After US stock market’s worst start in 50 years, some see more pain ahead

NEW YORK (NYTIMES) – Wall Street set records in the first half of the year, none of them good.

The US economy is on the cusp of a recession, battered by high inflation and rising interest rates, which eat into pay cheques, dent consumer confidence and lead to corporate cutbacks. As it has teetered, markets have tanked.

The six months through Thursday (June 30) were the stock market’s worst first half of a year since 1970. The S&P 500, the cornerstone of many stock portfolios and retirement accounts, peaked in early January and has dropped nearly 21 per cent over the past six months.

The sell-off has been remarkably broad, with every sector except energy down this year. Bellwethers including Apple, Disney, JPMorgan Chase and Target have all fallen more than the overall market.

And that is only part of the horror story for investors and companies this year.

Bonds, which are seen as providing lower but more stable returns for investors, have had a terrible six months, too. Because bonds are particularly sensitive to economic conditions, reflecting shifts in inflation and interest rates more directly than stocks, this is perhaps an even more worrying sign about the state of the economy.

An index tracking the 10-year Treasury note, a bench mark for borrowing costs on mortgages, business loans and many other kinds of debt, has fallen about 10 per cent in price. Analysts at Deutsche Bank had to go all the way back to the late 18th century to find a worse first-half-year performance for equivalent bonds.

“Make no mistake, this has been a torrid first half,” said Jim Reid, the head of credit strategy and thematic research at Deutsche Bank.

For the average investor with a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds, it probably feels like “nothing worked,” according to Victoria Greene, chief investment officer at G Squared Private Wealth. That is especially true for investors who bought at the start of the year, when markets were in a more buoyant mood. “The venerable 60-40 portfolio hasn’t held up at all,” Ms Greene said, referring to the mix of 60 per cent stocks and 40 per cent bonds that financial advisers traditionally suggest to investors to protect them from a downdraft.

Since the start of the year, stubbornly high inflation, which is now running at the fastest pace in more than 40 years and made worse by soaring food and energy prices because of the war in Ukraine, has eroded corporate profit margins. That has come on top of the persistent supply chain snarls that have also made it harder for companies to fill customer orders and manage inventories.

Rising prices have also hit consumer spending, the bedrock of the US economy. A government report on Thursday showed that spending in May increased at its weakest pace of the year, and spending on goods, where prices have been rising the fastest, fell. Another recent report showed that consumer spending earlier in the year rose more slowly than previously estimated. And a variety of gauges that track consumers’ predictions about how fast prices will rise in the future have also been ticking up, a worrying sign that inflation might become more entrenched in the economy.

As investors have been reassessing the outlook, a few weeks ago the S&P 500 fell into a bear market, a rare and grim sign of pessimism, which Wall Street defines as a 20 per cent fall from a recent peak. The index has declined in 10 of the past 12 weeks, with occasional rallies quickly fizzling as a new bout of worries washes over the market. This has scared away companies from going public, with initial public offerings in the first half running at the slowest pace since 2009, in the aftermath of the financial crisis.

The Federal Reserve’s determination to tame inflation by raising interest rates is a major factor in the market turmoil. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the central bank’s efforts to fight inflation were “highly likely to involve some pain.”

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/after-us-stock-markets-worst-start-in-50-years-some-see-more-pain-ahead/

Tesla’s EV market share seen plunging to 11% by 2025 from over 70% now

NEW YORK (BLOOMBERG) – Tesla is likely to lose its position as the dominant electric-vehicle (EV) maker in the US to GM or Ford by 2025 as competitors release a barrage of 135 new electric vehicles, Bank of America analyst John Murphy said in his annual Car Wars forecast.

Elon Musk’s company will still be growing as EV sales continue to soar, but its share of the market will fall to about 11 per cent in 2025 from over 70 per cent today, Mr Murphy wrote. Tesla has loyal fans, but the company won’t be able to keep up with the pace of new models coming from General Motors, Ford Motor and several foreign automakers.

“Elon has had a vacuum for the last 10 years in which to operate, where there hasn’t been much competition,” Mr Murphy said. “That vacuum is now being filled in a massive way in the next four years by very good product, not by econobox, toaster-box EVs, but real good product.”

Annual US sales of EVs could grow eightfold to more than 3.2 million by 2025 from about 400,000 last year, which gives every company launching new models – including Tesla – a crack at more sales. Mr Murphy sees GM and Ford leading the market, with each garnering about 15 per cent share.

GM plans to launch 17 new EV models in the US market from 2023 to 2026, Mr Murphy said, while Ford will have six. Volkswagen will have 11 during that span, and the Korean duo of Hyundai and Kia will have 13. They could all be winners and steal share from Tesla, which has announced plans for the Cybertruck, a semi and the roadster.

Tesla also will be expanding in China and Europe, but it won’t be the hot-growth story it has been, Mr Murphy said.

Five or 10 years from now, Mr Murphy said, people will look back and ask why “Tesla didn’t take greater advantage of the free money it could have gotten, raise much more, open capacity faster, grow much faster, and shut the door.”

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/teslas-ev-market-share-seen-plunging-to-11-by-2025-from-over-70-now/

Bitcoin falls below US$19,000, further shaking crypto markets

BENGALURU (REUTERS) – Bitcoin dropped 6.1 per cent to US$18,866.77 at 4am on Friday (July 1) Singapore time, putting the biggest and best-known cryptocurrency down US$1,226.41 from its previous close and down 60.9 per cent from the year’s high of US$48,234 on March 28.

Several big players in the cryptocurrency markets have had difficulties, and further declines could force other crypto investors to sell holdings to meet margin calls and cover losses.

Ether, the coin linked to the Ethereum blockchain network, dropped 7.5 per cent to US$1,016.08 on Thursday, losing US$82.38 from its previous close.

Both digital assets have struggled since US based lender Celsius Network this month said it would suspend withdrawals. Bitcoin and Ether were further rattled by the apparent insolvency of crypto hedge fund Three Arrows Capital, which a person familiar with the matter told Reuters has entered liquidation.

Many of the industry’s recent problems can be traced back to the spectacular collapse of so-called stablecoin TerraUSD in May, which saw the stablecoin lose almost all its value, along with its paired token.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/bitcoin-falls-below-us19000-further-shaking-crypto-markets/

Blockchain.com cooperating with investigations into Three Arrows

NEW YORK (BLOOMBERG) – Blockchain.com, a creditor of Three Arrows Capital, said it was cooperating with ongoing investigations into the troubled crypto hedge fund.

Blockchain.com and Deribit, a crypto derivatives exchange, confirmed that they were among creditors that sought for the liquidation of Three Arrows at a court in the British Virgin Islands, according to a court filing and representatives from the two companies.

The court made the liquidation order on Monday (June 27) and has appointed two partners at consulting and advisory firm Teneo to handle the process, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News.

“We believe Three Arrows Capital defrauded the crypto industry and intend to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” a spokesman for Blockchain.com said in an e-mailed statement. “We have filed for the immediate liquidation of all global assets of Three Arrows.”

Three Arrows was reprimanded on Thursday by the Monetary Authority of Singapore for providing false information and exceeding the maximum amount of money it was allowed to manage. The central bank said in a statement that it had been investigating these actions since June 2021.

The liquidation order brings down the curtain on one of crypto’s most famous hedge funds, founded in 2012 by former Credit Suisse traders Zhu Su and Kyle Davies.

Three Arrows’ assets under management were estimated to be about US$10 billion (S$13.9 billion) in March, according to blockchain analytics firm Nansen. Mr Davies told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) earlier this month that it had roughly US$3 billion in assets under management in April before crypto markets crashed.

Mr Nichol Yeo, a partner at law firm Solitaire LLP, told WSJ that Three Arrows was considering options as it sought legal advice in the British Virgin Islands. Mr Yeo did not respond to a request for comment from Bloomberg News.

Blockchain.com, a London-based crypto wallet provider and exchange valued at US$14 billion in March, said it remained liquid and solvent with a strong financial position, and customers would not be affected.

Deribit, whose parent company counts Three Arrows as a shareholder, has said on Twitter it remains financially healthy despite having a net debt that it considered potentially distressed. Three Arrows’ woes have hit firms such as crypto broker Voyager Digital, which has issued a notice of default to the fund.

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/blockchain-com-cooperating-with-investigations-into-three-arrows/

US stocks fall as S&P 500 concludes worst first half since 1970

NEW YORK (AFP) – Wall Street stocks fell on Thursday (June 30), a fitting end to a bruising first half of 2022, finishing solidly lower after US data showed persistently high inflation pinching consumer spending.

The broad-based S&P 500 finished at 3,785.38, down 0.9 per cent for the day and a loss more than 16 per cent for the last six months, the worst first half of a year since 1970.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 0.8 per cent to 30,775.43, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index tumbled 1.3 per cent to 11,028.74.

The market has fallen most of the year, breaking the trend only in late March and for other brief stretches in a fairly steady retreat.

A series of bad inflation readings have prompted the Federal Reserve to undertake increasingly aggressive measures to try to rein in growth and pricing pressures.

Two weeks ago, the central bank enacted a supersized three-quarters of a point interest rate hike, the biggest increase in nearly 30 years. Markets are weighing whether to expect the same thing in July.

Commerce Department data showed spending rose just 0.2 per cent in May, less than half the increase in April and part of a steady downward drift as consumers pull back amid surging prices.

The report also showed that the price index rose 6.3 per cent compared to May 2021, the same annual pace as in the prior month – a positive sign in the Federal Reserve’s battle against inflation.

But when inflation is taken into account, the data show a decline in real consumer spending, analysts said.

“Inflation came in a little bit better than expected today but probably not good enough to prevent the Federal reserve to raise interest rates 75 basis at the next meeting,” said Tom Cahill of Ventura Wealth Management.

“At the same time we had the personal spending coming in negative for the month in real terms,” Cahill said.

“People are starting to get the sense that perhaps the Federal Reserve is going to push the economy into recession.”

source https://netdace.com/latest-news/us-stocks-fall-as-sp-500-concludes-worst-first-half-since-1970/

雅各臣公佈二零二二財年全年業績

HONG KONG, Jun 29, 2022 – (亞太商訊 via SEAPRWire.com) – 從事基礎藥物、專科藥物及品牌醫療保健品研發、生產、市場推廣及銷售的領先企業 ─ 雅各臣科研製藥有限公司 （「 雅各臣 」或「 公司 」； 股份代號： 2633.HK )今天公佈公司及其附屬公司（統稱「集團」）於截至二零二二年三月三十一日止年度（「二零二二財年」或「報告期」）的全年業績。

業績亮點
— 收益按年增長10.3%至1,595.5百萬港元
— 年內溢利增加78.4%*至187.7百萬港元
— 集團於其主要治療類別業務取得強勁增長，例如降脂劑和血管緊張素II抑製劑等產品
— 大中華區擴展計劃取得進展，受益於大灣區推出利好醫療保健政策，及與知名夥伴成立合資公司開拓市場
— 提供合共約9百萬劑復星BioNTech復必泰疫苗給香港及澳門，共同抗擊2019冠狀病毒病疫情

於報告期內，集團錄得總收益1,595.5百萬港元，按年增長10.3%，主要受公營界別業務穩健的增長勢頭推動。經營溢利及年內溢利則錄得260.9百萬港元及187.7百萬港元，分別較二零二一年同期的經調整經營溢利*及經調整溢利*大幅增長48.9%*及78.4%*。

集團財務狀況維持穩健，現金流強勁。報告期錄得扣除利息、稅項、折舊及攤銷前的經調整盈利(經調整EBITDA)441.6百萬港元，截至二零二二年三月三十一日的淨資本負債比率為29.2%。於報告期末，集團的現金餘額為478.7百萬港元，集團最近亦取得一筆14億港元的銀團貸款，有助進一步鞏固資本實力。

董事會建議宣派末期股息每股2.68港仙（二零二一年財年：每股1.50港仙）。不計及以實物分派形式分派公司間接非全資附屬公司健倍苗苗（保健）有限公司（股份代號： 2161.HK ) 股份的二零二一年財年特別中期股息，報告期內的股息總額為每股3.88港仙（二零二一年財年：每股2.30港仙），較二零二一財年多派股息68.7%。

非專利藥業務表現紮實
報告期內，集團非專利藥業務在疫情影響下仍然表現強韌，實現13.6%的穩健增長，收益為1,191.3百萬港元。

集團的產品於各個慢性疾病的主要治療類別，包括糖尿病及心血管疾病等，均取得高雙位數的增長。例如，降脂產品類別的銷售於報告期內錄得37.2%的增長。此外，由於公營界別對新藥三氧化二砷口服液(Arsenic Trioxide Oral Solution)的接受性提高，腫瘤藥物類別銷售亦錄得572.6%的大幅上升。

作為香港主要的基礎藥物供應商，集團迅速應對於第五波疫情期間激增的藥物需求。鎮痛劑(+18.6%)、咳嗽、感冒製劑(+45.8%)及抗炎產品(+77.5%)的強勁增長均反映相關藥物的需求殷切。

穩定加強產品管道及組合
集團在持續推出新研發產品方面取得穩定進展。截至二零二二年三月三十一日，集團正在研發172項產品，其中54項已獲准註冊，15項已提交註冊，52項已完成開發階段並正進行穩定製備或穩定性研究，另有25項目前正進行配方研究或預製配方研究工作。

為進一步豐富產品組合，集團於報告期內推出多項新產品，當中包括雷貝拉唑片(Rabeprazole Tablets) 、纈沙坦(Valsartan)及氨氯地平片(Amlodipine Tablets)、替米沙坦(Telmisartan)、及氫氯噻嗪片(Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets)、普瑞巴林膠囊(Pregabalin Capsules)、阿托西班注射劑(Atosiban Injection) 及艾達黴素注射劑(Idarubicin Injection)。此外，集團已就多項即將上市的新產品獲得註冊批准，例如左乙拉西坦片(Levetiracetam Tablets)、非布司他片(Febuxostat Tablet)、右美托咪定浸劑(Dexmedetomidine Infusion)、普拉克索緩釋片劑(Pramipexole Extended Released Tablets)、酒石酸溴莫尼定及第莫洛滴眼液(Brimonidine and Timolol Eye Drops)、替米沙坦(Telmisartan)及氨氯地平片(Amlodipine Tablets)。

拓展中國及亞洲專科藥物市場
在新推出的「粵港澳大灣區藥品醫療器械監管創新發展工作方案」政策引導下，集團與香港大學深圳醫院合作，計劃將其用於治療急性早幼粒細胞白血病的口服溶液－三氧化二砷口服液引入大灣區指定醫院，這合作亦將作為覆蓋廣東、新加坡及香港的多中心臨床試驗的一部分。

最近，集團連同其非全資附屬公司健倍苗苗（保健）有限公司（股份代號：2161.HK）與萬隆控股有限公司（股份代號：0030.HK），其控股股東為雲南白藥集團有限公司（證券代號0538.SZ），成立合資公司，以把握大中華區及亞太區專科藥的增長機遇。該合資公司將主要在大中華區發掘專科藥（包括罕見病用藥）、非處方藥、品牌醫療保健品及醫療器械的增長商機。

在香港及澳門分銷復星BioNTech復必泰疫苗
集團為復星BioNTech 復必泰疫苗（「疫苗」）在香港及澳門的獨家分銷商。截至報告期末，集團已向香港的衞生署及社區疫苗接種中心及澳門政府提供合共約9百萬劑疫苗。

為了透過疫苗接種以對公眾抵禦2019冠狀病毒病提供保護及實現群體免疫，集團致力與政府及專業夥伴合作，加快港澳地區特別是長者的疫苗接種率。在衞生部門的鼓勵下，集團將繼續與上海復星醫藥（集團）股份有限公司及其附屬公司合作，為公眾提供加強疫苗接種劑量。

雅各臣主席及行政總裁岑廣業先生總結 ：「雖然市場環境持續受疫情影響，對各種疾病患者的護理造成干擾，但憑藉我們強大的核心業務能力、產品管線和組合，以強大的執行力帶動集團於二零二二財年表現強勁。我們為在港澳分銷復星BioNTech復必泰疫苗中擔任協作角色深感自豪。本地爆發第五波疫情期間，我們致力維持穩健的製造及物流營運，以確保持續向醫院及患者供應基礎藥物。

展望未來，我們以良好的勢頭邁進二零二二年，目標是為打造可預見未來健康需要的獨特產品組合。通過開展研發及引進授權策略、建立穩固的夥伴合作關係及於關鍵戰略市場建立據點，我們將進一步推動業務多元化及轉型，以實現持續增長，並為股東帶來價值。」

關於雅各臣科研製藥有限公司（股份代號：2633）
雅各臣是本地領先的醫藥公司，擁有垂直整合的業務，包括基礎藥物及專科藥物的研發、生產、分銷、銷售及物流。作為本地主要的非專利藥供應商，集團在香港私營及公營領域，具有最廣泛的銷售及分銷的市場覆蓋，並積極向策略性選擇的亞洲市場伸延擴展。集團於香港設有10間PIC/S GMP認證的非專利藥生產設施，並在各種治療藥物類別中擁有廣泛的產品組合與享有優越市場地位。

同時，集團一直致力透過增加各種高增值產品，策略性地擴大其非專利藥的產品組合。扎根香港，集團已於中國、澳門、台灣及柬埔寨開設營運子公司，建立區域性商業平台，以把握亞太區及大中華地區的市場潛力。而自 2017 年 6月 1 日，集團獲納入 MSCI 香港微型股指數成份股。更多詳情請瀏覽雅各臣科研製藥有限公司網站：http://www.jacobsonpharma.com/

* 不包括香港政府於二零二一財年發放的一次性保就業計劃資助約81.1百萬港元

Copyright 2022 亞太商訊. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/%e9%9b%85%e5%90%84%e8%87%a3%e5%85%ac%e4%bd%88%e4%ba%8c%e9%9b%b6%e4%ba%8c%e4%ba%8c%e8%b2%a1%e5%b9%b4%e5%85%a8%e5%b9%b4%e6%a5%ad%e7%b8%be/

達豐設備服務有限公司公佈2022財年全年業績

HONG KONG, Jun 29, 2022 – (亞太商訊 via SEAPRWire.com) – 達豐設備服務有限公司（「達豐」或「公司」，連同其附屬公司統稱「集團」）（股份代號：2153）為在中國成立的首家外資塔式起重機服務供應商，公佈其截至2022年3月31日止年度（「2022財年」或「年內」）的全年業績。

2022財年，集團的收益為人民幣867.0百萬元，較截至2021年3月31日止年度增長9.3%，主要是由於自有及租賃塔式起重機的數量有所增加，而其中大部分起重機一直在現場作業並產生收益。集團的使用總噸米由2021財年的約2,491,629增加至2022財年的3,112,084。

年內毛利減少約14.3%至人民幣234.1百萬元。年內溢利為人民幣47.6百萬元（2021財年：人民幣101.2百萬元）。溢利減少主要是由於受2022年3月向最高管理層提供股份獎勵計劃的會計處理（非現金調整）影響所致。董事會建議派發末期股息每股0.016港元。

於2022年3月31日，集團有288個在建項目，未完成合約總值約人民幣569百萬元，手頭項目共有42個，預期合約總值約人民幣102百萬元。其中，集團預期於截至2023年3月31日止年度完成總值約人民幣497百萬元的合約工程，顯示來年將可錄得高水平的盈利。

達豐設備服務有限公司行政總裁邱國燊先生表示：「2022財年不僅對我們來說是艱難的一年，對於整個市場也是如此。儘管在疫情防控措施之下，疫苗接種率在各國開始上升，包括中國在內的經濟體正在逐步復甦。但全球公共衛生、經濟和就業仍受到2019新型冠狀病毒病的不利影響。隨著疫情在全球持續肆虐，全球市場在疫情下仍面對諸多不確定性。我們將藉此拓展新的市場機會，繼續致力為客戶提供一站式塔式起重機解決方案服務。」

年內，集團通過增購塔式起重機及相關配套零件和部件，藉此擴大業務，以滿足日益增長的客戶需求。於本公佈日期，集團管理合共1,180台塔式起重機，旨在迎合集團客戶於中國各地的專業EPC項目。作為一家在中國享負盛名的外資塔式起重機服務供應商，集團在關注工人安全、服務質量及技術優勢方面樹立了良好聲譽。集團目前持有77項與塔式起重機相關的實用新型及發明註冊專利。

除了提升製造能力外，集團亦持續提升塔式起重機及其附屬結構件的再製造及再加工能力，並致力於透過開發數字化管理平台「iSmartCon愛建通」，以提供綠色服務，同時提高營運及管理效率。

展望未來，集團將專注於中大型塔式起重機的經營，以滿足日益增長的裝配式建築需求；並建立標準化的塔式起重機後市場服務生態系統，為打造綠色、安全及環保的塔式起重機服務產業奠定基礎。

達豐設備服務有限公司主席黃山忠先生總結:「未來，集團將在有效執行中國防控政策的同時，繼續關注2019冠狀病毒病疫情的發展，以確保員工安全，並減輕其對集團財務狀況及經營業績的負面影響。我們將繼續鞏固我們在市場上的優勢和領先地位，以把握巨大的市場增長機會，推動可持續的長期業務，為股東帶來滿意的回報。」

Copyright 2022 亞太商訊. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/%e9%81%94%e8%b1%90%e8%a8%ad%e5%82%99%e6%9c%8d%e5%8b%99%e6%9c%89%e9%99%90%e5%85%ac%e5%8f%b8%e5%85%ac%e4%bd%882022%e8%b2%a1%e5%b9%b4%e5%85%a8%e5%b9%b4%e6%a5%ad%e7%b8%be/

2022 Shaoxing Famous Products International Online Exhibition Launch Ceremony and CCOIC Shaoxing Chamber of Commerce RCEP Forum Was Successfully Held

Shaoxing, China, June 29, 2022 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – On June 28, 2022 Shaoxing Famous Products International Online Exhibition Launch Ceremony and CCOIC Shaoxing Chamber of Commerce RCEP Forum was successfully held. This kicked off a series of 12 online cloud exhibitions for 6 months, targeting different industries and overseas markets.

The event was held both online and offline with Mr. Shi Huifang, Mayor of Shaoxing City, Mr. Chen Zongyao, Chairman of CCPIT Zhejiang, Mr. Xia Wendi, Chairman of China National Machinery Industry International Co. (SINOMACHINT), Mr. Tao Guanfeng, Executive Vice Mayor of Shaoxing City and other relevant leaders of Shaoxing City present offline. Mr. Deny Wachyudi Kurnia, Consul General of Consulate General of Indonesia in Shanghai, Mr. Hussain Haider, Consul General of Consulate General of Pakistan in Shanghai, Ms. Tran Ha Trang, Consul of Consulate General of Vietnam in Shanghai, ASEAN China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Association of Belt and Road Malaysia, India China Regional Exchanges and Trade Investment Center and other overseas guests and representatives of business associations attended the meeting online.

Mr. Shi Huifang, Mayor of Shaoxing City, pointed out in his speech that Shaoxing is a traditional foreign trade city that plays an important role in promoting economic and social development. This year marks the first year of RCEP; Shaoxing should take this opportunity of RCEP to become a model city of RCEP. Through this event, we will effectively use the wisdom of experts to analyze the opportunities and challenges faced by Shaoxing in the context of RCEP, further expand economic and trade exchanges, deepen industrial cooperation, and promote the city’s foreign trade to a broader field and deeper level.

Mr. Chen Zongyao, Chairman of CCPIT Zhejiang, said the organization of “online exhibition” is an important measure to help enterprises stabilize foreign trade, expand the market and get orders. The Shaoxing Famous International Trade Cloud Exhibition and the RCEP Forum are essential to help enterprises understand more deeply the international economic and trade rules, avoid business risks, open their minds and broaden their horizons for participating in international economic and trade cooperation and developing international markets, taking RCEP’s entry into force as an opportunity.

Mr. Xia Wendi, Chairman of SINOMACHINT, said that SINOMACHINT, one of the largest central enterprises in China’s exhibition industry with nearly 70 years of experience organizing and running exhibitions abroad, will give full play to its global overseas resources. It will optimize and innovate the online exhibition mode, focus on key countries, advantageous industries and special regions to build country exhibitions, professional exhibitions and special exhibitions, and help enterprises get more orders with online channels.

Mr. Hussain Haider, Consul General of Consulate General of Pakistan in Shanghai, Mr. Deny Wachyudi Kurnia, Consul General of Consulate General of Indonesia in Shanghai, Ms. Tran Ha Trang, Consul of Consulate General of Vietnam in Shanghai are important to guest speakers. They have expressed their willingness to contribute to the stable growth of Shaoxing’s foreign trade exports and to promote the mutual development of economic and trade cooperation under the covid-19 pandemic prevention and control.

2022 Shaoxing Famous Products International Trade Online Exhibition was broadcast through the 12 cloud exhibition catalog video. The series of exhibitions involve equipment manufacturing, textile and clothing, textile new materials, health environment, consumer goods and gifts, pharmaceuticals, medical, integrated circuits and other industries. It focuses on the three traditional industries of textile, chemical and metal processing and develops four new industries of high-end equipment, electronic information, modern medicine and new materials to promote the development of Shaoxing’s advantageous industries.

At the scene, Shaoxing Municipal Commerce Bureau, CCPIT Shaoxing, CCOIC Shaoxing Chamber of Commerce and CMEC International Exhibition Co., Ltd., Association of Belt and Road Malaysia signed strategic cooperation agreements with 10 trade service organizations and overseas trade associations to further enhance cooperation and provide more practical services for enterprises in different countries.

2022 Shaoxing Famous Products Textile Machinery Industry (Pakistan) International Online Exhibition, the first exhibition of the series, was also opened and launched at the same time. During the exhibition, more than 40 famous Shaoxing textile machinery enterprises such as Zhejiang Taitan, Zhejiang RIFA Textile Machinery, Zhejiang Jinggong Technology, etc. will have one-to-one online negotiations with 100 buyers from Pakistan and procure textile machinery, textile machinery auxiliary machines and accessories, textiles, textile raw materials and other textile industry chain products. The online trade fair will also be promoted through a number of domestic and international mainstream media and social media platforms to greatly enhance exhibitors’ exposure and attract quality buyers to participate in the matchmaking negotiations.

Contact:
Ms. Xuejiao Li, CMEC International Exhibition Co.,Ltd.
Email: lixj@cmecexpo.com
Website: www.shaoxingyunzhan.com
Telephone: +8613552313831

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

source https://netdace.com/acn-newswire/2022-shaoxing-famous-products-international-online-exhibition-launch-ceremony-and-ccoic-shaoxing-chamber-of-commerce-rcep-forum-was-successfully-held/

Fanhua Announces Completion of Distribution of CNFinance Shares

GUANGZHOU, China, June 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE via SEAPRWire.com) — Fanhua Inc. (the “Company” or “Fanhua”) (Nasdaq: FANH), a leading independent financial services provider in China, today announced that its previously announced distribution of 252,995,600 ordinary shares of CNFinance Holdings Limited (“CNFinance”) has been completed on June 28, 2022.

As previously announced, Fanhua shareholders received 4.71 CNFinance ordinary shares for each 20 outstanding Fanhua ordinary shares, or 0.2355 CNFinance ADSs for each Fanhua ADS. Following the distribution, Fanhua’s equity stake in CNFinance decreased from approximately 18.5% currently to approximately 0.01%.

About Fanhua Inc.

Fanhua Inc. is a leading independent financial services provider. Through our online platforms and offline sales and service network, we offer a wide variety of financial products and services to individuals, including life and property and casualty insurance products. We also provide insurance claims adjusting services, such as damage assessments, surveys, authentications and loss estimations, as well as value-added services, such as emergency vehicle roadside assistance.

Our online platforms include: (1) Lan Zhanggui, an all-in-one platform which allows our agents to access and purchase a wide variety of insurance products, including life insurance, auto insurance, accident insurance, travel insurance and standard health insurance products from multiple insurance companies on their mobile devices; (2) Baowang (www.baoxian.com), an online entry portal for comparing and purchasing short term health, accident, travel and homeowner insurance products; and (3) eHuzhu (www.ehuzhu.com), a non-profit online mutual aid platform in China.

As of March 31, 2022, our distribution and service network is consisted of 735 sales outlets covering 23 provinces, autonomous regions and centrally-administered municipalities and 109 service outlets covering 31 provinces.

For more information about Fanhua Inc., please visit https://ift.tt/o6zitwJ.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements, including the statements relating to the Company’s future financial and operating results, are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, management’s quotations and the Business Outlook section contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about Fanhua and the industry. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to its ability to attract and retain productive agents, especially entrepreneurial agents, its ability to maintain existing and develop new business relationships with insurance companies, its ability to execute its growth strategy, its ability to adapt to the evolving regulatory environment in the Chinese insurance industry, its ability to compete effectively against its competitors, quarterly variations in its operating results caused by factors beyond its control and macroeconomic conditions in China, future development of COVID-19 outbreak and their potential impact on the sales of insurance products. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and Fanhua undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Fanhua believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by Fanhua is included in Fanhua’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F.

CONTACT: For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Tel: +86 (20) 8388-3191

Email: qiusr@Fanhuaholdings.com

source https://netdace.com/globenewswire/fanhua-announces-completion-of-distribution-of-cnfinance-shares/

Aurora Mobile Brings JPush to Amazon Web Services Marketplace

SHENZHEN, China, June 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE via SEAPRWire.com) — Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: JG) (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced that one of its core products, push notification solution JPush, has recently passed the tests and reviews of Amazon Web Services and officially launched on Amazon Web Services Marketplace (“AWS Marketplace”).

The launch of JPush once again demonstrates the strong recognition that Aurora Mobile commands for its robust products and services among global leaders in the industry. AWS Marketplace users can now directly purchase and experience JPush easily.

As a pioneer in the push messaging market in China, Aurora Mobile has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider thanks to its first-mover advantage. As of March 2022, Aurora Mobile provided software development kits (SDKs) to over 1.824 million apps with 60.4 billion SDK installations that reach a monthly active user base of 1.45 billion unique devices.

JPush has a highly efficient and reliable push messaging system, which ensures stable performance for high-frequency and high-concurrency tasks and can send more than 10 billion messages simultaneously in real-time. In addition, JPush fully supports various operating systems including Android, iOS, HarmonyOS and QuickApp, and is compatible with JPush channels, APNs (Apple Push Notification service), FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging) and the system-level push messaging channels of various mobile brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, VIVO, Meizu and ASUS. JPush has also adopted a flexible messaging strategy by deploying both JPush channels and the push messaging channels of mobile brands, which enables customers to improve their message delivery rate and reach end-users within milliseconds.

To deliver a better messaging experience, JPush provides app operators with various well-designed message templates for 9 major message categories, including rich media messages, in-app notifications, short-form video messages and geofencing messages. These templates can help app operators send different types of messages quickly and easily. In addition, JPush also offers a diverse selection of presentation formats, including notification bars, large-font texts, large images, message drawers, full-screen, in-feed, pop-ups or custom formats. Such a variety of visual experiences can also help app operators grab the attention of their users, and effectively boost user interest and improve message click rates.

JPush also makes user statistics and data analytics easier and faster. App operators that integrate JPush software development kits (SDKs) into their apps can send their messages to Aurora Mobile’s cloud platform which will then distribute them to users and automatically track message delivery rates. This feature can significantly improve operational efficiency by saving manpower, time and costs for app developers and operators.

Aurora Mobile has launched its products and services on many platforms, including Huawei Cloud Marketplace, QingCloud Marketplace, and AWS Marketplace. Going forward, Aurora Mobile will continue to enrich its product matrix, expand its businesses and help more businesses reach and engage a wider customer base.

About Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) is a global pioneer and leader in cloud computing with a 15-year reputation for constant innovation, leading technology, extensive services and broad application. AWS can support virtually any cloud workload. AWS Marketplace is a curated digital catalog that makes it easy for customers to discover, buy, deploy and manage the software from independent software vendors (ISVs) to develop solutions and manage their businesses.

About Aurora Mobile Limited

Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/

For more information, please contact:

Aurora Mobile Limited
E-mail: ir@jiguang.cn

Christensen

In China
Mr. Eric Yuan
Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
E-mail: eyuan@christensenir.com

In US
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
Email: lbergkamp@christensenir.com

source https://netdace.com/globenewswire/aurora-mobile-brings-jpush-to-amazon-web-services-marketplace/

Showa Denko Concludes MOU with SK Inc. to Give Consideration to a Plan to Cooperatively Produce High-Purity Gases for Semiconductors in North America

TOKYO, Jun 29, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - On June 29, 2022, Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) (TOKYO: 4004) and SK Incorporated concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to give consideration to a plan to start cooperative work to produce high-purity gases, which are used in semiconductor production processes, in North America.

While semiconductor markets in various countries continue growing and geopolitical risks are increasing, the US Government has embarked on strengthening domestic semiconductor industry and inviting supply chain of semiconductors into the country. As a result of this movement, large manufacturers of semiconductors are increasing their capital investment in the United States, and the demand for materials for semiconductors in the country is growing. Supply-demand balance of high-purity gases for wiring process (front-end of semiconductor production process) in the US has been tightening. Therefore, many semiconductor manufacturers in the US want to secure stable supply of high-purity gases for semiconductors. On the other hand, SDK's business segment to produce high purity gases for semiconductors has established and continues strengthening high-purity gas supply chain in which the Company producing high-purity gases and filling it into cylinders in its Asian facilities, and transporting those cylinders to the US. Therefore, there are some problems to be solved including increases in transportation costs and potential instability in supply of high-purity gases when there is congestion in global logistics network.

To cope with these problems, SDK and SK Materials, which is an in-house independent company of SK Incorporated and produces high-purity gases for semiconductors, will start to give consideration to a plan to cooperatively produce high-purity gases for semiconductors in North America. In the global market for high-purity gases for semiconductors, SDK has the top share of the etching gas*1 market, and SK Materials has the top share of the cleaning gas*2 market and deposition gas*3 market. Thus, the two leading companies in the high-purity gas industry are now aiming to expand their business in the US cooperatively.

In 2017, SDK and SK Materials established a joint corporation named SK Showa Denko, Co., Ltd. which produces and sells high-purity gases for semiconductors, and, in the Republic of Korea, they cooperatively produce CH3F, which is used mainly as etching gas for silicon nitride film. Now SK Showa Denko is constructing a new plant to produce HBr in the Republic of Korea, and the new plant is expected to be finished in July, 2022.

As a "Co-creative Chemical Company," the Sowa Denko Group has positioned its electronics business including the business to produce and sell high-purity gases for semiconductors as Core-growth Business, and has been focusing on this electronics business, aiming to contribute to sustainable development of the global society. The Showa Denko Group will continue making its electronics business grow by responding rapidly to the growth of semiconductor market and continuing supply of leading-edge products.

*1. Etching gas is used in etching process, which is a process to carve fine grooves and holes on the surface of wafers in order to make up electronic circuits, etc.
*2. Cleaning gas is used to clean up inside of semiconductor chip production equipment.
*3. Deposition gas forms silicon oxide film or silicon nitride film on the surface of wafers.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high bright LEDs, and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Media contact:
Showa Denko K.K., Public Relations Group, Brand Communication Department, Tel: 81-3-5470-3235

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76158/

Argentine President Fernandez meets with Gotion High-tech chairman Li Zhen

HONG KONG, Jun 29, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - On the afternoon of June 24, Argentine Time, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez met with Li Zhen, chairman of Gotion High-tech, and his delegation at the presidential residence in Olivos, he explicitly supported Chinese investment in Argentina, and praised Gotion High-tech's multiple industrial investments will promote the development of Argentina's new energy industry. The two sides also had friendly exchanges on the "Targets of Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutralization" strategy, the new energy vehicle industry, the Sustainable Transportation Act and the joint venture between Gotion High-tech and Corven, a well-known American auto parts manufacturer, to establish electric bus batteries and other topics.

Alberto Fernandez:
The friendship between China and Argentina goes back to ancient times. I attended the Beijing Winter Olympics this year and witnessed the unique Chinese winter Olympics moment. Not long ago, I also participated in the online communication of the BRICS Summit. China's "One Belt, One Road" strategy and "Targets of Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutralization" strategy have encouraged many Chinese enterprises to invest in Argentina, undertake photovoltaic power stations, hydropower DAMS and other new energy projects, and continue to promote them, it also brings opportunities for Argentina's development.

The world is already shifting to renewable energy. Argentina has made incentives for lithium, wind power, photovoltaic and other industries. The Development of Sustainable Transport Act, introduced last year, it aims to promote investment in electric vehicles, promote the electrification of transport and provide legal protection for investors in new energy.

We welcome Chinese investment in Argentina. Gotion High-tech's industrial investment activities in Argentina, cover the development, processing and battery products of lithium resources, which accelerates the development of local lithium resources and it will help the development and progress of Argentina's new energy industry.

Li Zhen:
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Argentina, leaders of the two countries have actively supported complementary advantages and economic cooperation between enterprises, especially the "Belt and Road" initiative. It provides strategic guidance, points out the direction and lays the foundation for inter-enterprise cooperation.

The third energy revolution with solar and wind power as the main body has come. To make full use of it, we must have energy storage technology. Gotion High-tech has been focusing on energy storage for 16 years. We plan to reach 300GWh battery production capacity in the world by 2025, which makes enterprises' demand for lithium resources more vigorous.

Argentina is the third-largest economy in Latin America, with a harmonious social system and orderly development of resources, it provides a good external environment for enterprises to invest in. We have partnered with Jujuy National Energy and Mining Company and we will work with Corven in Buenos Aires to develop downstream applications. In the next 100 years, new energy vehicles will certainly be a new engine for the world economy. Gotion is willing to work with visionary people in Argentina to jointly create a new era in the energy industry.

Daniel Scioli, Argentina's minister of Production and Development, Ariel Schale, The industry minister, and President Fernandez were accompanied by Cecilia Todesca, Minister of International Economic Relations, and Fernanda Avila, Minister of Mines, and communicated with the Gotion High-tech team on the development of the lithium industry.


Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76154/

Asia's Largest Play-2-Earn Crypto Expo to Kick Off in Bangkok August 10 to 13

BANGKOK, June 29, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - Play-2-Earn Hybrid Expo Asia, the world's first event focused specifically on the Play-2-Earn industry for businesses only, is to be held this year in Bangkok, Thailand from August 10 to 13 at W Hotel Bangkok and Metaverse. With up to 250 physical C-suites and more than 500 virtual attendees expected from all around the world, the expo is to bring together the entire ecosystem of the P2E industry from guilds, venture capitalists, game developers, exchanges, launch pads, and key opinion leaders.

With a direct approach to connecting the most experienced individuals and companies and building a strong P2E community, the expo stands out by focusing entirely on a business-to-business approach rather than being consumer-centric.

What to Expect at P2E Hybrid Expo Asia

3-Day programme will present an immersive experience for more than 250 physical and up to 2,000 virtual attendees. More than 50 speakers will participate in panel discussions to share their insights and experiences. Each day will end with an evening of networking at a unique location across Bangkok, including at W Bangkok's very own House of Sathorn featuring welcome drinks on the first night. The second night will be at Bangkok's one of the trendiest rooftop bars at Tichuca Bar and the event will end off with a pool party at Wet Deck at W Bangkok on the last night.

A business matching portal will be provided for all the attendees one month prior to the event to be able to request for meetings with others in attendance to nurture connections and synergies for partnerships. With virtual booths of sponsors in tow, the hybrid component of P2E Expo Expo will ensure virtual attendees from around the world will have access to all the insights being shared.

Play-2-Earn Industry in 2022

Play-2-Earn Hybrid Expo Asia comes at a significant time in the P2E industry, having taken off just a year ago. Despite being in its early stages, a huge number of game projects have raised a significant amount of funding and the concept of Play-to-Earn has evolved into Play-to-Earn and Move-to-Earn. There is a significant shift for traditional game developers to join the Web3 movement, which demonstrates P2E as an industry itself making a real impact and empowering third world countries.

P2E industry being in its early phases of development is more the reason to attend, connect, and share insights with those in the same field to strengthen the community and the industry. The environmental conditions such as the bear market we are facing today further underscores the need for the P2E industry to evolve and find the perfect balance to self-sustain and grow.

Final Winner at Pitch Competition to Win up to $3,000,000!

Impressive lineup of judges from the P2E space will be physically present at the event including venture capitalists and guilds such as DFG/Jsquare, Enjin Starter, Faculty Group, Openspace ventures, SeaX Ventures, and YGG SEA. Every game is able to submit its whitepaper on the website to be shortlisted and invited to pitch. With a total of 8 pitches by game developers, the pitch competition at P2E Hybrid Expo Asia is one of the most coveted parts of the event programme especially with more attention towards the introduction of the new games that are emerging in the market.

Future of Play-2-Earn Hybrid Expo Asia

Play-2-Earn Hybrid Expo Asia stays true to its mission of empowering the P2E ecosystem and is looking to host the expo throughout the year with its subsequent one planned for early 2023 in the exciting destination of Bali, Indonesia. Bali is widely known for playing host to a huge surge of Web 3.0 and blockchain residences from those flying in from around the world and it will be an exciting spot to kickstart 2023 for the P2E community.

Register today for your ticket (limited tickets left!)

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76147/

Gotion High-Tech intends to invest in a production base in Europe with an annual production capacity of 18GWh

HONG KONG, Jun 28, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - On 27 June, Gotion High-Tech held the 5th New Energy Economic Forum and the Opening Ceremony of Gotion Germany at its Gottingen base. It is noted that the Gottingen base, as the first battery production and business operation base of Gotion in Europe, is expected to start the transformation by the end of this year. Chairman Li Zhen said that Gotion perfectly combined China's advanced battery technology with Germany's advanced process engineering, thereby enabling the production of Gotion's battery in Europe . At the ceremony, Gotion High-Tech also released GenDome, its first portable energy storage product for overseas markets and Gendock 3000, its first portable mobile energy storage product at the same time.

Wu Ken, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Germany, Stephan Weil, Premier of lower Saxony, Germany, Liu Hui, Member of the Standing Committee of the Anhui Provincial Party Committee and Executive Vice-Governor of Anhui Province, Petra Broistedt, Mayor of Gottingen, Luo Yunfeng, Mayor of Hefei Municipal People's Government, and Li Zhen, Chairman of Gotion High-Tech, participated in and witnessed the ceremony.

Gottingen base with annual production capacity of 6GWh in the first phase is expected to start transformation by the end of this year

It is noted that the Gottingen base covers a site area of approximately 174,000 sq.m., and has an existing gross floor area of approximately 40,000 sq.m.. According to the plan, the project will be constructed in two phases, namely the brownfield plant and the greenfield plant, with an annual production target of 6GWh and 12GWh, respectively. The first phase of the brownfield plant transformation is expected to be officially launched by the end of 2022, and the first production line with an annual capacity of 3.5GWh will be officially put into operation in September 2023. It is expected that the annual production capacity target of 18GWh will be achieved after the brownfield and greenfield plants of the base are fully put into operation.

Dr. Ahmet Toptas, Head of Gottingen Factory of Gotion Germany, introduced that: the Gottingen base will be product-oriented with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality, as well as will build a local product research and development team in Europe.

Combined with the development and technology orientation of the new energy market in Europe, the base will research and develop new energy battery products that cater to the local European market, and carry out the production of bus batteries, automotive batteries, energy storage batteries, mobile charging and other series of products. In the future, it intends to cover customers in sectors of energy storage, commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. "With the advanced lithium iron phosphate battery cell technology of Gotion High-Tech, together with experienced German employees, strict quality control and high quality requirements of Europe, we intend to cover customers in sectors of energy storage, commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles in the future, so as to meet the demand of the new energy market in Europe and help Gotion High-Tech accelerate the expansion of overseas markets."

The first portable energy storage product for overseas markets will be manufactured locally in Gottingen

After releasing the semi-solid battery and the first smart mobile energy storage charging pile in May, Gotion High-Tech continuously launched more new battery products. At the opening ceremony, the Gottingen base released GenDome, the first portable energy storage product for overseas markets, and Gendock 3000, the first large-capacity portable mobile energy storage product, which can convert solar energy and wind energy into electricity; it not only helps customers manage the use of household energy and meet the daily needs of household and outdoor users, but also meets 99% of customers' power needs, and effectively reduces energy bills. The household energy storage product includes three different models, which are developed and manufactured by the international business team of Gotion High-Tech. In the future, it will mainly target the European market. In the later stage, the product will be manufactured locally at the Gottingen base.

On the day of the opening ceremony, the 5th New Energy Economic Forum jointly organized by Gotion High-Tech, Committee of 100, Technical University of Braunschweig, Gottingen mbH ("GWG"), Die Chinesische Handelskammer in Deutschland ("CHKD") and the School of Automobile of Tongji University was successfully held at the Gottingen base. The forum focused on topics such as China-Europe economic relations, energy revolution, low-carbon transition and new energy market, and attracted senior executives of many famous enterprises in the new energy industry, university professors, scholars and relevant economic and political officers attended the forum.

Li Zhen, Chairman of Gotion High-Tech said: "With Chinese technology and German process engineering, we achieve the production of Gotion's battery in Europe"

Li Chen, President of International Business of Gotion High-Tech, introduced in the closing speech that Gotion High-Tech is a global company that provides energy solutions for suppliers, customers and other partners at home and abroad. "We not only focus on the development and promotion of new energy battery products, but also strive to develop ToC business at the same time."

According to Li Chen, since May 2022, Gotion high-tech has successively released its first self-developed E-Plus smart mobile energy storage charging pile for ordinary consumers and Gendome portable energy storage product for the overseas market. In 2025, Gotion High-Tech's global production capacity is planned to reach 300GWh, of which overseas production capacity is planned to be 100GWh.

Li Zhen, Chairman of Gotion High-Tech, said in his speech that today we have started the application research and development and product manufacturing of Gotion Battery in Germany and Europe. The Gottingen base of Gotion will gradually transform from the production of automotive parts in previous years to the manufacturing of battery application products, which is a difficult but promising process. In this process, we must protect the existing corporate culture, proactively participate in the development of Gottingen, and accelerate the pace of product transformation. "We will combine China's advanced battery technology with Germany's advanced process engineering to create more excellent products and contribute to society, so as to promote the progress and development of the new energy industry."



Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76131/

Leon Fuat Berhad Shareholders Vote to Pass All Resolutions at AGM

SHAH ALAM, Malaysia, Jun 28, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - Leon Fuat Berhad, a manufacturer and trader of steel products, specialising in rolled long and flat steel products, is pleased to announce that shareholders have passed all resolutions at the Group's 15th AGM held today.

Mr. Calvin Ooi Shang How, Executive Director of Leon Fuat

Shareholders passed a resolution approving a final single tier dividend of 2.0 sen per share for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 (FY2021).

Shareholders also voted to re-elect Dato' Sri Ooi Bin Keong, Mr. Tan Did Heng, Mr. Tan Sack Sen and Dato Lim Cheng Poh as directors as well as to retain Mr. Chan Kee Loin as an independent director. Also retained as independent directors were Did Heng and Sack Sen.

Among the other resolutions up for voting, shareholders reappointed Baker Tilly Monteiro Heng PLT as the Group's auditors and authorised the directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors.

Mr. Calvin Ooi Shang How, Executive Director of Leon Fuat said, "We are happy to meet our shareholders again in a physical setting for the 15th AGM after having held the previous AGM virtually. We would like to thank shareholders for their trust and confidence in us as we navigated a challenging FY2021. Our financial performance for the first quarter ended 31 March 2022 was satisfactory despite the decrease in overall gross profit margin."

"We are cautiously optimistic of achieving profitable results for the remaining quarters of FY2022 but would like to point out that the outlook has dimmed considerably with the World Bank having cut global economic growth outlook to 2.9% for this year from the 4.1% growth outlook it had forecast in January 2022. To mitigate risks, the Group will continue to monitor steel prices closely as well as related foreign currencies. We will also take proactive measures such as anticipating price and currency volatility through negotiating forward contracts as well as prudent inventory management."

Leon Fuat Berhad: [BURSA: LEFU] , https://www.leonfuat.com.my/

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76134/

Perseverance Asset Management: long bias and fundamental bottom-up strategy

HONG KONG, Jun 28, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - China's hedge fund market has been building and has seen a 70% increase in total assets over the past two years to over 6 trillion RMB (US$944 billion) at the end of 2021. Equity hedge fund manager Perseverance Asset Management is taking advantage of this surge by funneling international institutional capital into China's securities market.
Perseverance's achievement has been recognised by Asia Asset Management (AAM) in its Best of the Best 2022 award for Best Domestic Private Fund Manager (China). The company's Chief Investment Officer Deng Xiaofeng was awarded the title of CIO of the Year for China.

According to Daisy Liang, head of global business development at Perseverance, global asset owners have been increasingly committed to hedge fund assets invested in China over the past five years, due mainly to the market's robust fundamentals.

"Foreign investors have a firm belief that there are a group of high-quality Chinese companies with innovative, hard-working entrepreneurs," Liang says in an interview with AAM.

Moreover, China's Securities Regulatory Commission has been taking steps to ease restrictions on margin trading and short selling on more stocks in recent years as part of its efforts to propel the domestic capital market.

Also, regulatory loosening has provided overseas investors with more comfort despite China's capital market having been through some "eventful" years, facing issues such as stock market volatility, US-China trade disputes, and the coronavirus pandemic.

Long-bias strategies

Despite the regulatory easing on short selling, Liang observes that overseas institutional investors are still generally more long-oriented in going about investing in Chinese equity assets, seeking to capture both market beta and alpha.

Perseverance primarily offers long-bias and long-only equity hedge fund solutions with a fundamental research-driven bottom-up approach. Liang says the company's solutions align with its core allocation in global asset owners' global equity portfolios, in some cases alternative portfolios.

The asset owners generally take various factors, including the sustainability of investment performance, alpha generation capability, investment philosophy, the portfolio managers' incentive alignment, and research team structure and process into account over the course of selecting hedge fund managers who invest in China.

Investment managers need to tick the boxes both in terms of investment due diligence and operational due diligence to be selected by large global institutional investors, Liang mentioned.

Perseverance's global business has developed rapidly, with some prominent international institutional investors such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds have become its customers, boosted by investors' preference for long-oriented and fundamental equity strategies and highly selective criteria and rigorous due diligence process on managers' investment and operational capabilities.

"Long-only strategies are among the mainstream choices for overseas investors," Liang says. "They prefer to go for fundamental strategic investment styles as the approaches are similar to how they invest in global markets."

Importantly, the company's funds are overseen by a mix of portfolio managers with different investment styles, among them deep value, contrarian, and growth-oriented. Liang notes this multi-manager model meets different demands from different clients.

In terms of strategy preference, generally speaking, sovereign wealth funds and pension funds favour long-only strategies, while family offices and endowment funds generally prefer long-bias investment choices.

On investment trends, Liang says some institutional clients have rebalanced their allocation to top-up investment in China since the market sell-off in July 2021.

The market adjustment prompted them to replenish their position as the value of their China allocation dropped below the targeted level. Overall, investors are committed to the long-term and rarely adjust their core portfolio allocation, she says.

(Source: Asia Asset Management)

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76122/

Panthera Growth to Raise US$250 Million Second Fund to Back Tech Companies

Singapore, Jun 28, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - Panthera Growth Partners (PGP), a Singapore-based tech-focused growth investment firm, today announced the first close of its second Fund, having secured commitments for more than half of the target raise. The fund's target has been set at USD 250 million, and is expected to be reached by end of this fiscal year. The fund will offer up to 100% of fund commitments in co-investment opportunities.

Shilpa Kulkarni, Founder and Managing Partner, Panthera Growth Fund

The Fund's investment objective is to partner with next generation consumption and enterprise services businesses with vast growth potential. The Fund's capital will be invested in companies that have achieved product market fit and are seeking to accelerate market growth. The Fund will deploy approx. USD20 million on average in 10-12 individual portfolio companies across India and Southeast Asia.

Backed by institutional investors from India, EU and USA, Fund II will seek to back entrepreneurs who typically employ market transformational ideas propelled by technology. Fund II has been formed to build upon the investment track record and philosophy of the firm by focusing upon investments in growth stage technology-enabled companies that are, or are poised to become, leaders in their respective markets.

Panthera was founded in 2021 and its Fund I, which raised $84 M from global institutional investors, is largely deployed across sector leading companies such as BigBasket, Pepperfry, Zivame, OfBusiness, etc.

Shilpa Kulkarni, Founder and Managing Partner, Panthera Growth Fund, said, "We are a growth equity investor focused on revenue-generating enterprises that are building scalable businesses having achieved product-market-fit. At Panthera, we believe that operating thought partners are as just as important as capital at this growth stage. With our teams' experience of investing and operating companies in the startup ecosystem since more than two decades, we look to support entrepreneurs and management teams as they embark on an ambitious growth journey."

About Panthera Growth Partners

Panthera Growth Partners is a sector specialist investment firm investing exclusively in cutting edge technology leveraged businesses. We are differentiated by our sector specialization, deep network of operational resources and industry relationships, systematic value creation process, and strong execution capability.

For more information, visit www.pantheragp.com

Media contacts:
Mumbai: Snigdha Nair - Snigdha.nair@adfactorspr.com
Singapore: Namrata Sharma - namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76113/

SDK and Microwave Chemical Start Joint Development of New Microwave-based Chemical Recycling Technology to Directly Transform Used Plastic into Basic Chemical Feedstock

TOKYO, Jun 28, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - Showa Denko (SDK) (Tokyo: 4004) and Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. (Microwave Chemical) have started joint development of a new microwave-based chemical recycling technology to directly transform used plastic into basic chemical feedstock. The two companies are implementing various steps to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and aim to commercialize the new technology soon.

Chart 1: Comparison of microwave and conventional methods

Chart 2: Showa Denko's Chemical Recycling Business

SDK and Microwave Chemical will aim to develop a technology that decomposes used plastic containers and packaging by irradiating microwave, thereby producing basic chemical feedstock such as ethylene and propylene. By the end of this year, the two companies will study conditions for formation of product through microwave heating, search for catalysts to improve the yield of targeted components, and try to optimize conditions and processes for decomposition to establish basic technology.

In the joint technology development, the two companies will use microwave heating, a kind of electric heating used also in a microwave oven. When an object is irradiated, microwave directly affects dielectric material, resulting in internal heating, selective heating and rapid rise in temperature. Compared with other heating methods, microwave heating is special in that it heats only the object. In the planned process, we will use microwave absorber (filler) to give energy in a focused way to used plastic, enabling efficient decomposition of used plastic into basic chemical feedstock. It will also reduce energy consumption for decomposition compared with conventional methods. (Chart 1) Taking advantage of such characteristics of microwave heating, we will aim to transform used plastic directly into basic chemical feedstock with low energy consumption and high efficiency.

SDK has been engaged in chemical recycling operations since 2003 at its Kawasaki Plant, producing clean hydrogen and ammonia through thermal decomposition of used plastic. As a result, SDK has accumulated overall know-how concerning procurement of raw materials, decomposition, and manufacture of final product. (Chart 2) With its high-level technologies and deep expertise in process development, Microwave Chemical has the capability to scale up microwave technologies. In the area of chemical recycling, the company has established "PlaWave(TM)," a platform of microwave-based plastic decomposition technology, thereby dealing with various types of plastic.

SDK and Microwave Chemical will work together to contribute toward achieving resource saving, resource circulation and a carbon-neutral society through this joint development.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high bright LEDs, and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

For further information, contact:
Showa Denko K.K.
Public Relations Group, Brand Communication Department
Phone: 81-3-5470-3235

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.
Public Relations (Okunaka)
Phone: 81-6-6170-7595
Email: pr@mwcc.jp

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76120/

Argentine President Fernandez meet with Gotion High-tech chairman Li Zhen

HONG KONG, Jun 28, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - On the afternoon of June 24, Argentine Time, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez met with Li Zhen, chairman of Gotion High-tech, and his delegation at the presidential residence in Olivos, he explicitly supported Chinese investment in Argentina, and praised Gotion High-tech's multiple industrial investments will promote the development of Argentina's new energy industry. The two sides also had friendly exchanges on the "Targets of Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutralization" strategy, the new energy vehicle industry, the Sustainable Transportation Act and the joint venture between Gotion High-tech and Corven, a well-known American auto parts manufacturer, to establish electric bus batteries and other topics.

Alberto Fernandez:
The friendship between China and Argentina goes back to ancient times. I attended the Beijing Winter Olympics this year and witnessed the unique Chinese winter Olympics moment. Not long ago, I also participated in the online communication of the BRICS Summit. China's "One Belt, One Road" strategy and "Targets of Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutralization" strategy have encouraged many Chinese enterprises to invest in Argentina, undertake photovoltaic power stations, hydropower DAMS and other new energy projects, and continue to promote them, it also brings opportunities for Argentina's development.

The world is already shifting to renewable energy. Argentina has made incentives for lithium, wind power, photovoltaic and other industries. The Development of Sustainable Transport Act, introduced last year, it aims to promote investment in electric vehicles, promote the electrification of transport and provide legal protection for investors in new energy.

We welcome Chinese investment in Argentina. Gotion High-tech's industrial investment activities in Argentina, cover the development, processing and battery products of lithium resources, which accelerates the development of local lithium resources and it will help the development and progress of Argentina's new energy industry.

Li Zhen:
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Argentina, leaders of the two countries have actively supported complementary advantages and economic cooperation between enterprises, especially the "Belt and Road" initiative. It provides strategic guidance, points out the direction and lays the foundation for inter-enterprise cooperation.

The third energy revolution with solar and wind power as the main body has come. To make full use of it, we must have energy storage technology. Gotion High-tech has been focusing on energy storage for 16 years. We plan to reach 300GWh battery production capacity in the world by 2025, which makes enterprises' demand for lithium resources more vigorous.

Argentina is the third-largest economy in Latin America, with a harmonious social system and orderly development of resources, it provides a good external environment for enterprises to invest in. We have partnered with Jujuy National Energy and Mining Company and we will work with Corven in Buenos Aires to develop downstream applications. In the next 100 years, new energy vehicles will certainly be a new engine for the world economy. Gotion is willing to work with visionary people in Argentina to jointly create a new era in the energy industry.

Daniel Scioli, Argentina's minister of Production and Development, Ariel Schale, The industry minister, and President Fernandez were accompanied by Cecilia Todesca, Minister of International Economic Relations, and Fernanda Avila, Minister of Mines, and communicated with the Gotion High-tech team on the development of the lithium industry.


Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76114/

Dah Sing Bank and Friends of the Earth (HK) Jointly Present Property and Construction Industry ESG Forum for SMEs

HONG KONG, Jun 27, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - The first industry forum ("the Forum") under the "SME ESG Best Practices Recognition Programme" ("the Programme") took place today under the joint auspices of Dah Sing Bank, Limited ("Dah Sing Bank") and Friends of the Earth (HK) ("FoE HK"). Held in the theme of "ESG Practices in Property Development Supply Chain - Opportunities and Challenges for SMEs", the Forum featured listed company senior executives and leaders in the property and construction sector to share their insights on the impact environmental, social and governance (ESG) trends have on the outlook and operating models related to their industries.

Dah Sing Bank and Friends of the Earth (HK) Jointly Present: The SME ESG Best Practices Recognition Programme

"ESG Practices in Property Development Supply Chain - Opportunities and Challenges to SMEs" Guest List

Ms. Mei Ng, BBS, Chairperson, Friends of the Earth (HK) delivering speech

Ms. Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director, Group Head of Personal Banking, Dah Sing Bank delivering speech

Ms. Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director, Group Head of Personal Banking, Dah Sing Bank (Right) Ms. Mei Ng, BBS, Chairperson, Friends of the Earth (HK) (Left)

The Forum - Topic 1

The Forum - Topic 2

Addressing the Forum, Mrs Mei Ng, BBS, Chairperson of FoE HK, said, "SMEs are closely intertwined in every aspect of our daily lives. Notwithstanding their contribution to our society, economy and livelihoods, they also impact on our ecological environment, social development and daily production in a big way. FoE HK believes there is a critical and urgent need to help local SMEs transform, upgrade, strengthen and enhance their competitiveness as well as their ESG accountability. ESG can help SMEs come to grips with matters concerning their survival, risks, transformation, potential and opportunities, helping them to achieve profitability without polluting the world, run their business worry-free while winning word of mouth, customers and investors, and a bright future."

ESG implementation may become one of the ways for SMEs to overcome adversity in a down market. The convergence of external economic pressures and the pandemic is presenting unprecedented challenges for SMEs. With the rise of a green economy, corporations are becoming more demanding in their partnership and supply chain governance standards and requirements. For listed companies, ESG implementation is not just to meet regulatory requirements, but also to help enhance the sustainability of their supply chains. As such, SMEs stand to gain from reviewing their existing operating models for alignment with global sustainable development strategies. The integration of an ESG mindset into their business operations and decisions will enable their products, services and brand image to stand out, thereby helping them enhance their competitiveness and resilience.

Through the sharing of insights from industry leaders, the two-part Forum seeks to help SMEs understand the latest ESG trends and the opportunities that may arise through ESG implementation, thereby encourage them to develop sustainable business strategies. Moderated by Ms. Athena Ng, General Manager, Corporate Finance and Corporate Communications of China Overseas Land and Investment & Board Governor and Honorary Treasurer of Friends of the Earth (HK), the first part of the Forum focused on the relevance of ESG to the real estate development supply chain and how to seek win-win with SMEs through collaboration in ESG implementation. The second part of the Forum explored the directions and approaches of ESG implementation; moderated by Ms. Ophelia Lin, Founding President of SME Sustainability Society & Board Governor of Friends of the Earth (HK), the guest speakers suggested ways for SMEs to embark on their ESG journey to enhance the competitiveness of their businesses.

The team of professionals behind the Programme can be described as "ESG doctors" for enterprise development. Consultancies offering such services are a commonplace practice in the market and typically command fees of more than HKD100,000. SMEs taking part in the Programme will have free access to similar support, so that they may be able to identify areas for improvement in their businesses as early as possible and to plan ahead.

Ms. Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director, Group Head of Personal Banking of Dah Sing Bank, said, "SMEs typically lack ESG-related knowledge and resources. Dah Sing Bank is sponsoring FoE HK to launch this Programme so that more SMEs will become aware of the most pressing ESG issues that concern them, and enable them to identify improvement areas through the Programme's free assessment and ESG guidelines. Last year, the Hong Kong Government announced its target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. As buildings are the main source of carbon emissions in the city, it is pertinent to feature the property and construction sector in the first forum under the Programme. This will create awareness of the urgency for the sector's SMEs to transition to a low-carbon operating model, and will bring new ideas and opportunities to inspire them to embark on adopting sustainable business practices."

The Programme is the first of its kind that takes on an industry-specific approach to lobby and recognise ESG best practices adoption by SMEs and to promote sustainable development in industries. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as framework, it evaluates the sustainable development strategies and policies of SMEs and their ability to manage and drive sustainable development performance. SMEs that attain a certain level of improvement within a specific period will be commended for their commitment and contribution. The free-to-join Programme is sponsored by Dah Sing Bank. Additionally, Dah Sing Bank is offering further incentives to all the SMEs participating in the Programme and / or receiving recognition in the form of fee discounts and cash rebates, while recognised participants will also receive an exclusive HKD1,000 cash reward. SMEs in the property and construction industries can enroll in the Programme starting today (27 June) until 31 August 2022. Please refer to the attached fact sheet for details.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Dah Sing Bank. A series of celebratory activities will be launched from June onwards to reach out to the community, SMEs and customers as well as to promote green lifestyles. Through these activities, the Bank hopes to thank and share its joy with the public and its customers, express its advocacy for sustainable lifestyles, and bring vitality to Hong Kong's communities and economy. For details, please visit the Bank's 75th anniversary webpage on http://www.dahsing.com/75Anniv/en.

About Dah Sing Bank
Dah Sing Bank, Limited ("Dah Sing Bank") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dah Sing Banking Group Limited (HKG:2356) which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Founded in Hong Kong 75 years ago, Dah Sing Bank has been providing quality banking products and services to our customers with a vision to be "The Local Bank with a Personal Touch". Over the years, Dah Sing Bank has been rigorous in delivering on our brand promise to grow with our customers in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond - "Together We Progress and Prosper". Building on our experience and solid foundation in the industry, Dah Sing Bank's scope of professional services now spans retail banking, private banking, business and commercial banking. Meanwhile, Dah Sing Bank is also making significant investments in our digital banking capabilities to stay abreast with smart banking developments in Hong Kong and to support financial inclusion at large.

In addition to its Hong Kong banking operations, Dah Sing Bank also has wholly-owned subsidiaries including Dah Sing Bank (China) Limited, Banco Comercial de Macau, S.A., and OK Finance Limited. It is also a strategic shareholder of Bank of Chongqing with a shareholding of about 13%. Dah Sing Bank and its subsidiaries now have around 70 operating locations in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China.

About Friends of the Earth (HK)
Friends of the Earth (HK), as a leading environmental advocate, focuses on protecting our local and regional environment, offers equitable solutions to help create environmentally sustainable public policies, business practices and community lifestyles and engages government, business and community to act responsibly. Friends of the Earth (HK) is dedicated to promote green finance and cultivate ESG talents to transition HK and Asia Pacific region into a carbon neutral economy. Friends of the Earth (HK) closely partners with SME associations in Hong Kong (with coverage >3,000 companies), as well as international associations (e.g., World Benchmarking Alliance), with strong access to ESG & green finance talents professionals in Hong Kong, through our CESGA alumni network.

Friends of the Earth (HK) launched the first Green Finance Roadmap of its kind in the APAC region in 2019. One of our key focus would be on building capacity for industry practitioners and general public towards green finance, and hence our events are centered around "Green Finance Connect Education Series". Examples include Sustainability Leadership Seminars, our Green Finance Symposium on ESG integration. We aim to work with all sectors of the community to build a sustainable society and environment.

Media Enquiries

Dah Sing Bank, Limited
Gigi Lee +852 2507 8629 gigiwclee@dahsing.com

Friends of the Earth (HK)
Tiffany Yip +852 3184 1510 tiffanyyip@foe.org.hk

Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Margaret Lam +852 2114 4956 margaret.lam@sprg.com.hk
Pinky Hui +852 2114 2897 pinky.hui@sprg.com.hk
Cynthia Ng +852 2114 4952 cynthia.ng@sprg.com.hk

Programme website
https://bit.ly/3HJDgPj

Dah Sing Bank offers exclusive Programme Incentives
https://bit.ly/3OncS0l


Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76110/

Novel patching material for bone defects

TSUKUBA, Japan, Jun 27, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - Ceramics and metals have been used for a while as structural materials to repair bones and joints. In the past, scientists engineered bioinert materials, which do not bond to bones directly; bioactive materials that can bond to bones; and bio-absorbable materials that are categorized in bioactive materials but they are absorbed by the body over time and are replaced by advancing bone tissue.

A new bio-responsive ceramic can be used to repair bone defects

With an enzyme found in blood, different types of salts were converted to hydroxyapatite, a bone mineral

Now, a fourth type of bone repairing materials has been found: a bio-responsive ceramic that interacts with an enzyme found in blood to be absorbed into the body at a precise and predictable rate.

The research was done by Taishi Yokoi, an associate professor at the Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, and his colleagues. The study was published in May in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

"Extending healthy life expectancy is an important issue for all of us," Yokoi says. "Bone repairing materials aid in the recovery of bone defects and help improve quality of life."

At the heart of this discovery is a biological reaction: an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is present in human serum and reacts with various phosphate esters to generate bone mineral known as hydroxyapatite.

The scientists mimicked this process using a simulated body fluid that contained the enzyme ALP. They placed four different salts in a simulated body fluid containing or lacking the enzyme ALP. The salts were calcium salts of methyl phosphate (CaMeP), ethyl phosphate (CaEtP), butyl phosphate (CaBuP) and dodecyl phosphate (CaDoP). The phosphate component of each of these salts has an alkyl group at its end - a chain composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms - of differing lengths.

The scientists found that the first three salts were converted to hydroxyapatite, but only in the presence of ALP. Interestingly, the length of the alkyl group on the phosphate ester determined the rate at which this reaction happens. With more research, the scientists think that this could allow greater control of the bone healing process in the body.

"We expect the findings of this study will be applied towards designing and developing novel bone-repairing materials with precisely controlled degradation and resorption rates inside the body," says Yokoi.

Further information
Taishi Yokoi
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Email: yokoi.taishi.bcr@tmd.ac.jp

Research paper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14686996.2022.2074801

About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM)

Open access journal STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM

Mikiko Tanifuji
STAM Publishing Director
Email: TANIFUJI.Mikiko@nims.go.jp

Press release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

source https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/76105/

EC Healthcare Received "Institutional Investor" 2022 Multiple Awards in All-Asia Executive Team Rankings

HONG KONG, Jun 27, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - 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*, is pleased to announce the excellent result in the "All-Asia Executive Team Rankings 2022" under the category of Healthcare & Pharmaceutical organized by Institutional Investor, an international magazine.

The Group is delighted recognize as The Most Honoured Company (Healthcare & Pharmaceutical) in the division - Asia (excluding mainland China), which represents recognition of the Group's impressive performance by the investors and the market.

Recognized as an authoritative ranking by industries, "All-Asia Executive Team Rankings" celebrates the outstanding companies and management teams in Asia. Buy-side and sell-side analysts rated the listed companies within the scope of their research according to several criteria used in evaluating performance in corporate governance.

Category / Award
Core Asia Results / Best IR Team

Asia ex-Mainland China:
The Most Honoured Company
Best CEO - Mr. Eddy Tang
Best CFO - Mr. Levin Lee
Best Investor Relations Program
Best ESG
Best Investor Relations Professional - Mr. Christopher Wong / Ms. Hermione He

Asia Small and Midcap:
Best CEO - Mr. Eddy Tang
Best CFO - Mr. Levin Lee
Best Investor Relations Program
Best ESG
Best Investor Relations Professional - Mr. Christopher Wong

Mr. Eddy Tang, Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of EC Healthcare said, "The Group is honoured and grateful to receive these awards. We will continue to spare tremendous effort with the aim of further consolidating the leading position in the healthcare market and maximizing our shareholder value. The Group wishes to excel together with our much-valued stakeholders and stay proactive in continuously refining our strategies for the overall welfare of our company and the greater community."

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, a 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



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