Quarters Academy Partners with Spectrum International University College for Professional Development

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Quarters Academy Sdn. Bhd. (“Quarters Academy”) is pleased to announce the signing of a Partnership Agreement (“Partnership”) with Spectrum International University College (“SIUC”), a well-renowned academic institution managed by Spectrum Holdings (M) Sdn. Bhd. (“Spectrum Holdings”). This partnership aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of professional training programmes by combining Quarters Academy’s innovative training methodologies and extensive industry network with SIUC’s academic expertise and infrastructure.

Puan Duratul Ain Bt Zabor, Director of Continuous Development of Spectrum International University College (SIUC); Emeritus Professor Dr Mak Chai, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum International University College (SIUC); Mr. Luis Tee, Director of Quarters Academy Sdn Bhd; Mr. Steve Chen, Director of Quarters Academy Sdn Bhd [L-R]

The collaboration will create a framework for delivering market-driven courses that cater to the evolving needs of professionals in various fields. It emphasises the commitment of both Quarters Academy and SIUC to fostering continuous professional development (CPD). Quarters Academy will develop, recruit participants, and manage the delivery of professional training programmes, while SIUC will ensure the quality, compliance, and certification of these programmes.

Mr. Luis Tee, Director of Quarters Academy, said, “We are excited to partner with SIUC to provide innovative and high-quality professional training programmes. This collaboration reflects our commitment to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic work environment.”

At the event, Quarters Academy and SIUC introduced the Professional Certificate in Trust & Fiduciary Advisory, a comprehensive course designed to educate students about trust and fiduciary laws, regulations, and advisory practices in Malaysia. The curriculum covers essential topics such as the history and creation of trusts, types of trusts, estate planning, fiduciary duties, taxation, and Islamic trusts.

Mr. Siva Sunasundram, Executive Director of SIUC, commented, “Collaborating with Quarters Academy aligns perfectly with our vision of providing inclusive and top-tier educational opportunities. We are confident that this partnership will greatly benefit our students and the broader community.”

Also at the event was CHPS GM Consultancy & Academic Sdn. Bhd. (“CHPS GM”). CHPS GM is a renowned provider of wellness and lifestyle programmes focused on human capital management and preventive healthcare. Through strategic partnerships with local and international associates, including SIUC, CHPS GM delivers high-quality consultancy and training services that address the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

Dr. Ben Prakasan, Founder and Managing Director of CHPS GM, added, “This partnership underscores our dedication to fostering professional growth and delivering value-added solutions in human capital development. Together with SIUC, we aim to raise the bar in educational excellence and industry relevance.”

Media contact:
Mandy Tan
Swan Consultancy
m.tan@swanconsultancy.biz

EPB Group Sets to Raise RM40.08 Million from ACE Market IPO

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – EPB Group Berhad (“EPB”) and its group of companies (the “Group”), an established one-stop food processing and packaging machinery solutions provider, is pleased to announce the launch of its prospectus for the initial public offering (“IPO”) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Securities”).

Mr. Stephen Chua Chee Keong, Independent Non-Executive Director, EPB Group Berhad; Mr. Ooi Hun Pin, Independent Non-Executive Director, EPB Group Berhad; Mr. Moh Jiun Haur, Director of WYNCORP Advisory Sdn Bhd. and WYNCORP Advisory; Mr. Liew Meng Hooi, Deputy Managing Director, EPB Group Berhad; Mr. Noor Azman Bin Nordin, Independent Non-Executive Chairman, EPB Group Berhad; Mr. Yeoh Chee Min, Managing Director, EPB Group Berhad; Ms. Ooi Kim Kew, Executive Director, EPB Group Berhad; Ms. Lim Chia Wei, Managing Director of Malacca Securities Sdn. Bhd.; Mr. Khor Chai Tian, Independent Non-Executive Director, EPB Group Berhad [L-R]

This significant milestone is set to bolster EPB’s market position and support the expansion of its operations, driven by targeted growth strategies to expand its business footprint and adopting industrial revolution 4.0 through robotic integrations in their food processing and packaging machinery solutions.

The Group, established in 1992, has built a strong market presence as a comprehensive solutions provider in the design, customisation, fabrication, integration, and automation of production lines for the food processing and packaging machinery solutions segment. The Group also excels in the trading of cellulose casings as well as manufacturing and trading of flexible packaging materials, catering to a wide range of needs in the food manufacturing industry.

For information, the IPO shares shall be allocated in the following manner: –

A. Public Issue of 71,570,000 new ordinary shares (“Issue Shares”)

Malaysian public

19,570,000 Issue Shares, or 5.26% of the enlarged issued share capital upon listing will be made available for application by the Malaysian public via balloting, of which 50% of this allocation representing 9,785,000 Issue Shares shall be made available to Bumiputera public investors.

Eligible persons

21,196,000 Issue Shares, or 5.70% of the enlarged issued share capital upon listing will be reserved for application by the eligible directors, eligible key senior management, eligible employees and business associates (including any other persons who have contributed to the success of the Group).

Private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (“MITI”)

30,804,000 Issue Shares, or 8.28% of the enlarged issued share capital upon listing will be made available for application by Bumiputera Investors approved by MITI by way of private placement.

B. Offer for Sale of 40,000,000 ordinary shares (“Offer Shares”)

Private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by MITI

15,696,000 Offer Shares, or 4.22% of the enlarged issued share capital upon listing shall be made available to Bumiputera investors approved by MITI.

Private placement to selected investors

24,304,000 Offer Shares, or 6.53% of the enlarged issued share capital upon listing, shall be made available to selected investors.

The proceeds of RM40.08 million raised from the Public Issue will be earmarked for the following purposes: –

Factory expansion. Including the acquisition of land, construction of a new factory, and purchase of machineries to enhance operational capabilities.
Repayment of bank borrowings. Strengthening the balance sheet and reducing gearing to further improve financial stability.
Working capital purposes. Supporting daily operational needs and ensuring smooth business operations.
Listing expenses purposes. Covering IPO expenses of the Group.

Applications for the IPO have opened starting at 10.00 a.m. today following the prospectus launch and will close at 5.00 p.m. on 31 July 2024. The targeted IPO listing date of the Company on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities is on 23 August 2024. At the IPO price of RM0.56 per IPO share, EPB will have a market capitalisation of RM208.32 million ahead of its debut.

Mr. Yeoh Chee Min, Managing Director of EPB Group Berhad, stated, “We are deeply appreciative of the endorsement from Bursa Securities for our IPO on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities. This significant occasion marks a milestone for our Group’s journey, which will enhance our visibility and allow us to expand our business footprint. The IPO serves as a gateway to the capital markets, providing us with the necessary resources to fuel our next phase of growth and innovation, particularly in the realm of robotics integration in the food processing and packaging machinery solutions we currently provide to our customers.”

Mr. Liew Meng Hooi, Deputy Managing Director of EPB Group Berhad, stated, “Our success at EPB Group is built on strong relationships with our customers. By working closely with our customers, we are able to understand their challenges and provide them with customised solutions. Looking ahead, we are excited to explore new opportunities and expand our product offerings. Our commitment to innovation and excellence will ensure that we stay ahead of industry trends and continue to deliver valuable solutions for our clients.”

Ms. Lim Chia Wei, Managing Director of Malacca Securities Sdn. Bhd. added, “We are delighted to assist EPB Group with its IPO. The Group’s comprehensive approach to delivering food processing and packaging machinery solutions, combined with a relentless drive for innovation and a strong focus on customer needs, sets a solid foundation for future growth. With a commendable track record since 1992 and a team rich in experience, EPB Group Berhad is well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of the food industry.”

Malacca Securities Sdn. Bhd. is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Underwriter and Placement Agent, and WYNCORP Advisory Sdn. Bhd. is the Corporate Finance Adviser of EPB Group Berhad.

Media Contact:
Xinyi Ching
Swan Consultancy
x.ching@swanconsultancy.biz

Kadena Announces Nitin Gaur as Advisor

NEW YORK, June 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Kadena, the industry’s only scalable Proof-of-Work blockchain, welcomes Nitin Gaur, the founder of IBM Blockchain Lab and a former Global Head of Digital Assets at State Street, as an advisor. Gaur, a distinguished leader in blockchain with a robust patent portfolio, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide Kadena’s strategic direction for implementing a decentralized approach to traditional finance.

Kadena Announces Nitin Guar as Advisor

Stuart Popejoy, CEO and co-founder of Kadena, expressed his excitement about the new addition to Kadena’s advisory team. “We are thrilled to welcome Nitin Gaur to Kadena as an advisor, joining blockchain inventor Dr. Stuart Haber, among others. His deep understanding of blockchain technology and his institutional background will be instrumental as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with our platform.”

Gaur shared in the excitement to join Kadena. “Kadena has a bright future with a world-class team of executives and advisors. I’m excited to bring my experience in blockchain-powered business networks, especially in financial services, to add to a strong foundation.”

Gaur’s contributions to the field extend beyond his work at IBM and State Street. He is a sought-after speaker at various global events, advised on digital currency initiatives at Stanford University, and holds 100-plus patents.

For more information about Kadena and its initiatives, please visit www.kadena.io.

About Nitin Gaur

Nitin Gaur is currently the founder and CEO of LedgerLink, an AI-driven Web2.5 platform. The goal of LedgerLink is leading Digital Asset and Technology Design, with aspirations to transition part of the company’s financial market infrastructure and its clients to the new digital economy. In this role, Gaur aims to dedicate energy to bridging traditional finance and emerging decentralized finance with concepts around enterprise-grade digital-asset custody, risk-model frameworks, tokenization of traditional assets, and fund structures to transform and modernize the market infrastructure with a vast partner ecosystem. Nitin Gaur also serves as the CTO and co-founder at Portal Asset Management, an acclaimed crypto hedge fund. He is also the co-host of the “Beyond Bitcoin” podcast, which offers deep insights into the evolution and adoption of digital assets across industries.

In his previous role, Nitin Gaur served as Managing Director at State Street and was the founder and Director of IBM Digital Asset Labs – committed to devising industry standards and use cases and working towards making blockchain for enterprise a reality. In parallel, Gaur also served as CTO of IBM World Wire – a cross-border payment solution utilizing digital assets. He also founded IBM Blockchain Labs and led the effort to establish blockchain practices for the enterprise. Prior to this role, Gaur was working in the capacity of CTO, IBM Mobile Payments, and Enterprise Mobile Solutions. Gaur holds an MS in Management Information Systems and an MBA in Finance from The University of Maryland. He was also appointed as an IBM Distinguished Engineer and was recognized as a Master Inventor with a rich patent portfolio.

About Kadena

Kadena, a blockchain technology company founded in 2017 by Stuart Popejoy and Will Martino, who created JP Morgan’s first blockchain and led the SEC’s Crypto Committee, stands as the industry’s only scalable layer-1 Proof of Work (PoW) blockchain. This unique scalability enables Kadena to deliver infrastructure-grade performance for any blockchain project. Along with our smart contract language Pact, Kadena’s platform provides the world with the tools and environment to turn ideas and ambitions into reality, paving the way for true blockchain mass adoption.

Kadena LinkedIn
Kadena on X (formerly Twitter)
Kadena Discord

Contact Information
Kadena Press
press@kadena.io

SOURCE: Kadena

SMEStreet Celebrates International MSME Day By Launching ‘Future Ready MSMEs’ Campaign 2024

New Delhi, India, June 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – SMEStreet marked International MSME Day with the successful launch of its nationwide campaign titled “Future Ready MSMEs”. The campaign commenced with an impactful webinar focusing on the “Role of MSMEs in Developed India (Viksit Bharat)” on June 27th, 2024. The event witnessed active participation from MSME stakeholders across the country, making it a significant milestone in the journey towards empowering Indian MSMEs for global competitiveness. The Webinar is getting showcased among MSME owners on SMEStreet.in and on all its Social Media Channels. Full Webinar Recording

Webinar Highlights

The webinar brought together a distinguished panel of experts who shared their insights on enhancing the export contributions of Indian MSMEs and overcoming the challenges they face in international trade.

Panelists:

– Mr. Anil Khaitan: Chairman of Sunil Healthcare
– Mr. Chandrakant Salunkhe: Founder and President of SME Chamber of India
– CA Deepak Maheshwari: Co-Founder of DealPlexus.com & Co-Founder Jindagi Live Group
– Dr. Abdulhasan Al-Dairi: Chairperson of Bahrain SME Society and Chairman of UNISMO
– Mr. Faiz Askari: Founder of SMEStreet and Moderator of the Webinar.

Participant Engagement

The webinar saw enthusiastic participation from MSMEs, industry professionals, and policymakers. The interactive Q&A session allowed participants to engage directly with the panelists, gaining valuable insights and practical advice.

Important Quotes from the Panelists

– Mr. Anil Khaitan: “MSMEs play a crucial role in India’s healthcare exports. By focusing on innovation and quality, we can significantly boost our global presence. Certain schemes and programs by Government agencies are making a significant impact. But a lot has to be done in order to ensure positive MSME growth through boosting exports.”

– Mr. Chandrakant Salunkhe: “We must empower Indian MSMEs to be globally competitive. A lot has to be done to live upto this statement. India is a vast country, with over 6.5 Crores MSMEs, but around 5 Lakh (half a million) MSMEs are in export business. This data should be looked upon and policymakers must work towards improving this area. The SME Chamber of India is committed to supporting MSMEs in overcoming export challenges through strategic initiatives and partnerships.

– CA Deepak Maheshwari: “Financial solutions and digital transformation are crucial for MSMEs to scale and succeed in international markets. Today, MSMEs have diverse financing options, from NBFCs and lending agencies to investors and private family offices, all eager to engage in the Indian market. Digital transformation is driving significant growth for MSMEs, aligning with PM Modi’s ambitious goal for India to become a developed nation by 2047, further propelling this growth trajectory.”

– Dr. Abdulhasan Al-Dairi: “International collaborations and partnerships are key to enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs. Bahrain and entire Middle East is considering India as a committed and serious business ally. MSMEs of India are getting great level of opportunity here and there is a strong natural synergy between the MSMEs of the two regions.”

– Mr. Faiz Askari: “This webinar is a stepping stone towards making Indian MSMEs future-ready. The insights and strategies discussed today will pave the way for their growth and success. We urge every single stakeholder of Indian MSME domain join us as we continue to empower Indian MSMEs, making them integral to the vision of a Developed India (Viksit Bharat).”

Key Takeaways

1. Boosting Exports & MSMEs role in Developed India:

– Identified key sectors with high export potential, including healthcare, technology, textiles, Food Processing and agri-products.

– Discussed strategies for enhancing global competitiveness, such as adopting international quality standards, investing in R&D, and leveraging digital marketing tools to reach global customers.

2. Overcoming Trade Challenges:

– Addressed common obstacles faced by MSMEs, including regulatory hurdles, access to finance, and lack of market knowledge.

– Offered policy recommendations to streamline export procedures, enhance access to export financing, and provide training programs on international trade compliance.

The interactive Q&A session saw participants actively engage with panelists, seeking expert advice on specific export challenges and solutions. The session provided practical insights into navigating international markets, optimizing supply chains, and leveraging government incentives.

The “Future Ready MSMEs” campaign by SMEStreet is proudly supported by several prestigious organizations dedicated to the growth and development of MSMEs. The SME Chamber of India enhances the global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs through advocacy, support services, and strategic initiatives. Weaddo provides innovative digital transformation solutions, helping MSMEs leverage digital tools for business expansion and market presence. UNISMO (United International Small and Medium Enterprises Organization) facilitates global networking and market access for MSMEs worldwide. The Bahrain SMEs Society supports the development of MSMEs in Bahrain with capacity-building programs, policy advocacy, and international partnerships. These organizations play a vital role in empowering MSMEs with the resources, expertise, and networks needed to succeed in a competitive global market.

Moving Forward

The “Future Ready MSMEs” campaign will continue to support MSMEs in implementing the strategies discussed during the webinar. SMEStreet plans to organize more events, workshops, and initiatives to empower MSMEs and strengthen their role in India’s economic development.

SMEStreet and DealPlexus Partnership

Few months ago, SMEStreet and DealPlexus.com have formed a strategic partnership with an aim to help MSMEs through multiple fundraising avenues including SME IPO route. This partnership was under the name of ‘Ek Nayi Udaan’. This Future Ready MSMEs campaign will witness huge action in this collaboration which will provide MSMEs with the necessary support and resources to access capital markets, facilitating their growth and expansion.

About SMEStreet

SMEStreet is a leading media platform empowering MSMEs with information, insights, and networking opportunities. Our mission is to support MSMEs in achieving sustainable growth and success in a competitive global market.

Join us as we drive Indian MSMEs towards a future-ready role in a Developed India (Viksit Bharat).

For more information, contact:
Tabinda Askari
Co-Founder, Vertical Business Media Pvt. Ltd.
Email: verticalbusinessmedia@gmail.com

4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn. Reach Milestone to Remove Over 215,000 Pounds of Trash from the World’s Oceans

Boca Raton, FL, June 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in partnership with 4ocean, a Florida-based company with a mission to end the ocean plastic crisis, is pleased to announce the successful removal of trash from the world’s oceans through the 4ocean Pound+ Services program. With a pledge of over 200,000 pounds of waste to remove, the two organizations exceeded their goal and removed some 215,000 pounds from rivers, oceans, and coastlines globally.

4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn.’s partnership began in 2021, and now the two organizations have collectively removed over 215,000 pounds worldwide. Through this partnership, 4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn. worked together towards ocean-positive sustainability across 74 clean-up locations, with most of the waste being pulled in Bali, Indonesia, and Guatemala.

“At 4ocean, we are incredibly proud to partner with U.S. Polo Assn. in our mission to create a cleaner ocean,” said Alex Schulze, Co-Founder of 4ocean. “Their dedication and support have been instrumental in helping us remove some 215,000 pounds of plastic from our oceans. Together, we are making a significant impact in the fight against ocean plastic pollution.”

This meaningful partnership is a component of U.S. Polo Assn.’s overarching sustainability initiative USPA Life, which takes a global and holistic approach toward reducing U.S. Polo Assn.’s environmental impact. Through USPA Life, 4ocean partners with U.S. Polo Assn.’s Global Team in Palm Beach County, Florida, for the sport-inspired brand’s annual Beach Cleanup. The USPA Life initiative also offers a global and growing selection of apparel, footwear, and accessories with sustainable attributes for consumers to shop and support.

“We are proud to partner with 4ocean through our USPA Life initiative to tackle the ocean plastic crisis for the third year in a row and to exceed our goal by pulling over 215,000 pounds of trash from the world’s waterways,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that oversees the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “This partnership between 4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn. exemplifies the power of collective action in sustainability efforts and underscores our commitment to protecting our planet for future generations.”

Another element of this partnership included 4ocean being the Official Sustainability Partner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship® this past April, where 4ocean collected plastic and trash from the prestigious and sold-out event at the USPA National Polo Center. The ocean cleanup company also had a series of commercial spots run during the U.S. Open Polo Championship Final broadcast on multiple ESPN platforms, bringing awareness to millions of consumers and sports fans.

To learn more about the partnership, please visit uspoloassnglobal.com/4ocean.

About 4ocean

4ocean is an ocean cleanup company based in Boca Raton, Florida, that’s dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis. As a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corp, 4ocean harnesses the power of business to fund a global cleanup operation that recovers millions of pounds of plastic and other debris from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines each year.

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the country’s oldest sports governing bodies, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. A recent, multi-year deal with ESPN to broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., has made the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized around the world with awards for global growth, expansion, licensing, and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, particularly in the last five years, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

Contact Information
Stacey Kovalsky
VP Global PR and Communications
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+001.561.790.8036

Kaela Drake
PR & Communications Specialist
kdrake@uspagl.com
+001.561.461.8596

Source: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q24: 2024 trade growth forecast upwardly revised to 9-11%

HONG KONG, June 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Hong Kong’s trade growth forecast for 2024 has been upwardly revised to between 9% and 11%. The surprise move was announced by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and marks a substantial upgrade to its initial estimation of 4-6% as announced at the end of last year.

This welcome uptick stems from two key economic indicators that signal good news for Hong Kong’s current and future export prospects. First, the HKTDC’s review of the first five months of 2024 showed export levels to be up by a hefty 12.5% year on year.

Confirmation of the improving business environment came in the findings in the HKTDC Export Confidence Index for the second quarter of 2024, which showed a substantial rally in both its crucial Current Performance and Expectation Indices.

HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan said: “Taking all of these factors into account, HKTDC Research has revised its 2024 trade growth forecast to better reflect the overall upturn in demand and the generally more positive global trade outlook.”

Electronics exports shine in half-year review

The HKTDC’s review of the first five months of this year showed export levels rising by a hefty 12.5% year on year, driven by a surge in orders for electronic goods as well as parts and components, which typically comprise some 70% of the city’s total export value.

In terms of markets, exporters were generally optimistic across the board. The scores for Mainland China were particularly high with the Current and Expectation indices both rising above 60. Regarding the uptick in electronics exports, this has largely been sustained by rising output levels in production plants in the mainland and ASEAN countries. From January to May, Hong Kong’s overall level of mainland-bound exports rose 21.1% year on year, while exports to the ASEAN bloc climbed 19.8%. In both cases, industrial inputs and intermediate goods accounted for some 90% of the total exports.

HKTDC Research Principal Economist Wing Chu said: “Apart from consumer items such as audio-visual products (+11.2%), jewellery exports also rose by 2.0% largely on account of growing demand from emerging markets like the UAE. This rise happened despite the sluggish performance of some other consumer goods exports amid underlying sectoral divergence.”

Optimism uptick in new Export Confidence Index

Coinciding with the Mid-Year Trade Review, the findings of the Export Confidence Index for the second quarter indicate that exporters were 12 points happier with their Current Performance than in the first quarter, scoring 51.6 this quarter. This renewed satisfaction was also reflected in the Expectation Index (54.3), a measure of how confident exporters are about their likely performance in the coming quarter. Up to 73% of exporters are now expecting higher or maintained profit levels, compared to just 55.9% in the first quarter of 2024.

Exporters have also shown renewed confidence in demand from Hong Kong’s key markets. Across all six geographical market segments, only the prospects in Japan were ranked below 50, the threshold figure for likely market expansion. Exporters were the most optimistic about sustained demand from the mainland (up from 39.6 to 60.5) and from the United States (up from 34.5 to 53.6). Of the remainder – the European Union, ASEAN and the rest of the world – no market was accorded a score below 52.0.

In the second quarter, rising transport costs overtook an economic slowdown and recession as exporters’ primary concern, followed by higher capital costs and exchange-rate fluctuations. At the same time, they believe the growth of e-commerce, the upturn in overseas market activities as well as the wider deployment of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies will provide fresh impetus to their businesses.

Promising outlook ahead

“While no country or territory’s economic performance can be seen as immune to the key factors currently impacting the global economy – notably geopolitical tensions, rising costs and exchange rate fluctuations – it is safe to say that Hong Kong has exceeded expectations for the first half of the year,” Ms Fan said.

She added that given the firm foundation Hong Kong has put in place and the growing faith in many of its key markets, there are reasonable grounds to assume that the welcome uptick in export performance “will be sustained for the rest of the year and, quite possibly, well beyond”.

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

References

HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/
HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q24: A Significant Upturn Amid Rising Optimism https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTcyODk3MTYyMA
2024 Mid-Year Trade Review and Outlook: Surge in Electronics Orders Fuels Rapid Rebound in Export Levels https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTcyOTg1MjAzNQ

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4cdr6wu

HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan (left) and Principal Economist Wing Chu (right) announced the 2024 Mid-Year Trade Review and Outlook and the HKTDC Export Confidence Index for the second quarter of 2024 at a press conference today

HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan

HKTDC Principal Economist Wing Chu

Media enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:

Jane Cheung

Tel: (852) 2584 4137

Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

About HKTDC

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

Legend Capital’s Portfolio Company Aidite Lists on the ChiNext Successfully

HONG KONG, June 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – On June 26, Legend Capital’s portfolio company, Aidite (301580.SZ), was successfully listed on the ChiNext of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

Founded in 2007, Aidite is an industry-leading provider of oral prosthodontics materials and dental digital equipment, covering business for more than 120 countries and regions around the world. The company has always been committed to R&D, production and sales of internationally competitive oral prosthodontics materials including zirconia porcelain blocks. Aidite designs and sells dental digital equipment on the basis of its in-depth understanding of the oral medical industry and good customer base, and through technological innovation and digitalization, the company transforms traditional dentistry and promotes digitization and intelligence of the dental industry.

Since its establishment, Aidite has adhered to the concept of innovation-driven development, focusing on renovating dental technology to launch products that meet market demand and improve product competitiveness to expand international market share. Through long-term R&D of zirconium oxide preparation technology, the company has formed a full product series covering the high, middle and low-end market segments. Relying on its long-term and profound accumulation in zirconia materials and its understanding of the digital production process of dentures, the company vigorously expands its dental digital equipment business and promotes digitization and intelligence of the dental restoration field. As of December 31, 2023, Aidite and its subsidiaries have acquired a total of 93 patents, including 92 valid domestic patents and 1 overseas invention patent.

LI Hongwen, Chairman of Aidite, said: Aidite will lead and focus more on innovations after the listing. The company will continue to build technical barriers and cost advantages for core products, and through leveraging the comprehensive advantages of cloud platform digital services and digital equipment with a higher degree of automation, Aidite is also committed to promoting technological transformation of dental medical digital production and contributing to improving the quality and efficiency of the industry. At the same time, Aidite will continue to cooperate with head dental colleges and research institutions actively to promote the industrial application of cutting-edge dental diagnosis and treatment technologies, as well as enhance international market expansion with a vision to become a global-leading digital dental solution provider.

Legend Capital invested in Aidite at the end of 2019 and is the company’s earliest and largest external institutional investor. After the investment, Legend Capital has continued to support the company’s development, including providing assistance in the company’s equity governance, executive talent introduction, follow-up financing, strategic positioning, and domestic and foreign M&A.

Legend Capital said: There is huge room for growth in the industrial chain of the oral medical industry. As a leading company in oral prosthodontics materials, Aidite has a clear strategy, extending upstream and downstream around the oral materials industry, and seizing the digital opportunities in the dental industry to continuously improve its overall R&D capabilities. We hope that the company will take the listing as an opportunity to further enhance its brand influence both domestically and internationally, attracting more customers at home and abroad and taking a leading role in accelerating the overseas expansion of Chinese dental brands. We believe that under the leadership of Chairman Mr. LI Hongwen, the company will bring more products to benefit more people and create greater value for customers, the industry and society through continuous R&D and innovation. Congratulations to Aidite for its successful listing!

About Legend Capital

Founded in 2001, Legend Capital is a leading VC&PE investor focusing on the early-stage and growth-stage opportunities in China, with offices across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore.

It currently manages USD and RMB funds of over US$10 billion in commitments, and has invested in around 600 companies, covering technology, healthcare, consumer, enterprise service and intelligent manufacturing sectors. Rooted in China, Legend Capital participated in the rise of many world-leading companies by solid investment coverage and systematic post-investment value-add. Over the years, Legend Capital has also become a widely recognized name in bridging key resources in China and overseas through cross-border activities, and a valuable partner to Chinese and overseas investors.

Legend Capital values long-term sustainable investment and incorporates ESG into its long-term development strategy. As a UNPRI signatory since November 2019, Legend Capital is among the first group of top VC/PE firms in China to join the initiative.

For more information, please visit www.legendcapital.com.cn/index_en.aspx and follow us on LinkedIn @Legend Capital.

The article is distributed by Ever Bloom (HK) Communications Consultants Group Limited on behalf of Legend Capital.

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Orianna Ou / Ms. Arina He
Tel: +852 3468 8171
Email: legendcapital.list@everbloom.com.cn

Singapore-based Elite Partners Capital acquires Automotive Giant’s Global Logistics Center in close proximity to Stuttgart, Germany

SINGAPORE, June 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Elite Partners Capital announced its latest logistics acquisition in close proximity to Stuttgart, the automotive capital of Germany.

The large-scale multi-user logistics park located within Ettlingen West’s Industrial Zone boasts outstanding transportation infrastructure, including direct connections to the A5, A8 and A65 motorways, access to the Port of Karlsruhe – a major inland port along the Rhine waterway, as well as proximity to major international airports in Frankfurt and Stuttgart. The logistics park is also well-served by local buses and the suburban railway network, ensuring availability of a skilled workforce for warehouses and offices located in and around the property.

Spanning across a large site of c.180,000 sqm, the logistics park is in excellent condition and offers great third-party reusability by virtue of its contiguous but highly flexible layout. Leveraging on its strategic location in close proximity to Stuttgart, over 85% of the property’s net lettable area is currently tenanted to an automotive giant on a long lease, serving as their global logistics center. Elite Partners Capital will be working closely with the tenant to further enhance the property’s ESG specifications over the upcoming years. Post-enhancement, the property is expected to attain DGNB Gold Certification. The logistics park’s remaining lettable areas are tenanted to a good mix of innovative engineering businesses, supporting the region’s next-gen industrial growth.

Elite Partners Capital acquired the logistics park through its flagship Elite Logistics Fund II, a Pan-European logistics fund backed by a sovereign wealth fund alongside a strong network of family offices across Asia. Elite had previously divested the first installment of its Logistic Fund Series (Elite Logistics Fund I) to Blackstone in 2021, achieving an attractive IRR of over 30%.

“We have been closely monitoring the logistics market across Pan-European cities, targeting quality assets with strong tenant covenants and compelling value-add opportunities”, said Victor Song, co-founder and chief executive officer of Elite Partners Capital. “The stabilizing interest rates presents a strategic window of opportunity for our investors to re-enter the market,” added Song.

The asset was sold by a joint venture between TPG Angelo Gordon and aam2core Holdings AG. The landmark transaction was brokered by CBRE’s Capital Markets team in Germany. Taylor Wessing, Alvarez and Marsal and TA Europe were the appointed advisers for Elite Partners Capital in this transaction. Their invaluable practical and commercial insight were crucial in ensuring the successful closure of the deal.

About Elite Partners Capital

Elite Partners Capital is an alternative investment manager specializing in niche opportunities and underserved markets. The firm is headquartered in Singapore, with offices in London, Prague, and Luxembourg. To date, the firm has managed assets in excess of S$2 billion across 7 countries, a 420% increase from where it started in 2017.

For Media Enquiries, Please Contact:
Orphelia Huang
AVP, Investor Relations
orpheliahuang@elitepartnerscapital.com

High-resolutions images can be downloaded here.

The Business Show: Empowering Entrepreneurs, SMEs and Start-Ups Across Asia

SINGAPORE, June 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Business Show is the world’s leading event for entrepreneurs, business owners and start-ups. Running for 25 years, The Business Show takes place in locations across the globe including London, Los Angeles, Miami, and Singapore, and the team behind the event have plans to continually expand to reach more countries and markets. The Business Show aims to support entrepreneurs and start-ups by offering them the services and products they need to run a successful business.

Bringing together the inspirational entrepreneurial and business community from across Asia, The Business Show is the leading platform to provide you with the insights you need to kickstart your business venture or take your organisation to new heights. Running for its third year, the show welcomes over 250 exhibitors, 150 speakers and 8,000 entrepreneurs, business owners and startups from across the country. This year, some of Asia’s most influential business professionals and entrepreneurs from the likes of Google, Forbes, Amazon and PayPal will be taking to the stage and delivering keynote seminars to inspire and educate our audience. Alongside this are esteemed businesses, joining the event centre stage to share their products, resources, setbacks, and successes.

The Business Show Asia brings a diverse range of companies to the room, each with a unique product or service tailored to help you propel your business to the next level. While visiting the event, you will have complete access to endless opportunities and have the ability to learn about products and services that could be the missing link to growing and developing your business. The show also features interactive masterclasses from industry experts such as Amazon, Far East Organization and NextZen Minds, which provide an opportunity to receive mentoring and education from knowledgeable specialists in close quarters.

Co-located within The Business Show is the Going Global Zone. Going Global is the leading event for learning how to take your business overseas. This zone is aimed at businesses that are ready to embark on international expansion, export products, or set up in foreign markets. The show calls in globalisation industry specialists and over the two days, you can engage with new clients and businesses face-to-face to learn about new opportunities for your ventures, or gather insights about the right products or services needed to accelerate the success of your overseas expansion.

Taking place on the 28-29 of August 2024 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, tickets to The Business Show Asia are completely free of charge, as the main aim of the event is to make resources accessible and provide you with everything you need to start or grow your dream business. Don’t miss out on your opportunity this year – get your ticket here!

About Business Show Media

Business Show Media runs some of the largest and most influential business events worldwide. Our mission is to support SMEs and startups by providing them with the necessary services and products to ensure their success. We pride ourselves on making our events accessible to all by offering free tickets, ensuring everyone has the chance to benefit from our resources.

Visit our website to learn more: www.businessshowmedia.com.

Marketing Contact:
Marketing Team
marketing@singaporebusinessshow.sg

Databases for Non-Flat World: Keyark Publishes New-Generation KeySQL Database Technology

FOSTER CITY, CA, June 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Silicon Valley startup Keyark, Inc. has released its new-generation KeySQL database technology, enabling non-programmers to efficiently analyze fast-growing volumes of complex data, including JSON file collections, accumulated by organizations in recent years. This non-flat data does not fit comfortably within flat SQL databases, and consequently, is handled poorly and queried with great effort, though significant resources are spent to produce, collect and maintain it. But now, KeySQL Server can easily convert any set of JSON files into a KeySQL store and analyze it on the spot with ad hoc queries. Other non-flat file formats can be handled the same way.

KeySQL Book Cover

Keyark’s innovative technology is packaged as KeySQL Scalable Platform. It is built around KeySQL database language that is rooted in Key-object Data Model, just like the standard SQL language is rooted in Relational Data Model introduced by IBM’s mathematician Edgar F. Codd some 50 years ago.

KeySQL was invented to readily manage all enterprise data, including non-flat data. It adheres to the SQL standard of productivity while dealing with data structures much more complex than relational tables. And it makes the powerful SQL functionality including joins, set operations, and aggregations, equally applicable to non-flat data. It has the same set of high-level statements SQL has, but they cover non-flat data. Anyone fluent in SQL can grasp KeySQL in only a few days.

Creating databases, called stores, is so simple a novice can easily do it because store definitions don’t require any parameters and don’t constrain the structure of the data, unless this is explicitly requested by users. Any business data structure can be almost directly used as the logical data structure with no data modeling effort. And there is no physical data modeling whatsoever. In fact, the physical data structures are transparent for the users. KeySQL redefines the concept of scalability since any two stores can generally be viewed as one, irrespective of the data structure.

KeySQL Server employs an independent storage layer that can be formed as a set of plugin SQL databases. It makes sense because those are the most mature data solutions on the market after 50 years of development. The SQL databases can be mixed and matched. For example, some units can be formed by Oracle, some by Microsoft SQL Server, some by Teradata, and some by PostgreSQL. This allows using relational databases in a scalable fashion. Other types of storage are also possible.

The release of KeySQL Scalable Platform marks a milestone in data management, offering a unified solution for both flat and non-flat data analytics. By embracing the key-object data model, organizations can unlock new possibilities in data-driven decision-making and innovation.

KeySQL also opens new application areas; for example, the structured search on the Web, especially for e-commerce that seems to be underserved by Google. Another example is a universal data layer for AI systems.

As we look to the future, one question looms large: What data model does nature itself employ in biological neural networks? While the answer remains elusive, the journey from Codd’s relational model to the key-object data model illustrates the ongoing quest for simplicity, efficiency, and adaptability in data management.

The book “KeySQL: The Definitive Guide. SQL for NoSQL Data” is now published by Amazon, Apple, and Google, and can be accessed via the links below.

https://www.amazon.com/KeySQL-Definitive-Guide-NoSQL-Data/dp/1962997332/
http://books.apple.com/us/book/id6503181586
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?pcampaignid=books_read_action&id=PdoKEQAAQBAJ

About Keyark Inc.

Keyark develops KeySQL technology enabling a productivity breakthrough in the handling of non-flat data. For more information, visit

https://www.keyark.com

Contact Information
David Golden
Head of Product
dgolden@keyark.com
+1(415) 235-4458

SOURCE: Keyark, Inc.