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Arctic Wolf and BlackBerry Announce Acquisition Agreement for Cylance

WATERLOO, ON and EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, Dec 16, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Arctic Wolf® and BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB), two global leaders in security software and services, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for Arctic Wolf to acquire BlackBerry's Cylance® endpoint security assets. Cylance is the pioneer of AI-based endpoint protection trusted by thousands of organizations around the world. With this acquisition, Arctic Wolf ushers in a new era of simplicity, flexibility, and outcomes to the endpoint security market, delivering the security operations results customers have been asking for.Under the terms of the agreement, BlackBerry will sell its Cylance assets to Arctic Wolf for $160 million of cash, subject to certain adjustments, and approximately 5.5 million common shares of Arctic Wolf. After allowing for the purchase price adjustments, BlackBerry will receive approximately $80 million of cash at closing and approximately $40 million of cash one year following the closing.The proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in BlackBerry's fourth fiscal quarter.Arctic Wolf is a leader in AI-powered security operations, delivering its solutions from a single open platform to meet customers' needs for effective, comprehensive, and reliable security outcomes. With the addition of Cylance's trailblazing suite of endpoint security capabilities and enhanced AI functionality, Arctic Wolf will bolster its position as a market-leading platform provider, offering coverage from the endpoint to the edge.As many organizations are looking to consolidate an increasing number of disparate security tools, there is a rapidly growing demand for end-to-end platforms."Security has an operations and effectiveness problem and endpoint solutions alone have failed to live up to the outcomes they have promised for years," said Nick Schneider, president and chief executive officer, Arctic Wolf. "By incorporating Cylance's endpoint security capabilities into our open-XDR Aurora platform, we will be addressing a rampant need for a truly unified, effective security operations that delivers better outcomes for customers. We believe we will be able to rapidly eliminate alert fatigue, reduce total risk exposure, and help customers unlock further value with our warranty and insurability programs.""I am incredibly excited to partner with Arctic Wolf through this agreement," said John Giamatteo, chief executive officer of BlackBerry. "We see this transaction as a win-win for our shareholders and all other stakeholders. Our customers will realize the benefits of continuity of service and the expertise that a global cybersecurity leader like Arctic Wolf provides. Arctic Wolf benefits by adding Cylance's endpoint security solutions to its native platform. Finally, as Arctic Wolf leverages its scale to build upon and grow the Cylance business, BlackBerry will benefit as a reseller of the portfolio to our large government customers and as a shareholder of the company."There will be no impact to BlackBerry's Secure Communications portfolio of businesses, which include BlackBerry® UEM, BlackBerry® AtHoc® and BlackBerry® SecuSUITE®. The Secure Communications business will remain an integral part of the BlackBerry portfolio.Redefining the Modern Security Platform for Customers and PartnersWith the addition of a native endpoint security solution to its portfolio, Arctic Wolf is building one of the largest open XDR security platforms in the industry, enabling customers and partners to have the option to leverage more than 15 supported endpoint solutions. Arctic Wolf is currently the only security operations leader offering this type of optionality, which combined with its comprehensive approach to minimizing risk through security operations, makes it uniquely positioned to drive value for customers of all sizes and security maturity.Cylance has a long history of recognition as a market leader, known for stopping 98% of attacks before they begin and trusted by many of the world's leading organizations for its AI-driven prevention and detection. Recently, Cylance was named 2024 Customers' Choice for endpoint protection platforms (EPP) by Gartner® Peer Insights™ for the second consecutive year. By integrating Cylance into its portfolio, Arctic Wolf will provide a world-class endpoint protection solution that rivals the best in the industry, complementing its endpoint offering with one of the largest commercial SOCs in the world that delivers unified security operations and comprehensive attack surface coverage."Organizations are looking to unify tools and operations via a single platform that can effectively analyze and respond to security threats, drive consistent security outcomes, and demonstrably minimize risk," said Dan Schiappa, chief product and services officer, Arctic Wolf. "In the past, this has been a near-impossible, costly goal for resource-constrained leaders. By adding endpoint security to our platform, we will be delivering the security outcomes organizations want in one, frictionless operational platform to go toe-to-toe with today's advanced threats, while maintaining our commitment to customers and partners leveraging other endpoint solutions."Perella Weinberg Partners LP served as exclusive financial adviser to BlackBerry and Morrison Foerster LLP served as legal adviser to BlackBerry. Cooley LLP served as legal adviser to Arctic Wolf.Join BlackBerry's CEO and CFO today, Monday, December 16, at 5:30 p.m.ETfor more information on today's announcement. The call, which will be live streamed to the general public, can be accessed using the following link (here), through the Company's investor webpage (BlackBerry.com/Investors), or by dialing toll free +1 (844) 763-8275 and entering Elite Entry Number 51772. A replay will be available at approximately 8:30 p.m. ET today, using the same webcast link (here) or by dialing toll free +1 (877) 481-4010 and entering Replay Access Code 51772.Read more about Arctic Wolf's intent to acquire Cylance in a blog post from Arctic Wolf's Chief Product and Services Officer, Dan Schiappa.Additional Resources:Join the conversation with Arctic Wolf on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTubeVisit arcticwolf.com to learn more about our security operations solutionsIf you're ready to get started, request a demo, get a quote, or conduct a Security Operations Maturity AssessmentWant to join Arctic Wolf's Partner Program? Apply todayAbout BlackBerryBlackBerry (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company's software powers over 255M vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint management, endpoint security, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust. For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design, are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.About Arctic Wolf:Arctic Wolf® is a global leader in security operations, enabling customers to manage their cyber risk in the face of modern cyber-attacks via a premier cloud-native security operations platform. The Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform ingests and analyzes more than 7 trillion security events a week to help enable cyber defense at an unprecedented capacity and scale, empowering customers of virtually any size across a wide range of industries to feel confident in their security posture, readiness, and long-term resilience. By delivering automated threat protection, response, and remediation capabilities, Arctic Wolf delivers world-class security operations with the push of a button so customers can defend their greatest assets at the speed of data. For more information about Arctic Wolf, visit arcticwolf.com or follow us at @AWNetworks, on LinkedIn or Facebook.© 2024 Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Arctic Wolf, Aurora, Alpha AI, Arctic Wolf Security Operations Cloud, Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response, Arctic Wolf Managed Risk, Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness, Arctic Wolf Incident Response, and Arctic Wolf Concierge Security Team are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc. or Arctic Wolf Networks Canada, Inc. and any subsidiaries in Canada, the United States, and/or other countries.BlackBerry Investor Contact:BlackBerry Investor Relations+1 (519) 888-7465investorrelations@blackberry.comBlackBerry Media Contacts:BlackBerry Media Relations+1 (519) 597-7273mediarelations@BlackBerry.comArctic Wolf Press Contact:Ilina Cashiolailina.cashiola@arcticwolf.com202-340-0517This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, including under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the proposed transaction between BlackBerry and Arctic Wolf, the amounts and types of consideration BlackBerry will receive in connection therewith, the anticipated timing and results of the proposed transaction, the potential benefits of the proposed transaction for BlackBerry's customers and shareholders, the expectations and beliefs of BlackBerry, and other statements that are not historical facts.The words "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "could", "intend", "believe", "target", "plan" and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on BlackBerry's current plans, objectives, estimates, assumptions, expectations and intentions and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond BlackBerry's control. Many factors could cause actual achievements with respect to the transaction and the timing of events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainty associated with Arctic Wolf's and BlackBerry's ability to complete the proposed transaction on the proposed terms or on the anticipated timeline, or at all; risks and uncertainties related to the satisfaction of conditions to consummate the proposed transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the purchase agreement relating to the proposed transaction; effects relating to the announcement of the proposed transaction or any further announcements or the consummation of the proposed transaction on the market price of BlackBerry's common shares; failure to realize the expected benefits of the proposed transaction, including risks associated with the payment of consideration post-closing and the availability of funds therefor and risks related to the value of Arctic Wolf's common shares; risks related to future opportunities and plans for BlackBerry's business, including its Secure Communications portfolio, and results of BlackBerry following completion of the proposed transaction; the risk of litigation in connection with the proposed transaction, including resulting expense or delay; significant transaction costs and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities; risks related to diverting the attention of BlackBerry management from ongoing business operations; risks related to the proposed transaction disrupting BlackBerry's operations and making it more difficult to conduct business as usual or for BlackBerry to maintain relationships with customers, resellers, channel partners or other third parties; adverse economic, geopolitical and environmental conditions; and other risks and uncertainties affecting BlackBerry, including those described from time to time under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in BlackBerry's SEC filings and reports, including those discussed in BlackBerry's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" section of BlackBerry's MD&A (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). All of these factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on BlackBerry's forward-looking statements. Moreover, other risks and uncertainties of which BlackBerry is not currently aware may also affect its forward-looking statements and may cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those anticipated.The forward-looking statements made in this news release are made only as of the date hereof or as of the dates indicated in the forward-looking statements and reflect the views stated therein with respect to future events as at such dates. BlackBerry has no intention and undertakes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.SOURCE: BlackBerry Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Hola Prime Strengthens Leadership by Appointing Himanshu Chandel as Marketing Director

HONG KONG, Dec 14, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hola Prime, the world's most transparent prop trading firm, has announced the appointment of Himanshu Chandel as its new Marketing Director. This marks a significant step in the company's continued growth and its commitment to funding traders with transparency, giving them a fair chance to succeed.Mr. Chandel brings an exceptional background in digital marketing, strategic brand development, and performance-driven campaigns. He has held prominent roles at leading organizations, including ITC Limited, one of India's largest and most diversified conglomerates. At ITC, a $70 billion enterprise spanning FMCG, Hotels, Paperboards and Specialty Papers, Packaging, Agri-Business, and Information Technology, Mr. Chandel managed performance marketing for over five major brands. The Personal Care division, with a revenue base of $300 million, served as a dynamic environment where innovative marketing strategies played a crucial role in driving growth and strengthening brand presence."Besides ITC, Mr. Chandel has excelled in consumer-tech startups, particularly in the gaming sector. He holds a Master's degree in Technology specializing in Machine Learning and brings a strong foundation in innovation, backed by a year of R&D experience in Neuro-Marketing Analytics at the prestigious CSIR Lab. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, one of India's top-ranked institutes, Mr. Chandel embodies a unique blend of academic excellence and practical expertise.His strategic mindset and comprehensive knowledge of emerging marketing trends will allow him to amplify Hola Prime's efforts to enhance its offerings, focusing on key elements like price transparency reports, 1-hour payouts, and no hidden rules, all of which define the company's core value."I'm thrilled to join Hola Prime at such an exciting time," said Himanshu Chandel. "The firm's commitment to transparency and empowering traders aligns with my own values, and I look forward to helping Hola Prime expand its global reach and strengthen its position as a leader in prop trading."As the new Marketing Director, Chandel will oversee all aspects of marketing strategy, communications, and community engagement, ensuring that Hola Prime continues to resonate with its growing base of traders and partners."In an industry marked by constant ups and downs, with firms closing one day and others emerging the next, trust has become a rare commodity for traders. Mr. Himanshu emphasized that at Hola Prime, we are committed to rebuilding that trust. We aim to redefine the industry by staying true to our values. In our marketing, we will avoid false promises and gimmicks. Instead, we will focus on transparency, delivering exactly what we say and providing real value to our traders."With this appointment, Hola Prime is set to enhance its innovative offerings further and continue building trust and transparency within the trading industry, as it sets its sights on future growth.About Hola PrimeHola Prime is a global proprietary trading firm with a presence in the UK, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Dubai, and India, renowned for its commitment to transparency. Serving prop traders across 175+ countries with access to over 50 trading instruments, Hola Prime provides a reliable and efficient trading environment. With a presence in key locations worldwide and a selection of multiple trading platforms, the firm is bringing a breath of freshness to the prop trading industry.Social Mediahttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565158992654&sk=about_contact_and_basic_info https://www.instagram.com/holaprime_global/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtVEJa1Ml132Be7tnk-DjeQhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hola-prime/?viewAsMember=truehttps://x.com/HolaPrimeGlobalhttps://discord.gg/TJ7TcHPXBfhttps://www.quora.com/profile/HolaPrime/https://www.reddit.com/user/HolaPrime/https://medium.com/@social_46267Media contactBrand: Hola PrimeContact: Media teamWebsite: https://holaprime.com/ Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

‘Think Business, Think Hong Kong’ is coming to Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is set to conduct its mega promotion campaign, Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK), in Jakarta on 8 January.The full-day symposium, set to take place at Shangri-La Jakarta, will bring together business leaders from Hong Kong and Indonesia. More than 20 government representatives and business leaders will speak about the latest developments and opportunities in Asia and across diverse sectors, including finance, smart city, sustainability, transportation, innovation and technology (I&T) and more. Over 1,000 participants, including Indonesian government officials and business leaders from large corporations and SMEs, are expected.TBTHK aims to showcase Hong Kong, a resilient business and investment hub, as an ideal springboard for Indonesian businesses to access new opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), as well as the wider China and Asia markets. Ronald Ho, HKTDC’s Regional Director of Southeast Asia and South Asia, said at a press conference in Jakarta, “Hong Kong's strategic location as an international financial, fundraising and investment hub and as the gateway between Mainland China and the rest of the world presents immense opportunities for Indonesian businesses seeking to expand in the GBA and Mainland China. We look forward to connecting businesses with opportunities at TBTHK in Jakarta on 8 January.” He continued, “the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive led a delegation organised by the HKTDC last year to ASEAN, including Indonesia, which resulted in the signing of 15 MoUs. The TBTHK promotion will build on that previous success to further promote business cooperation between Indonesia and Hong Kong.”Event HighlightIn addition to the symposium, some 20 Hong Kong service providers and start-ups will feature their flagship products and solutions in the exhibition’s Business Support Zone and InnoVenture Salon to create opportunities for collaboration with Indonesian participants.A delegation of some 100 senior executives, innovators, start-ups and professional service providers from various service sectors – including I&T, infrastructure and transportation – will explore business opportunities in Indonesia through company visits, networking events and business matching meetings.A high-level gala dinner, during which Hong Kong and Indonesia business leaders will have the opportunity to further engage in dialogue and network, concludes the day’s events.Indonesia-Hong Kong strong tiesAs the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is an important partner for Hong Kong. Economically, Hong Kong and Indonesia have seen their trade and investment ties deepen over the past decades. In 2023, Indonesia was Hong Kong’s 6th largest trading partner among ASEAN member states.Regarding bilateral investment, at the end of 2023, Hong Kong was Indonesia’s 6th largest investor, after Singapore, Japan, the US, the Netherlands and Mainland China, with a total FDI stock of US$17,253 million. In the same year, Hong Kong was Indonesia’s 2nd largest source of FDI, after Singapore, with a FDI flow of US$3,769 million.Presenting Hong Kong as an Ideal Business PartnerHong Kong has consistently ranked high on economic freedom and competitiveness. Its institutional strengths, including its free trade and investment regimes, a simple and low tax system and free flow of capital and goods offer a favourable business and investment environment.As a major business and trading hub in Asia, the city boasts excellent connectivity to the rest of Asia, with half of the world’s population within a five-hour flight. The new three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport will significantly enhance passenger and cargo capacity, further solidifying its status as an international aviation hub. With Mainland China at its doorstep, Hong Kong serves as a gateway to this vast market, acting as a super connector between China and the world. Home to numerous international logistics firms and experienced supply chain service providers, Hong Kong can address the needs of ASEAN businesses.ASEAN countries can leverage Hong Kong's status as a premier international finance and business centre to raise funds and attract investment for developing smart cities, advancing the manufacturing sector and enhancing sustainability initiatives. As the largest offshore RMB market, the city provides robust infrastructure for efficient clearing and settlement of cross-border transactions. Its supportive regulatory environment fosters innovation and collaboration among ASEAN nations, promoting economic integration and offering diverse options for trade settlement. Through strategic partnerships with central banks, Hong Kong is ideally positioned to facilitate the growth of local currency usage, strengthening trade and investment across the region.With its strategic location as a finance, fundraising, and investment hub, combined with its role as superconnector, Hong Kong presents immense opportunities for Indonesian businesses seeking to expand into the GBA, Mainland China, Belt and Road countries and the wider Asia market.For more information, visit:https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2025-jakarta/symposium/en/index.htmlPhoto download: https://bit.ly/4iyAChiA press conference was held in Jakarta today, during which Ronald Ho, HKTDC’s Regional Director of South East Asia and South Asia, announced details of the Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) mega promotion, taking place in Jakarta on 8 January.(from left) Ronald Ho, Regional Director, South East Asia and South Asia, HKTDC; Suwito, Chairman, Hong Kong and Macau Bilateral Committee, Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia); Didit A. Ratam, Vice Chair, International Relations Division, Indonesia Employers Association (APINDO); Ira Sofwan, Deputy Chairman, DPP Indonesia Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI); and Muhammad Aaron Annar Sampetoding, Chairman of International Relations, Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), attended the Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) press conference at the Shangri-La Jakarta today.Media enquiriesAdvo Public RelationsFriska Rani      Tel: 081298980400            mail: friska@advo-indonesia.comHKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:Snowy Chan       Tel.: (852) 2584 4525        Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe 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. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

SHENZHEN DOBOT CORP LTD Announces Proposed Listing on Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

Investment Highlights- Player at the Frontline of the Booming Cobot Industry- Robust Research and Development Capabilities Guided by a Long-termist Mindset- Proprietary Full-stack Technologies Covering All the Key Aspects in the Cobot Development Cycle- Comprehensive Product Matrix Catering to a Wide Array of Use Cases- Successful Commercialization Underscored by Global Footprint and Clientele- Visionary and Experienced Management TeamHONG KONG, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - SHENZHEN DOBOT CORP LTD (“DOBOT” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, collectively referred as the “Group”) has recently announced the details of the proposed listing of its shares on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“HKEx”) (the “Share Offer”).DOBOT plans to offer a total of 40,000,000 shares, subject to over-allotment option, comprising 2,000,000 Public Offer Shares and 38,000,000 Placing Shares, at an Offer Price range between HK$18.80 and HK$20.80 per Offer Share. The Public Offer opened at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 13 and close at 12:00 noon on Wednesday,December 18. The allotment results will be announced on Friday, December 20. Dealings in H shares on HKEx are expected to commence on Monday, December 23, under the stock code 2432.HK.Guotai Junan Capital Limited and ABCI Capital Limited are the Joint Sponsors. Joint Bookrunners are Guotai Junan Securities (Hong Kong) Limited, ABCI Capital Limited, China PA Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited,Shenwan Hongyuan Securities (H.K.) Limited and TradeGo Markets Limited.Company OverviewDOBOT is one of leading companies that specializes in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of collaborative robots, or commonly known as“cobots.” DOBOT is a top 2 player in the global cobot industry and the No.1 player among all Chinese cobot companies, with a global market share of 13.0% as measured by shipment volume in 2023, according to the CIC Report. The global cobot industry is at a nascent stage of development, whose market size accounted for less than 2% of the global robot industry in terms of revenue in 2023. According to the same source, the Group ranked seventh in the global cobot industry with a global market share of 3.6% in terms of global revenue generated from cobots in 2023.The Group is focusing on industry innovation, particularly in cobot safety measures and AI capabilities, by introducing the flexible e-skin technology, SafeSkin, and launching AI-empowered cobots underpinned by its AI cobot empowering platform, X-Trainer. As of 6 December 2024, the Group offered a total of 27 cobot models in four series, catering to numerous use cases in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, STEAM education, scientific research settings and many more. During the Track Record Period, the Group sold a total of over 53,000 cobots globally.Business Model and Market OutlookCobots are robots with operational robotic arms intended for direct human-robot interaction or collaboration within a shared space or where humans and robots are operating in proximity. DOBOT is primarily engaged in the design,development, manufacturing and commercialization of cobots. Its cobot products are adopted by global customers for various use cases in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, STEAM education, scientific research settings and many more. All of the cobot products are designated Specialist Technology Products. The Group adopted a transaction[1] based model for the sales of the cobot products.The global cobot market size has grown significantly from US$466.6 million in 2019 to US$1,039.5 million in 2023,at a CAGR of 22.2%, and is expected to reach US$4,950.0 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 36.6% from 2023 to 2028.In particular, China is playing an increasingly important role in the global cobot market, with its share in the global cobot market projected to increase from 26.3% in 2023 to 37.2% in 2028, at a CAGR of 46.5% from 2023 to 2028.The proliferation of AI technologies is expected to further accelerate the adoption of cobots in more use cases. The Group believes DOBOT is well positioned to capture the substantial market opportunity.Financial HighlightsThe total revenue of the Group was approximately RMB174.3 million, RMB241.0 million, RMB286.7 million for FY2021, FY2022, FY2023, respectively, at a CAGR of 28.3% and increased by 9.6% from RMB109.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2023 to RMB120.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024. The Group’s export volume of cobots has consistently ranked first in China for six consecutive years, according to the CIC Report.The Group recorded gross profit of RMB88.1 million, RMB98.2 million, RMB124.8 million, and RMB52.8 million in 2021, 2022, 2023 and the six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. The gross profit margin in 2021, 2022 and 2023 was 50.5%, 40.8%, 43.5% and 43.9%, significantly above the industry average. The outstanding margin profile is largely attributable to the global distribution network and an international clientele. In 2021, 2022, 2023 and the six months ended June 30, 2024, overseas markets contributed 48.1%, 58.1%, 59.1% and 61.4% of the total revenue, respectively. The cost advantages also stem from the proprietary development of key components and in-house design and development of key components as well as economies of scale as demands for the products continue to grow, coupled with the ongoing ramp-up of the production base in Rizhao, Shandong. Being a major port city, Rizhao’s proximity to the port significantly reduces transportation costs, facilitating efficient global export of the products. The favorable margin profile not only improves the financial performance but also affords us more flexibility in marketing strategy tailored to an increasingly competitive landscape.In 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Group had losses for the year of RMB41.8 million, RMB52.5 million and RMB103.3 million, respectively, and in the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024, the Group had losses for the period of RMB51.7 million and RMB59.9 million, respectively. This mainly attributes to the fact that the Group is in the stage of expanding the Group’s business and operations in the rapidly growing cobot market and are continuously investing in research and development.Competitive StrengthsAs one of the leading companies in the cobot industry, the Group believes that its success is attributable to the following competitive strengths: Firstly, DOBOT is one of the leading players at the frontline of the booming cobot industry, which has been recognized by world-renowned customers for its outstanding technical capabilities and product strength, and has led to a number of advance technological innovations, especially in cobot safety measures and AI capabilities. At the same time, the Group adheres to the long-termist mindset and guides its product R&D, and the Group's research and development initiatives are geared towards sustainable growth and enduring impact. Leveraging its interdisciplinary research and development capabilities, the Group has become one of few in the global cobot industry, according to the CIC Report, that have developed proprietary full-stack technologies that cover all the key aspects in the cobot development cycle. In addition, the Group has a comprehensive product matrix catering to a wide array of use cases; More importantly, under the leadership of its experienced management team, the Group continues to expand its market share through the successful commercialization of its global business and customers.Growth StrategiesIn future, the Group pursues the following strategies to further grow the business: (1) continue to advance technology development, including further investing in the research and development of proprietary key components of cobots, investing in the research and development of AI technologies, further improving its motion control algorithms, and building a full-perception technology architecture to expand the perception and interaction capabilities of our cobots and continue to enhance the safety measures in human-robot collaboration to meet the requirements in various use cases; (2) continue to expand the Group’s product offering and ecosystem to maintain its competitive edge in comprehensive product offerings by further upgrading existing products and launching new products; (3) enhance production capabilities and capacity to streamline supply chain management by introducing advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment to the production lines; (4) further fortify the Group’s sales network to expand global reach. The Group plans to establish three overseas subsidiaries in Thailand, Mexico and United Arab Emirates to seize the business opportunities; and (5) selectively pursue strategic collaboration, investment and acquisition opportunities to integrate industry resources that may help the Group acquires new technologies, expand sales channels and tap into new industries where most of potential customers have their designated cobot integrators or suppliers.Mr. Liu Peichao, Founder, Controlling Shareholder, Chairman of the Group’s Board, executive Director and general manager of DOBOT concluded, “We are pleased to witness this significant milestone in the Group’s history.Through the Group’s listing on the Main Board of HKEx, we will tap into the international capital markets. This will not only broaden the Group’s capital and shareholder base, but will also provide us with capital to fund the Group’s expansion plan, which will finally strengthen the Group’s position in the industry and further enhance the Group’s competitive advantages, thereby driving the Group’s long-term development.”"Looking ahead, we are committed to further developing and consolidating the Group’s position in the collaborative robotics industry. The growth rate of the global collaborative robot industry will far exceed the growth rate of the traditional industrial robot industry. It is expected that the popularization of AI technology will further accelerate the adoption of cobots in more use cases. With considerable growth and the Group’s own full-stack technology, we look forward to capturing the global cobot market opportunity to maintain our leading position in the industry and create greater value for the shareholders."For further enquiries, please contact Bright Communications International Limited:Ms. Kung Mobile: (852) 46371627Email: ir@brightcommns.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Fosun Bolsters Core Business with Two Key Asset Privatizations

HONG KONG, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On the evening of 10 December, Fosun Tourism Group (FTG) announced on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange its plan to repurchase shares at a price of HK$7.8 per share. This price represents a 111% premium over the closing price of the day before the last trading day. This privatization will raise FTG’s market value to HK$10.5 billion, and the announcement swiftly captured widespread attention.The market generally perceives this move as part of Fosun’s strategy to focus on its core businesses and consolidate resources to support its core industries with established advantages. In June, Fosun Pharma announced its plan to privatize its biopharmaceutical subsidiary, Shanghai Henlius, through a merger.Within a year, with two key subsidiaries announced for privatization, what strategy is Fosun pursuing? Analysts suggest that “These two subsidiaries are high-quality assets of Fosun, and their privatization reflects Fosun’s commitment to strengthening its focus on core businesses with established advantages. This move also indicates that Fosun has ample cash flow, enabling it to pursue sustainable growth and make flexible adjustments.”Recently, Fosun has been active in its core sectors, such as tourism and pharmaceuticals. The company recently co-organized a biopharmaceutical innovation forum and signed agreements with several high-profile institutions. It also shipped its independently-developed drug, HANQUYOU, to the U.S. and expanded Club Med into the Greater Bay Area. These actions demonstrate Fosun’s intention to focus on its core businesses, building momentum for high-quality growth.Focusing on asset-light operations to create long-term value through a “retreat to advance” strategy in the tourism sectorSince the trading halt of FTG on 27 November, speculation about its privatization has circulated widely in the market. The announcement on 10 December confirmed FTG’s privatization, with investors noting that the privatization is a win-win choice.According to public information, FTG has been a core subsidiary within Fosun’s Happiness business segment since its establishment. In the first half of 2024, it reported a business volume of RMB10.65 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA of RMB2.09 billion and a profit attributable to equity holders of the company of RMB320 million, reflecting a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023, excluding the one-off gain on disposal of resorts.In recent years, FTG has faced challenges due to global macroeconomic environment, trends in the tourism industry, and the overall performance of the Hong Kong stock market. Since its listing, the company’s share price has not reflected its true value, and trading volumes have been low, limiting its financing capacity. The advantages of being a listed company have not been fully realized, while maintaining its listing status has incurred additional costs. Completing the privatization will not only resolve liquidity issues but also enhance strategic flexibility and focus on long-term sustainable development.As a flagship brand of FTG, Club Med has recently achieved a new breakthrough. On 29 November, Shenzhen, CITIC, and Fosun signed a cooperation framework agreement to launch Club Med at Jinsha Bay in Dapeng New District, a key area for tourism development in Shenzhen. This collaboration is viewed in the tourism industry as a powerful alliance, combining high-quality resources.Club Med Joyview, the product line set to debut in Jinsha Bay, is designed specifically for the Chinese market, focusing on urban short-distance vacations. It has already seen success in locations such as Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang and Heilongtan in Sichuan. Dapeng New District holds high hopes for the project, believing that the establishment of a Club Med resort in Jinsha Bay will “fill a gap in high-end family resorts in Shenzhen and enhance the international profile and tourism appeal of both Shenzhen and Dapeng New District.”Analysts noted that Fosun is increasingly strengthening its asset-light strategy in the tourism sector. By leveraging strong intellectual properties and operational capabilities, Fosun has been accelerating partnerships with local governments and state-owned enterprises to seize promising projects. In addition to launching Club Med in Jinsha Bay, the recent signing of the second phase of the Taicang Alps Resort and the launch of the ULTRAMED Hainan are also prime examples of this asset-light approach.“At first glance, Fosun’s move towards privatization may seem like a ‘retreat’. However, the clear strategic direction and the steady advancement of asset-light projects indicate that the company is actually ‘retreating to advance’. In an uncertain market cycle, this approach maximizes strategic flexibility, allowing a focus on long-term goals and sustainable development.”Strengthening the pharmaceutical sector and embracing integrated innovation with a global perspectiveIn addition to the tourism sector, pharmaceuticals continue to be a key pillar of Fosun’s business profile, with the company making significant strides in this area recently.On 2-3 December, Fosun co-organized the first “Greater Bay Area (GBA) Star” Biopharmaceutical Original Innovation Forum in Shenzhen. Just two weeks prior, it co-organized another forum themed on “Original Innovation” in Shanghai.By co-organizing two high-profile industry forums within a month, Fosun has demonstrated its leadership and influence in the biopharmaceutical field. Fosun also signed strategic cooperation agreements with Fudan University, Shanghai University, the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Ruijin Hospital, among others, to jointly promote original innovation.Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, said at the forum, “Good innovation must start from demand. In the biopharmaceutical sector, this means putting ‘patients first’. Additionally, innovation should maintain a ‘global perspective’, always embracing an open mindset and adhering to a win-win cooperation.”While driving innovation in the industry, Fosun has also made important breakthroughs in broaden its global market reach. On 29 November, the first batch of HANQUYOU, a trastuzumab biosimilar independently developed and manufactured by Shanghai Henlius, was shipped to the U.S.HANQUYOU is the first China-developed monoclonal antibody biosimilar approved in China, the EU, and the U.S. To date, it has been approved in 50 countries and regions, benefiting over 220,000 HER2-positive breast and gastric cancer patients globally. According to Shanghai Henlius, approximately 6.5 million units of HANQUYOU have been shipped globally since its commercialization in 2020. In 2023 alone, HANQUYOU contributed over RMB2.7 billion in sales revenue.Industry expert believes that successfully entering the U.S. market will significantly enhance the growth trajectory of HANQUYOU and lay a solid foundation for the overseas expansion of Shanghai Henlius’ products. “The reasoning is simple: by breaking into the toughest market, the company gains confidence when approaching other countries and regions.”After more than a decade of development, Shanghai Henlius has built a diversified and robust product pipeline encompassing over 50 molecules, covering areas such as oncology, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmology. Currently, 6 products have been approved for marketing in China, 3 have been approved for marketing in overseas markets, and 24 indications have received approval, and 4 applications have been accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the EU. In addition to HANQUYOU, products such as HANSIZHUANG, HANLIKANG, HANDAYUAN, and HANBEITAI maintain leading positions in their respective markets.Notably, in June, Fosun Pharma announced its plans to privatize its subsidiary, Shanghai Henlius, through a merger. The proposed purchase price is HK$24.6 per share, representing a premium of 36.67% over the closing price on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on the undisturbed date, and a premium of 52.04% over the average closing price based on the daily closing prices of H Shares as quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the 30 trading days immediately prior to and including the undisturbed date. The total cash consideration shall not exceed HK$5.407 billion. Following this announcement, Fosun Pharma’s share price surged significantly.The industry generally views this privatization as a way for Shanghai Henlius to implement its long-term strategy more flexibly, which will help avoid the pressures of market expectations and stock price volatility associated with being publicly listed. This move also allows for a fresh start, enabling the company to explore new development opportunities through asset restructuring and industry adjustments. Once privatized, Shanghai Henlius’ core capabilities and long-term value will be further realized, thereby enhancing Fosun’s competitive edge in the pharmaceutical sector.Strong financial position and ample cash flow recognized by domestic and international institutionsFrom a financial perspective, Fosun’s recent series of strategic moves reflects its solid financial standing and ample cash flow, enabling it to pursue various strategies, including privatization.As of 30 June 2024, the company’s cash, bank balances and term deposits reached RMB109.55 billion, representing an increase of approximately RMB17.1 billion since the end of 2023.Recently, S&P and securities firms such as CITIC, have released reports highly recognizing Fosun’s focus on its core businesses in the household consumption sector, its optimization of asset structure, and its successful U.S. dollar note issuance to broaden its funding channels. Several securities firms have assigned Fosun a “Buy” rating.S&P believes Fosun has adequate liquidity buffer to meet its debt maturities obligation over the next two years and expects Fosun to continue divesting its non-core assets, leading to a steady decline in its debt. Furthermore, as offshore subsidiaries reach maturity, Fosun International’s dividend receipts are expected to enhance significantly. Therefore, S&P maintained a “stable” rating outlook on Fosun International.CITIC Securities noted that since 2020, Fosun has focused on developing strategically core businesses with market leadership while optimizing its asset structure and financial position through the divestment of non-strategy and non-core assets. As the company deepens its global operations, enhances business synergies, and improves its technological innovation capabilities, it is poised to unlock long-term growth potential.Analysts expressed that with strong financial backing, Fosun is continuously enhancing its competitiveness by focusing on its core sectors and exploring new growth opportunities, thereby further releasing its long-term value. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Xeleb Joins Miss Charm as Exclusive Web3 Partner to Revolutionize Voting and Judging with Decentralization

Xeleb debuts misscharm.io with Miss Charm 2024 on 21 December in Ho Chi Minh, marking the first-ever use of blockchain in a beauty pageant.Contestant-issued MEME coins allow fans to directly support their favorite beauty queens, with a portion of proceeds benefiting charitable causesXeleb plans a Token Generation Event (TGE) in Q1 2025, with listings already secured on global top 5 crypto exchanges.Miss Charm’s contestantsHO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Xeleb, an online voting and judging platform for global talent contests has launched through an exclusive partnership with Miss Charm, an international beauty pageant. From global beauty pageants to song and model contests, Xeleb leverages decentralization and digital assets to reward fan participation and amplify audience interaction.Xeleb has launched with a mission to increase and monetize fan and viewer engagement for these contests. The global audience for talent contests is enormous, as evidenced by the 243 million total engagements for the 2024 Miss Universe live broadcast on Telemundo(1), and the 163 million viewers of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest(2). Xeleb taps into this unparalleled engagement potential by creating an ecosystem where fans can vote, judge, and earn rewards through a decentralized platform powered by blockchain technology.This year’s edition of the Miss Charm global finals will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 21, featuring contestants from 38 countries.Xeleb has developed misscharm.io as the official digital hub for Miss Charm fans. Fans can access two innovative features:Telegram Game Powered by TON: Fans can cast votes and judge contestants, earning rewards in return.Miss Charm MEME Coins: Fans can purchase unique MEME coins issued by contestants, allowing direct support for their favorite beauty queens. A portion of any gains from these coins will benefit charities chosen by the respective contestants.The Miss Charm advisory team includes key players from global franchises such as Miss World, Miss Universe, Elite Models, and Ford Models. They are joined by experts in regulated global crypto platforms and token listing strategies on major exchanges. CEO Paul Vinciano, former owner of Elite Models Vietnam and Miss Vietnam, and his team also operate one of Vietnam’s leading crypto technology development firms.Paul Vinciano, CEO of Xeleb said “Xeleb is set to revolutionize fan and audience engagement in global talent contests through our blockchain-powered, tokenized voting and judging platform. By integrating decentralization and digital assets, we are creating an ecosystem that not only enhances interactivity but also empowers fans to play an active role in the success of their favorite contestants.”Xeleb’s launch is backed by strategic seed investment from tech investor Calvin Cheng, a former Singapore Parliamentarian, and current Honorary Consul of Serbia in Singapore. Calvin was also Head of Elite Models Asia and owned the franchise for Ford Supermodel of the World Singapore, Malaysia and China. He is also currently Chairman & Founder at Paymonade, one of the largest European digital asset on-off ramps, which counts Binance as a major client. He is also the founder of AEUR, one of the world’s largest listed Euro-backed stable coins.In conjunction with this launch, Xeleb is excited to announce the completion of a major funding round led by HashKey Capital. Other prominent investors include Amber Group, MEXC Ventures, Foresight Ventures, and Mirana Ventures. Notably, MEXC Ventures is the investment arm of MEXC Crypto Exchange, Foresight Ventures represents the investment division of Bitget, and Mirana Ventures serves as the investment arm of Bybit.“The team combines both world-class track records in entertainment as well as digital assets. I am honored to invest in Xeleb alongside crypto investment titans like HashKey, Amber, Mirana, Foresight and MEXC,” said Calvin Cheng.Looking ahead, Xeleb plans a Token Generation Event (TGE) in Q1 2025, with listings already secured on global top 5 crypto exchanges.(1) https://tinyurl.com/y94pk5ht (2) https://tinyurl.com/yrn2u8r2 About XelebXeleb (xeleb.io) is a cutting-edge online voting and judging platform designed to revolutionize global talent contests by leveraging blockchain technology. Launched in partnership with Miss Charm on misscharm.io, Xeleb empowers fans to engage more deeply in their favorite contests while earning rewards.Xeleb is backed by an experienced team of industry experts, including veterans from global beauty franchises and regulated crypto platforms. Strategic investments from industry leaders such as HashKey Capital, Amber Group, and Calvin Cheng have further solidified Xeleb's position as a trailblazer in the intersection of entertainment and blockchain.About Miss CharmMiss Charm 2024 is a global-scale beauty pageant, which aims to search for the most exceptional female representatives from different countries all around the world, to appreciate their beauty as well as their cultures and educational backgrounds. The judging criteria for the pageant will involve beauty, physique, intellect as well as the ability to captivate the audience with the appeal.For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:Lee Ke Wei (Financial PR)(T) 6438-2990(E) kewei@financialpr.com.sg Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Asia Video Industry Association Wraps Up 2024 Harnessing the Power of Advertising to Spur the Industry Forward

SINGAPORE, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Between December 4-6, the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) closed off 2024 with three days of high-level meetings and conferences, covering Piracy, Policy, the annual OTT Summit alongside the advertising Upfront Showcases from leading streamers and publishers and the Annual General Meeting. The conferences brought together over 300 international and regional industry executives.Piracy Over The Top hosted by General Manager of the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), Matthew Cheetham on 4thDecember saw a series of lively discussions with BBC Studios, beIN Sports, Meta, Malaysia’s Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (MDTCL), NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Premier League, and TikTok, revolving around content protection, piracy trends, enforcement solutions and exclusive insights into what to expect in 2025. Key takeaways from these discussions highlighted the urgency of deeper collaboration between government, industry and intermediaries to clamp down on bad actors.The annual AVIA Policy Roundtable held behind closed doors and under Chatham House Rules saw a very high number of regulators from all around the region engaged in conversation with industry about the challenges and opportunities both face.The AVIA OTT Summit on 5th December this year turned to the world of advertising highlighting transformative trends and actionable insights for advertisers and media owners across the region. Kicking off the first session, Dhivya T, Lead Analyst – Head of Content & Platform Insights, Media Partners Asia (MPA), emphasized the growing shift to Connected TV (CTV) as traditional TV viewership declines, driven by its personalized, measurable appeal. CTV penetration is surging across APAC, with Japan and Korea expected to reach 80-85% active household penetration, and emerging markets like Thailand and Indonesia exceeding 50%. While user-generated content (UGC) dominates mobile platforms like YouTube and TikTok in Southeast Asia, premium streaming options like SVOD and Freemium retain significant scale. The Premium AVOD market in APAC (excluding China) is forecasted to grow at a 25% CAGR to over USD 8 billion over the next five years, with BVOD and SVOD as key drivers. Dhivya concluded by highlighting the growing opportunities in the Premium AVOD category and the undeniable dominance of YouTube and TikTok in mobile engagement.Raj Parekh, VP & Head of Digital Sales, Mediacorp, emphasized the role of innovative and engaging ad formats in driving user engagement, a sentiment echoed by Kanika Manglik, Vice President-Investment Strategy at GroupM. Speaking on the trends to expect, Jason Barnes, Chief Revenue Officer APAC, PubMatic, highlighted ongoing market consolidation and the evolution of Connected TV (CTV) into a full-funnel solution. Kanika further noted the growing consumer preference for watching content on larger screens, underscoring the shift toward more immersive viewing experiences. Both, Anannya Paliwal, Regional Director - Digital Solutions, Omnicom Media Group Asia Pacific, and Sunil Naryani, President Partnerships & Product Solutions, dentsu APAC noted that the difference in production techniques between UGC and professional content may be narrowing, but the category and nature of content is likely to remain very distinct.AI remains as one of the key trends to expect in 2025 for Jonathan Smith, SVP Product Data & Tech, GroupM and Anson Tan, Country Head – Singapore, Viu. Jonathan emphasized how generative AI is lowering barriers for smaller companies to create impactful advertisements while Anson highlighted the importance of collaboration between brands and agencies. Both Anson and Jonathan encourage advertisers to embrace experimentation and collaboration with media partners. In the other panel, Megan Reichelt, Country Manager, South East Asia, Hong Kong & Taiwan, Integral Ad Science, also foresaw a lot of close collaboration between tech parties and publishers to give confidence to advertisers while Christine Lau, Director of Yield Management, Viu, was confident that shoppable ads and deeper e-commerce integrations is expected to gain traction.James Wildbore, SVP & GM Global Ad Sales, BBC Studios, underscored the importance of maintaining the trust of audiences through BBC Verify. As the industry is evolving with more consumers using smart TV, Jolene Sng, Head of Agency Development, Samsung Ads shared that around half of all smart TV shipments will be within APAC by 2027 and advertisers should understand their consumers to ensure effective ads on various platforms. The preference for large screen viewing experiences and the benefit of getting traditional TV advertising with a modern and cost-effective approach was once again mentioned by James Ross, CEO, Lightning International, and Bhuvnesh Kanwar, Vice President, Revenue and Head of FAST, KC Global Media. The push for standardized audience measurement metrics remains critical in the discussions around addressing the challenges in programmatic and measurements for Erin Williams, Sales Director, APAC, CNN and Yann Courqueux, VP Entertainment, StarHub Ltd.In the closing discussion with AVIA’s CEO, Louis Boswell, on expanding content overseas, Ed Love, Head of Samsung TV Plus ANZ & South East Asia, Samsung Ads, highlighted how FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) removes cost barriers, enabling efficient cross-market distribution.  Having launched with 20 channels in the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand they are looking to aggressively grow this number and partnerships are key to this. Sharing insights into their plans over the next 12 months, Ed stressed that the focus will be on "local, local, and local", leveraging FAST’s lower market entry barriers to create a compelling linear offering.Running parallel to the OTT Summit, the Upfront Showcase spotlighted cutting-edge content and advertising opportunities from leading streaming and broadcasting publishers BBC Studios, iQIYI, Samsung Ads, StarHub and Viu.  Attendees were treated to an exciting half day of insight and innovation.At the Annual General Meeting AVIA were pleased to announce the appointment of two newly elected Board members: Debra Richards, Director – APAC Content, Studio & Production Affairs – ANZ Public Policy, Netflix and Tim Harris, Vice President Transactional Sales and Emerging Media Asia Pacific, Sony Pictures Entertainment. AVIA also wishes to express its thanks to Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Globe, and Nick O’Donnell, former APAC Head of Public Policy of Netflix, for their contributions during their tenure.Also at the AGM, AVIA paid tribute to Matt McDonald, Senior VP and GM at Sony Pictures Television.  He was presented with an award for distinguished service to the Asian video industry after many years of leading initiatives from ensuring channel frequencies were not affected when 5G services were rolled out to helping manage continuity of services throughout the pandemic, and especially in the first wave of lockdowns.Thanks to NBCUniversal and Netflix for their support for the Policy Roundtable. The OTT Summit was proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsors Irdeto, Publica and TV5MONDE; and Silver Sponsors INVIDI, Magnite, PubMatic and ShemarooVisit our media gallery for photos from event.About the Asia Video Industry AssociationThe Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.For media enquiries and additional background information, please contact:Charmaine Kwan | Tan Teck Weecharmaine@avia.org | teckwee@avia.org www.avia.org | www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia|X: @AsiaVideoIA Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Loop Industries Completes Convertible Preferred Financing With Reed Societe Generale Group and Sells First Technology License For An Infinite Loop Manufacturing Facility in Europe

REED SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP INVESTS €10 MILLION IN LOOP VIA A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITY AT A $4.75 CONVERSION PRICE.LOOP COMPLETES ITS INAUGURAL SALE OF AN INFINITE LOOP™ TECHNOLOGY LICENSE, GENERATING AN UPFRONT PAYMENT OF €10 MILLION.FORMATION OF A EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP TO DEPLOY INFINITE LOOP™ MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY.PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION OF THE INFINITE LOOP™ FACILITY IN INDIA AND FINANCE LOOP'S OPERATIONAL CASH REQUIREMENTS.LOOP MANAGEMENT TO HOLD UPDATE CALL AT 8:45 AM ET on December 13, 2024MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Loop Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:LOOP) (the "Company," "Loop," "we," "us," or "our"), a clean technology company whose mission is to accelerate a circular plastics economy by manufacturing 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") plastic and textile-to-textile ("T2T") polyester fiber, has secured €10 million through a convertible preferred security financing with Reed Societe Generale Group, a European investment firm majority-owned by the bank Societe Generale. Additionally, as part of the Reed Societe Generale Group transaction, Loop has finalized the sale of its first Infinite Loop™ technology license, generating an initial €10 million payment, with additional milestone-based payments from Reed Societe Generale Group to follow.The Reed Societe Generale Group transaction marks a pivotal step in Loop's commercialization strategy, enabling the deployment of its patented recycling technology across Europe and supporting capital investment in cost-effective manufacturing regions, including its joint venture in India with strategic partner Ester Industries Ltd. Proceeds from the financing and licensing deal will fund the Indian project and Loop's operational cash flow needs.Key terms of the €10 million convertible preferred security include:13% PIK dividend rate5-year termConvertible to Loop common stock at $4.75 per share or redeemable in cashThe technology license will be granted to a European partnership owned 90% by Reed Societe Generale Group and 10% by Loop, which is being formed to develop Infinite Loop™ manufacturing facilities in Europe. Loop retains the right to increase its equity stake in the European manufacturing facility, as well as potential future facilities, to a maximum of 50% for each facility. The license is to build one Infinite Loop™ manufacturing facility in Europe. Future facilities under this partnership will require the purchase of additional technology licenses from Loop.The license sale underscores the commercial readiness of Loop's technology, validated by four years of successful operations at its Terrebonne facility, which supplies bottle-grade PET resin for consumer packaging and T2T polyester fiber to advance circular fashion for apparel brands. Loop is committed to expanding the reach of its proven solution to the plastic waste global issue by partnering with well-financed, reliable customers through technology licenses and engineering services. This strategy allows Loop to address global demand in regions where it does not plan to build facilities, driving further growth and value creation while focusing Loop's internal resources and capital on direct equity investments.With regulatory approval for Societe Generale's acquisition of a 75% stake in Reed Societe Generale Group finalized, it is positioned to deploy capital into this and other projects. The previous condition precedent to closing relating to government funding is no longer applicable, although Loop expects that such additional financing will be available when the Indian project is approved to begin construction. Funding for both the financing and the initial payment for the technology license is expected within seven business days following the incorporation of the European partnership company.Julien Touati, CEO of Reed Societe Generale Group, commented: "Reducing dependency on virgin plastics is a global challenge. We are proud to support the rollout of Loop's technology in Europe by becoming the majority shareholder of this European partnership. This strategic investment allows us to leverage Loop's unique expertise and strong relationships with world-class brands committed to decarbonizing their supply chains. It fits perfectly with our ambition to actively contribute to the industrialization of Europe's circular economy, significantly reduce pollution, and foster sustainable growth.""The sale of our first technology license is a transformative milestone, proving the scalability and market readiness of our Infinite Loop™ technology," said Daniel Solomita, CEO and Founder of Loop Industries. "Our financing agreement and partnership with Reed Societe Generale Group propels us into a new phase of growth - expanding into Europe with strategic precision while advancing our flagship Infinite Loop™ project in India. These strategic steps align with our long-term investment vision and underscore our commitment to innovation, scalability, and delivering exceptional value for our shareholders. I look forward to working closely with Julien and his team at Reed Societe Generale Group in leading the circular economy in plastic packaging and circular fashion in Europe."Corporate Update CallSenior Management of Loop will host a corporate update call, followed by a question-and-answer session, which can be accessed via the dial-in numbers below.Date: Friday, December 13, 2024Time: 8:45 am Eastern TimeParticipant joining details (by Telephone):United States (Local): +1 404 975 4839United States (Toll-Free): +1 833 470 1428Access Code: 625641ORRegistration Link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=2e808989&confId=75536- Avoid wait time - Bypass speaking with an operator to join the call- Receive a Calendar Invitation with call access details including your unique PINAbout Loop IndustriesLoop Industries is a technology company whose mission is to accelerate the world's shift toward sustainable PET plastic and polyester fiber and away from our dependence on fossil fuels. Loop Industries owns patented and proprietary technology that depolymerizes no and low-value waste PET plastic and polyester fiber, including plastic bottles and packaging, carpets and textiles of any color, transparency or condition and even ocean plastics that have been degraded by the sun and salt, to its base building blocks (monomers). The monomers are filtered, purified and polymerized to create virgin-quality Loop™ branded PET resin suitable for use in food-grade packaging and polyester fiber, thus enabling our customers to meet their sustainability objectives. Loop™ PET plastic and polyester fiber can be recycled infinitely without degradation of quality, successfully closing the plastic loop. Loop Industries is contributing to the global movement towards a circular economy by reducing plastic waste and recovering waste plastic for a sustainable future.Common shares of the Company are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "LOOP."For more information, please visit www.loopindustries.com. Follow Loop on Twitter: @loopindustries, Instagram: loopindustries, Facebook: Loop Industries and LinkedIn: Loop IndustriesForward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "should," "could," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or "continue," the negative of such terms or similar words. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about Loop's market opportunity, its growth strategies, plans and timelines for completing the €10 million convertible preferred stock financing and technology license sale, plans for use of expected proceeds, ability to improve and expand its capabilities and seek additional financing, and plans for future growth and future operations including expansion in Europe and advancing the joint venture in India. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Loop's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with among other things: (i) our ability to commercialize our technology and products, (ii) the status of our relationships with our partners, (iii) development and protection of our intellectual property and products, (iv) industry competition, (v) our need for and ability to obtain additional funding relative to our current and future financial commitments, (vi) our ability to continue as a going concern, (vii) engineering, contracting, and building our manufacturing facilities, (viii) our ability to scale, manufacture, and sell our products in order to generate revenues, (ix) our proposed business model and our ability to execute it, (x) our ability to obtain the necessary approvals or satisfy any closing conditions in respect of any of our proposed partnerships, (xi) our joint venture projects and our ability to recover certain expenditures in connection them, (xii) adverse effects on the Company's business and operations as a result of increased regulatory, media, or financial reporting scrutiny, practices, rumors, or otherwise, (xiii) public health issues, such as disease epidemics, which may lead to reduced access to capital markets, supply chain disruptions, and government-imposed business closures, (xiv) war, regional tensions, and economic or other conflicts that could impact market stability and our business; (xv) the effect of the continuing worldwide macroeconomic uncertainty and its impacts, including inflation, market volatility and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates, (xvi) the outcome of any Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") investigations or class action litigation filed against us, (xvii) our ability to hire and/or retain qualified employees and consultants, (xviii) other events or circumstances over which we have little or no control, and (xix) other factors discussed in Loop's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 filed with the SEC and in Loop's subsequent filings with the SEC. More detailed information about Loop and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in Loop's filings with the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. Loop assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.For More Information:Investor Relations:Kevin C. O'Dowd, Investor RelationsLoop Industries, Inc.+1 617-755-4602kodowd@loopindustries.comMedia Inquiries:Andrea Kostiuk, VP Marketing & CommunicationsLoop Industries, Inc.+1 (450) 951-8555akostiuk@loopindustries.comSOURCE: Loop Industries Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Accurate Background Appoints Mark Thompson Managing Director, Australia and APAC

IRVINE, CA, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Accurate Background, the world's largest independent provider of compliant background checks and monitoring solutions, announced it has strengthened its global leadership team with the appointment of Mark Thompson, Managing Director, Australia and Asia Pacific region (APAC). In support of Accurate's vision to make every hire the start of a success story, Mark will lead Accurate's growth teams in the region. Mark's experience in building high-performance teams, driving enterprise sales and client retention, and leveraging data-driven strategies aligns with Accurate's goals to rapidly expand in the APAC region. Reporting to Dan Shoemaker, Chief Revenue Officer, Mark will spearhead the development and execution of sales strategies to drive market share, client growth, and regional innovation."I am thrilled to welcome Mark to the Accurate team and am confident he will make an immediate impact on our growth in the region," said Dan Shoemaker. "Mark brings extensive experience not only growing businesses but also delivering a high standard of customer experience that is a hallmark of Accurate throughout the world."Mark joins Accurate with over two decades of strategic sales and marketing leadership in B2B markets. With a proven track record in revenue growth, team leadership, and market expansion, Mark successfully led sales and marketing initiatives across industries including background screening, financial services, and data solutions."I'm honored to join Accurate Background at such an exciting time in the region. Employment screening plays a vital role in building trust and ensuring workplace integrity, and I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients," said Mark Thompson. "With Accurate's strong global foundation, I believe we are uniquely positioned to expand our impact and support government and businesses across the region in navigating an evolving employment landscape."Accurate's recent launch of Accel, a next-generation platform that is 100% Australia-hosted, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing market-leading capabilities for local organizations.About Accurate BackgroundOur vision is to make every hire the start of a success story. As a trusted provider of employment background screening and workforce monitoring services, Accurate Background gives companies of all sizes the confidence to make smarter, unbiased hiring decisions at the speed of demand.Experience a new standard of support with a dedicated team, comprehensive technology and insight, and the most extensive coverage and search options to advance your business while keeping your brand and people safe. To learn more, visit accurate.com.Media ContactMedia@Accurate.comSOURCE: Accurate Background LLC Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Huatai Securities Hosts FinTech Summit in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Dec 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Huatai Securities recently held its first Financial Technology Summit in Hong Kong, themed "Innovation with Technology, Shaping the Future of Finance". The summit brought together experts from government, academia, and industry to discuss AI trends in finance. Key speakers included Zhou Yi, CEO of Huatai Securities, Guo Yike, Provost of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Tan Dai, President and Head of Volcano Engine, Bytedance.In his keynote speech, Zhou Yi stated: "Through technology, Huatai Securities continues to grow, building a strong tech infrastructure while expanding both its financial service offerings and customer base. In the AI era, we're committed to fostering an open ecosystem, supporting FinTech through capital and resources, while bridging global technology partnerships to drive industry transformation through innovation."Discussing generative AI's impact on financial services, Tan Dai highlighted three key trends: "First, broader scope - moving from internal efficiency improvements to enhanced client experience and service assistance. Second, greater depth - progressing from interactive experience innovation to business transformation, with AI enabling new human-machine collaboration models. Third, increased speed – streamlined AI resource management and intelligent agent development platforms now enable business teams to develop innovative applications as easily as building with blocks."At the summit, Huatai launched the Huatai Star CEO Global Accelerator Program, which targets founders of promising early-stage technology companies and aspiring entrepreneurs, pledging to offer comprehensive entrepreneurship training and investment-financing services through Huatai Securities' full-service platform. The company is strategically embracing the generative AI trend, forming ecosystem partnerships that leverage its financial expertise.At the summit, Huatai Securities presented its HUATECH Exhibition, showcasing cutting-edge solutions in cross-border financial services, AI-powered financial innovation, and ecosystem-building, drawing strong interest from attendees who explored and tested the platforms firsthand. On the exhibition, Huatai unveiled its independently developed Global Trading Platform, which offers comprehensive trading services with microsecond-level transaction speeds.During the roundtable sessions, tech startups from various segments shared their experiences and strategies in product innovation and global expansion. Infrastructure technology companies discussed the impact of large language models on enterprise IT architecture, focusing on key factors such as data and computing resources in the AI era.The summit underscored the Company's technological capabilities and global perspective. The company looks forward to participating in international competition with an open and diverse mindset while gathering international perspectives and advanced experiences to jointly build a diverse and innovative FinTech ecosystem.About Huatai SecuritiesIncorporated in April 1991, Huatai Securities is a leading technology-driven securities group in China, with a highly collaborative business model, a cutting-edge digital platform and an extensive and engaging customer base. It provides comprehensive financial services to individual and institutional clients, including wealth management, investment banking, sales and trading, investment management, etc., with a substantial international presence.For enquiries, please contact:Citigate Dewe RogersonBenny Liu Tel: +86 10 6567 5056                         Linda Pui Tel: +852 3103 0118Email: HTSC@citigatedewerogerson.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Hong Kong’s exports set for 4% growth in 2025

HONG KONG, Dec 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hong Kong’s exports will grow by 4% in 2025, according to new figures released today by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Research. The forecast, which forms part of the HKTDC’s annual Export Outlook, will see Hong Kong’s export levels continue on the upward trajectory maintained throughout 2024.In the last quarter every year, HKTDC Research announces an export forecast for the upcoming year, based on a basket of factors including global, regional and local economic performance.Strong demand in electronics, ASEAN and MainlandAccording to the Export Outlook 2025, electronics enjoyed a 13.5% year-on-year uptick in the first 10 months of the year. Over the coming 12 months, many of the factors that underpinned the sector’s success in 2024 will remain very much in play. Most notably, demand is expected to stay consistently strong among the global business community for AI-enabled systems.Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, said: “Hong Kong’s rise in export levels in 2025 is likely to be continuously led by the electronics sector. At the same time, consumer sales are expected to be bolstered by the launch of a new generation of AI-integrated smartphones, PCs and other digital devices.”Potential US tariffs loomAlthough the underlying trend remains positive, the 2025 Export Outlook also highlighted a number of potential challenges that may impact Hong Kong’s export activity over the 12 months to come.These concerns stem from the well-publicised commitment on the part of President-Elect Donald Trump to impose massive tariff hikes on goods imported to the US from multiple sources, including Mexico, Canada and Mainland China. If this happens, it is widely expected that global trade flows will be adversely affected, while the process of trade diversion will be inevitably accelerated. In any such scenario, Hong Kong could reasonably expect its own export activity to be impacted.In addition to the general assumption among Hong Kong exporters that any knock-on consequences may only be minimal, however, there are also signs that Mainland China’s overall level of trade has not been unduly constricted by previous tariff arrangements. Indeed, even though two-thirds of Mainland Chinese exports to the US have been subject to tariffs since 2018, Mainland China’s global export share has actually risen from 12.7% six years ago to 14.1% in 2023. There is also some belief that President-Elect Trump’s proposed tariff regime actually represents more of an opening bid in a likely round of negotiations than an absolute certainty.Nevertheless, the threat of tariff rises, coupled with concern over growing geopolitical uncertainties elsewhere in the world, both played a part in the more cautious sentiments expressed by Hong Kong exporters as part of the 4Q24 HKTDC Export Confidence Index.This saw a fall in both the Current Performance Index (from 52.6 in 3Q24 to 50.3 in 4Q24) and the Expectation Index (from 51.4 to 50.0).Nicholas Fu, Senior Economist, said: “Exporters are particularly confident of their future prospects with regard to the ASEAN bloc and Mainland China with the respective Market Expectation Sub-Index readings well above 50 -- ASEAN (55.9) and Mainland China (52.7).”Contrasting fortunes for first and second half in 2025One clear indication from the overall level of caution recorded for 4Q24 is that exporters may try to hedge their bets in 2025 by accelerating their shipping schedules to mitigate the possible consequences of additional tariffs later in the year. The likely upshot of this is that activity will be far more intense in the first half of 2025, before decelerating sharply in the latter half.Irina Fan said: “While 2025 may be a year of two halves, characterised by differing levels of activity, we still see overall export growth as likely to be 4% after factoring in the concerns expressed by traders across a range of global economic uncertainties.”ReferencesHong Kong’s Export Outlook 2025: A Year of Two Halves https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTg2OTc1MzE0MAHKTDC Export Index 4Q24: Heightened Uncertainties Trigger Exporter Caution https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTg2OTc0OTM0MAHKTDC Research website: https://research.hktdc.com/en/Photo download: https://bit.ly/49ACrGDHKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan (left) and Senior Economist Nicholas Fu (right) announced Hong Kong’s Export Outlook 2025 and the HKTDC Export Confidence Index for the fourth quarter of 2024 at a press conference todayHKTDC Director of Research Irina FanHKTDC Senior Economist Nicholas FuMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:Jane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe 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. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

The Payment Cards Group Limited and Black Bear Merchant Services Limited Join Forces to Launch a New Brand ‘AbbyPay’

HONG KONG, Dec 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Payment Cards Group Limited (“PCG”), a cloud-native payment processor and acquirer, and Black Bear Merchant Services Limited (the holding company of BBMSL Limited “BBMSL”) are pleased to announce the signing of a strategic alliance to establish a new brand and group holding company, ABBY Pay&Tech Holdings Limited ("AbbyPay"). Under this new strategic alliance, AbbyPay will leverage PCG's market leading position as an acquirer with principal memberships in all major card schemes including Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, UnionPay, and JCB. The combined group will also leverage strong digital payment technology capabilities from PCG’s A3A, Asia’s first cloud-based payment processing and settlement platform, in servicing BBMSL's strong customer base. This strategic alliance will accelerate PCG’s expansion in market share by covering 50,000 local merchants in Hong Kong and other Asia Pacific regions with multiple brands to meet diverse market demands and empower local merchants through innovative payment technology.From left to right: Mr. Barry Mak, representative of AbbyPay, Mr. Peter Wu, Founder of PCG, Mr. Gerald Yu, Chief Executive Officer of BBMSL, Ms. EsterChow, Chief Financial Officer of BBMSL, and Ms. Beatrice Tai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of PCG, jointly officiated the signing ceremony.Beatrice Tai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of PCG, said, "This strategic alliance marks an important milestone for PCG in the field of payment solutions in the Asia-Pacific region. With the technological advantages of our A3A platform, combined with BBMSL's stong market coverage, AbbyPay will provide innovative, seamless payment and settlement solutions for micro merchants, SMEs, and enterprises, rapidly and efficiently tapping into new markets across various industries in the Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to AbbyPay expanding its business footprint and further consolidating the local payment industry, strengthening PCG's leading market position in the payment sector.”Gerald Yu, Chief Executive Officer of BBMSL, said, "This strategic alliance represents PCG's high recognition of BBMSL's years of effort and achievements in the Hong Kong market, reflecting our potential and confidence in working together. Since 2017, BBMSL has held a significant market share in the local SME merchant market and has gained widespread recognition and support in Hong Kong. These advantages will lay a solid foundation for AbbyPay’s development. I look forward to working with AbbyPay to fulfill BBMSL's mission, grow alongside SMEs, and hope this partnership creates even greater achievements."Introducing Asia's first cloud-based payment processing and settlement platform, A3A, in the Asia-Pacific Region to unleash the potential of digital paymentsAbbyPay will offer Asia's first cloud-based payment processing and settlement platform, A3A, across markets in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Through a single API, A3A offers direct end-to-end processing with major card schemes (such as Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, JCB, and UnionPay), e-wallet networks, and mobile payment platforms. Comparing to traditional payment processing platforms, A3A boasts competitive advantages such as low integration fee, speedy and easy integration, instant settlement, and real-time transaction data insights.Mr. Barry Mak, representative of AbbyPay, shared AbbyPay's vision.Barry Mak, representative of AbbyPay, said, "We have entered a new era of payment in the Asia Pacific market. AbbyPay is groundbreaking in Hong Kong's payment industry and will disrupt the entire sector, bringing unprecedented opportunities. PCG has strong technological capabilities, while BBMSL has a solid customer base and market recognition in the local market. I firmly believe that AbbyPay has unlimited potential in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, leading future payment trends while serving and creating value for all types of merchants, from large chain restaurants to SMEs and micro merchants."About Payment Cards Group (“PCG")Payment Cards Group (“PCG”) is an innovative and leading payment technology company with operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 2016, PCG has become an acquirer with principal memberships in all major card schemes and e-wallet networks. Its subsidiary, Yedpay, has firmly established itself as a payment acceptance business in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, A3A, another member of PCG, has developed a cloud-native payment processing platform that operates through RESTful APIs, significantly reducing costs and streamlining complex processes while providing users with real-time transaction data and insights. As an acquiring processor, PCG serves as the backbone infrastructure of the entire payment industry by its Asia’s 1st cloud-based processing and settlement platform. Rooted in Hong Kong with a global vison, PCG seeks to empower merchants with cutting-edge payment technology solutions and drive high-quality development in the global payment ecosystem. For more information, please visit PCG’s website: https://www.yedpay.com/en/For media enquiries, please contact:AJA (IR and Communications)Avy YuEmail: avy.yu@ajacapital.com.hkTel: (852) 9500 4443Eudice LawEmail: eudice.law@ajacapital.com.hkTel: (852) 9326 1113 Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

CIL Announces Breakthrough in Benzene Recovery, Addressing Cost, Environmental, and Supply Challenges for OLED Display Manufacturers

TEWKSBURY, MA, Dec 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. (CIL) has successfully developed and implemented a game-changing benzene-d6 recovery program, addressing major pain points for manufacturers of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. This innovative service reduces costs, minimizes environmental impact, and conserves scarce deuterium supplies.OLED display producers rely heavily on deuterated benzene (benzene-d6) as a critical starting material in their synthesis processes. However, this results in significant quantities of depleted benzene-d6, which is no longer usable but still retains considerable deuterium value. The disposal of such depleted material poses environmental challenges and substantial expenses.CIL's benzene-recovery program offers a transformative solution. Customers can now return their depleted benzene-d6 to CIL, where it undergoes a proprietary re-enrichment process to restore it to virgin material quality. This service is available at a significant cost savings compared to new benzene-d6, providing significant economic benefits.Beyond the financial advantages, the program has far-reaching environmental and supply implications. It eliminates the need for costly disposal, reduces the demand on increasingly scarce deuterium (derived from heavy water, D2O) and conserves this vital resource for its growing applications in science, medical diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor production.Recycling offers several sustainable benefits. It reduces pollution by releasing fewer chemicals into the environment. Recycling also saves energy, as reprocessing chemicals like benzene requires less energy than producing them from raw materials. This leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change."This initiative underscores CIL's commitment to collaboration and innovation in addressing our customers' most pressing challenges," said Cliff Caldwell, CEO of CIL. "By recovering and re-enriching depleted benzene-d6, we create a circular economy approach that is both economically and environmentally sustainable. As the world's largest supplier of benzene-d6, we are uniquely positioned to deliver this groundbreaking service."CIL's benzene recovery program is the result of 12 months of dedicated development, expansion, and rigorous testing to ensure reliable capacity and uncompromising quality. CIL invites interested parties to inquire about the program's details and how to participate.About Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc.CIL is the world's largest manufacturer and global supplier of stable isotopes and stable isotope-labeled compounds used in research, environmental, pharmaceutical, medical diagnostic, OLED, and industrial markets. CIL subsidiary ABX, located in Dresden, Germany, is active in the development and commercialization of radio isotopic-labeled compounds for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. CIL is an operating business owned by Otsuka Pharmaceutical. The CIL business consists of two facilities in the Boston, MA, area; a large isotope-enrichment production plant in Xenia, OH; CIL China; CIL Canada; ABX in Dresden, Germany; and Eurisotop in Saclay, France. For more information on CIL, visit isotope.com.Contact InformationCrissy Kriskocrissyk@isotope.com1.978.269.1930SOURCE: Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Everest Medicines Announces the First Prescription of VELSIPITY(R) Issued in Macau

SHANGHAI, Dec 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, "Everest", or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, today announced that the first prescription of VELSIPITY(R) (etrasimod) has been issued on December 11th at Kiang Wu Hospital in Macau. It is also the first prescription issued for VELSIPITY(R) within Everest Medicines' licensed territories in Asia following its approval, marks the official beginning of this new therapy benefiting patients across Asia.VELSIPITY(R) is an innovative advanced therapy that was officially approved by the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of Macau in April 2024. It is an oral treatment taken once daily for the treatment of patients aged 16 and above with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a chronic, relapsing, idiopathic inflammatory disease, and with prolonged disease duration, the risk of disability and colorectal cancer incidence continues to rise."As a next-generation S1P receptor modulator, VELSIPITY(R) can provide patients with a chance for corticosteroid-free remission, mucosal healing, and rapid symptom relief." said Prof. Wu Kaichun with the First Affiliated Hospital of AFMU, the principal investigator for etrasimod's Asia clinical trial." The recently announced results of the Asian multicenter Phase III clinical study for induction and maintenance periods further confirm the clinical advantages of VELSIPITY(R). We look forward to VELSIPITY(R) being approved in other regions of Asia soon to benefit more patients.""The first prescription of VELSIPITY(R) in Macau marks another milestone in the commercialization process of Everest Medicines." said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines." By 2030, the number of patients with UC in China is expected to more than double compared to 2019, reaching approximately 1 million, with a significant unmet need for innovative therapies. Following its approval in Macau this April, VELSIPITY(R), the third commercialized product of Everest Medicines, will bring new treatment options to more patients with moderate to severely active UC. We plan to have VELSIPITY(R) submitted for new drug application in mainland China by the end of this year, further enhancing its accessibility and benefiting more patients."In the results of the multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial of etrasimod in Asia for the treatment of subjects with moderately to severely active UC, which were announced in July this year, etrasimod achieved positive results in both the induction and maintenance phases of treatment, with good safety, and the convenience of once-daily oral administration, further providing a solid scientific basis and support for the broad application of the drug in clinical practice. In October, the complete induction phase data of the study were presented at the 32nd United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW 2024), showing that all primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints in the etrasimod treatment group achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements compared to the placebo group at week 12: the treatment differences between the etrasimod group and the placebo group in clinical remission rate, endoscopic improvement rate, and clinical response rate reached 20.4%, 28.6%, and 32.0%, respectively.VELSIPITY(R) was approved in the United States and the European Union in October last year and February this year, respectively. As a core product for Everest Medicines, VELSIPITY(R) was successively approved in Macau and Singapore in the first half of this year. Everest Medicines has also submitted a new drug application for VELSIPITY(R) in Hong Kong, China which has been officially accepted.In October of this year, through the "Hong Kong and Macau Medicine and Equipment Connect" policy, VELSIPITY(R) has officially been approved for patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) by the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration and can first be used in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University and Guangzhou United Family Healthcare, four of the medical institutions designated by the Connect Policy in the Greater Bay Area. Subsequently, VELSIPITY(R) will be introduced in other qualified hospitals under the connect policy.About VELSIPITY(R) (etrasimod)VELSIPITY(R) is a once-daily, oral, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that selectively binds with S1P receptor subtypes 1, 4, and 5. Regulatory approvals have been granted in US, EU, Canada, Australia, Singapore, UK, Switzerland, Israel and Macau for VELSIPITY(R) in ulcerative colitis.About Everest MedicinesEverest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules in the company's core therapeutic areas of renal diseases, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. For more information, please visit its website at www.everestmedicines.com.Forward-Looking Statements:This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

BDO announces winners of the 6th BDO ESG Awards 2024

HONG KONG, Dec 11, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - BDO, the world’s fifth largest accountancy and advisory network, has announced the winners of the 6th BDO ESG Awards (the Awards). The winning companies have integrated ESG principles and climate change considerations into their business strategies. They have actively emphasised the importance of ESG and promoted its development by implementing influential and long-term sustainable development measures. This year, the Awards received strong support from listed companies, with more than 110 companies participating at the nomination stage, a six-year high. All finalists were invited to attend the awards ceremony to witness the winners honoured. (Click here or view the full list below*)Once again, “Carbon Neutrality” has been selected to be this year’s theme, emphasising the important role that companies play in mitigating climate change and shaping a green future. The Theme Awards are dedicated to recognising listed companies that have demonstrated best practices in “Carbon Neutrality”, including reducing carbon emissions and planning and adopting relevant measures. The companies competing for this year’s Theme Awards were outstanding and evenly matched. A total of three companies won this award, setting a new record.Mr Andrew Lam, Managing Director, BDO, said, “The BDO ESG Awards first launched in 2018 when listed companies began to explore the implementation of ESG initiatives. Today, we are pleased to see that an increasing number of listed companies are recognising the importance of ESG and pursuing long-term ESG development. The Awards have now gained considerable market recognition, and as an advocate of sustainable development, BDO is delighted to see an increasing number of Hong Kong-listed companies paying attention to ESG. Through the judging process, we have observed that the quality of the ESG initiatives implemented by the participating companies has improved and become more forward-looking. As the importance and influence of ESG continues to grow, we hope to work with all kinds of industries through the Awards to improve Hong Kong's green standards and consolidate the city’s position as a green financial centre.”Mr Johnson Kong, Managing Director, BDO, said, “In light of growing social awareness of sustainability and social responsibility, more and more investors and organisations are incorporating ESG factors into their investment decisions and tend to support companies that meet ESG standards. By implementing ESG policies, companies can build a good reputation that will enhance their competitiveness and attract more investors. As a professional in this field, BDO is committed to supporting Hong Kong-listed companies in various areas, such as assisting them in ESG reporting and risk management, and providing them with recommendations to improve ESG performance. We hope the Awards will raise ESG awareness among all stakeholders in society so that more listed and unlisted companies in Hong Kong will prioritise the importance of ESG practices in the future.”Mr Ricky Cheng, Director and Head of Risk Advisory, BDO, said, “This year’s winners come from a variety of industries, and all of the nominated companies have demonstrated outstanding performance in various areas of competition. BDO is proud of the winning companies dedicated to sustainable development, and we are thrilled to support all those who are making strides toward a more environmentally friendly and responsible business landscape through this award and our expertise.”BDO ESG Awards 2024 Winners (listed in alphabetical order) Best in ESG – Large Market CapitalisationBOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Limited (02388.HK)HKT Trust and HKT Limited (06823.HK)Lenovo Group Limited (00992.HK)Best in ESG – Middle Market CapitalisationAAC Technologies Holdings Inc. (02018.HK)Kerry Properties Limited (00683.HK)Xinyi Solar Holdings Limited (00968.HK)Best in ESG – Small Market CapitalisationConcord New Energy Group Limited (00182.HK)Shun Tak Holdings Limited (00242.HK)Yuexiu Services Group Limited (06626.HK)Best in Reporting – Large Market CapitalisationHKT Trust and HKT Limited (06823.HK)Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited (01177.HK)Techtronic Industries Company Limited (00669.HK)Best in Reporting – Middle Market CapitalisationKerry Properties Limited (00683.HK)PCCW Limited (00008.HK)Xinyi Solar Holdings Limited (00968.HK)Best in Reporting – Small Market CapitalisationNew World Department Store China Limited (00825.HK)Xinyi Energy Holdings Limited (03868.HK)Yuexiu Services Group Limited (06626.HK)ESG Report of the Year – Large Market CapitalisationHKT Trust and HKT Limited (06823.HK)ESG Report of the Year – Middle Market CapitalisationKerry Properties Limited (00683.HK)ESG Report of the Year– Small Market CapitalisationYuexiu Services Group Limited (06626.HK)Outstanding ESG Performance of H-Share CompaniesChina Tower Corporation Limited (00788.HK)Shanghai Electric Group Company Limited (02727.HK)ZTE Corporation (00763.HK)Theme AwardsLenovo Group Limited (00992.HK)Yuexiu Property Company Limited (00123.HK)ZTE Corporation (00763.HK)Photo CaptionsBDO representatives and panel of judges attend the BDO ESG Awards 2024Presentation Ceremony.Representatives of the award winners, BDO, and panel of judges pose for agroup photo at the BDO ESG Awards 2024 Presentation Ceremony. Note to editorsAbout BDO Limited BDO's global organisation extends across 166 countries and territories, with more than 115,600 professionals working in over 1,770 offices - and they're all working towards one goal: to provide our clients with exceptional service. BDO was established in Hong Kong in 1981 and is committed to facilitating the growth of businesses by advising the people behind them. BDO Hong Kong provides an extensive range of professional services including assurance services, risk advisory services, specialist advisory services and tax services. For more details, visit www.bdo.com.hk.ContactsSala LoSenior Marketing Manager and Team HeadBDO Hong KongHeidi LauSenior Marketing ManagerBDO Hong Kong Strategic Financial Relations LimitedVicky LeeYoko LiTel +852 2218 3042Mobile +852 9613 5175salalo@bdo.com.hkTel +852 2218 2325Mobile +852 9285 4151heidilau@bdo.com.hkTel +852 2864 4834sprg_bdo@sprg.com.hkTel +852 2864 4813sprg_bdo@sprg.com.hk  Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

ASEAN Ceramics & ASEAN Stone Exhibition 2024 Officially Opens in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – December 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The much-anticipated ASEAN Ceramics & ASEAN Stone Exhibition 2024 officially has opened its doors yesterday, marking the start of a three-day showcase of the latest innovations, technologies, and trends in the ceramics and stone industries. Hosted at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), this event has brought together exhibitors, professionals, and thought leaders from across the ASEAN region and beyond.This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone with the debut edition of the ASEAN Stone Exhibition, which seamlessly integrates with the well-established ASEAN Ceramics platform. Together, the two exhibitions provide a comprehensive look at the synergy of the ceramics and stone industries, fostering collaboration and innovation across the entire value chain.The opening ceremony, held yesterday morning, was a grand celebration featuring distinguished speakers, international delegations, and honoured guests. The ceremony began with the welcoming and registration of VIP guests and press, setting a tone of excitement for the day ahead. Following this, a warm welcome address was delivered by the organizers, including Mr. Michael Wilton, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMI Asia Pte Ltd, and Mr. Dinh Quang Huy, Chairman of the Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA).The event continued with opening remarks by Mr. Nguyen Van Sinh, Deputy Minister of Construction, Ministry of Construction of Vietnam, highlighting the importance of the ceramics and stone industries to the country’s and region's development. Several esteemed representatives from the ASEAN region then shared their perspectives. Mr. Pham Tuan Khanh, Vice Chairman of the Saigon Construction & Building Material Association (SACA), and Dr. Sirithan Jiemsirilers, President of the Thai Ceramics Society (TCS), extended their welcome addresses, reflecting on regional collaboration. Additionally, a special welcome video presentation from ASAKI Indonesia, a member of the Ceramics Industry Club of ASEAN (CICA), emphasized the unity of the ASEAN ceramics community.The ASEAN Ceramics & ASEAN Stone Appreciation Awards was a highlight of the ceremony, with trophies awarded to honour the contribution of key associations, sponsors, and major exhibitors. The recipients included exhibitors such as Minnovation Group, Puresil India, Gilfair Hong Kong Company Limited, MMA Bentonite, TQT, VITIS, Shandong Victor, Monte-Bianco, and Tianjin Trend. Additionally, associations such as VIBCA, VABM, VIBM, CCPIT, ACIMAC, Confindustria Marmomacchine, TCS, Cambodia Stone Quarries Association and SACA were recognized for their consistent support and contributions. Finally, the ceremony closes with a symbolic ribbon-cutting, followed by a group photo and guided VIP tours of the exhibition halls, officially inaugurating this landmark event.Speaking at the event, Mr. Michael Wilton expressed his excitement for the exhibition, stating, “The debut of ASEAN Stone is a testament to the increasing demand for solutions in the stone industry. This new platform complements ASEAN Ceramics by highlighting the shared technologies, overlapping supply chains, and synergies that unite these two sectors.”With over 300 companies and brands and over 5000 trade visitors expected, ASEAN Ceramics & ASEAN Stone 2024 showcases products of the finest quality, sustainable practices, and state-of-the-art machinery. The event promises to offer unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and business growth amongst the international ceramics and stone markets.The organizers warmly invite the public to explore the exhibition and participate in various workshops, panel discussions, and live demonstrations happening throughout the event. This is a unique chance to experience the best of what the ceramics and stone industries have to offer, all under one roof.The exhibition is open from December 11 to 13, 2024, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). Admission is free for registered attendees.For more information, visit the official website of ASEAN Ceramics & ASEAN Stone Exhibition 2024 at aseanceramics.comAbout Messe Muenchen GmbHMesse Muenchen GmbH is one of the world's leading trade fair organizers with more than 50 trade fairs for capital goods, consumer goods, and new technologies. Every year, Messe Muenchen organizes more than 200 events in Munich, Germany, and abroad, attracting over 30,000 exhibitors and 2 million visitors. The company's mission is to create innovative, sustainable, and profitable platforms for its customers to do business and connect with their target markets.About MMI Asia Pte LtdMMI Asia is a full subsidiary of Messe München GMBH (MMG) established in 1992 and one of the world largest and leading exhibition organizers. MMI Asia was set up as the regional headquarter and a wholly-owned subsidiary of MMG to promote global trade expansion by facilitating participation of Asian exhibitors in Messe München fairs worldwide. MMI Asia also provides consultancy in professional trade fair and conference management to government bodies, international trade and promotion organizations, and trade associations.About Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA)Vietnam Building Ceramic Association is a professional organization, non-governmental, voluntary, established under Decision No. 41/1999 / QD - BTCCBCP dated 04-10-1999 of the Minister, Head of the Organizing Committee Government personnel. Currently VIBCA includes around 100 members are enterprises of different economic sectors, operating mainly in the field of building ceramics, including the associate members are research institutions, investment consulting, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. VIBCA is a member of the Association of Asean Ceramics Industry CICA and intimate relationship with the Association Ceramics of countries in Asean and in the world.Contact:MMI Asia Pte. Ltd.Valerie Fang – 65 9498 5538Marketing Executivevalerie.fang@mmiasia.com.sgVietnam Building Ceramic AssociationMs Vu Thi Kim Dung - 84 915114000Chief of Foreign Affairsvibcaoffice@gmail.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Everest Medicines: Accelerating Innovation in Renal Disease to Forge a Path Toward Biopharma Leadership

HONG KONG, Dec 11, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – As reported by the South China Morning Post today, Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK) is accelerating its journey to become a leading biopharmaceutical company in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by robust R&D capabilities and exceptional commercialization expertise.Breakthroughs in Renal Disease Innovation with EVER001On December 4, Everest Medicines announced positive results in preliminary analysis of Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of EVER001, its next-generation, globally owned covalent reversible Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor. The trial focuses on primary membranous nephropathy (pMN), a common pathological type of nephrotic syndrome in adults with significant unmet medical needs. The prevalence of pMN in China has been increasing, making it the second most common cause of nephrotic syndrome after IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Currently, there are approximately 2 million patients with pMN in China, 80,000 to 100,000 in the United States, 80,000 in Europe, and 40,000 in Japan,with incidence rates rising in recent years, reflecting its growing global disease burden.Unlike traditional covalent irreversible BTK inhibitors, EVER001 employs a novel covalent reversible mechanism that combines strong target binding with excellent selectivity, significantly reducing off-target toxicity. Positive results in preliminary analysis revealed promising outcomes, with over 90% reductions in anti-PLA2R antibodies and substantial improvements in proteinuria. Additionally, patients in the low-dose cohort who have completed 36 weeks of treatment, 81.8% achieved overall clinical remission, and 91% achieved immunological complete remission. In the high dose cohort, 85.7% patients achieved overall clinical remission and all patients achieved immunological complete remission by week 24. With no currently approved treatments for pMN, EVER001 represents a potentially best-in-class therapeutic candidate. These results highlight EVER001’s potential to deliver best-in-class efficacy and safety, making it a promising treatment not only for pMN but also for a range of other autoimmune glomerular diseases, including lupus nephritis (LN), IgAN, Minimal Change Disease (MCD), and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).With broad indication potential, rising disease prevalence, and Everest Medicines’ global rights, EVER001 represents a high-value asset in a “Blue Ocean” area with significant commercial potential. Kidney disease therapeutics have become a hotspot for innovation and investment in recent years, attracting major multinational pharmaceutical companies. For example, Vertex Pharmaceuticals acquired Alpine Immune Sciences this April for $4.9 billion to access its kidney autoimmune disease therapies. Similarly, Novartis acquired Chinook Therapeutics in June 2023 for $3.5 billion, gaining access to two late-stage treatments for rare, severe chronic kidney diseases.Driving Commercial Success with a Dual-Engine StrategyEverest Medicines continues to strengthen its leadership in nephrology with NEFECON(R), the first FDA-approved treatment for IgAN and the first etiological therapy for IgAN in China. Its inclusion in the 2024 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) marks a significant milestone, enhancing patient accessibility and driving market penetration starting January 1, 2025. Since its commercial launch in May 2024, NEFECON(R) has generated RMB167 million in sales within its first month. The product is also approved in Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore, further cementing Everest’s expertise in nephrology.Everest’s diversified portfolio also includes XERAVA(R) and VELSIPITY(R). XERAVA(R), a novel broad-spectrum antibiotic, demonstrated an overall effectiveness rate of 90.9% after three days of treatment in the "Comprehensive Evaluation Project on the Clinical Application of Eravacycline", contributing RMB134 million in revenue in H1 2024. VELSIPITY(R), approved under the "Hong Kong and Macau Medicine and Equipment Connect" policy, is now available in three designated medical institutions within the Greater Bay Area. It has also received approvals in Macau and Singapore, with an NDA accepted in Hong Kong and plans for an NDA submission in Mainland China by year-end.Everest is accelerating innovation through its proprietary mRNA platform, a cornerstone of its long-term R&D strategy. In August 2024, Everest launched an Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trial for EVM16, a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, at Peking University Cancer Hospital and Fudan University Cancer Hospital. The company is also advancing mRNA-based in vivo CAR-T programs for cancer and autoimmune diseases, expanding its pipeline’s potential.As of now, Everest Medicines reached a 52-week high of HKD 49.7, closing at HKD 47.85. Since announcing its mid-year results, the stock price has more than doubled, reflecting strong investor confidence. With its dual-engine strategy, Everest has positioned itself as a rising leader in the global biopharmaceutical industry, focusing on unmet medical needs, particularly in renal diseases, and breakthrough therapies like EVER001. Supported by strong financial momentum and a clear vision, Everest is poised for sustainable growth and lasting value for patients and shareholders. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

VisiRose Introduces Revolutionary Therapy for Severe Eye Infections

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Dec 10, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - VisiRose, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, is introducing Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (RB PDAT), a groundbreaking, non-invasive investigational treatment for infectious keratitis and other serious eye infections developed by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI). VisiRose, a newly launched company of Provectus Biopharmaceuticals (OTCQB:PVCT) and the University, is focused on commercializing this innovative ocular research by combining a formulation of Provectus's pharmaceutical-grade bioactive synthetic small molecule Rose Bengal Sodium (RBS) and BPEI's light-based medical device to treat eye infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites.RB PDAT offers a potential solution to the growing global problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), providing a broad-spectrum ocular therapy that may be safe, effective, and cost-efficient. The treatment has shown rapid infection resolution and improved patient outcomes in clinical trials across the U.S., India, Brazil, and Mexico."RB PDAT is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment showing remarkable promise for patients with severe infectious keratitis. This innovative therapy harnesses the power of light to combat infection and offers new hope for preserving vision," said Jean-Marie Parel, IngETS-G, Ph.D., FAIMBE, FARVO, Director and co-founder of the Ophthalmic Biophysics Center at BPEI.Guillermo Amescua, M.D., Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Medical Director of the Ocular Microbiology Laboratory, and a board-certified ophthalmologist at BPEI added, "VisiRose is crucial for translating the innovation of RB PDAT from the laboratory to a widely accessible treatment, ultimately benefiting countless patients worldwide.""VisiRose is the bridge that connects innovation with impact. It enables us to bring the hope of RB PDAT to patients who desperately need it, transforming lives and shaping the future of eye care," said Ed Pershing, Chairman of the Board of Directors of VisiRose and Provectus.Dominic Rodrigues, Acting CEO of VisiRose added, "RB PDAT offers a beacon of hope for patients facing the threat of vision loss from infectious keratitis. This innovative therapy, with its targeted action and dual benefits, represents a significant advancement in eye care, paving the way for a brighter future for those struggling with this challenging condition."In more than 500 patients, RB PDAT has shown promising results in treating severe eye infections where traditional therapies have failed. VisiRose is poised to address a significant gap in the $60 billion global ophthalmic market, focusing on regions and populations impacted by rising AMR and the lack of access to effective treatments.About VisiRoseVisiRose is a newly launched, clinical-stage biotechnology company of the University of Miami and Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, focused on commercializing the Miller School of Medicine's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and its Ophthalmic Biophysics Center's innovative ocular research using Provectus's bioactive synthetic small molecule Rose Bengal Sodium (RBS). For more information, please visit: https://visirose.com.About Bascom Palmer Eye InstituteThe Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, is consistently ranked #1 in ophthalmology in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. Known for its cutting-edge research and clinical excellence, Bascom Palmer provides world-class care across all ophthalmic subspecialties and is at the forefront of developing innovative treatments for eye diseases. With a commitment to advancing both patient care and medical research, it is recognized globally as a leader in ophthalmology. For more information, please visit: https://umiamihealth.org/en/bascom-palmer-eye-institute.About Provectus BiopharmaceuticalsProvectus Biopharmaceuticals (OTCQB: PVCT) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapy medicines for different diseases that are based on a class of bioactive synthetic small molecules called halogenated xanthenes. The Company's lead molecule is named Rose Bengal Sodium. Provectus's drug platform includes:Clinical development programs in oncology, dermatology, and ophthalmology,In vivo proof-of-concept programs in oncology, hematology, full-thickness cutaneous wound healing, and canine cancers, andIn vitro discovery programs in infectious diseases, tissue regeneration and repair, and several proprietary targets.Information about the Company's clinical trials can be found at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) registry, www.clinicaltrials.gov. For more information, please visit: www.provectusbio.com.For Media Inquiries:VisiRose, Inc.E: contact@visirose.comW: visirose.comContact:VisiRose, Inc.Dominic RodriguesActing Chief Executive OfficerE: rodrigues@visirose.comSOURCE: VisiRose Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Intelligent Joy Limited Signs Strategic Cooperation MOU with First U.S. Capital Group

HONG KONG, Dec 11, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Intelligent Group Limited (NASDAQ: INTJ) announces today that its wholly owned subsidiary Intelligent Joy Limited ('Intelligent Joy,' the 'Company') has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding ('MOU') with First U.S. Capital Group Limited ('First U.S. Capital'). Under the terms of the MOU, both parties have agreed to collaborate extensively in their respective areas of expertise to enhance their industry presence and foster the integration and development of their capabilities.This collaboration marks a significant step in deepening the relationship between Intelligent Joy and First U.S. Capital in the areas of financial public relations, investment consulting, and cross-border business development. Under the agreement, Intelligent Joy will leverage its expertise in financial public relations and media outreach to support First U.S. Capital's brand awareness and client expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, First U.S. Capital will provide tailored investment consulting and capital market strategies to Intelligent Joy's potential clients. The partnership will focus on expanding brand visibility and business growth in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the U.S. markets.Future OutlookLooking ahead, the cooperation between Intelligent Joy and First U.S. Capital holds great potential. Intelligent Joy will utilize its market resources in Hong Kong and Mainland China to provide strategic support for First U.S. Capital's business expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, First U.S. Capital, with its strong expertise in international investments and financial consulting, will help Intelligent Joy extend its global client base, particularly in areas such as capital raising, market positioning, and risk management.Both parties will also explore joint opportunities in cross-border investment and capital markets, aiming to promote collaboration in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the U.S. markets. The cooperation will focus on the integration of information technology and financial services, with the goal of introducing innovative financial solutions. As the global economic and financial landscape evolves, this partnership will offer both companies greater flexibility in strategic choices and contribute to long-term sustainable growth.The MOU is set to take effect immediately upon signing and will remain valid for an initial term of three years, subject to modification or extension based on the needs of both parties.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the management's current expectations, estimates, and assumptions about future economic conditions, industry performance, company operations, and financial results. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to factors such as changes in economic conditions, market trends, industry developments, and operational factors. There can be no assurance that the expected events or outcomes will occur as anticipated.About Intelligent Group LimitedIntelligent Group Limited has been deeply rooted in Hong Kong for many years and successfully listed on the NASDAQ in March 2024. As the first public relations group in Hong Kong to focus on producing financial content, Intelligent Group Limited is committed to providing high-value public relations services to the financial sector, helping listed companies enhance their brand influence through precise 'data+content' driven communications. Through close collaboration with over 100 securities firms and more than 150 financial analysts, the company has focused on driving financial institutions, investors, and businesses with efficient content-driven public relations services. Intelligent Joy operates in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, providing top-tier communications services to leading companies in the Hong Kong and U.S. stock markets.About First U.S. Capital Group LimitedFounded in 1989 and headquartered in Santa Ana, California, First U.S. Capital Group Limited is a global leader in international title insurance and commercial information services. First U.S. Capital provides a wide range of financial consulting, investment strategies, and title insurance services to global corporate and individual clients. Its services are widely used in real estate transactions, capital market operations, and business management.For more information, please visit Intelligent Joy's website: www.intelligentjoy.com.For enquiry, please contact Intelligent Joy Limited: Rosanne Ren Phone: (86) 136 8956 6828Email: rosanne.ren@intelligentjoy.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

THE TRIFECTA FUNHOUSE Brings Orchard Road Alive with a Free New Year’s Eve Celebration!

Registration Opens December 5th—Limited release of 1,000 tickets for one night of free food, free interactive games, and free beats from DJs redefining the sound collide!SINGAPORE, Dec 10, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - This New Year’s Eve, TRIFECTA, the world’s first Surf-Snow-Skate and lifestyle destination on Orchard Road, will host a showstopping New Year's Eve celebration THE TRIFECTA FUNHOUSE: A New Year’s Countdown Party. This vibrant carnival-themed event offers entry to a night of free carnival treats redeemable with dining coupons, entertainment and games. With an exceptional musical line-up, dynamic roving performances, and a limited release of  just 1,000 tickets, pre-registration is a must to guarantee your spot.Known for breaking the mold, TRIFECTA champions local and regional emerging talent, and established artists pushing the boundaries of music, art, and culture. This New Year’s countdown party, with its vibrant carnival theme, is a perfect showcase of TRIFECTA’s commitment to the spirit of creative expression. TRIFECTA’s New Year’s Countdown: A Carnival of Sound Celebrating Asia’s Boldest Musical TalentAs Singapore’s leading champion of creative music and with a legacy of hosting iconic music events like TRIFECTA Backyard Sessions and the TRIFECTA Music Festival, the countdown party will be a celebration of bold creativity and the vibrant energy of Asia’s independent musical innovators.In a spectacular fusion of carnival fun and cutting-edge sound, TRIFECTA’ Snow Arena will transform into the heart of the night’s musical experience. This electrifying zone will double as the DJ booth, where an exceptional lineup of Singaporean and regional artists will bring the beats to life, creating an atmosphere that pushes the boundaries of sound and artistic freedom.THE TRIFECTA FUNHOUSE musical headlining acts are:WILD PEARLBorn from a collective desire to experience music live, loud, and with friends, Wild Pearl is a dynamic duo composed of Andy and Chris, who are on a mission to bring music-centric experiences to Singapore's crowds. Their performances are deeply rooted in community, sustainability, and wellness, with a focus on connecting global audiences through events and collaborations. This event will feature co-founder Chris Shearmon, and their Radio Producer Leland, who will both deliver an hour’s set.STRANGEWEATHERFueled by a deep respect for heritage and an eagerness to push sonic boundaries, Strange Weather is a Singapore-based collective with a mission to unite like-minded individuals across Southeast and East Asia. Their sound navigates between heavy percussion, post-punk, and eclectic electronica driven by hypnotic rhythms. A’alely, a core founding member of the collective, will represent the crew.HYPERFOCUSGenre-fluid and effortlessly cool, Dan blends aggressive percussion with rhythms from Latin club beats, hard drums, and techno, creating a high-energy performance that brings forth his concept of “the New Masculine.” Alongside Z, Dan has redefined Singapore’s underground rave scene with a fiercely DIY ethos. Hyperfocus is now a cultural movement, hosting international icons like LU2K, DJ G2G, and Bulma, while championing regional stars such as Tikkoii and 918.Kiss.Jackpot. The duo’s vision continues to energize and inspire, creating a magnetic hub for raw creativity and unfiltered energy.BUSSY TEMPLE (Howrøng & METAMOKSHA)Known for their unapologetically avant-garde soundscapes, howrøng crafts a sonic experience that oscillates between ritualistic percussion, break-noise, and industrial club. As co-founder of the collective Bussy Temple,’ howrøng brings moments to life, spanning techno, experimental deconstructed club, and more. Known for performances at underground techno events in Singapore and South East Asia, they have also opened for international heavyweights like Tommy Four Seven and Dana Montana.Co-founder Metamoksha is an organizer, artist, and DJ for Bussy Temple and the DJ collective 3NiTi.Metamoksha's sets are nothing short of heartfelt odysseys and sweet agonies -  taking us through the throes of bad romances, forehead kisses and sleepless nights. Intense yet intimate, unyieldingly raw, and evocative yet tender.A driving force in Southeast Asia’s underground scene, Metamoksha has played across notable underground clubs and collectives around the region, including Arcan Anniversary in Ho Chi Minh, Red Room in Yangon Myanmar, Non Non Non in Bangkok, Under9 in Kuala Lumpur, and leading Singapore collectives like Endless Return and Midnight Shift.rEmPiT g0dDe$$Victoria Yam is a prominent figure in Southeast Asia’s underground scene, deftly navigating between two experimental projects: VIKTORIA and rEmPiT g0dDe$$. Known for her forays into industrial club music, she has performed at major festivals like Maho Rasop Festival (Bangkok) and Final (Taipei). Her performances have taken her across Asia, Canada, and Europe, including the Boiler Room for Maho Rasop, the Oram Awards in London, and Venus Fest in Toronto.PRONTAXANA fusion of Funkot and regional sounds from Yogyakarta, PRONTAXAN disrupts conventional party norms by curating mixes of electronic music, dangdut, campursari, and Archipelago sounds. Known for using YouTube and MP3 controllers to remix their sets, PRONTAXAN is a trailblazer in Funkot, creating an eclectic vibe that bridges cultures and social classes through infectious beats. PRONTAXAN’s unique sound resonates with audiences across Southeast Asia, shaking up the boundaries of electronic dance music.TRIFECTA Transforms Its Snow, Surf and Skate Arenas for an Unforgettable Carnival FiestaFor THE TRIFECTA FUNHOUSE: A New Year’s Countdown Party, TRIFECTA is transforming every inch of its Snow, Surf, and Skate Arenas into immersive carnival-themed zones, each brimming with interactive activities and entertainment for all to enjoy.Snow Arena: Free Costume Rentals & Face PaintingStep into a whimsical winter wonderland as TRIFECTA's Snow Arena is transformed into a magical carnival experience. Guests can immerse themselves in the fun with free on-site costume rentals, from shimmering mermaid tails to swashbuckling pirate attire, all while enjoying creative face painting to bring their carnival spirit to life. Surf Arena: Classic Carnival Games & Interactive FunThe Surf Arena is taking you on a nostalgic journey with a modern carnival twist. Guests can dive into classic carnival-style games such as the Ultimate Puncher and the Basketball Twin Arcade Machine, while interactive photo booths offer fun, memorable snapshots of the night. Whether you're testing your strength or capturing fun moments, this zone is filled with playful competition and surprises at every turn.Skate Arena: Fire Spinners, Breath Takers & Roller DiscoTRIFECTA’s Skate Arena becomes the stage for thrilling fire performances as fire spinners and breathers light up the night with their dazzling, hypnotic displays. The carnival atmosphere intensifies with their rhythmic, fiery artistry, sending sparks through the crowd in awe-inspiring fashion. The Skate Arena also hosts roving contortionists, unicyclists, and stilt walkers, creating a truly larger-than-life experience as they twist, spin, and glide through the festivities.TRIFECTA’s iconic roller skate bowl transforms into a carnival-inspired Roller Disco! Guests can glide to upbeat music under dazzling lights, filling the night with vibrant energy, fun, and a splash of retro nostalgia. It’s all about freedom, movement, and skating to the beat in a truly electrifying carnival atmosphere!Rooftop Deck: Mirror Men, Magicians & Acrobatic PerformancesThe transformation continues on the Roof, where guests can witness mind-bending performances by Mirror Man, whose shifting reflections blur the line between illusion and reality. Magicians will conjure the impossible right before your eyes, and acrobats will defy gravity with breathtaking feats of strength and precision, all adding to the carnival thrill. Additionally, Leviwand Performers will enchant the crowd with their fluid movements, making this corner of the Funhouse an awe-inspiring experience for all who visit.Fringe Activities: Circus-Themed Fun Around Every CornerThroughout the event, TRIFECTA's carnival-themed experiences continue to surprise and delight. Guests can experience magical face and jewel makeup artistry to complete their festive look. For those seeking a mystical touch, tarot card readings by skilled psychics offer an enthralling glimpse into the future, adding an air of mystery to the night.TRIFECTA Funhouse Branded Photo BoothCapture your carnival memories with TRIFECTA Funhouse's branded photobooth. Whether you're posing with friends or getting into character with your costume, this enclosed photo booth provides the perfect spot for creating fun, lasting memories throughout the night.Complimentary Carnival Fare in the Surf ArenaRegistered ticketholders can indulge in a delightful array of complimentary bite-sized carnival-inspired dishes at the Funhouse, served within the vibrant Surf Arena. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, the tantalizing menu includes:Flying Tacos – Savour the bold flavours of chicken, beef, or cauliflower tacos, served with crispy nachos for a satisfying, vibrant bite.Flip N Dip Pancakes & Ice Cream – Indulge in fluffy pancakes topped with creamy ice cream – sweet, decadent, and perfectly paired.Dogs for Days – Elevate your classic hot dog with kimchi, cheese, and char siew for a delicious twist on a carnival favourite.Fisherman’s Friends – Enjoy crispy fish and chips with a modern touch, bringing a fresh, delicious take on a classic favourite.The Mad Pig – Bite into juicy German pork belly, roasted to perfection for a mouthwatering experience.Sweet Tooth – Relish nostalgic carnival treats like fluffy candy floss and freshly popped popcornWhile carnival treats can be enjoyed for free with redeemable coupons,and until supplies last, guests can enjoy a variety of beverages throughout the evening. William Grant & Sons proudly serves as the official spirits partner, and guests can also explore a selection of beers and premium spirits catered by Yeastside — the only paid component of the event. Registration for The TRIFECTA Funhouse Opens 5th DecemberEntry to THE TRIFECTA FUNHOUSE: A New Year’s Countdown Party is entirely free, with complimentary access to all activities, games, and dining coupons for carnival treats, while supplies last. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase and are restricted to guests aged 18 and above.With limited capacity and high demand, pre-registration is essential to guarantee your entry. Join us at The TRIFECTA Funhouse, where creativity takes centre stage, and the New Year begins with bold expression and unrestrained creativity. Registration details can be accessed HERE.THE TRIFECTA FUNHOUSE: A New Year’s Countdown Party Snapshot:Date: 31st DecemberTime: Entry from 5pm — 3am Location: TRIFECTA, 10A Exeter Road, Singapore 239958Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT, Exit AAdmission: All pre-registered guests enjoy free access to the party, games, and activitiesFood: Dining coupons for bite-sized food portions will be available to all registered guests throughout  the evening while supplies last—early arrivals highly encouraged Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages available for purchase (18+ only).Capacity: 1,000 guests (pre-registration required)Carnival Chic: Carnival-inspired dress code is encouraged. Prizes will be awarded for the boldest, most imaginative look.THE TRIFECTA FUNHOUSE: A New Year’s Countdown Party is a ONE Countdown 2025 event. As part of SG60, ONE Countdown 2025 celebrations will bring everyone together to usher in the new year, with celebrations across the island. Find out more about ONE Countdown 2025 at: https://go.gov.sg/onecountdown2025.Note to Editors:- High-resolution images of musical acts, F&B booths and key visuals can be accessed HERE.- Access complete line-up of THE TRIFECTA FUNHOUSE: A New Year’s Countdown Party musical talent, activities, F&B booths and more, visit:https://funhouse.trifectasingapore.com/ About TRIFECTAOpened on 28 October 2023 by Singapore adventure sports company, The Ride Side, TRIFECTA is Asia's first surf-snow-skate destination, offering surfing, snowboarding, skiing and skating all in one place, in one day in the heart of Singapore. Bringing mountains and waves to the tropics, TRIFECTA is a space for self-expression and aims to build a new culture of youthful collaboration, bringing like-minded boardsports enthusiasts and lifestyle experience seekers together.For TRIFECTA FUNHOUSE New Year’s Countdown media interviews, press enquiries and event passes, please contact:Wani Diwarkarwani@prbespoke.com +65 9832 0643Paulene Lynchpaulene@prbespoke.com +65 9057 4101Saloni Rishirajsaloni@prbespoke.com +65 8344 4482 Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.