speed up the development of any blockchain use case.

About Fujitsu

About Fujitsu Ventures

Fujitsu Ventures is a 100% subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, and was established on March 1, 2021 as part of Fujitsu group’s growth investments for the purpose of managing CVC funds that invest in startups and other businesses. www.fujitsu.com/jp/group/fjv/en/

source https://netdace.com/jcn-newswire/fujitsu-and-settlemint-embark-on-global-strategic-agreement-to-accelerate-enterprise-blockchain-technology/

Tusk Innovation 發佈新產品組合

TUSK PRODUCT

倫敦, Nov. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE via SEAPRWire.com) — Tusk Inc. Limited (www.tusklimited.com) 是一間資本管理公司，於 2012 年在英國和吉隆坡成立，在世界各地設有辦事處。目前，該公司是電氣解決方案的頂尖企業之一，專注於為用戶生產挖礦設備、太陽能和配接器，並發佈新產品組合。該產品系列主要用於電氣用途。發售的所有挖礦機均備有太陽能板，以減少功耗。請在此處查看產品 https://tusklimited.com/products

Tusk Innovation 作為電氣解決方案的頂級企業之一，宣布其挖礦設備組合現提供七折折扣優惠，該組合包括一塊太陽能版與一台比特幣挖礦機。 Tusk inc. 最近從多晶材料轉向光伏材料，經過一段時間，對其太陽能產品與加密貨幣挖礦機結合的效率進行了測試，事實證明這是最有效的組合。 Tusk inc. 的投資者現在可以輕鬆持續開採加密貨幣，降低風險並獲得最大利潤。

營運總裁 John Walls 上週透露，這是為了減少客戶開採加密貨幣的用電量。 Walls 聲稱：「坊間各種報導表明，挖礦機所需電量可能太大，對用戶造成困難，所以我們研發出這個合理方案。」

挖礦利潤
雖然對許多人來說，建立加密貨幣礦場足以令人艷羨且帶來豐厚利潤，但大家普遍猜測，這種做法可能會產生高額成本，尤其是用電量。透過無需支付電費的太陽能板和可以執行雙重挖礦任務的比特幣挖礦裝置，Tusk Inc. 開創了持久的解決方案。你可以輕鬆開採加密貨幣而無需擔心市場波動和能耗。

Tusk Inc. 與眾不同之處在於，客戶可以從該公司獲得加密錢包開發服務以及圖形處理單元，且該公司在三大洲設有辦事處。公司在區塊鏈開發和比特幣挖礦解決方案等領域亦擁有豐富經驗。

關於 Tusk
Tusk Inc. 由管理專家團隊於 2012 年成立，此後還吸納了科技專家團隊，現已成為電氣解決方案的頂尖供應商之一。團隊從事風險管理業務已有十多年，所以他們還以自己有效管理風險的能力而傲視同儕。他們結合若干項先進的科技成果，將風險較低的開創性項目納入風險管理系統，其中之一是使用光伏材料的加密貨幣挖礦活動。

John Walls
公共關係經理
john@tusklimited.com
(+44)7451214344

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source https://netdace.com/globenewswire/tusk-innovation-%e7%99%bc%e4%bd%88%e6%96%b0%e7%94%a2%e5%93%81%e7%b5%84%e5%90%88/

EC Healthcare Announces FY2022/23 Interim Results, Revenue Increased 31.1% YoY Mainly Driven by Medical Services

HONG KONG, Nov 24, 2022 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – EC Healthcare (the “Company”, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to as the “Group”, SEHK stock code: 2138), the largest non-hospital medical group in Hong Kong, announces today its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2022 (the “Period”).

Business Highlight
— Total revenue increased by 31.1% YoY to HK$1,893.2 million
— Revenue from medical services segment rose by 47.5% YoY to HK$1,174.8 million, boosting its revenue contribution to 62.1%
— Revenue from aesthetic medical and beauty and wellness services segment decreased by 2.0% YoY to HK$607.4 million, accounted for approximately 32.1% of total revenue
— Driven by previous acquired veterinary business, revenue from other services increased by 301.9% YoY to HK$111.0 million, represents 5.8% of the total revenue
— Organic revenue(1) increased by 22.8% YoY to HK$1,773.7 million, accounting for 93.7% of the total
— EBITDA during the period was HK$269.9 million
— Net profit after tax for during the period was HK$105.2 million
— Basic earnings per share during the period amounted to 6.8 HK cents
— The Board declared an interim dividend of 5.8 HK cents per Share, representing a payout ratio of 85.3%, which will be payable in cash
— As at 30 September 2022, the total valuation of the Group’s M&A transactions executed was HK$219.3 million, spanning medical specialty services, veterinary and health screening services, which further strengthened the Group’s medical services layout.
— The Group’s suite of medical services spans 35 specialties and disciplines, and the number of full-time and exclusive registered practitioners has increased to 293
— The Group has maintained premium service quality with 99.98%(6) of customers’ satisfaction rate
— The contribution from existing customers accounted for 71.6%(3,7) to the Group’s total revenue.
— Customer loyalty remained high with repurchase purchase rate of 93.7%(4,7).
— Total number of service points increased to 154, total gross floor area (“GFA”) increased by 24.1% YoY to approximately 557,000 sq. ft

During the Period, the Group stayed resilient in the face of multiple challenges, including global economic downturn, absence of medical tourism amidst prolonged travel restrictions, weak local retail sentiment and business disruptions caused by the fluctuation of COVID-19. Thanks to robust demand on the Group’s medical services and its diversified business strategy, the Group was still able to increase its medical market share, diversifying its scope of services, and bolstering its leading position in the healthcare sector as Hong Kong’s largest non-hospital medical service provider.

The demand for medical services provided by the Group remains strong, and the Group able to increase its market share during the period. During the Reporting Period, sales volume increased by 18.3% year-on-year (“YoY”) to HK$1,812.4 million. Revenue increased by 31.1% YoY to HK$1,893.2 million. Organic revenue(1) of the Group increased by 22.8% YoY to HK$1,773.7 million, accounting for 93.7% of the total driven by effective sales strategy. The total valuation of the Group’s M&A transaction executed during the Period was HK$219.3 million, spanning medical specialty services, veterinary and health screening services, further strengthening the Group’s client-centric services layout.

Nevertheless, the Group’s net profit after tax for during the period decreased by 46.3% YoY to HK$105.2 million. Net profit margin was under pressure and decreased by 8.0 percentage point to 5.6% due to the Compulsory Closure of the Group’s beauty and wellness businesses in Hong Kong and Macau as well as business disruption in Mainland China from COVID-19. Increasingly fierce competitive landscape, rising cost structure from inflation, temporary low operation leverage of the newly established service points from previous financial year and increase depreciation and amortization expenses incurred from the newly acquired medical assets undermined the Group’s profitability during the Period. In addition, the capital expenditures expended on organic expansions of our new medical facilities are yet to commence services to generate income within the period. As a result, the net profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company was HK$80.0 million. Basic earnings per share was 6.8 HK cents, compared to 14.2 HK cents for the same period last year.

With excellent customer service provided by the professional teams, the Group had built a loyal customer base through our enclosed ecosystem over the years. During the Period, the number of unique customers steadily increased to 122,883(2,7) and the contribution from existing customers accounted for 71.6%(3,7) to the Group’s total revenue. Customer loyalty remained high with repurchase purchase rate of 93.7%(4,7). Driven by the synergies created by the Group’s enclosed healthcare ecosystem, over 28.1%(5) of its customers had made purchases across its various brands in the Period. Meanwhile, the Group maintained premium service quality with 99.98%(6) of customers’ satisfaction rate.

The number of service points increased through organic expansion and acquisitions. As at 30 September 2022, the Group had a total number of 154 service points comprising 134 in Hong Kong, 4 in Macau and 16 in Mainland China with the total aggregate GFA increased by 24.1% YoY to approximately 557,000 sq. ft. Out of the net increase of approximately 108,000 sq. ft. compared to first half of FY22, approximately 69.1% came from medical business and approximately 22.8% came from aesthetic medical and beauty and wellness services business respectively. The Group’s suite of medical services spans 35 specialties and disciplines, and the headcount of full-time and exclusive registered practitioners has increased to 293.

Strong growth in medical segment
Medical segment being the essential needs and continued to be the key growth driver. The Group continued to gain market share in the healthcare services industry through both organic expansion and M&A growth. Revenue from the Group’s medical services segment rose by 47.5% YoY to HK$1,174.8 million, boosting its revenue contribution to 62.1%, of which organic expansion and M&A completed during first half of FY23 accounted for approximately 90.8% and 9.2% respectively. Organic growth was driven by surged demand, effective sales strategy and rising healthcare sentiment. During the Period, the total valuation of acquisitions executed in medical segment was HK$175.1 million.

Mild decline in aesthetic medical & beauty and wellness services segment
During the Period, revenue contributed by aesthetic medical and beauty and wellness services decreased by 2.0% YoY to HK$607.4 million, accounted for approximately 32.1% of total revenue. Revenue from Hong Kong recorded a mile decline of 5.4% YoY to HK$460.7 million due to 20 days of Compulsory Closure in April 2022 and followed by a gradual recovery from pent-up demand. Mainland aesthetics market facing business disruption caused by COVID. During the Period, revenue from Mainland China increased by 12.6% YoY to HK$89.8 million despite an average of 26 days, 10 days and 122 days of business disruption in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shanghai, respectively. Revenue from Macau increased marginally 7.7% YoY to HK$56.8 million due to an average of 31 days of Compulsory Closure.

Booming growth in others segment
During the Period, revenue from other services increased by 301.9% YoY to HK$111.0 million, representing 5.8% of the total revenue, primarily attributable to the M&A expansion into the veterinary sector.

Mr. Eddy Tang, Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of EC Healthcare said, “While Hong Kong local consumption gradually recovers, benefitting from the Hong Kong Government’s pandemic policy stance towards “Normalization” with lifting off quarantine for inbound travelers, the recessionary market backdrop could still pose headwinds to our businesses. Yet, we believe that the medical market remains lucrative and public-private partnership will continue to increase Hong Kong’s private medical spending in the long run.

As part of our accretive acquisition strategy, we will continue to diversify within the medical and beauty sectors with acquired brands that are complementary and add value to our core business in order to build a one-stop healthcare and wellness platform to expand customer’s lifetime value. We will also expand the strategic partnerships with key players in technology, telecom, insurance, property, and pharmaceutical industries to form our healthcare ecosystem.

We have been striving to improve our operational excellence by enhancing corporate structure and management capability, optimizing our resources with priorities through digital transformation. The Group will continue to enhance its talent’s productivity and loyalty through the unique “Co-Owner” and “Servant Leadership” company culture.”

About EC Healthcare
EC Healthcare is Hong Kong’s largest non-hospital medical service provider*, leveraging its core businesses of preventive and precision medicine, and committed to developing medical artificial intelligence by integrating its multi-disciplinary medical services. The move, which is supported by the Group’s high-end branding and quality customer services, is aimed at offering customers safe and effective healthcare and medical services with professionalism. The Group is a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Composite Index and the MSCI Hong Kong Small Cap Index.

The Group principally engages in the provision of one-stop medical and health care services in Greater China. The Group provides a full range of services and products under its well-known brands, including those of its one-stop aesthetic medical solutions provider DR REBORN which has ranked first in Hong Kong by sales for years, a professional hair care center HAIR FOREST, primary care clinics jointly established with health management centre re:HEALTH, a vaccine centre Hong Kong Professional Vaccine HKPV, General outpatient clinic Tencent Doctorwork, the largest one-stop pain management centre in Hong Kong New York Medical Group, the comprehensive dental centres Bayley & Jackson Dental Surgeons, EC DENTAL CARE and Health and Care Dental Clinic, an advanced diagnostic and imaging centre HKAI, an oncology treatment centre reVIVE, a day procedure centre HKMED, a specialty clinic PREMIER MEDICAL CENTRE, SPECIALISTS CENTRAL and NEW MEDICAL CENTER, a paediatric centre PRIME CARE, a gynaecology specialist ZENITH MEDICAL CENTER AND PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS CENTRE, PathLab Medical Laboratories, Ophthalmology Center VIVID EYE and EC Veterinary Hospital and Imaging Center.

*According to independent research conducted by Frost and Sullivan in terms of revenue in 2020 and 2021

Note:
1 Total revenue minus revenue recognized from the newly acquired assets during period.
2. Based on revenue for the year.
3. Revenue contribution by existing customers to the total revenue for the period
4. Annualise revenue from old customers during the reporting period, divided by FY22 total revenue.
5. Number of customers who purchased services from more than one brand for the period divided by total number of customers for the period. Based on data from internal system, include data from 31 brands
6. 100% minus the percentage of material unfavorable feedback of total revenue for the period
7. Based on data from internal system, include data from 39 brands

For further information, please contact:
iPR Ogilvy Limited
Callis Lau / Lorraine Luk / Tim Tin
Tel: (852) 2136 6952 / 2169 0467 / 3920 7654
Fax: (852) 3170 6606
Email: ech@iprogilvy.com

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/ec-healthcare-announces-fy2022-23-interim-results-revenue-increased-31-1-yoy-mainly-driven-by-medical-services/