Franchising & Licensing Asia 2023 Paves the Way for Aspiring Entrepreneurs & Global-Ready Brands

SINGAPORE, June 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – With more professionals seeking a career change, franchising and licensing continue to be viable options for aspiring entrepreneurs pursuing business ownership. Franchising and licensing offer multiple benefits including a proven business model, established brand recognition, readilyavailable training, support and infrastructure; all of which translate into more assurance and confidence, andlower failure rates, more flexibility and potentially better control over a fulfilling and rewarding career.

With Asia as one of the fastest-growing economic regions in GDP per capita, countries in the region are seeing significant growth in their middle-class populations, where this tier of consumers with higher spending power and disposable income are influencing global consumption patterns and driving demand for premium and better-quality service and products. This is where the franchising and licensing models allow home-grown and established brands and aspiring individuals to step in to meet these consumers’ needs.Today there are more than 4,300 franchise systems throughout Southeast Asia with more than 150,000franchisee firms licensed to sell goods on behalf of master franchise brands.

Empowering aspiring individuals with knowledge, best practices and meaningful connections to jumpstart their business ownership journeys, Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia) – Asia’s most established trade platform for the industry – returns this year from 17-19 August at Sands Expo and ConventionCentre Level 1. Presented annually by the Franchising & Licensing Association (Singapore) andorganised by Constellar, FLA2023 offers tremendous opportunities for aspiring individuals andentrepreneurs to connect with global-ready brands who are looking to expand into the rest of Asia Pacificand globally, with Singapore as the springboard.

With a diverse and unique range of product and service brands on board, FLA2023 is the ideal platform tomeet brand owners and franchise leaders, as well as discover how franchisees can play unique strategic roles in furthering the brand’s success in the local market(s) with theirin-market knowledge of business, marketing and talent strategies.

“Singapore is a lucrative market and springboard for both master franchisors looking to expand in the region and for aspiring individuals seeking opportunities. Singapore’s dynamic pro-business environment, politicalstability, among other considerations, offer a much lower barrier of entry. FLAsia2023 is the key knowledge exchange and business networking platform where both franchisors & franchisees can greatly benefit from” said Mr Dickson Low, President of Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore).

Brands to check out at FLA2023 include the The TungLok Group, Russo’s New York Pizzeria, the KC Group of Companies (owner of full-service salon brands such as Kcuts, Kskin and Clippers Barber), Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant, Speech Academy, Mscents, Chewy Junior, and many more.

More details will be shared nearer to date. To attend Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLA) 2023, sign uphere at https://bit.ly/MediaReg2023

About Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore)

FLA (Singapore), one of the founding members of the World Franchise Council, was established in 1993 with the mission to nurture and develop Singapore’s franchising industry. An essential component of Singapore’s knowledge- based economy, FLA (Singapore) promotes and facilitates the use of franchising, licensing and branding as a growth strategy for Singapore enterprises, thus contributing to turning Singapore as a regional franchise and license hub. Through its partnership with Singapore government agencies and international franchise and license bodies, FLA (Singapore) also assists its members in their international development programmes. With an active growing membership of close to 140 companies, representing more than 250 strong brands, FLA (Singapore) is led and managed by a dedicated team of advisors, committee members and full-time secretariat with the goal of supporting Singapore companies to expand internationally. https://www.flasingapore.org/

About Constellar

Constellar connects a global eco-system of event partners and consumers through a holistic portfolio of intellectual property (IP) in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. As Asia’s partner of reference for curating innovative event and venue experiences, Constellar activates impactful networks to bring global markets, businesses and consumers together for sustainable growth. With our expertise and dedication, we are invested in helping you build trusted relationships with stakeholders for the long term and enabling cross-industry collaboration through world-class audience engagement solutions. Visit constellar.co for more information.

For more information, please contact:

Carine Lin
Manager, Communications & Culture
Email: carine.lin@constellar.co
Mobile: 9336 3746

FTLife swept four awards at the Bloomberg Businessweek / Chinese Edition Financial Institution Awards 2023

HONG KONG, Jun 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – FTLife Insurance Company Limited ("FTLife") is delighted to announce that the company has swept four awards at the Bloomberg Businessweek / Chinese Edition Financial Institution Awards 2023 in recognition of its outstanding achievement in product development, talent development, and digital marketing strategies.

FTLife has swept four awards at the Bloomberg Businessweek / Chinese Edition Financial Institution Awards 2023 in recognition of its outstanding achievement in product development, talent development, and digital marketing strategies.

The four accolades received by FTLife include:
— Saving Plan – Outstanding Performance
— Health & Protection – Outstanding Performance
— Training Academy of the Year – Outstanding Performance
— Digital Marketing – Outstanding Performance

Man Kit Ip, Chief Executive Officer of FTLife, said: "FTLife is going from strength to strength as it goes on to scoop four accolades at the Bloomberg Businessweek / Chinese Edition Financial Institution Awards 2023 after winning the prestigious 'Insurance Company of the Year' title at the 2022 Benchmark Wealth Management Awards earlier this year. This attests to the industry-wide recognition we receive for our excellent products, professional training, and brand reputation. Moving forward, we will continue to strive to become the Life Artisans for our customers, and promote shared-value, sustainable development, and life-long protection for everyone in the community through integrating our insurance business with New World Group's ecosystem."

Saving Plan – Outstanding Performance
Customers are increasingly seeking flexibility and diversification in insurance products to match their evolving lifestyle. Mindful of our customers' changing needs throughout various life stages, FTLife endeavours to fulfil the market gap by creating innovative services and products. Our award-winning Everglow 128 Insurance Plan, for example, provides a comprehensive wealth enhancement. Starting as early as the first policy anniversary, the policy will distribute a guaranteed cash coupon of up to 3% of the insured units (or total premiums)1 in every policy anniversary – all the way up to 128 years, generating a stable stream of funds for our customers to achieve their life goals. The Plan also allows unlimited changes of the insured and provides non-guaranteed annual dividend, thus providing customers with both wealth growth opportunities and effective wealth succession. The impressive range of financial needs the Plan covers has won itself the much-deserved honour of "Saving Plan – Outstanding Performance" award.

Health & Protection – Outstanding Performance
FTLife's commitment to providing all-rounded health and medical protection has inspired the creation of our "FlexiCare" Medical Insurance Plan, which has won the "Health & Protection – Outstanding Performance" award. Providing enhanced medical protection on the top of Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS), the benefit limit is subject to amount per disability per policy year, and the Plan fully covers the eligible expenses of multiple benefit items2. It also provides double aggregate limit3 offered for common major illnesses such as major cancer, stroke and heart attack, providing comprehensive support to customers and their loved ones for them to enjoy a healthy life. These benefits are also globally applicable4, providing our customers with peace of mind as they are given access to comprehensive medical insurance without geographical restrictions.

Training Academy of the Year – Outstanding Performance
FTLife Financial Talent Development Center is committed to cultivating the next generation of high-preforming agency force. It has introduced "AI Drill", an artificial intelligence and big data-driven training tool, to provide our Life Artisans with comprehensive, personalised coaching. Greatly enhancing the effectiveness of our training, AI Drill helps our Life Artisans accelerate their career progression as they aspire to become excellent financial planning professionals. On top of AI Drill, FTLife also launched a virtual reality zone at The GalaMuse, where our Life Artisans understand a person's potential needs for protection and wealth management in different life stages effectively, enabling them to provide the best life planning to our customers. The innovative learning experiences also provide insight into Life Artisans' personal development, as well as their career development in the insurance industry. The seamless integration of new technologies with its well-designed training programme has won FTLife the prestigious award of "Training Academy of the Year – Outstanding Performance".

Digital Marketing – Outstanding Performance
In Q4 2022, FTLife has launched a series of "FTLife Power Up" promotions, leveraging the diverse ecosystem of New World Group to power our customers up with enhanced protection, rewards, privileges, and experiences. Using the O2O (Online-to-Offline) Marketing, we have crafted a social media content series to attract traffic, strengthen our relationship with new customers, and increase customer stickiness. The promotion campaign has reaped excellent results, winning itself the "Digital Marketing – Outstanding Performance" award.

Coming up to its nineth year, the Financial Institution Awards are hosted annually by iconic finance magazine Bloomberg Businessweek/Chinese Edition. The judge panel, comprised of representatives from the industry, government and academia, assessed submissions from the banking, insurance and securities sectors and ranked them according to four criteria, namely market performance, growth, development, and business strategy. The prestigious event promotes best practices in the industry, and affirms Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre.

Remark:
1. Units (or total premiums) = Annual Premium (referring to annual premium payment, any other premium discounts [if any] are excluded) x premium payment period
2. Fully covered refers to no itemised benefit sublimit. The actual amount of eligible expenses and other expenses payable is subject to the aggregate limit per disability per policy year.
3. Common major illnesses include: major cancer, severe heart attack, stroke, respiratory diseases and any disease declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
4. Except for psychiatric treatments and cash benefit for room and board confinement below entitled ward class in a private hospital in Hong Kong (if applicable), all benefits shall be applicable worldwide

Disclosure of Important Information:
— This press release does not contain the full provisions of Everglow 128 Insurance Plan and "FlexiCare" Medical Insurance Plan, and the full terms can be found in the Policy documents. Everglow 128 Insurance Plan and "FlexiCare" Medical Insurance Plan may be purchased as standalone plan(s) without bundling with other type(s) of insurance product. You are required to read the relevant product brochure, the Policy Provisions and the illustrations presented by your licensed insurance intermediary in order to fully understand the details of the definitions, charges, product features, exclusions, and conditions of payment of claims, etc. plus complete terms and conditions.
— For details of the product brochure of Everglow 128 Insurance Plan, please visit https://www.ftlife.com.hk/pdf/en/products/life-insurance/savings/everglow-128-insurance-plan-brochure.pdf
— For details of the product brochure of "FlexiCare" Medical Insurance Plan, please visit https://www.ftlife.com.hk/pdf/en/products/life-insurance/health/FlexiCare-Product-Brochure.pdf
— For further enquiries, please contact FTLife's Customer Service Hotline on +852 2866 8898.
— This press release is for distribution in Hong Kong only. It is not an offer to sell or solicitation to buy or provision of any insurance product outside Hong Kong. FTLife does not offer or sell any insurance product in any jurisdiction outside Hong Kong, in which such offering or sales of the insurance product is illegal under the laws of such jurisdictions.

About FTLife Insurance Company Limited
FTLife Insurance Company Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability; "FTLife") is one of the most well-established life insurance companies in Hong Kong and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NWS Holdings Limited (Hong Kong Stock Code: 0659). Building on a history of more than 30 years in the territory, FTLife provides individual and institutional clients with a diverse range of insurance and wealth management products and services, including life, health, accident, savings and investment insurance. As a member of New World Group, FTLife works with diversified businesses within the Group to create synergies and provides customers with best-in-class life-planning solutions, from wealth management and succession to health, wellbeing and quality of life enhancement.

Media Inquiries
Branding & Communications
FTLife Insurance Company Limited
Suki Kwong
+852 2591 8504
suki.kwong@ftlife.com.hk

Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Yoko Li / Cynthia Ng
+852 2864 4813 / +852 2114 4952
yoko.li@sprg.com.hk / cynthia.ng@sprg.com.hk

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Start-up Express finalists make their pitches

HONG KONG, Jun 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Start-up Express, the annual entrepreneurship development programme organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has returned for its sixth edition. Hong Kong is rapidly growing following COVID-19 and the HKTDC will continue to incubate and support local start-ups and help them develop their businesses. This year's programme continues to help them build connections, explore markets, seek partners and enhance brand awareness.

In 2022, 10 winning teams were selected for the Start-Up Express Pitching Final

DimOrder provides a cloud-based ecosystem to over 1,700 restaurants

Meat The Next launched tiger nut vegan ice cream and tiger nut oat milk, which are dairy-free
and with no added sugar, to the market

Start-up Express cohorts show tremendous traction

Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of HKTDC, said the HKTDC would continue its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses into overseas markets, in addition to promoting the city's capabilities in innovation and technology.

"Since the first edition of Start-up Express in 2018, the programme has already nurtured 50 start-ups, some of which have scaled up substantially. Start-up Express has given great support to start-ups over the past five years, helping them tap into new markets and win global recognition. Through the HKTDC network, numerous start-ups successfully obtained substantial business orders and secured partners as well as investment rounds. We will continue our quest to spread the spirit of entrepreneurship in Hong Kong, helping start-ups grow their businesses to the next level and helping them gain a foothold in the global arena. The HKTDC remains committed to building a sustainable and international entrepreneurial ecosystem that promotes local economic growth and business development," Mr Liang said.

Applications stream in

Start-up Express is aimed at Hong Kong tech start-ups which plan to expand into international markets. The competition drew a record number of applications this year, with finalists from diverse sectors such as ed tech, con (construction) tech & prop tech, fintech, health tech, as well as metaverse, Web 3.0, smart city, HR tech and food tech. This year's judging panel comprises five renowned industry experts: Jason Chiu, Chairman of Hong Kong Startup Council; Anthony Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Isola Capital; Gordon Yen, Chairman of Hong Kong Business Angel Network; Ben Cheng, President and Chief Executive Officer of C Capital and Danny Yeung, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Prenetics.

Live polling on physical Pitching Day

The Final Pitching Day of Start-up Express 2023 will be held in-person on 4 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Apart from the 10 winners, one laureate will receive the ESG Award, rewarding the most sustainable and socially impactful start-up, while the My Favourite Start-up Award victor will be decided by a live audience vote. The 10 winning start-ups will have access to capability-building workshops, mentoring sessions, exploratory missions to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, marketing sessions, extensive publicity and investor-pitching opportunities. These activities will help the laureates hone business skills, gain access to the latest market insights and acquire business know-how from experienced industry leaders. The winners will also be able to interact with buyers and investors at HKTDC-organised local and overseas events. The HKTDC will arrange business-matching meetings, helping entrepreneurs connect with potential partners, increase media exposure and enhance brand awareness.

Taking the market pulse and building a global network

Mr Liang added: "Last year's winning teams stood out because of their innovative and forward-looking ideas. Through Start-up Express they were able to gain more insights into their industries, overseas market trends and investor preferences by participating in different HKTDC-organised events, including the Asia Summit on Global Health, Asian Financial Forum, exhibitions in Mainland China and overseas, and investor meetings in Hong Kong and the mainland. They have also been able to strengthen their business networks and expand their markets and businesses through the exposure they have gained. To help fuel the growth of these start-ups, the HKTDC also leveraged its network of 50 overseas offices worldwide to endorse them in international competitions and connect them to overseas investors through pitching events."

20 finalists with unique products/solutions

Start-ups selected for the shortlisted top 20 in the Final Pitching Day have all presented innovative business solutions that help address social and environmental issues. Among them:

– DimOrder provides a cloud-based ecosystem to more than 1,700 restaurants. It builds operating systems, processes transaction and offers a procurement platform.
– Meat The Next launched tiger nut vegan ice cream and tiger nut oat milk, which are dairy-free and have no added sugar.
– Moongate is a one-stop shop for brands and businesses to use utility NFTs to drive customer engagement and revenue, enabling businesses to create powerful NFT tickets and memberships to maximise customer lifetime value.
– Neuropix has invented a bilateral wireless neurostimulation system to treat major brain diseases, a non-invasive innovative wearable neurotechnology.

Start-up Express 2023 Pitching Final

Date: 4 July 2023 (Tuesday)
Time: 1:15pm Media registration; 1:30pm-6pm Start-up Express Pitching Final
Venue: S221, HKCEC 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai
Judging panel:
– Anthony Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Isola Capital
– Ben Cheng, President and Chief Executive Officer of C Capital
– Jason Chiu, Chairman of Hong Kong Startup Council
– Danny Yeung, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Prenetics
– Gordon Yen, Chairman of Hong Kong Business Angel Network
Shortlisted start-ups: Click here to view the profiles of the shortlisted start-ups. https://tinyurl.com/yy9k28ve
Start-up Express website: https://portal.hktdc.com/startupexpress/
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3PikEf6

About HKTDC

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

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Jane Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4137, Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Crypto Oasis Ventures and Roland Berger Officially Launch “The Green Block”

DUBAI, Jun 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Green Block, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to fostering Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) projects in Web3, was officially launched yesterday at BEEAH Group headquarters in the United Arab Emirates. This global initiative, spearheaded by Crypto Oasis Ventures in collaboration with the management consultancy Roland Berger, marks a significant step towards creating a sustainable future by leveraging the power of Blockchain and AI technologies.

Highlights:
– The Green Block is a global Think Tank and Launchpad that aims to accelerate and promote the use of Web3 and AI technology for the improvement of the environment, social and governance related initiatives that improve the quality of life.
– It is initiated by Crypto Oasis Ventures in partnership with Roland Berger.
– The initiative will bring together projects and thought leaders that utilize technology for advancing sustainability related projects.
– BEEAH Group is the Think Tank's first Patron with Khaled al Huraimel, Group CEO also joining The Green Block Advisory Council.

The primary objective of The Green Block is to establish an ecosystem that connects stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop and implement impactful Web3 solutions pertaining to corporate governance, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. By leveraging the potential of Web3 and AI, The Green Block aims to address global challenges in line with the UAE's COP28 agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Faisal Zaidi, Co-founder of Crypto Oasis Ventures, stated, "The launch of The Green Block represents the first milestone in our journey to create a sustainable future through Web3 initiatives in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) field. By connecting projects, providing and enabling infrastructure, and empowering talent, The Green Block will facilitate the development and implementation of sustainable Web3 solutions on a global scale. Aligning ourselves with the objectives of COP28 and the UAE, we aim to take this initiative global."

As the inaugural patron of The Green Block, BEEAH assumes a vital role in propelling the mission of the initiative. As an international holding group and pioneer for sustainable, smart solutions for future ready cities, BEEAH understands the importance of fostering sustainability and aligning with the UAE's agenda for COP28. Through their partnership with The Green Block, BEEAH underscores its dedication to environmental responsibility and social progress.

Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH Group, emphasized the significance of The Green Block's launch, stating, "There is immense potential in Blockchain, AI and Web3 technologies and I am excited to see how the Green Block leverages these to revolutionize ESG projects. As one of the first adopters of blockchain technologies in Sharjah, BEEAH Group's vision is built on the twin pillars of sustainability and digitalisation. As a patron of The Green Block, BEEAH Group looks forward to fostering innovation and engaging with stakeholders to achieve sustainability objectives using technology while overcoming global challenges."

On the steering committee of The Green Block initiative, the representation from Roland Berger contributes to determining the strategic direction of the initiative. The committee makes key decisions that shape the initiative's long-term plans and immediate goals, helping to ensure the continuity of its mission. Technology like Web3 and AI will contribute significantly to a path to sustainability – The Green Block Think Tank and Launchpad will accelerate this transition and connect the global thought leaders.

Pierre Samaties, Partner at Roland Berger Middle East and leading the Global Digital Assets, Web3 and Metaverse practice, expressed his enthusiasm for The Green Block's potential impact, saying, "The launch of The Green Block initiative is the start of an important Think Tank and Launchpad for Web3 and AI technology that will support sustainability and quality of life. Many use cases of the technology are a perfect fit for advancing renewable power, boosting financial inclusion and incentivizing environmental improvements."

To learn more, please visit www.thegreenblock.com

About The Green Block

The Green Block is a global Think Tank and Launchpad with the primary objective of accelerating and strengthening the use of Web3 and AI technology for the betterment of environmental, social, and governance initiatives, that ultimately enhance our quality of life. Spearheaded by Crypto Oasis Ventures, in collaboration with the management consultancy Roland Berger, this ground-breaking global initiative denotes a significant stride towards the creation of a sustainable future.

At its core, The Green Block will facilitate access to crucial resources including investors, grants, public funding, and tokenization. By doing so, it will empower projects to make substantial progress and attain goals, while establishing a robust infrastructure. It will connect projects with appropriate Blockchain protocols, while providing regulatory guidance, producing insightful reports, and organizing community networking opportunities accompanied by effective communication channels. Furthermore, The Green Block will serve as a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge exchange, while empowering talented individuals through thought leadership platforms like publications, interviews, podcasts, and round table discussions.

The Green Block aims to create an ecosystem that supports transformative projects and contributes to a sustainable and inclusive future.

About Crypto Oasis Ventures

Crypto Oasis Ventures is a leading Venture Builder with a strong focus on the Middle East and North Africa region. It has successfully established the Crypto Oasis Ecosystem, which has emerged as the world's fastest growing Blockchain Ecosystem. In the United Arab Emirates alone, the ecosystem has identified over 1,800 organizations and boasts a workforce of more than 8,650 individuals dedicated to the Blockchain industry. The ecosystem encompasses various stakeholders, including Investors & Collectors, Start-Ups & Projects, Corporates, Science & Research Institutions, Service Providers, and Government Entities & Associations.

As one of the pioneers in the local venture building landscape, Crypto Oasis Ventures benefits from a global network and maintains robust connections to the renowned Crypto Valley in Switzerland. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the first Web3 venture building company based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The primary goal of Crypto Oasis Ventures is to nurture the ecosystem and expedite the growth of Web3-related organizations in the Middle East, North Africa and beyond.

Crypto Oasis Ventures has spearheaded several successful ventures, including Crypto Oasis Labs, Crypto Oasis Sentio, arte, Crypto Oasis Games Guild, Inacta Communications, and The Green Block. These ventures showcase the company's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development within the Web3 space.
www.cryptooasis.ae

About Roland Berger

Roland Berger is the only management consultancy of European heritage with a strong international footprint. As an independent firm, solely owned by our Partners, we operate 51 offices in all major markets. Our 3000 employees offer a unique combination of an analytical approach and an empathic attitude. Driven by our values of entrepreneurship, excellence and empathy, we at Roland Berger are convinced that the world needs a new sustainable paradigm that takes the entire value cycle into account. Working in cross-competence teams across all relevant industries and business functions, we provide the best expertise to meet the profound challenges of today and tomorrow. www.rolandberger.com.

Press contact:

Maria Fernandez
Marketing Manager, Crypto Oasis Ventures
Tel.: +971 056 385 3146
E-mail: maria@cryptooasis.ae

Silvia Constanze Zoesch
PR Global, Roland Berger
Tel.: +49 160 744-8750
E-mail: silvia.zoesch@rolandberger.com

Salma Halawa
PR Middle East, Roland Berger
Tel.: +971 056 385 3146
E-mail: salma.halawa@rolandberger.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Latest Research Demonstrates Significant Uplift in Effectiveness of Advertising on Premium OTT Advertising over Mass Streaming Services

Singapore, Jun 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) has released the second phase of its research into differences between advertising in premium OTT and mass streaming video environments (UGC / video sharing services). While phase 1, completed in 2022, looked at consumer usage and attitudes towards advertising in both environments, phase 2 gauged consumer attention and recall to ads in both a premium and mass environment. Research was conducted between January to April 2023, and conducted by Milieu Insight.

In line with the findings from the first phase, phase 2 established that both product recall (10% uplift) and brand recall (12% uplift) were significantly higher for the same ads when shown in a premium OTT environment over a mass environment.

In terms of actions taken, from searching for more information about the product to visiting the brand's website, reading reviews etc, there was not a notable difference between behaviour of those seeing ads in a premium or mass environment. And given the higher recall, this still demonstrates that there are likely to be higher conversion rates from ads shown in premium environments.

Phase 1 of the research established that consumers clearly felt that premium OTT was higher quality (58% OTT vs 36% mass) and commanded higher attention than mass streaming video environments (49% OTT vs 35% mass).

Commenting on the findings, Louis Boswell, CEO, AVIA said, "The results are definitive and support what we have long felt obvious – ads that are shown in premium OTT services are more effective than those you see in a social media or video sharing services. We believe there is a huge opportunity for brands to increase the efficiency of their advertising and rethink the allocation of spend across premium and mass video environments. OTT is growing in leaps and bounds, and provides a unique and not sufficiently exploited opportunity for advertisers of all sorts to increase the efficiency of their campaigns."

Phases I & II of this research is supported by AVIA members Index Exchange, Magnite, PubMatic, The Trade Desk, and Xandr. The research deck and methodology can be found here.

About the Asia Video Industry Association

The 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 please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Expert Systems’ FY23 Revenue and Net Profit Surge Around 30%

HONG KONG, Jun 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Expert Systems Holdings Limited ("Expert Systems" or the "Group"; Stock code: 8319), a leading technology and innovation company in the Asia Pacific region, announced the audited annual results of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group") for the year ended 31 March 2023 (the "Reporting Year").

During the Reporting Year, the Group's revenue increased notably by 30.0% to approximately HK$886.5 million, which was primarily driven by the net effect of increased demand from customers and additional contribution from the IT infrastructure management services. Gross profit amounted to approximately HK$139.3million for the Reporting Year, representing a significant increase of 32.8%. Profit for the year of the Company surged by 34.5% to approximately HK$22.7million for the Reporting Year.

The Board recommends a final dividend of HK1.00 cent (FY2022: HK0.77 cent) per ordinary share, resulting in a dividend payout ratio of 40.88%. The payment of the final dividend is subject to the approval of the shareholders at the forthcoming annual general meeting (the "AGM").

Mr. Andy Lau, CEO and Executive Director of Expert Systems, said: "We are pleased to announce that Expert Systems has delivered a satisfactory performance in FY2023, which is a testament to the resilience and strength of the company's business model. Our revenue and net profit have recorded satisfactory increases, indicating a healthy growth trend. Also, our two core businesses, namely IT infrastructure solutions and IT infrastructure management services, have exhibited strong performance, reflecting a solid foundation for further development. Furthermore, we believe that the recent addition of our AI segment has the potential to generate significant returns for our shareholders in the future. We remain optimistic about the opportunities that this new addition presents, and we are committed to maximizing its potential through continued investment and strategic planning."

Business Review
The Group operates through three distinct brands: "Expert Systems", which provides IT infrastructure solutions; "ServiceOne", which offers IT infrastructure management services; and "Expert AI Enabling" ("EAI"), which focuses on developing innovative AI products, solutions and services.

IT Infrastructure Solutions
During the Reporting Year, the IT infrastructure solutions segment was driven by the ongoing trend of digital transformation among enterprises and institutions, which seeks to enhance operational efficiency, optimize data utilization for business analytics and decision-making, and create new digital business models through online channels.

To capture the growing demand, Expert Systems' long-term plan includes a strong emphasis on 1) Hybrid Cloud, Multi-Cloud & "as-a-Service", 2) Cyber Security, and 3) Data & Application Solutions. These areas of focus enable the Group to provide higher-value, more comprehensive total solutions to its customers as they navigate their digital transformation journeys.

IT Infrastructure Management Services
During the Reporting Year, the IT infrastructure management services business of the Group set up the second service desk centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, strengthens its resources geographically and ensures resilience in serving customers amid the uncertain global economy. The Group anticipates a growing market demand for high-quality IT infrastructure management services across the Asia-Pacific region, including IT outsourcing, helpdesk, workflow automation, and hardware maintenance.

Expert Systems is committed to exploring new business opportunities – it aims to expand its customer base by targeting new industries across the Asia-Pacific region, while also creating additional value for its existing customers. To achieve such goals, the Group has expanded its services portfolio to include consulting services and vertical retail solutions, to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and provide them with a more comprehensive suite of services.

AI Business
During the Reporting Year, Expert Systems established EAI – a joint venture with Dr. Keith Chan, a former Professor of Computing Science, which focuses on developing innovative products, solutions and services that help schools, enterprises, and government organizations effectively leverage AI in their operations. In view of the growing demand for AI, EAI specialises in machine learning, data analytics, image and speech processing, and natural language processing (NLP) and more. With its newly-opened R&D lab, one of the current developing products by EAI is based on NLP technology to provide ChatGPT-like experience for enterprises and institutions.

Mr. Andy Lau, CEO and Executive Director of Expert Systems, concluded: "Looking forward, we remain committed to our core businesses in providing innovative and integrated products, solutions and services to both private and public sectors across the Asia-Pacific region. With the pandemic subsiding and economic activities resuming normal, we are confident in the future development of the Group and aim to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market. We strive to remain at the forefront of innovation in the IT industry, providing cutting-edge products, solutions and services that enable its customers to achieve their business goals and optimize their operations."

About Expert Systems Holdings Limited (Stock code: 8319)

Established since 1985, Expert Systems Holdings Limited ("ESHL") is a leading technology and innovation company which operates under the brands "Expert Systems", "ServiceOne" and "Expert AI Enabling" with around 1,000 IT professionals serving small to large enterprises and institutions in the Asia Pacific region. For more information, please refer to ESHL's website: https://www.expertsystems.com.hk/.

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Monarch Tractor Expands AI R&D Team in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Jun 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Monarch Tractor, maker of the MK-V, the fully electric, driver-optional, connected tractor, today announces the expansion of its operations in Singapore, signaling major growth and appetite for the company's A.I., robotics and smart farming technology within the Asia Pacific region (APAC). Building off of its existing Singapore presence and successful expansion into Hyderabad, India, earlier this year, Monarch Tractor will move to develop the next generation of data scientists, machine learning engineers and A.I. practitioners by partnering with government agencies and academic institutions to grow their A.I. research & development team.

Monarch Tractor Hero

"After our early success in Singapore with the development of our 'Monarch Auto Drive' tractor operation, we're excited to continue to evolve our technology with the help of Singapore's finest talent," said Praveen Penmetsa, Co-Founder & CEO, Monarch Tractor. "In partnership with the Singapore government, Monarch Tractor is able to provide more job opportunities and also propel our mission for a greener future. More than ever, farmers, government bodies and consumers are looking for more viable options to sustain our planet."

Building upon Singapore's early success to develop the MK-V's driverless capabilities, Monarch's expansion and development of new talent will work to create automation capabilities that extend to full farm operations leading to the enablement of profitable and sustainable agricultural practices within the region and globally.

As almost 25 percent of global GHG emissions result from agriculture, this strategic expansion will champion and enable large-scale emissions reductions that support Singapore's Green Plan 2030, including the country's aspiration to become net-zero by 2050. Monarch is currently hiring talent throughout Singapore to support and develop cutting-edge A.I. robotics technology – creating a smarter, greener and safer farming industry.

Following its launch in 2020, Monarch Tractor has continued to revolutionize the agriculture industry at a global scale through innovative electric and autonomous capabilities. Moving to bring AI to farmer's fingertips, the company has captured the attention of other major sustainable-focused countries within APAC including New Zealand, where Monarch delivered the first-ever electric tractor to the NZ0 farm.

To learn more about Monarch Tractor, visit www.monarchtractor.com.

About Monarch Tractor

Founded in 2018, Monarch Tractor's Founder Series MK-V is the world's first fully electric, driver-optional, connected tractor set to enhance farmers' existing operations, alleviate labor shortages, and maximize yields. Monarch Tractor is committed to elevating farming practices to enable clean, efficient, and economically viable solutions for today's farmers and the generations of farmers to come. With cutting-edge technology, global reach, and an experienced team, Monarch is delivering meaningful change for the future of farming. For more information, visit www.monarchtractor.com.

Monarch Tractor Media Contact
Sling & Stone l monarchtractor@slingstone.com

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Peter Lake, the World’s Only Anonymous Singer-Songwriter, Hits Again With His Genre-Bending Masterpiece ‘Colors of Suspension’

MANHATTAN, NY, Jun 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Peter Lake, the world's only anonymous singer-songwriter, has released his latest single "Colors of Suspension." The song is a stunning blend of electronic synthesizers and traditional jazz horns, and is sure to captivate audiences with its nostalgic feel. "Colors of Suspension" is inspired by Lake's childhood memories of watching food-coloring dissolve in water, and will transport listeners back to a simpler time.

Colors of Suspension (cover)

The single features the vocals of Lake's friend Yousha, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to the already powerful track. Yousha, a talented songwriter in her own right, joins Lake to create nostalgic soundscape.

Says the artist, "I was with a young boy who I mentor and he was having a rough day. I told him about how I used to relax letting drops of food-coloring dissolve in water. We got some and watched the shapes. It was a meditation. No phones. No sounds. Just peace and color. I never want to forget that moment."

Lake has been releasing music for almost two years now, and has already garnered over 60 million streams on Spotify and YouTube. With roughly a million followers on Instagram, Lake has built a dedicated fanbase that is eagerly anticipating the release of "Colors of Suspension."

"Colors of Suspension" is now available wherever music is streamed.

About Peter Lake:

Peter Lake is a Canadian-born, New York City-based singer-songwriter who revels in anonymity.

In an age where privacy is rare, Lake is convinced that his ability to create music is protected by his anonymity, and by working with unconventional partners in an attempt to avoid the constraints of traditional record deals, which often consider recorded music as a means to promote tours.

Peter Lake is the first of a kind: an artist who will only do live concerts via a web-based platform, thereby freeing him to focus exclusively on writing and recording new, original music that crosses all genres. In the process, he has assembled one of the largest singer-songwriter catalogues in the industry. His musical influences include Neil Young, Max Martin, David Bowie, Motown, and Drake.

It's no surprise that his songs are hard to place, often flying between (and combining) House beats, crunchy guitar riffs and "traditional chants and natural sounds." When asked about his goal, he replied as follows, "My goal is to wake up every day and make music and one day through that process, write and perform what will later be seen as the greatest song in history, a song that will define humankind for centuries."

Contact Information
Tetyana Shvachuk
PR
t@peterlakesounds.com
+6464069190

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

GA-ASI Selects ScioTeq to Support Detect and Avoid Program

PARIS, FRANCE, Jun 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – As General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) continues towards its development goal of earning Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization from the FAA for its internally developed Detect and Avoid (DAA) system, the company has selected Belgium-based ScioTeq to supply a certified processor and display for its DAA solution. ScioTeq is a proven avionics supplier that was identified as a possible strategic partner at GA-ASI's Blue Magic Belgium event in 2020.

Earning FAA certification for its DAA system will help GA-ASI's unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) achieve authorization to operate in non-segregated airspace, which will provide greater access for GA-ASI customers to conduct both military and civil missions. Certification of GA-ASI's DAA capability is an important milestone for its new MQ-9B certifiable UAS. MQ-9B is designed to integrate safely and operate seamlessly in civil airspace, and the aircraft is fitted for the DAA system.

"GA-ASI's DAA system is a key capability for our latest MQ-9B SkyGuardian(R) and SeaGuardian(R) platforms," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. "We have made a significant investment in developing a core DAA capability, which distinguishes us from our competitors. This includes an air-to-air radar that enables flexible operations in all classes of airspace for our MQ-9B customers. We are pleased to work with ScioTeq and continue our close relationship."

The partnership will introduce a new generation of visualization computing by incorporating ScioTeq's certified Next-Gen PU-5200 Avionics Display Computer platform and Projected CAPacitive (PCAP) touch-based Rugged Display Unit RDU-4047 into GA-ASI's Ground Control Station. ScioTeq's unique MOSArt(R) software platform facilitates the integration of GA-ASI's DAA application on the ScioTeq hardware.

"ScioTeq has long been delivering 24-inch mission displays for the MQ-9B Certifiable Ground Control Systems, and we are now excited to expand our long-term partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical through this latest collaboration," said Robb Gibbs, CEO of ScioTeq.

MQ-9B SkyGuardian is revolutionizing the long-endurance RPAS market by providing all-weather capability and certification with full compliance to STANAG 4671, the NATO UAS airworthiness standard. SeaGuardian is the maritime derivative of the MQ-9B and remains the first UAS that offers multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) as an internal payload that can search the ocean's surface and depths in support of Fleet Operations.

GA-ASI is striving to obtain the first ever TSO-C211/212 authorization by the end of 2025 using the latest guidance published in RTCA/DO-365/366, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Detect and Avoid Systems.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator(R) RPA series and the Lynx(R) Multi-mode Radar. With more than seven million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Avenger, Lynx, Predator, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

About ScioTeq

ScioTeq has 35 years of experience as a developer and manufacturer of high-tech, innovative, life- and mission-critical visualization and computing solutions for the Air Traffic Control, Avionics and Defense & Security markets. With headquarters in Belgium and four additional locations worldwide, they are a trusted partner in visualization solutions for the most demanding environments. They design video displays, smart displays and mission computers which are used in the world's most demanding environments; and they provide professional global support across various countries. To date, ScioTeq has an installed base of more than 285,000 visualization products worldwide. They are on board more than 150 aircraft types, over 100 ship types and 50 ground vehicle types. Every day, more than 80,000 flights are controlled from a ScioTeq Air-Traffic Control display. Their customers rely on decades of expertise, backed by high quality standards and stringent industry certifications. Their aim? To make the world a safer place through advanced visualization & computing solutions. For more information, please visit www.scioteq.com.

MOSArt is a registered trademark of ScioTeq.

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com
+1 (858) 524-8101

Kathy Boehmer
Senior Manager, Marketing Communications and Public Relations
kathy.boehmer@scioteq.com
+1 (678) 316 1407

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Piers Dunhill and Dunhill Ventures Featured at World Economic Forum, Le Marche International des Professionnels de L’immobilier

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND, Jun 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – On Jan. 8, 2023, Dunhill Ventures, a world leader in diversified investments, held a landmark event at this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, showcasing a portfolio of companies from industries as diverse as impact investing, blockchain, fintech, and environmental, social and governance (ESG). Piers Dunhill and the Dunhill Ventures Team took the opportunity to foster dynamic conversations about future innovations in these sectors.

Piers Dunhill

The World Economic Forum, held annually in Davos, is a renowned platform for global leaders from business, government, and various sectors to collaborate on issues of international concern. This year, the event focused on exploring solutions to complex global challenges and fostered an environment of strategic foresight.

Piers and the Dunhill Ventures Team seized the opportunity to convene meetings and panel discussions during this period with portfolio companies, leaders, and family office investors at a private chalet. The discussions encouraged the exchange of ideas and fostered mastermind sessions on how to scale impact in the world and promote innovation in industries. The members discussed advances in blockchain technology, discussions around ethical and impact investing, and exploring the innovations shaping the fintech and ESG sectors.

When asked about Dunhill Ventures' efforts within this forum, Piers commented, "Dunhill Ventures recognizes the power of collaboration and networking, and the WEF is an optimal platform for this." The event was a testament to Dunhill Ventures' commitment to aligning with the WEF's ethos of improving the state of the world through multi-stakeholder cooperation. Dunhill's initiatives are to provide its portfolio companies with high-impact networking opportunities, enhance their potential and contribute towards a global impact. "We can engage with leading industry figures, share insights, and work collaboratively towards creating a better future for all. It's about bringing our portfolio companies into conversations that matter."

Later on March 16, 2023, Piers Dunhill and the Dunhill Ventures Team hosted the Dunhill Real Estate Investor Reception in the French Riviera from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the prestigious Le Marche International des Professionnels de L'immobilier ("MIPIM") conference. The reception was open to High Net Worth Individuals and Partner Family Offices. The discussion topics with the attendees were Piers' envisaged UK Tier 2 affordable housing real estate project and the planned, structured investments in those housing projects.

When asked about plans for the family office environment, investment portfolio, and the efforts of the Dunhill Ventures Team, Piers highlighted that Dunhill Ventures would be hosting an exclusive "Raising Impact" event on June 27, in London, for over 100 curated impact-focused family offices that include some of the big names on the Sunday Times rich list. Piers said, "The event will feature eight selected companies that will be receiving investment from Dunhill Ventures and are in a range of businesses from clean energy to distributive education technology, preventative medicine, and a sustainable alternative to Bitcoin." Piers says this will be the first of roughly 20 events globally throughout the next 12 – 18 months for one of his upcoming TV shows.

Contact Information

Piers Dunhill
Chairman at Dunhill Ventures
piersdunhillpress@gmail.com
44 7537 133088

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com