OrbusNeich Announces First Annual Results After Listing, Record Revenue of US$136.8 Million, Adjusted Net Profit Up 25% to US$26.7 Million

HONG KONG, Mar 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – OrbusNeich Medical Group Holdings Limited ("OrbusNeich" or the "Group"; stock code: 6929), a major global medical device manufacturer specializing in interventional devices for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) procedures, today announced its first annual results after its listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("HKEX") on 23 December 2022, reporting growth in both revenue and net profit amidst a weak global economy.

Results Highlights:
— Revenue hit a record high of US$136.8 million, up 17.5% year-on-year
— Gross profit increased 13.9% year-on-year to US$92.5 million, with a gross margin of 67.6%
— Adjusted net profit rose 24.9% year-on-year to US$26.7 million with adjusted net profit margin of 19.5%
— Sales in Japan, the PRC and the U.S. achieved year-on-year growth of 8.8%, 38.1% and 122.6%, respectively
— The Group holds more than 180 granted patents worldwide, with more than 40 approved products and a robust pipeline of around 40 products in development
— Sapphire 3 Coronary Dilatation Catheter obtained official registration approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and the Sapphire Neuro balloon was approved in February 2023 by NMPA
— The aggregate annual production capacity increased to approximately 1.4 million balloon products and 56,000 stent products

For the year ended 31 December 2022 ("FY2022"), the Group continued to achieve sales volume growth, driving revenue to a record high of US$136.8 million, up 17.5% year-on-year, leveraging its established reputation as a leading medical device manufacturer with a sales network spanning more than 70 countries and regions across the globe. As a result, gross profit and adjusted net profit(1) both recorded an increase, by 13.9% to US$92.5 million and by 24.9% to US$26.7 million, respectively, while the gross margin remained at a healthy level of 67.6%. Basic earnings per share were US3.17 cents.

The Group has further strengthened its financial position by raising approximately HK$480.8 million through its listing on HKEX. With cash and bank balances totaling US$229.1 million as of 31 December 2022, the Group has abundant internal resources to fuel its R&D and commercialization progress of its pipeline products as well as to expand its production capacity.

Mr. David Chien, Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of OrbusNeich said, "The year 2022 marked an important milestone in OrbusNeich's history. As the first and only medical device company headquartered in the Hong Kong Science Park listed on the HKEX Main Board, we have now established a clear competitive advantage to capture business opportunities and recruit top-tier talent. In 2022, despite that various challenges in the business environment tested our production, logistics, sales and finance capabilities, we weathered the storm and delivered satisfactory results with our three core capabilities of R&D, operations and commercialization. Ultimately, we achieved growth in both established and high-growth markets, as well as record-high revenue and a significant improvement in net profit."

Leveraging established global sales networks to boost revenue
For established markets, the Group continued to broaden its product portfolio to facilitate further market penetration. Back in September 2021, the Group launched Scoreflex Trio in Japan, which has continued to gain market share since its debut.

For the high growth markets, the Group launched Scoreflex NC, the world's smallest profile scoring balloon product, in the PRC market and US market in 2022. In the PRC in particular, the Group continued to expand its presence through the direct sales force established in 2021. Revenue from the PRC market increased significantly by 38.1% to US$23.6 million. As of 31 December 2022, its distribution network in the PRC market covered over 2,000 hospitals in 30 provinces and municipalities.

Since entering the U.S. market in 2017, the Group has been committed to launching innovative products into the market. Adding to the Jade, Sapphire and Teleport products introduced in previous years, the launch of Scoreflex NC in 2022 was well received by the market, enriching the Group's product portfolio in the U.S. market. This not only led to a 122.6% year-on-year increase in revenues from the U.S. market to $16.6 million for FY2022, but also helped to enhance OrbusNeich's brand recognition in this sophisticated market, consolidating its foundation for future growth there.

Continuous investment in R&D to accelerate the diversification of the product portfolio
For more than two decades, the Group has been empowered by its strong in-house R&D capabilities and accumulated experience in product development. Continuous investment in relevant activities has resulted in a wealth of know-how in product design, material treatment and handling, and manufacturing processes. In FY2022, the Sapphire 3 Coronary Dilatation Catheter obtained official registration approval from the NMPA. In addition, the Sapphire Neuro balloon, the first commercialized product in the Group's neuro-interventional device pipeline, obtained NMPA approval in February 2023. As at 31 December 2022, the Group had more than 180 granted patents in major jurisdictions worldwide, and a total of more than 40 products approved or cleared by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S., the NMPA or the CE Mark. Leveraging the Group's world-leading technology and proprietary know-how, it also had a robust pipeline of around 40 products in development.

"In addition to our existing PCI and PTA devices, we are adding to our portfolio a range of structural heart interventional products, which are being developed by our joint venture OrbusNeich P+F Company Limited ("ON P&F"), as well as a series of neurovascular interventional products. During 2022, ON PJ&F established an R&D and manufacturing site in Shenzhen, the PRC. The new facility serves as a base for ON P+F to advance its R&D efforts for products in its pipeline, including the Vienna Mitral Valve and the Vienna Pulmonary Valve, as well as to introduce world-class technologies such as TricValve – the CE-approved bicaval transcatheter tricuspid valve implantation system, to the PRC and Asia Pacific region," added Mr Chien.

Expanding production base to satisfy growing demand
In order to provide large-scale and consistently high-quality products to customers around the world, the Group continued to expand its production capacity by optimizing production processes at its production bases in Shenzhen, the PRC and Hoevelaken, the Netherlands. In FY2022, the Group entered into a lease agreement for a manufacturing site in Shenzhen, the PRC with a gross floor area of approximately 1,900 m2. With the relocation of certain production processes to the new manufacturing site, the total annual production capacity has been increased to approximately 1.4 million balloon products and 56,000 stent products.

Seizing opportunities by enhancing core competitiveness
Despite looming geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the demand for medical devices in the global market is steadily growing, given the expanding aging world population, rising living standards and economic growth in developing countries. According to a CIC report, the global market size for PCI devices and PTA devices is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% and 11.1%, respectively, while the global market size for PCI balloons, catheters and accessories is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.2% from 2021 to 2030.

Mr. Chien concluded, "Looking ahead, we are confident that we can fully capture emerging opportunities from the growing market, despite the complex and volatile macro environment. We will adhere to our development strategy of broadening our product lines, enhancing our R&D capabilities, expanding our distribution network, and striving to realize our vision of becoming a world-leading medical device developer and manufacturer that provides innovative and comprehensive endovascular and structural heart interventional solutions that effectively improve patients' quality of life, while also aiming to generate substantial returns for shareholders."

About OrbusNeich Medical Group Holdings Limited
OrbusNeich is a major global medical device manufacturer specializing in interventional devices for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) procedures. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China, OrbusNeich sells its products in more than 70 countries and regions worldwide. It is also the only PCI balloon manufacturer headquartered in China that ranked among the top six players in all major overseas PCI balloon markets including Japan (No. 2), Europe (No. 4), and the U.S. (No. 6) in terms of PCI balloon sales volume in 2021, according to a CIC report. In addition, it ranked No. 3 in Japan and No. 4 in the U.S. in terms of PTA balloon sales volume in 2021. It also specializes in coronary stent products and is actively expanding into neuro vascular intervention and structural heart disease. As of December 2022, OrbusNeich has more than 180 granted patents worldwide. Its in-house R&D team has more than two decades of product development experience and has developed world-leading proprietary technologies.

For more information, please visit the Group's official website: https://orbusneich.com/

(1). Excluding non-cash and one-off items including unwinding of interests on convertible redeemable preferred shares, share-based compensation expenses, fair value losses of convertible redeemable preferred shares, loss on derecognition of financial liability in relation to convertible redeemable preferred shares and listing expenses.


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

Quamnet Outstanding Enterprise Awards 2022 Announces the Awarded Enterprises

HONG KONG, Mar 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Quamnet Outstanding Enterprise Awards 2022 announced the awarded enterprises, with eight enterprises being awarded for nine accolades. The award has witnessed the steady and long-term development of the enterprise, that also receives strong support from the business community and the media.

The 14th Quamnet Outstanding Enterprise Awards: "Forging Ahead with Honour in Converging Opportunities"

Being a leading financial website in Hong Kong, Quamnet not only focuses on the financial field since established, but also the accomplishments of Hong Kong business community which attracts public attention. The Awards, instituted in 2009, is organized by Quamnet and aims to identify and recognize the excellent performance of Hong Kong enterprises.

The judging panel of QOEA is formed by the Quamnet editorial team, Quamnet research team, and independent financial analysts. Each nominated enterprise is required to submit their company profile and the self-evaluation report for assessment and selection. The committee will then use eight categories to select the most representative enterprises. The eight categories include excellent products and services, brand reputation, philosophy of operation, marketing strategies, sustainable development strategies, accomplishments, corporate social responsibility and unique business philosophy or development.

The 14th Quamnet Outstanding Enterprise Awards is themed by "Forging Ahead with Honour in Converging Opportunities", not only does it recognize enterprises' continuation in advancing with their long-standing strength and goodwill in times of challenges and difficult business environment, it also encourages enterprises to seize opportunities in post pandemic period to achieve long-term and stable development.

Awarded companies come from diversified industries in Hong Kong, including financial services, MPF services, ICT solution provider, logistics, transportation infrastructure, financial printing and trust services etc.

A total of 8 companies are being awarded this year with its outstanding achievement, including China Life Trustees Limited, CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited, Formex Financial Press Limited, Goldwater International Limited, Kerry Logistics, Realord Asia Pacific Securities Limited, Realord Group Holdings Limited, and Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure Limited.

Widely Supported by Honourable Guests, Business Community and Media

The accolades are announced on the Awards official website and trophies are to be distributed in a later date. Mr. Andy Chan, Managing Director of China Tonghai Financial Media Limited, said "in 2022 Hong Kong was still being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and external environmental factors, making the road to normalcy full of uncertainties, meanwhile it creates and converges more opportunities for the post-epidemic era, enterprises are therefore reinvigorating to prepare for the dawn. As Hong Kong gradually unblocks the epidemic in early 2023 and reconnects with the world, I believe it will bring more good news to the business community. This year's award then recognizes the enterprises that have been actively preparing for the new chapter of normalization in the past year, that set a positive example for the business community and embark the new journey with industry peers."

Supported by elites and medias
In addition to a strong lineup of guests, the Awards attracted numerous media both in Hong Kong and China. Media partners include The Standard and Caiguu.com etc.

Quamnet Outstanding Enterprise Awards 2022 (Alphabetical Listing by Company Name)
Categories / Awarded Company
1. Best Pension Service Provider 2022 / China Life Trustees Limited
2. Outstanding MPF Scheme 2022 / China Life Trustees Limited
3. Outstanding ICT Solution Provider 2022 / CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited
4. Outstanding Financial Printing Services Enterprise 2022 / Formex Financial Press Limited
5. Outstanding Trust Service 2022 / Goldwater International Limited
6. Outstanding Green Logistics Service Provider 2022 / Kerry Logistics
7. Outstanding Securities Service Development 2022 / Realord Asia Pacific Securities Limited
8. Outstanding Diversified Integrated Enterprise 2022 / Realord Group Holdings Limited
9. Outstanding Investment and Development of Infrastructure 2022 / Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure Limited

Website of Quamnet Outstanding Enterprise Awards:
https://events.quamnet.com/landing/QOEA2022

For enquiry, please contact:
China Tonghai Financial Media Limited
Events and Media:
Ms. Macy Yeung Tel: (852) 2217 2752 E-mail: Macy.Yeung@tonghaifinancial.com
Ms. Venus Kuk Tel: (852) 2217 2727 E-mail: Venus.Kuk@tonghaifinancial.com


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

Corinium Presents: CDAO Singapore

Singapore, Mar 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Corinium's Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) Singapore returns for its 2023 edition to convene and to connect leading data and analytics executives, innovators, technologist, and business leaders with one goal in mind – to strategize and achieve data success within your organisation.




Data and analytics are an integral part of every successful business, and its role has risen to become more prominent and significant over the past year. Businesses leverage data to make critical business decisions to gain a competitive edge in the market. However, data and analytics leaders are constantly facing challenges from the sheer amount of data being collected and analysing it in real-time. Data leaders also need to adhere to governance and ethics and keep up with the speed of innovation, evolving customers' expectations, and changing talent market.

2023 Key Themes:
– Infrastructure, Governance, Ethics, Privacy – Upgrading infrastructure and integrating legacy and incumbent system, and a look into operationalising data governance to ensure security, privacy, and ethical use of data and AI
– Data Strategy and Democratization – Preparing proactively for easy access to data, unlocking the true value of data, and using data as an enabler of growth and innovation
– The Future of AI in Analytics – Exploring how we have been using AI, how AI is shaping the future of analytics, and how to balance the wide use of AI with efficiency, productivity, and of course, ethics
– Data Monetisation – Increasing revenue using data and a look into how data is paving a way for new products, services, and process improvement

Register Today!

For Further details regarding this event, visit our website
https://cdao-sg.coriniumintelligence.com/

You can contact us at:
info@coriniumintel.com

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

CROSSTEC Group (3893.HK) Appoints Chief Executive Officer

HONG KONG, Mar 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – CROSSTEC Group Holdings Limited (HKEX stock code: 3893) has officially appointed Mr. Lam Wing Hung as the Chief Executive Officer with effect from 13 March 2023, this change follows Mr. Lam's appointment as Acting Chief Executive Officer in the last three months. Mr. Lam currently is an Executive Director of the Group, the Finance Director and the joint Company Secretary of the Company.

Mr. Lam Wing Hung, joined the Group as Financial Controller in April 2017. He has been appointed as an Executive Director and promoted to Finance Director of the Company with effect from 16 September 2022. He has also been the Company Secretary of the Company and several subsidiaries of the Company since 25 March 2022. Mr. Lam has over 10 years of experience in auditing, accounting and corporate management with international exposure. Mr. Lam will report directly to Mr. Hu Xiongjie, the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hu said: "We are confident that Mr. Lam's appointment will continue and stabilize the development of the Company. Mr. Lam will also play a key role in our business strategy and management, capturing new opportunities arising from closer connectivity between internal staff and external customers."

Mr. Lam Wing Hung said, "I am pleased to take up this important role and look forward to working together with all my colleagues to deliver our best in achieving business success."

In the new appointment, the Board believes that Mr. Lam will be responsible for driving the growth agenda for the development of the Company, continuing to reinforce the Group's commitment to serve their clients and shareholders.

Media enquiries:
New Smile Limited Strategic IR & PR Consultancy
Tel: +852 2126 7076
Jenny Lai jenny.lai@newsmilehk.com
Jenny Cheung jenny.cheung@newsmilehk.com
Richard Wong richard.wong@newsmilehk.com

About CROSSTEC Group Holdings Limited
CROSSTEC Group Holdings Limited is principally engaged in the provision of bespoke and total interior design solutions to the retail stores and property facilities of global luxury brands, which covers a wide range of services including millwork and furniture provision, facade development and fabrication, interior solutions, design, maintenance and project consultancy. The Group has been conducting its business since 1999 and has been developing its business to China, US, Europe, Middle East and other Asian countries. Please visit www.crosstec.com.hk for details.


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

Feature Film ‘Tell It Like a Woman’ Hosts Red Carpet And Screening at Los Angeles Italia Film Festival Ahead of Academy Award Nomination for Best Original Song

LOS ANGELES, CA, Mar 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – International movie star Jacqueline Fernandez arrived at the 18th edition of the Los Angeles Italia Film, Fashion, and Art Festival event accompanied by Hollywood Producer Andrea Iervolino. The event featured a red carpet premiere, screening and Q&A for the film Tell It Like A Woman.



Tell It Like A Woman is a feature film made up of seven short films directed by an international group of women filmmakers from Italy to Japan to the United States. Each segment is a story "about women, by women, for everyone." The cast consists of internationally renowned actresses such as Jennifer Hudson, Marcia Gay Harden, Eva Longoria, Cara Delevingne, Jaqueline Fernandez and more.

The project serves as a collaboration with We Do It Together, a non-profit film production company that advocates for gender equality, founded by producer Chiara Tilesi. The film was produced by ILBE including producers Andrea Iervolino, Chiara Tilesi, Lucas Akoskin and Monika Bacardi. The film is currently nominated for an Academy Award Nomination for Best Original Song for the song "Applause" written by Diane Warren and performed by Sofia Carson.

During the Los Angeles Italia Festival awards ceremony, which was held at the Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, Andrea Iervolino was honored with the Los Angeles Italia Excellence Award and Jacqueline Fernandez was honored with the Los Angeles Italia Humanitarian Award. The event also saw other awards going to recipients including Mike White, Sabrina Impacciatore, Ferzan Ozpetek, Maria Sole Tognazzi and Pippo Mezzapesa.

To learn more about the festival, visit https://www.losangelesitalia.com
To learn more about ILBE Group visit https://ilbegroup.com

PR Contacts:
Luca Matrundola
luca@wwps.tv

Jennifer Buonantony
Jennifer@presspassla.com

Contact Information:
Jennifer Buonantony
Publicist
jennifer@presspassla.com

SOURCE: Andrea Iervolino, Producer

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

Hiring in the Healthcare Sector Soars in the Philippines with 11% Increase: foundit Insights Tracker

  • Overall hiring activity in the country improved by 4% on a month-on-month basis
  • Healthcare industry (+11%) showcased maximum growth in hiring, followed by Logistics (+7%) and Retail (+3%) among others

MANILA, Philippines, Mar 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), one of the leading talent platforms, today published the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for January 2023, formerly published as Monster Employment Index (MEI). Philippines witnessed a 4% month-on-month (MoM) growth in online hiring activity in January ’23 compared to December ’22, according to the fit report. The company Monster APAC & Middle East was rebranded as foundit in November 2022.

Despite the 7% annual drop in e-recruitment activity, the MoM increase in hiring is a testimony to the reviving job market in the Philippines. However, the emphasis remains on re-skilling and upskilling employees to thrive in current market dynamics.

The healthcare sector witnessed the steepest monthly growth (+11%) as health remains a top priority across rural and urban areas in the country, especially post-Covid, and fast-paced innovations have made accessibility to healthcare easier for Filipinos. The country had also recently passed a few landmark health laws focussed on building a healthier ecosystem. This projects a continuous demand in the job market and hence the steady requirement for highly qualified medical staff.

Commenting on the Philippines’ job trends for January 2023, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit, said, “Despite the global slowdown, the Philippines’ job market is showing remarkable resilience, with positive momentum month over month. As businesses across various sectors pivot and incorporate technological innovations, the job market is experiencing a significant boost, particularly in the healthcare, retail, and IT industries. These sectors are witnessing tremendous growth and creating new employment opportunities. Moreover, the country’s robust supply chain and thriving service sector have added to this positive momentum. Overall, the Philippine job market appears to be bouncing back to its pre-pandemic levels, showcasing an impressive recovery amidst challenging global conditions.”

Other sectors that showcased promising growth in January’23 are Logistics, Courier/ Freight/ Transportation/Import/Export/Shipping (+7%), Retail (+3%), Hospitality (+3%), and IT/Telecom (+3%). The rise in e-commerce platforms, internet penetration across the country and increasing demand for industrial freight warehouses can be credited to the rising demand in these sectors. Philippines also noticed positive hiring growth in BFSI (+2%), BPO/ITES (+2%), Engineering, Construction, & Real Estate (+1%), and Advertising Market Research/Public Relations/ Media & Entertainment (+1%) sectors, which have previously made noteworthy contributions to the country’s GDP and have chartered a sequential growth momentum for the sectors.

Across functional roles, the demand for Marketing & Communication (+10%) and Sales & Business Development (+8%) professionals continues to trend as organisations look to improve margins by deploying skilled professionals who add value to their brands. Given the growth of the healthcare industry, Healthcare (+8%) professionals also constituted a significant portion of the overall demand.

The Philippines job market exhibited positive demand for professionals across all functions monitored by Tracker including Purchase/Logistics/Supply Chain (+7%), Customer Service (7%), HR & Admin (+6%), and Finance & Accounts (+4%). The surge in digital marketing initiatives and the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) has encouraged hiring in these sectors. Given the impressive performance of the hospitality sector, coupled with the recent surge in domestic tourism and the advancements in digital booking, the demand for hospitality and travel job roles (+3%) increased in January ’23.

The foundit Insights Tracker (fit) is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, fit presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

Period for the report

The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is 1st to 31st January 2023.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 75 million registered users to find jobs, upskill, and connect with the right opportunities across 18 countries. Over the last two decades, the company has been a catalyst in the world of recruitment solutions with advanced technology, seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalized job searches, and their local expertise to aid precision hiring. foundit strongly believes that a job title doesn’t define one’s potential and leverages technology to dig deeper to curate opportunities central to the needs and aspirations of each user.

To learn more, about foundit in APAC & Gulf,

Visit: www.foundit.com.ph | www.foundit.my | https://www.foundit.in | https://www.founditgulf.com | https://www.foundit.sg | www.foundit.com.hk | https://www.foundit.id

Contact
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
+6581383034



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

Graid Technology Announces Massive Performance Increase with New SupremeRAID Software Release

SANTA CLARA, CA, Mar 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Graid Technology, the award-winning data protection provider and developer of the only RAID card to offer customers access to the full performance of NVMe SSDs, is proud to announce a new software release for the SupremeRAID SR-1000 and SR-1010 offerings. This release, available in summer 2023, will drive even higher performance and lower CPU utilization than prior releases of SupremeRAID.


Graid Technology Announces New SupremeRAID Software Release


With traditional methods of data protection, users can expect sequential write performance of between 2GBps and 4GBps as I/O bottlenecks will prohibit full access to NVMe drive performance. Utilizing SupremeRAID with Graid Technology's patent-pending out-of-path data flow and new groundbreaking Intelligent Parity data reduction technology, users can expect speeds of greater than 90GBps[1] for RAID5 sequential writes as all I/O bottlenecks are removed, allowing users to exploit the full performance of NVMe SSDs.

"This new enhancement offered by Graid Technology will give users of SupremeRAID a clear competitive advantage in the marketplace. The ability to write unstructured data sets to high-speed NVMe drives at such an accelerated rate will save our customers tremendous amounts of time and drive a lower TCO on their infrastructure purchases," said Leander Yu, President and CEO of Graid Technology. "Since our first product release in 2021, we have continually improved the performance of SupremeRAID with software updates for our existing customers. This clearly demonstrates the powerful capabilities of our technology; we can't wait to see how much further we can push it."

The enhanced release of SupremeRAID elevates the product that Graid Technology brings to the global enterprise market. It will be available to all Graid Technology customers, regardless of channel, as a free upgrade upon general release. As Graid Technology continues to expand its OEM, distribution, and integration partnerships, it will continue to work with customers and partners to explore options for additional functionality in future product and software enhancements.

For media and sales inquiries, find SupremeRAID featured across the showroom floor at CloudFest 2023 March 21-23 in Germany. Visit our event page to book a meeting at our booth or any of our multiple partner booths. To learn more about groundbreaking SupremeRAID NVMe capabilities for high performance computing, you can also visit graidtech.com.

[1] Based on Linux RAID5 with Intel Xeon Gold 6338 CPU, 32 core with 2.0 GHz x 2, 20 Phison EPW5970 NVMe drives.

About Graid Technology

SupremeRAID is the world's first NVMe and NVMeoF RAID card to unlock the full potential of enterprise SSD performance. Led by experts in the industry, Graid Technology is redefining next-generation RAID: a single SupremeRAID card delivers 19M IOPS and 110GB/s of throughput. Connect with us: Twitter or LinkedIn.

Contact Information
Andrea Eaken
Graid Technology Director of Marketing & Media Relations
andrea.eaken@graidtech.com

Related Files
https://cdn.newswire.com/files/x/6c/c5/256d51c000ba618936365f7150af.pdf

SOURCE: Graid Technology

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

Entertainment Expo Hong Kong returns

HONG KONG, Mar 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The 19th Entertainment Expo Hong Kong is being held from 2 March to 16 April, showcasing the many facets of film, TV, music and digital entertainment. This year's Expo will feature eight exciting industry events during the month-long entertainment extravaganza.


Mr Leon Lai continues to serve as Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador for the 11th year.

FILMART is Asia's largest cross-media and cross-industry entertainment content trade expo. This year's 27th edition has attracted 700 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and regions.

The ifva includes many exciting programmes, such as an exhibition "CINEMA 2.0: Illuminating Vaccum", VR Cinema, two-day conferenceon VR, and screening of films made by ethnic minority youth.


The Entertainment Expo has been held since 2005 with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council as the overall facilitator and in cooperation with different entertainment bodies. It is fully supported by the Create Hong Kong's Film Development Fund. Mr Leon Lai continues to serve as the Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador.

The Expo's kick-off ceremony will take place on 13 March, the first day of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, gathering Hong Kong and global entertainment industry heavyweights.

HKTDC Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), 13-16 March

FILMART is Asia's largest cross-media and cross-industry entertainment content trade expo. This year's 27th edition, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), has attracted 700 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and regions. In addition to Hong Kong's major film and television companies, more than 20 pavilions from, Japan, Mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Italy, the United States and more are featured at FILMART.

There will be a record-breaking number of Mainland Chinese exhibitors. Participating mainland provinces include Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai and more. Additionally, the three major Mainland streaming platforms iQIYI, Tencent and Youku as well as renowned content producers and distributors, such as Zhejiang Huace Film & TV, Daylight Entertainment, Fantawild, Beijing Yiding Legend Culture Co., Ltd, Linmon Media, and more, will showcase their work.

Furthermore, local filmmakers, including Edko Films, Emperor Motion Pictures, Golden Scene, Mandarin, Media Asia, One Cool Pictures, PCCW Media, Universal Films and more, will release and introduce their films.

Aside from the exhibition, FILMART features a series of events, such as press conferences, showcases, summits, seminars, market screenings and more, enabling participants from around the world to exchange ideas and build connections.

EntertainmentPulse, 13-16 March

EntertainmentPulse, the concurrent conference series of FILMART, will feature leading industry speakers who will discuss a variety of topics, including the hype behind dating and romance reality shows, application of Web3 in entertainment industry and Chinese donghua as soft power. Speakers include Jiang De Fu, COO of Bona Film Group, whose 2021 release The Battle at Lake Changjin grossed in excess of RMB 5.7 billion and became the highest grossing film in Mainland China. Other speakers include Hou Hong Liang, President and Producer of Daylight Entertainment, which curated famous drama series, such as Nirvana in Fire and The Story of Ming Lan, and Sebastian Kim, Director of International Content Sales and Acquisition, CJ ENM from Korea, who has successfully promoted tvN's popular Korean dramas, such as 25, 21 in 2022 that became a popular drama globally through online streaming.

Moreover, EntertainmentPulse also welcomes Sanmesh Thakur, Executive Vice President and Territory Head – APAC of ZEE Entertainment and Ziraviss Vindhanapisuth, Vice President of International Business from BEC World, to explore the future of the Asian entertainment market.

Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), 30 March-10 April

Founded in 1976, HKIFF is the oldest film festival in Asia and the largest cultural event in Hong Kong. This year, the festival will be held in both physical and online format, with Golden Horse and Golden Statue winner Aaron Kwok as the festival's ambassador.

To commemorate the passing of the godfather of France's New Wave cinema, Jean-Luc Godard, this year's HKIFF presents a retrospective of eight of his films with his ex-wife and muse Hanne Karin Bayer. The films include The Little Soldier (1963), on which the two collaborated for the first time, A Women Is a Women (1961), for which Hanne received the Silver Bear Award for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival, and To Live Her Life (1962), for which Jean-Luc won the Venice Film Festival's Grand Jury Prize.

The Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA), 16 April

Entering its 41st year, the HKFA ceremony will be held at the Grand Theatre of Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Gathering the hottest actors, directors and celebrities from around the world, the event will crown winners in 19 categories, including the Professional Achievement Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.

ifva Festival, 2-11 March

Organised by the Hong Kong Arts Centre, ifva has established itself as Asia's leading force in short film, animation and media arts, providing a platform for Hong Kong and Asian creative talents to promote their work. The 28th ifva Festival kicked off on 2 March with the opening of media arts exhibition CINEMA 2.0: Illuminating Vacuum, alongside works of finalists of the ifva Awards Media Art category. Programmes include All About Us student creative film showcase, pop-up VR cinema, conversations on VR and media arts exhibition Wend a Way by Lau Ching-wa Jess. The ifva Awards winners will be announced on 11 March at the awards presentation ceremony.

Asian Film Awards (AFA), 12 March

After being held in Busan, South Korea for the past two editions, AFA returns to Hong Kong for its 16th edition, with support from Create Hong Kong and Film Development Fund at Hong Kong Palace Museum. This year, the Academy has put together a star-studded guest list of nominees and presenters. They include internationally renowned filmmakers Zhang Yimou, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Hamaguchi Ryusuke, Lav Diaz, Darezhan Omirbaev, Peter Chan and Anthony Chen; star actors Sammo Hung, Abe Hiroshi, Carina Lau, Do Do Cheng, Sandra Ng, Nishijima Hidetoshi, Park Hae-il, Suzuki Ryohei, Zhang Yi, Happy Salma, Ji Chang-wook and Chrissie Chau. The best and brightest of the Asian film industry will gather in Hong Kong to witness this grand event.

Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), 13-15 March

A major financing platform in Asia, HAF connects filmmakers, investors, producers and distributors. Many well-known industry talents have previously participated in the forum, including Jia Zhangke, Jiang Wen, Lu Chuan and Ning Hao from Mainland China, Peter Chan Ho Sun, Stanley Kwan Kam Pang, Ann Hui On Wah, Fruit Chan and Pang Ho Cheung from Hong Kong, Tsai Ming Liang, Wei Te Sheng, Chung Mong Hong and Leon Dai from Taiwan, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Kurosawa Kiyoshi, Kawase Naomi and Iwai Shunji from Japan, Park Chan Wook, Kim Jee Woon, Bong Joon Ho and Im Sang Soo from Korea, as well as Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Ekachai Uekrongtham, Nonzee Nimibutr and Pen-ek Ratanaruang from Thailand.

The 21st HAF selected 28 in-development projects (IDP) and 15 work-in-progress projects (WIP) from 350 submissions from 38 countries and regions, covering a variety of genres, including comedy, horror, fantasy, romance, suspense, drama and animation. Alongside projects from acclaimed filmmakers and producers, such as Arsalan Amiri, Anthony Chen, Fruit Chan, Stanley Kwan, Teddy Robin, Lin Yu Hsien, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Nai An, Jakrawal Nilthamrong, Nader Saeivar as well as venerable festival director Marco Muller as producer. 22 directors are making their feature debut and 10 film projects from Hong Kong are among the highlights.

Digital Entertainment Summit, 15 March

Together with the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association, the HKTDC hosts the 13th Digital Entertainment Summit, with this year's theme being Uncovering the Application of Web3 in Entertainment Industry. Evan Auyang, Group President of Animoca Brands, Jenefer Brown, EVP and Head of Global Products & Experiences of Lionsgate, Lucas Cheung, Managing Partner of Gusto Collective, and Jaeson Ma, Co-Founder & CEO of OP3N, will share how technologies change the future of entertainment industry.

HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3kSSCKk

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:

The 27th HKTDC Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), 13 March to 16 March, http://www.hktdc.com/hkfilmart
Ogilvy PR: Hon Man Li, Tel: +852 9638 1208, Email: honman.li@ogilvy.com

HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

The 2nd EntertainmentPulse, 13 March to 16 March, https://entertainmentpulse.hktdc.com/
Ogilvy PR: Hon Man Li, Tel: +852 9638 1208, Email: honman.li@ogilvy.com

HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org
Clayton Lau, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

The 47th Hong Kong International Film Festival, 30 March to 10 April, http://www.hkiff.org.hk
Tel: +852 2970 3300, Email: info@hkiff.org.hk

The 41st The Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA), 16 April, https://www.hkfaa.com
Tel: +852 2367 7892, Email: hkfaa@hkfaa.com

The 28th Incubator for Film and Visual Media in Asia (IFVA), 2 March to 11 March, http://www.ifva.com
Tel: +852 2824 5329, Email: ifva@hkac.org.hk

The 16th Asian Film Awards, 12 March, https://www.afa-academy.com/
Tel: +852 3195 0607, Email: info@afa-academy.com

The 21st Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), 13 March to 16 March, https://industry.hkiff.org.hk/
Tel: +852 2970 3300, Email: haf@hkiff.org.hk

The 13th Digital Entertainment Summit, 15 March, https://www.hktdc.com/hkfilmart
Tel: +852 1830 668, Email: filmart@hktdc.org

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

Zero Waste & Low Energy Lithium Processing Provisional Patent Filed & Proposed Plant Engineering Study Initiated

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Mar 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. (CSE:SX)(OTCQB:SXOOF)(FSE:85G1) is pleased to announce that it has filed a provisional patent covering a new breakthrough achieved in the spodumene processing and lithium hydroxide production technologies.

Highlights
– 92% of Nitric acid recirculated into hydrometallurgical process Resulting in Zero Waste Lithium Production
– Continuous reaction in saturated solution growing lithium crystals with no energy added
– Significant cost savings
– 98% recovery of Lithium in spodumene with 99% purity in Lithium Hydroxide Crystal
– Improved optionality to process multiple sources of feedstock using the same process
– Lithium Production Plant Engineering Study Initiated with WSP
– Spodumene Concentrate Feedstock discussions underway with 3 potential clients.

Over the last few years, St-Georges' metallurgical team has been developing a process using material from multiple mining sources which allows the production of lithium hydroxide and lithium metals from hard rock spodumene concentrates. Our unique approach allows for all the nitric acid used in the process to be either recirculated or amalgamated into fertilizer by-products. Because the majority of the acid is being recirculated, what is left in the waste product is of no significance and thus requires little to no neutralizing before it can be sold to cement and asphalt producers. Thus, the process produces no tailings and monetizes all the input materials making it one of the greenest processes on the market today.

Tests have shown that an average of 92% of the nitric acid used in our process gets recirculated and The Company's metallurgists believe that with ongoing testing this could be improved to a theoretical limit of 95% by reducing the humidity level during prior stages of the process.

Other improvements to various aspects of the processing technology not only represent major energy saving in the pretreatment phase of the process, but also in the production of battery grade lithium hydroxide and lithium metal from other hard rock sources that traditionally require heavy heat and energy input to break down the material. However, the most significant cost savings come from the fact that St Georges can produce 99.99% pure Lithium Hydroxide in one step after novel treatment of the lithium in solution through the use of an electro-winning method, thus omitting the need to ship lithium concentrates to a third party for refining. It also gives North America a solution for hard rock resources.

It is important to note that the technology can also be used with lepidolite, petalite and zinnwaldite, leveraging the improvements to the calcination treatment and has been incorporated into this patent application.

Applications to Battery Recycling

The technology was also tested with Lithium and with Lithium-Iron-Phosphate used batteries with significant novel improvements and costs reductions, improving the recovery of the strategic mineral and the commercial viability of the operation by magnitudes.

"I believe this process bridges the gap between the good brines and hard rock resources available around the world. In Canada, we have made large efforts and investments and have yet to achieve a viable solution which is why I am very excited by the progress achieved from our team because we believe we have the solution to unlock North American hardrock lithium resources. In saying that, we view ourselves as a complement to the industry and look forward to working with our peers to help advance lithium projects and meet the growing demand. On a personal note I believe resources should be evaluated for their resource and technology. By combining the right options billions of dollars can be saved," said Enrico Di Cesare, CEO of St-Georges Metallurgy Corp.

"Until now, developers of lithium projects and spodumene concentrates producers might have perceived us as just another novel process using different acid mix and a few other witty twists… moving forward, it will become difficult for everyone planning a production project to ignore the potential savings in building and operating a plant that won't require much energy… after the reaction is started there is no electrolysis and no additional heat applied, the saturated solution just grows lithium crystal as long as feedstock is added… I can't imagine a simpler tech to operate," commented Frank Dumas, COO of St-Georges Eco Mining Corp.

Lithium Processing plant

Now that The Company has completed the review of the engineering concepts supporting the design and building of a hybrid lithium hydroxide and lithium metals plant, St-Georges has contracted WSP to model the process and establish capital costs associated with the tech plant.

We look forward to updating shareholders upon the completion of the study.

Feedstock Agreements Under Discussion

Currently, St-Georges is awaiting the arrival of 3 different shipments of approximately 200 kg each of spodumene concentrates from companies operating spodumene mines in South African countries. Once received, The Company will process this material and use the data obtained to negotiate a fair profit-sharing agreement with the producers of the concentrates.

Additionally, The Company is in talks with several different producers, developers and mineral explorers to secure spodumene concentrate. As developments occur, updates will be provided.

Nickel & Chromium Developments

St-Georges' metallurgists received the results of additional independent tests conducted with one of its contracted facilities in Ontario in relation to its Nickel and Chromium research and development.

The Company produced stainless steel in a single step from material obtained from spent batteries and nickel from mineral resources.

St-Georges is in continuous development for customized solutions for different battery recycling with these initiatives currently completed:

– Spodumene lithium process that works with lithium-ion batteries and can combine mineral resources and battery recycling efficiently with no tailings or output footprint.
– Alkaline batteries have been optimized for fertilizer and new results show that they can be converted to ferro manganese using renewable carbon resources like char.
– Nickel cadmium batteries were successfully converted to ferro nickel and stainless steel.

The latter is a major improvement and warrants further work with our resources and complementary resources such as chromium besides the battery recycling initiatives.

All the testing work was carried out by independent laboratories.

Further work is being initiated for other hydrometallurgical options potentially more efficient in different geographical regions, such as Italy with The Company's potential partner Arabat that is using orange peels and other by products of orange juice production.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Frank Dumas
Director & COO

About St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp.

St-Georges develops new technologies to solve some of the most common environmental problems in the mining sector, including maximizing metal recovery and full circle EV battery recycling. The Company explores for nickel & PGEs on the Julie Nickel Project and the Manicougan Palladium Project on Quebec's North Shore and has multiple exploration projects in Iceland, including the Thor Gold Project. Headquartered in Montreal, St-Georges' stock is listed on the CSE under the symbol SX and trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol 85G1 and on the OTCQB Venture Market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies under the symbol SXOOF. Companies are current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the company on www.otcmarkets.com Visit St-Georges' web site at www.StGeorgesEcoMining.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of the contents of this release.

SOURCE: St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp.

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

Elite Havens responds to the return of destination weddings and other special events, adding four new villas in Thailand and Indonesia for breathtaking celebrations in stunning locations

BANGKOK, Mar 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Elite Havens, the leading provider of high-end vacation rentals in Asia, owned by Dusit International, has expanded its portfolio of more than 300 luxury villa rentals by adding four outstanding new properties to its hand-picked collection of exceptional event villas in Thailand and Indonesia.


Inasia – (Koh Samui, Thailand)

Inasia – (Koh Samui, Thailand)

Infinity View (Phuket, Thailand)

Permata Ayung Estate – Garuda wing room facade (Ubud, Bali, Indonesia)

Permata Ayung Estate – Swimming pool (Ubud, Bali, Indonesia)

Tirtha Bayu Villa I (Seseh-Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia)


Ideally positioned to leverage the return of destination weddings and other special events, the new additions include Permata Ayung Private Estate, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; Tirtha Bayu Estate, Seseh-Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia; Infinity View, Kata, Phuket, Thailand; and Inasia, Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Thailand. Each new property offers privacy and personalised experiences executed by Elite Havens' expert in-house teams and event organisers.

Set within a magnificent riverside estate in the hills of Ubud, Permata Ayung Private Estate offers 12 bedrooms in individual pavilions across five hectares of land with multiple event spaces, both indoor and outdoor. It features its own standalone riverside spa with an adjoining bridal suite, a plush private cinema, organic juice and cocktail bars, colourful tropical gardens, lush coconut groves, and serene views of rice fields, making it a great venue for wellness retreats and large-scale weddings in a private oasis.

Also in Bali, Tirtha Bayu Estate is a spacious oceanfront estate overlooking the dramatic black sands of Cemagi Beach. Artfully blending traditional and contemporary design, it features an interconnected complex of two villas – the modern and elegant six-bedroom Villa I and the traditional and refined five-bedroom Villa II. With multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces, plus two infinity pools, the beautiful property can host events and weddings with up to 150 guests.

Over in Thailand, Infinity View is an elegant four-bedroom villa for intimate celebrations near Phuket's Kata Noi Beach. The beautiful property certainly lives up to its name, featuring a majestic ocean backdrop beyond its crystal blue pool. Its idyllic location offers complete privacy for small family gatherings and milestone celebrations just five minutes from the beautiful white sands of Kata Noi and Kata.

Rounding out the new additions in Thailand, the latest addition to the Elite Havens Koh Samui portfolio, Inasia, is also an excellent choice for large families or groups of friends celebrating life's special moments. Situated next to Lipa Noi beach, it features eight guestrooms with views of the deep green sea. Shallow waters running 100 metres off the shore make it a safe environment for children to splash and play. Indoor and outdoor dining areas add a sense of variety for those looking to celebrate an intimate event.

"The last few years have left people with renewed zeal to explore more of the world and clarity about the importance of celebrating each small moment with near and dear ones," said Ms Maya Rigg, CEO, Elite Havens. "Not only are travellers seeking to return to familiar locations and revisit their favourite villas, but they are also booking private venues like luxury villas at exclusive destinations to celebrate life events like weddings, family reunions, and other milestones. We expect the confidence of travellers to continue the upward trend seen in 2022, and we look forward to welcoming guests to make lasting memories at our exquisite new additions in Bali, Phuket, and Koh Samui."

More details about the new properties can be found at the following links:

Permata Ayung Private Estate (Bali):
https://www.elitehavens.com/the-permata-ayung-private-estate-villa/ubud-bali-indonesia.aspx

Tirtha Bayu Estate (Bali):
https://www.elitehavens.com/tirtha-bayu-estate-villa/sesehtanah-lot-bali-indonesia.aspx

Infinity View (Phuket):
https://www.elitehavens.com/infinity-view-villa/kata-phuket-thailand.aspx

About Elite Havens Luxury Villa Rentals and Management

Elite Havens Luxury Villa Rentals is Asia's market leader in high-end holiday villa vacations. Established in 1998, the company has curated a spectacular portfolio of more than 300 private luxury villas across Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives. Offering a diverse range of inspired island accommodations – from absolute beachfront to rural escapes, traditional to designer chic, honeymoon hideaways to sprawling wedding venues – Elite Havens properties are staffed to the highest-level including villa managers, gourmet chefs and personal butlers to ensure a totally unique experience. www.elitehavens.com

For all press, media enquiries or a full suite of high-resolution photos, please contact Elite Havens' PR team at pr@elitehavens.com.

About Dusit International

Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group's portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of seven brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, Dusit Suites, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International's diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification. For more information, please visit dusit-international.com.

For more information, please contact:
Sureerat Sudpairak | Corporate Director of Public Relations | Dusit International
Tel: +66 (0) 2200 9999 ext. 3321 | Mobile +66 (0) 89 006 8697 | Email: sureerat.sp@dusit.com

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