Apps like Tinder are changing from dating tools to party places as more people enjoy the single life

HONG KONG, Jan 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – "Being consciously single" is not a new term. Over the past few years, especially during the pandemic, it has become a trend to enjoy staying single.

According to a study by Bumble, a dating app where women are dominant, 53% of respondents said that it is "actually OK" to be partnerless. Instead of searching in dating apps aimlessly, people are more inclined to live with elegance and confidence before meeting the right person. Another survey also shows that 83% of women are content to wait until finding their Mr. Right. In other words, people are more cautious about dating and building a relationship.

Despite this, humans' desire for social connection will never wane for we are social animals, and consequently, this creates a breakthrough point from which social networking apps can adapt to users' shifting demands.

Dating apps like Tinder are actively incorporating interactive and immersive features to attract users to congregate. Beyond such conventional products, fashionable social apps launched by companies such as Newborn Town and Hyperconnect, offering various audio- and video-based features for online-party and friend-making, have become companions in users' leisure time. Meanwhile, IMVU and similar social apps, derived from the concept of metaverse, allow users to interact in virtual scenarios with a virtual avatar and to join real parties without leaving home.

It can be said that social apps are evolving from a dating tool for two to a gathering place for all.

1. Tinder starts to "Explore"

In September 2021, Tinder launched "Explore" to diversify social networking experiences. Explore has been providing multiple interactive modes and features at the very beginning, including Hot Takes, Vibes and Swipe Night. Aside from many subsequent innovative explorations, it has recently introduced a Festival Mode. With these new features, Tinder becomes more of an entertaining and companionable app than a simple tool in which users can swipe left or right. Users can also filter out more accurate interest tags by these activities and thus meet like-minded intimates.

A few days ago, Tinder released a user trend report for 2022 on its website, subtitled Dating Games are Dead in 2022 said Young Singles. As stated in the report, Tinder saw a 49% increase in members adding the phrase "situationship" to their bios in 2022. In other words, rather than being a tool for looking for a partner, Tinder offers a variety of social networking activities for young people to identify compatible relationships that can progress naturally without being defined purposively.

Match Group, the parent firm of Tinder, revealed in June 2021 that it had acquired Hyperconnect successfully, a leading social discovery and video technology company from Korea. According to Match Group, they are going to develop their products with Hyperconnect's expertise in the video industry. It is conceivable that social apps like Tinder will update more video functions to broaden interactive experiences for members.

2. New genes of emerging social apps

Unlike traditional dating apps that cater to new trends by function adjustments, social products emerged recently no longer focus on date matching, but appear in front of global users with genes of partying and companionship.
MICO, a live-streaming video social app, has gained popularity in MENA, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and North America over the past year or so. This app has a ton of features, including the ability for users to do or watch live streaming, make video calls or text chats with their friends or anybody they are into, and even play mini-games while chatting.

Similar to TikTok, content creators in MICO attract fans with their talent and charm, then, as a result of sharing interests, a social network centred on the creator is established. According to MICO, its users are incredibly loyal, social networks in the app can accompany users for a very long time, and meeting and having fun with friends through MICO has become a daily ritual for many.

Behind MICO is Newborn Town, a global company with audio and video social networking as its core business. Aside from MICO, there is a voice-based social product by Newborn Town called YoHo, as well. YoHo, in contrast to MICO, concentrates on the MENA market and is also experiencing strong growth in Southeast Asia. That is mainly because in these regions where religious norms and culture are more conservative, voice socialization is more user-adaptable than video socialization that necessitates revealing one's face.

There are many voice rooms with different themes in YoHo, so users can chat with strangers in whichever room they like or set up a room with their friends. These voice rooms, accommodating as many as hundreds of speakers or as few as two or three, have developed into hubs for users to socialize, make friends and share information.

3. A virtual social paradise in metaverse

Over the past year or so, the metaverse concept has taken over the world. Even Facebook, a well-known social media company, has become Meta. Socialization is an indispensable element of metaverse. Then, as metaverse is getting well-known, an increasing number of social apps with metaverse are showing up in app stores, making socialization more imaginative.

In a social app called IMVU, more than one million people visit it and spend an average of 55 minutes per day. These users customize their avatars, share experiences, shop, hang out at cool parties, and even earn real money creating virtual products on IMVU. Currently, IMVU provides more than 60 million virtual props, from clothing to different accessories, with which users can personalize their virtual avatar to fully express their individual style. In addition, users can also tailor their chat rooms, host, or join parties in various virtual scenarios, and interact with others with exclusive dynamic.

IMVU stated in late 2022 that it would unveil Limited Edition NFTs. NFTs will more incentivize creators of virtual goods and complete IMVU's metaverse. After looking into IMVU and other equivalent products, we may already get a glimpse of the future of social networking and even the ultimate form of the internet. These apps are no longer just a place for users seeking a romantic relationship, instead, they have evolved into a platform for one to infinitely connect with others without space-time constrains, and to engage in actual social interactions in a virtual world.

Socialization, as a rigid demand of humans, has never changed, but social scenes and forms are continually evolving to meet users' requirements. Today, online dating services, which have been available for almost 30 years, are being different as a result of the fact that young people are no longer addicted to fast-food dating and relationships.

Nowadays, these services place a greater emphasis on giving users the chance to showcase their special traits and meet close friends, realizing immersive online social experiences, forming permanent spiritual companionship, and building a kind of paradise for various virtual parties.

For further information, please contact:
PEANUT MEDIA LIMITED
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TVS Motor Company’s Chairman Sir Ralf Speth conferred with University of Warwick’s Honorary Doctorate

Singapore, Jan 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Sir Ralf Speth, Chairman of TVS Motor Company, has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in the field of Science (Doctor of Science, honoris causa) from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. The honorary degree was conferred by the University of Warwick Chancellor Baroness Catherine Ashton of Upholland.

TVS Motor Company's Chairman Sir Ralf Speth conferred with University of Warwick's Honorary Doctorate.

Sir Ralf is accompanied by the University of Warwick Chancellor Baroness Catherine Ashton of Upholland who conferred the degree.

Sir Ralf is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and a Fellow of the Royal Society. An honorary professor at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), he has been closely associated with WMG ever since obtaining his engineering doctorate in 2008, under the pioneering leadership of former WMG Chairman, Lord Bhattacharyya. An outstanding engineer with a vast experience in the global automotive industry, Sir Ralf has held leadership roles with some of the renowned automotive and industrial giants such as Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Ford, Tata Motors, and The Linde Group. He was appointed Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire and an Additional Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Commenting on the honour, Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company, said, "My heartiest congratulations to Ralf for this well-deserved recognition. Over his distinguished career in automotive and industrials of more than four decades, he has built world class products and brands. He has been relentlessly working towards transforming the industry with his passion for technology and strive for excellence. This honour is a testament to his leadership, vision, and dedication to the industry, and we are privileged to have him lead TVS Motor Company in its transformational journey."

Sudarshan Venu, MD, TVS Motor Company, said, "Sir Ralf's exemplary leadership skills, tremendous vision for the industry, and discerning approach towards technology make him unique. His energy and passion is inspiring. We are proud to have him amongst us. We wish him many more accolades recognising his immense contributions to the industry."

Sir Ralf has a degree in engineering from the University of Applied Sciences Rosenheim, Germany, and a doctorate of engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration at the University of Warwick.

About TVS Motor Company

TVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through Sustainable Mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Hosur, Mysuru and Nalagarh in India and Karawang in Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of Trust, Value, and Passion for Customers and Exactness, we take pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. We are the only two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiaries in the personal e-mobility space, Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG) and EGO Movement have a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 80 countries in which we operate.

For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com.

For more information, please contact:
Priyanka Kumar
Priyanka.kumar@tvsmotor.com

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

Fosun International Expects One-off Negative Impact to be Cleared and Businesses to Bound Back in 2023

HONG KONG, Jan 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – On 20 January 2023, Fosun International Limited ("Fosun International" or "Fosun", HKEX: 00656) issued a profit warning announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, mentioning that based on the information available to the Board and the latest unaudited consolidated management accounts of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2022, Fosun International's revenue in 2022 is expected to increase by approximately 10% compared to that of 2021. However, due to the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 and the turmoil and downturn of the international capital markets, which resulted to an increase in business costs and an increase in floating losses in secondary capital market investment, Fosun International's overall industry operations and industrial investment have been affected to varying degrees, thus the profit attributable to owners of the parent in 2022 is expected to be not more than approximately RMB2 billion.

The announcement also pointed out that with the gradual return to normalization of international trade and commerce in 2023, the Company's management expects to see recovery of its businesses. Looking ahead, the Company will further focus on the family-oriented consumer industry and continue to strengthen its global operations to provide quality products and services to families worldwide.

Market analyst believes that as the "one-off" negative impact of the external environment clears, Fosun's continuous focus on the family-oriented consumer sector will usher in an important period of opportunity for business rebound in 2023. Since the beginning of the year, Fosun's main businesses centering on household consumption, such as Health, Happiness, and Wealth, have shown signs of strong recovery. It is worth noting that Fosun's forward-looking efforts in the anti-epidemic field have gradually borne fruit.

The two flagships of Fosun's Happiness segment, Fosun Tourism Group and Yuyuan, and other businesses have shown strong signs of recovery. According to public information, when the domestic tourism industry suffered a huge setback in 2022, Fosun Tourism Group still stood firm to build global presence and opened seven new Club Med resorts throughout the year. According to market sources, Club Med's global bookings in the first half of 2023 have greatly exceeded the same period in 2019 before the pandemic. During the 2023 New Year holiday period, Atlantis Sanya, FOLIDAY Town Lijiang and other businesses in China all performed better than their respective pre-pandemic levels, and many Club Med resorts in China recorded close to 100% occupancy. During the 2023 New Year holiday period, the 2023 Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival in the Grand Yuyuan attracted a large number of tourists. It is expected that the Spring Festival will further unleash consumption vitality.

Taking the Health segment as another example, Fosun's anti-epidemic "vaccine and drug" products have attracted great attention from the market. On 19 December 2022, COMIRNATY(R), including the monovalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2) and the bivalent vaccine which can protect against the Omicron variant, was officially registered as a drug/product (biological product) in Hong Kong SAR. The self-paid vaccination service of COMIRNATY(R) bivalent vaccine was launched in Hong Kong SAR and vaccination is open to people including Mainland Chinese residents starting from 6 January 2023. After the self-paid vaccination service of COMIRNATY(R) monovalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccine has opened for non-local residents in Macau SAR last year, the COMIRNATY(R) bivalent vaccine was approved by Macao SAR as a regular imported vaccine on 20 January 2023, and people in need may receive a booster dose with prescription. As regards Azvudine, the oral medication for COVID-19, it is now included in the medical insurance scheme in 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and direct-administered municipalities across the country. In addition to tertiary hospitals and secondary hospitals, Azvudine has gradually covered grassroots medical institutions in many provinces. The accessibility of Azvudine has been greatly enhanced, helping the vast areas build a barrier against severe cases.

As Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, mentioned in his 2023 New Year's message, despite the headwinds of anti-globalization in 2022, Fosun is still a firm practitioner of globalization. In 2022, COMIRNATY(R) COVID-19 mRNA vaccine continued to provide an anti-epidemic barrier for Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and the Taiwan region; Club Med opened new resorts; Lanvin Group was successfully listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In the face of uncertainties, Fosun remained committed to technology and innovation in order to weather market cycles. HANQUYOU, independently developed by Henlius, was successfully launched in Australia after entering the European Union market; the registration application in the Chinese Mainland for the new indication of Yi Kai Da, China's first CAR-T cell therapy was officially accepted. Fosun attaches great importance to its development. No matter how policies and markets change, Fosun will always devote its best efforts.

Fosun's solid fundamentals and recovery potential have been widely recognized by financial institutions and investors. On 16 January 2023, Shanghai Fosun High Technology (Group) Co., Ltd. ("Fosun High Technology"), the domestic operating entity of Fosun International, received a RMB12 billion syndicated loan from eight domestic banks. This is the largest private enterprise loan led by five major state-owned banks in cooperation with policy banks and joint-stock banks since the Central Economic Work Conference explicitly proposed in December 2022 to encourage and support the development of the private economy and private enterprises. Moreover, Fosun High Technology successfully completed bookbuilding for the RMB1 billion super & short-term commercial paper on 13 January 2023.

Fosun's financing channels have been further expanded, and the financing costs have been further reduced, consolidating liquidity support for its business recovery. Recently, international rating agency S&P Global Ratings, and investment banks including Morgan Stanley and Daiwa Capital Markets have published research reports, expressing their optimism on Fosun.

On 17 January 2023, S&P Global Ratings pointed out in a report that Fosun International's newly signed syndicate loan will largely cover onshore bonds due within a year. Fosun International's total debt at the holding company level could drop by 15%-25% in 2023 as the company continues to dispose assets and pay down matured bonds, thereby further improving its liquidity. S&P Global Ratings also noted that Fosun High Technology's successful issuance of the super & short-term commercial paper was Fosun's first issuance in the onshore market after a nine-month hiatus, marking a first baby step and indicating a recovery of the public bond market access. According to incomplete statistics, Fosun's return of capital from its asset reduction in 2022 has reached tens of billions of yuan, further consolidating its capital.

On the same day, Morgan Stanley also issued a report commenting that Fosun's syndicated loan can further improve its liquidity, significantly helping lift market confidence in Fosun's stability. The firm believes that after several months of active deleveraging efforts, Fosun's liquidity risk has been greatly reduced. Looking ahead, the reopening of China will help boost fundamentals, especially in businesses such as tourism, retail, and investment.

Previously, Nomura Orient International Securities, China Industrial Securities, and China International Capital Corporation (CICC) have published research reports, expressing their optimism about Fosun's strategy of streamlining the organization and focusing on its core businesses. Nomura Orient International Securities pointed out that Fosun has firmly promoted and focused on its core businesses in the family-oriented sector at the operational level. With the continuous optimization of China's epidemic prevention and control measures, the firm expects Fosun to achieve better performance. CICC believes that in the medium and long term, the valuation method of Fosun International is expected to gradually shift from using the NAV of the group to using the PE of the large consumer company. As a result, Fosun is expected to usher in a rise in the central level of long-term valuation.

Based on Fosun's solid financial performance and strong potential for rebound, Morgan Stanley and Daiwa Capital Markets reiterated their "Overweight"/"Buy" rating on Fosun International. Nomura Orient International Securities, China Industrial Securities, and CICC have assigned Fosun International an "Overweight"/"Outperform" rating.

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

EC Healthcare Expects Third Quarter FY23 Sales Volume to Increase no less than 8% YoY

HONG KONG, Jan 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – EC Healthcare (the "Company", which together with its subsidiaries is referred to as the "Group", SEHK stock code: 2138), the largest non-hospital medical group in Hong Kong*, is pleased to announce that the Group expects sales volume for the period of October to December 2022 (the "Quarter") to increase by no less than 8% as compared with the same period last year.

The demand on medical services provided by the Group remains strong and the Group's increasingly diversified business demonstrated resilience and good momentum. The Board expects to record overall sales volume of no less than HK$1,000 million for the Quarter, representing a no less than 8% YoY increase. The Group expects to achieve a no less than 39% YoY increase for medical services sales volume. Sales volume of aesthetic medical and beauty and wellness services in Hong Kong and Macau declined by no more than 17% YoY, while sales volume of aesthetic medical and beauty and wellness services in Mainland China declined by no more than 50% YoY during the Quarter. The decrease in aesthetic medical and beauty and wellness services was mainly due to (i) weaker local consumer spending due to increase in outbound traveling amid the lifting of inbound quarantine restrictions; (ii) the pessimistic economic outlook and weak local consumer sentiment caused by high inflation and rising interest rate; and (iii) the omicron outbreak in Mainland China. In addition, the sales volume of other services declined by no less than 8% YoY.

Mr. Eddy Tang, Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of EC Healthcare said, "The Group is pleased to see the initial phase of border re-opening between Hong Kong and Mainland implemented earlier this year and the Mainland visitors started to return on a gradual basis. With the leading brand and one-stop diversified services, the Group has always been the top choice for medical tourists. The Group has maintained its leading position in the aesthetic medical industry while significantly strengthening its medical services capabilities. In addition, the Group's continuous investment in IT systems and industry value chain integration has enabled the Group to seize the growth opportunity and capture demand from medical tourists. The Group will provide quality, affordable, accessible and sustainable healthcare services to a wider range of customers and continue to expand its businesses through organic growth as well as mergers and acquisitions to enrich the Group's enclosed diversified ecosystem. The Group will also further enhance the resilience and ability to resist cyclical economic changes and further consolidate the healthcare market."

About EC Healthcare
EC Healthcare is Hong Kong's largest non-hospital medical service provider*, leveraging its core businesses of preventive and precision medicine, and committed to developing medical artificial intelligence by integrating its multi-disciplinary medical services. The move, which is supported by the Group's high-end branding and quality customer services, is aimed at offering customers safe and effective healthcare and medical services with professionalism. The Group is a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Composite Index and the MSCI Hong Kong Small Cap Index.

The Group principally engages in the provision of one-stop medical and health care services in Greater China. The Group provides a full range of services and products under its well-known brands, including those of its one-stop aesthetic medical solutions provider DR REBORN which has ranked first in Hong Kong by sales for years, a professional hair care center HAIR FOREST, primary care clinics jointly established with health management centre re:HEALTH, a vaccine centre Hong Kong Professional Vaccine HKPV, General outpatient clinic Tencent Doctorwork, the largest one-stop pain management centre in Hong Kong New York Medical Group, the comprehensive dental centres Bayley & Jackson Dental Surgeons, EC DENTAL CARE and Health and Care Dental Clinic, an advanced diagnostic and imaging centre HKAI, an oncology treatment centre reVIVE, a day procedure centre HKMED, a specialty clinic PREMIER MEDICAL CENTRE, SPECIALISTS CENTRAL and NEW MEDICAL CENTER, a paediatric centre PRIME CARE, a gynaecology specialist ZENITH MEDICAL CENTER AND PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS CENTRE, PathLab Medical Laboratories, Ophthalmology Center VIVID EYE and EC Veterinary Hospital and Imaging Center.

*According to independent research conducted by Frost and Sullivan in terms of revenue in 2020 and 2021

For further information, please contact:
iPR Ogilvy Limited
Callis Lau / Lorraine Luk / Tim Tin
Tel: (852) 2136 6952 / 2169 0467 / 3920 7654
Fax: (852) 3170 6606
Email: ech@iprogilvy.com

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

Lion One Secures US$37 Million Financing Facility from Nebari

North Vancouver, BC, Jan 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a facility agreement with Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP, Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund I, LP and Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund II, LP (each as Lender and collectively, "Nebari"), with Nebari Collateral Agent, LLC as collateral agent and certain Lion One subsidiaries as guarantors, for a Financing Facility of up to US$37M (the "Financing Facility"). Proceeds from the Financing Facility will accelerate project construction and development at the Company's 100% owned and fully permitted high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. Lion One expects first production to be achieved by December 2023.

Financing Facility (All figures in USD): The Financing Facility consists of a US$35 million senior secured first lien term loan (the "Loan Facility") and a US$2 million (CAD$2.7 million) equity investment ("the Equity Investment") in common shares of Lion One.

Loan Facility: The total amount of the Loan Facility will be funded in up to three tranches, with US$23M to be funded at Closing (Tranche 1), and an additional US$12M available at Lion One's option in up to two further tranches (Tranches 2 and 3) within 18 months of closing. Interest on Tranche 1 is 8% (plus three-month SOFR), and amortization is on the Maturity Date 42 months from the Closing Date, with no closing fees payable. Tranches 2 and 3 funding is subsequent to an 8% original issue discount and interest is 10% plus SOFR, with progressive amortization over 42 months from the Tranche 2 funding date, with closing fees equal to 2% of the amounts funded.

Warrants: On the Closing Date, the Lender will be issued 15,333,087 non-transferable purchase warrants in the Company (the "Warrants"), with each Warrant exercisable into common shares of Lion One at a price of CAD$1.49 for a period of 48 months from issuance. The warrants will be subject to an accelerator provision whereby the Borrower may accelerate the expiry date of up to 25% of the initial warrants in the event that the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company exceeds 100% over the strike price for a period of twenty consecutive days. Lion One has the option to accelerate the expiry of further 25% portions of the warrants at four-month intervals, up to a maximum of 75% of the warrants issued.

Royalty Payment: Following the first month in which the Tuvatu Project produces at least 2,000 ounces of gold, the Company shall pay to the Lender a royalty equal to 0.5% of the Net Smelter Returns on the first 400,000 ounces (equivalent to 2,000 ounces) of gold produced and sold from the Tuvatu Project.

Equity Investment: Concurrently with the Loan Facility, Nebari has entered into a subscription agreement to purchase 3,125,348 common shares of Lion One at a price of CAD$0.86 per share, representing an aggregate equity investment of US$2M (CAD$2.7M).

The Company's right to drawdown Tranche 1 of the Loan Facility is subject to satisfaction of customary conditions precedent, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"), though these conditions precedent are expected to be satisfied in short order. Issuance of the Warrants and completion of the placement is also subject to TSX-V approval.

Lion One Chairman and CEO Walter Berukoff commented, "We are extremely pleased to have secured Nebari as a financial partner and major shareholder in the development and future success of Tuvatu. They are a vastly experienced group, are aligned with our key values and stakeholders, and have delivered a creative solution to bring the Tuvatu project to completion and enhance shareholder value tremendously."

Andre Krol, Managing Partner with Nebari, commented: "We are extremely excited to partner with Lion One as a shareholder and lender as they complete construction of the Tuvatu Gold Project. The experience, professionalism and community engagement of their Fijian team was impressive and we look forward to first gold production later this year and further exploration success."

About Tuvatu

The Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project is located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. The January 2018 mineral resource for Tuvatu as disclosed in the technical report "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Tuvatu Gold Project, Republic of Fiji", dated September 25, 2020, and prepared by Mining Associates Pty Ltd of Brisbane Qld, comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

About Nebari

Nebari is a US-based investment manager specializing in privately offered pooled investment vehicles including Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP, Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund I, LP and Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund II, LP which are funding the Financing Facility to Lion One. The Nebari leadership team has deep experience with leading global mining companies and financial institutions and is known for partnering with motivated and capable management teams focused on achieving clear plan targets.

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One's flagship asset is 100% owned, fully permitted high grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Lion One envisions a low-cost high-grade underground gold mining operation at Tuvatu coupled with exciting exploration upside inside its tenements covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, an underexplored yet highly prospective 7km diameter alkaline gold system. Lion One's CEO Walter Berukoff leads an experienced team of explorers and mine builders and has owned or operated over 20 mines in 7 countries. As the founder and former CEO of Miramar Mines, Northern Orion, and La Mancha Resources, Walter is credited with building over $3 billion of value for shareholders.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One
Metals Limited
"Walter Berukoff", Chairman and CEO

Contact Investor Relations
Toll Free (North America) Tel: 1-855-805-1250
Email: info@liononemetals.com
Website: www.liononemetals.com

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

Rex Fuels & Solvex Global Conference 2023: Bitumen, Petrochemicals & Petro-Products

DUBAI, UAE, Jan 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. In an era of global economic headwinds, India's petroleum products consumption recorded a growth of 5.1% in FY 2021-22. It is projected to grow at 11% in the FY 2022-23. Bitumen, Petrochemicals and Base Oils are the three key products which is increasingly dependent on imports, due to domestic refining slate constraints. Middle East has traditionally been the key supply source for India's import requirements. Russia is fast emerging as a new supply source vying for a slice of the Indian petroleum products market.

By 2030 India’s Bitumen Imports Are Projected to Reach 6 Mil Tons, And Petrochemicals Imports Are Projected to Reach 18 Mil Tons. New Suppliers Are Vying For A Share [Graphic: Rex]

The new year 2023 brings together the leading Refineries, Buyers, Traders, Logistics Players, and Consultants for a power packed two-days of stimulating deliberations, business development and networking on Bitumen, Petrochemicals and Petro-products sector. The Rex Fuels & Solvex Global Conference 2023 would be the biggest event for the buyers & sellers in the Middle East, India, Africa, Russia, and South-East Asia.

Some of the biggest refineries from the Middle East region together with Gazprom from Russia are sponsoring the two-day conference. Mark your calendar for 25th & 26th Jan 2023, InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.

The dynamic and evolving geopolitical developments since February 2022 have brought new challenges and thrown open new opportunities as well. The oil & gas sector is right in the middle of it. The price volatility and rebalancing of the supply chains worldwide has led the market players to redraw their strategies to meet the evolving business challenges. Dubai occupies an increasingly pivotal role as the business hub for the region and also for the world. Rex Fuels & Solvex Global Conference 2023 brings together leading market participants.

Widely acknowledged as the benchmark event of the industry, the Rex Fuels & Solvex Global Conference is in its 5th edition in Dubai. It has already received the highest ever level of confirmed participation from over 400 delegates from Bitumen, Petrochemicals and Base Oils sectors. The overall number of Delegates participating in the two-day event is expected to exceed 500. The event has already attracted over 100 sponsors and 36 Exhibitors till date.

The agenda for the event and the Speakers list at the event include the top luminaries and experts from the leading Petroleum companies from the Bitumen, Petrochemicals and Petro-products sector. This event has elicited an unprecedented level of interest with delegates' confirmation already received from over 28 countries from across the globe. It is likely to be a fully sold-out event. It would be an unmatched gathering of Suppliers, Buyers and Traders from Bitumen, Petrochemicals and Petro-products sectors.

India being the biggest importer of the bitumen and petrochemical products in the region has attracted the largest number of participants closely followed by the Middle East region. Delegates from Africa, Europe, Russia, and South-East Asian countries have also confirmed their participation.

A special highlight of this year's event is a special exhibition pavilion dedicated to the Petrochemicals sector with over 23 suppliers putting up the exhibition booths. Suppliers from Bitumen, Base Oil and Petro-products have also expressed a very high level of interest in the exhibition pavilion.

The venue of the two-day conference, InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City is well equipped to handle over 600 Delegates, Sponsors and Exhibitors in an environment of luxury and professional ambience.

Organized by Rex Conferences, a leading consultant in the Bitumen, Oil & Gas and Road Construction sector in India and Middle East region, Rex Group is widely acknowledged for their leading role in developing a consensus approach among the industry stakeholders.

Be a part of this premiere event to help shape the future Bitumen, Petrochemicals and Petro-products industry and get an opportunity to collaborate with industry experts in the fast-developing market. This premier event presents an unmissable opportunity for Business Development, Networking and Brand Promotion.

You may register online for Delegates at https://rexconferences.com/register or email at conferences@rexfuels.com

For Sponsorship, Exhibitor and Delegate bookings, please contact Sandip Mukherjee, Vice President, Business Development, Mobile / WhatsApp: +91 91673 64282, E: sandip@rexgbeservices.com, U: www.rexconferences.com.

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

Survey reveals that 60% of respondents from Hong Kong want to play video games with others during Lunar New Year

HONG KONG, Jan 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Video games are becoming more and more prevalent in daily life and in popular entertainment. As the Lunar New Year is approaching, Xbox commissioned YouGov to conduct a representative survey of the age 13+ online population with 611 samples to better understand consumer attitudes toward video games, as well as consumer preferences for behavior over the Lunar New Year period.

Overall, more Hong Kong people are choosing video games as their first choice for daily entertainment, with Generation Z and Millennials being the most likely to do so. More than three quarters of respondents play video games as an entertainment activity, and more than half of them play video games at least once a week, with one-quarter playing once a day or more frequently. The survey also revealed that Hong Kong video game players prefer games that are simple to play, are multiplayer, are entertaining, and are also interactive. The top five game genres according to the survey are Racing, Platformer, Lifestyle Simulation, Management Simulation and Match Three. Among them, Baby Boomers prefer Match Three, Millennials prefer Management Simulations, and Gen Z gamers prefer Lifestyle Simulation games.

The survey found that 66% of gamers prefer to play video games with others over the Lunar New Year break. Middle-aged and older generations are more concerned with how video games can foster intergenerational ties and family reunions, while younger generations think that video games are the main catalyst for social interaction. According to the data, a majority of Millennials believe that playing video games with members of different generations of their family is a great way to build relationships; 75% of Millennials believe that playing video games brings people together more than other activities, and 61% of Gen Z agree. During the Lunar New Year holiday season, 70% of respondents said they preferred playing video games to watching TV with their families because they are more interactive and engaging.

While there are differences in genre preferences across age groups, video games are generally acknowledged to play a role in fostering social interaction between friends and family members. Xbox recommends below video games which can enhance interactions during Lunar New Year gatherings, including racing game "Forza Horizon 5" & "Dirt 5", family multiplayers game "Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master", management simulation game "Two Point Campus" and match three game "Bejeweled 3".

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

SAF makes SET Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) debut, embarks on a growth plan to accentuate leadership in special grade steel business

BANGKOK, Jan 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – S.A.F. Special Steel PCL (SET: SAF), one of Thailand's leaders in high-grade steel supplies and vacuum hardening services, today made a trading debut on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Market for Alternative Investment (MAI). SAF's entry in the industrial products segment came on the heels of a successful initial public offering (IPO) of 80 million shares at 1.93 baht per share.

SAF's leadership in special grade steel, and potential to grow with target industries, and the management team's experience and vision will make SAF a quality stock for the Thai capital market. [Image: SAF]

Mr Pisit Ariyadejwanich, Chief Executive Officer of SAF hailed the SET Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) debut as a crucial milestone in the firm's 30-year-plus history, marking a new chapter in business expansion. "This is an important step and the pride of the management, team members, and all stakeholders who have contributed to this remarkable success," he said.

With the MAI listing, SAF is targeting growth in the country's three main industries, namely automotive parts, construction materials, and food. It is prepared to expand by building the new warehouse and setting up the nitriding furnace system, as well as seek growth opportunities in the CLMV countries which includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

SAF is ready to capitalize on its experience and expertise of more than three decades in the sales of special-grade steel and providing vacuum heat treatment services. SAF has been entrusted as the distributor of high-quality special steel from leading German brands such as DORRENBERG EDELSTAHL GmbH and WILHELM OBERSTE-BEULMANN GmbH.

The company is committed to delivering innovative products and high-quality services, improving the efficiency of human resources and completing operational processes, as well as following good Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines.

The three key industrial sectors that SAF will focus on, with potentially significant growth are:
– Automotive parts industry using special grade steel to make molds and dies to produce parts for automobiles, motorcycles, as well as agricultural machinery vehicles
– Construction materials industry using special grade steel to make dies to produce aluminium profiles for window and door frames, machinery parts in the production of cement and steel for construction works
– Food industry using special grade steel to make molds and dies to produce pans, pots, LPG cylinders, cans, and packaging bottles, and machinery parts in the sugar cane production process, and so on

The company will focus on expanding its customer base by offering hardening services together with mold steel selling, launching new products, and participating in bidding for various public and private projects.

Concurrently, SAF is also looking for opportunities to expand into 'New S-curve' industries such as electric vehicles (EV), as well as expanding its business to CLMV countries.

Furthermore, SAF will seek authorization from German partners to be the exclusive distributor of special grade steel products in those countries.

In addition, the company has targeted on achieving an annual growth rate of 23-28% during 2023 to 2024 in line with the increased inventory capacity and the addition of nitriding hardening services, of which, enable SAF to respond to customers better and more comprehensively.

Miss Veeraya Sriwattana, Head of Investment Banking CGS-CIMB Securities (Thailand) Co., Ltd., lead underwriter of the SAF new share issue, said the firm's MAI listing would boost its business potential and enhance capital strength to support the business expansion plan. According to the company's goals, this consists of increasing its warehousing capacity to 4,000 tonnes, with the expansion of the SAF3 warehouse, and investing in a nitriding furnace system to provide a one-stop hardening service for industrial customers.

She also said that with SAF's leadership in the business of special grade steel, the potential to grow continuously along with the targeted industries, and the management team's vision and experience will make SAF a quality stock for investors in the Thai capital market.

S.A.F. SPECIAL STEEL PCL (SAF), https://www.saf.co.th/en/ [SET: SAF] [SET: SAF/F] [SET: SAF-R].

Released for S.A.F. Special Steel PCL by MT Multimedia Co Ltd
Pipop Khongwong ('Top'), T. +66-81-929-8864, E: pipop.k@mtmultimedia.com.

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

Gradiant 2022: A Watershed Year in Review

Singapore, Jan 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Prakash Govindan, COO and Co-Founder of Gradiant, a global solutions provider for advanced water and wastewater treatment, reflects upon the key highlights of the company in 2022.

“Despite the challenges faced in the global markets with COVID-19, inflation, and supply chain risks, 2022 was a breakout year for Gradiant,” Prakash remarks. “The consistent success is credited to the company’s proprietary technologies and integrated solutions that address a broad range of end-use applications for the world’s essential industries. Gradiant is serving a growing list of the top brands and manufacturers in the world with its mission-critical solutions for advanced manufacturing. We remain true to our roots as a technology company by continuing to rapidly translate R&D innovations into commercial solutions.”

Gradiant’s 2022 revenues have more than doubled from the prior year and is expected to double again in 2023 given the backlog of over $150 million USD in systems, service, and design-build-operate projects.

“We announced strategic acquisitions of WaterPark and Synauta this year. WaterPark is a Taiwan-based design and construction firm focused on water technologies for advanced manufacturing. The acquisition strengthens Gradiant’s portfolio of technologies and applications expertise in biological wastewater and unlocks Gradiant’s full range of solutions and global resources to WaterPark’s advanced industrial clients in semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing.”

The May 2022 acquisition of Synauta, an artificial intelligence water technology company, accelerates Gradiant’s deployment of digital twin technology in water. Industrial clients are increasingly adopting machine learning AI for their water operations to address challenges of sustainability and cost pressures, business continuity, and regulatory compliance. Digital water is the area of greatest innovation potential in the global water industry, and Synauta bolsters Gradiant’s position as a technology leader in this space.

In September, Gradiant announced the appointment of Govind Alagappan as President. “Govind joins us from leadership roles at Evoqua and SUEZ Water technologies and brings us deep knowledge in sales & operational excellence in a global business. He has the perfect mix of skills and experience to lead Gradiant to the next level of transformative business growth.”

Gradiant announced a strategic partnership with SLB to deliver the sustainable production of battery-grade lithium compounds. “Our technologies will enable high levels of lithium concentration in a fraction of the time required by incumbent and competing methods, while also reducing carbon and water footprints and capital costs.”

The industry recognized Gradiant’s impact with a series of awards in 2022, including Global Water Intelligence’s”Water Technology Company of the Year” distinction and “Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year” for Synauta, as well as the International Desalination Association award for “Most Innovative Company“, and “A Great Place to Work” honors for Gradiant.

“Gradiant looks to 2023 for growth into new applications and geographies, and deep penetration into strategic markets. The company will expand capabilities and access-to-markets through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Gradiant will continue to deploy its full technology stack to bring together industry-leading water treatment solutions with the power of AI to sustainably solve the world’s most important water challenges.”

About Gradiant

Gradiant is a global solutions provider for advanced water and wastewater treatment. With a full suite of differentiated and proprietary end-to-end solutions, powered by the top minds in water, Gradiant serves its clients’ mission-critical operations in the world’s essential industries. Gradiant was founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is uniquely positioned to address the world’s increasing challenges created by industrialization, population growth, and water stress. Today, with over 525 employees, Gradiant operates from its global headquarters in Boston, regional headquarters and Global Innovation Center in Singapore, and offices across twelve countries. For more information, please visit www.gradiant.com.

Corporate Contact
Felix Wang
Gradiant, VP of Marketing
fwang@gradiant.com

Aneka Jaringan Posts Revenue of RM53 Million in 1Q FY2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Aneka Jaringan Holdings Berhad (Bursa: ANEKA, 0226), a basement and foundation construction specialist, today announced that the Group recorded a 26.92% gain in revenue to RM52.85 million for the first quarter ended 30 November 2022 (1Q FYE2023) compared with RM41.64 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year (1Q FYE2022).

Managing Director of Aneka Jaringan, Pang Tse Fui

In the quarter under review, the Group registered a narrower loss after tax (LAT) of RM4.62 million compared with LAT of RM5.41 million in 1Q FYE2022. Gross loss decreased to RM0.95 million in 1Q FYE2023 compared with gross loss of RM2.88 million in 1Q FYE2022 on a decline in material costs.

Managing Director of Aneka Jaringan, Pang Tse Fui said, "The Group continues to assess and monitor risks while selectively tendering for projects. We have secured RM52 million in contracts in FYE2023 and we are also increasing capacity in Indonesia to leverage on the country's growing infrastructure needs while monitoring developments on the new Indonesian capital of Nusantara in which we believe would present us a lot of opportunities."

"Although we have seen material prices stabilized, it remains a concern along with energy and labour costs. China's relaxation of its zero-COVID policy and the reopening of its economy may mean volatile material prices as demand grows. To lower labour costs, the Group will be replacing its outsourced workers with newly recruited foreign workers as we have been granted a government quota of 150 workers."

Aneka Jaringan has an order book of RM145.73 million as of 31 October 2022, with Malaysian operations contributing RM138.97 million and Indonesian operations contributing RM6.76 million.

As of 31 October 2022, the Group's tender book stood at RM969.45 million, with tenders in Malaysia valued at RM873.85 million and tenders in Indonesia valued at RM95.60 million.

Aneka Jaringan Holdings Berhad: 226 [BURSA: ANEKA], http://www.anekajaringan.com/

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