Elcogen AS: MOU with Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering and Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems

TALLINN, EE, Jan 9, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Elcogen, the European manufacturer of clean energy technology that delivers affordable green hydrogen and emission-free electricity, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering ("KSOE"), a member of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group ("HHI Group"), and the Germany based Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems ("IKTS"). The MOU was signed at recently held CES 2023 in Las Vegas.

The MOU covers close R&D collaboration in the fields of green hydrogen production and emission-free power generation systems. KSOE is a research-oriented intermediate holding company of Hyundai Heavy Industry (HHI) group, one of the world's largest shipbuilders and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. In its own research centers, KSOE is pursuing the development of innovative technologies, including emission-free power generation and hydrogen value chain.

Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view the full announcement:
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/0647M_1-2023-1-9.pdf

For further information please visit https://elcogen.com/ or contact:

Elcogen AS
Marek Roostar
marek.roostar@elcogen.com
+372 53 84 6006

Tavistock (Corporate and Financial PR)
Simon Hudson / Nick Elwes / Rebecca Hislaire
elcogen@tavistock.co.uk
+44 20 7920 3150

For more information about KSOE, please visit http://ksoe.co.kr/en/about01

For more information about IKTS, please visit https://www.ikts.fraunhofer.de/en/aboutus.html

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

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

Malaysian Genomics Explores R&D Collaboration with SIRIM

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Jan 9, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (Bursa: MGRC, 0155), a leading genomics and biopharmaceutical specialist, is pleased to announce a strategic cooperation with SIRIM Berhad, to explore the commercialisation of joint research and development (R&D) projects in the medical and biotechnology fields.

Encik Sasha Nordin, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Genomics

SIRIM Berhad is wholly owned by the Malaysian Government, and is focused on R&D, standardisation and quality. The organisation acts as a catalyst for industrial development through programmes involving technology and standardisation.

Under the strategic cooperation, both parties will evaluate the potential commercial value of a range of genomics-driven biotechnology R&D projects. These include developing biofuels and biopharmaceuticals, companion diagnostic tests for cancer treatment, and bioactive cosmeceuticals.

Encik Sasha Nordin, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Genomics, said, "SIRIM and Malaysian Genomics have complementary experiences, resources, and technology assets. Teams from both organisations have met to explore their research and develop interests in precision medicine, food security, and products for the consumer market. This strategic collaboration will pave the way for individual agreements specific to projects for which commercial opportunities have been identified."

President and Group Chief Executive Officer of SIRIM Berhad, Dato' Indera Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said, "We look forward to working closely with Malaysian Genomics on R&D projects that can benefit the country and domestic industries. This strategic collaboration will expedite the relevant processes to ensure that both parties can explore the commercial viability of projects, before commencing research, development and commercialisation."

The parties of this two-year strategic collaboration will also jointly source for suitable private and public institutional partners for the funding and commercialisation of these projects.

Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad: 0155 [BURSA: MGRC] [RIC: MGRC:KL] [BBG: MGRC:MK], http://www.mgrc.com.my/

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

Ching Lee Holdings (3728.HK) Wins in Adversity, Committed to Improving Cost Efficiency

HONG KONG, Jan 9, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Ching Lee Holdings Limited "Ching Lee" or "The Group" (stock code 3728.HK) recorded over 20% increase in gross profit in the latest interim results ended 30 September 2022 benefiting from the total reinforcement of cost control. The Group has successfully reversed to great profits from the adverse.

Ching Lee has always taken a prudent attitude toward the Group's operations, actively strengthening project cost control and saving administrative and operating expenses. Even during the difficult epidemic period, Ching Lee strives to fight against adversity and insists on bringing benefits to shareholders. This good result was driven by the concerted efforts of all employees.

The Group has awarded several high-quality superstructure construction projects since last year covering traditional luxury residential areas, including Prince Edward Road West in Homantin, Happy Valley, Central, and Mid-Levels on Hong Kong Island, etc. The accumulated unfinished contract value exceeds HK$1.9 billion. The value-added business is expected to have a considerable profit. Two large-scale projects in Stanley and Tsim Sha Tsui were completed in 2022 and other projects will be completed continuously.

The Group Chairman Mr. Ng Choi Wah, said: "As a general contractor in Hong Kong, the Group will continue to focus on its core business and contribute to the construction industry in Hong Kong. We are optimistic about the overall market demand. In addition, Hong Kong has relaxed the epidemic prevention policy. It is expected that another new scene will appear in the market."

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

Ching Lee Holdings Limited "Ching Lee" or "The Group"

Ching Lee Holdings Limited, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, is a contractor in Hong Kong with over 23 years of experience in public and private sectors. The principal activities of Ching Lee Holdings and its subsidiaries are the provision of construction and consultancy works and project management services in Hong Kong, engaged in providing substructure building works services, superstructure building works services, and repair, maintenance, alteration and addition (RMAA) works services. Ching Lee Holdings Limited was transferred from GEM board to the main board in HKEx on September 18, 2017 with stock code 3728.hk. Company website: http://www.chingleeholdings.com

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

Hong Kong Investment Promotion Chief visits Indonesia and Singapore to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Jan 9, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Mr Stephen Phillips, today (January 9) embarked on a duty visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, and Singapore this week as part of the latest efforts of InvestHK to promote Hong Kong's business attractions, including the opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Mr Stephen Phillips

During the visit, Mr Phillips will be meeting with representatives of companies from financial services and family offices, innovation and technology, transport, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, creative industries, and business and professional services sectors to discuss their plans of setting up or expanding operations in Hong Kong and other parts of the GBA.

Mr Phillips will also host a business roundtable cum luncheon for member companies of the Employers' Association of Indonesia in Jakarta to provide an update on business opportunities and talent initiatives in Hong Kong. In Singapore, he will conduct two roundtables jointly organised with the Good City Foundation and the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises respectively, to share with them the latest initiatives and opportunities of the family offices sector in Hong Kong.

Mr Phillips said, "Hong Kong remains the only place in the world where the global advantage and the China advantage come together in a single city. This unique convergence makes Hong Kong the irreplaceable connection between the Mainland and the rest of the world. The city is an ideal location for overseas and Mainland companies, as well as entrepreneurs from around the world, as a base to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong, the GBA, China, and Asia more widely."

He added, "Hong Kong offers Indonesian and Singaporean companies a wide range of routes to growth opportunities. I look forward to sharing with representatives of companies and entrepreneurs the up-to-date and real situation in Hong Kong, and particularly how they can use Hong Kong to seize opportunities, including those arising from the GBA."

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

Director-General of Investment Promotion visits Indonesia and Singapore to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Jan 9, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Mr Stephen Phillips, today (January 9) embarked on a duty visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, and Singapore this week as part of the latest efforts of InvestHK to promote Hong Kong's business attractions, including the opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Mr Stephen Phillips

Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) Secures Collaboration Agreements with Global Partners

JAKARTA, Jan 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) has secured two collaboration agreements with global partners. The signings were held with the inauguration of the PIS branch office in Dubai, UAE (PIS ME) on December 23, 2022.

PIS signs MoC with Elite Tankship, signed by the CEO of Elite Tankship, Mangish Kakodkar, and the Director of Operations of PIS, Brilian Perdana. Witnessed by CEO PIS, Yoki Firnandi, President Director Pertamina, Nicke Widyawati, President Commissioner Pertamina, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, and H.E Ambassador of Indonesia for UAE, Husin Bagis.

PIS signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with BGN International DMCC (BGN), and a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with Elite Tankship Pte Ltd (Elite Tankship).

The HoA with BGN was signed by the CEO of BGN Group, Ruya Bayegan, and the CEO of PIS, Yoki Firnandi. The agreement addresses a Joint Venture (JV) establishment by the two companies for the acquisition, maintenance, and operation of VLGC (Very Large Gas Carriers) vessels and/or other types of vessels.

BGN, headquartered in the UAE, is one of the world's largest LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) trading companies and the largest LPG importer in Indonesia. "The VLGC business will support BGN's imports of Pertamina's LPG. At some point, it might endorse the cargo market of ammonia," said Commercial Director of PIS, Arief Sukmara.

The MoC with Elite Tankship addresses Clean Petroleum Products (CPP), Dirty Petroleum Products (DPP), gas, and other commodities needed in the Middle East, and other areas covered by the parties. The MoC was signed by the Elite Tankship CEO Mangish Kakodkar, and PIS Director of Operations and Managing Director Brilian Perdana.

Elite Tankship, headquartered in Singapore, established collaboration with PIS in chartering the VLCC Pertamina Prime, the largest owned vessel and the company's pride, in May 2022 for a six-year contract period.

About PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) Pte Ltd

As the Integrated Marine Logistics Subholding, PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) supports Indonesia's economic growth through safe and sustainable operation, becomes a trusted and reliable maritime partner, and promotes value for stakeholders through running its business. https://pertamina-pis.com/.

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

Overwhelming interest among global financial leaders to attend 16th Asian Financial Forum

HONG KONG, Jan 6, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The 16th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will once again be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 11 and 12 January to bring together global financial leaders in person. The event will also be accessible virtually. The first large-scale business exchange event of 2023 comes on the heels of the reopening of the Hong Kong-Mainland China border and the resumption of quarantine-free travel between Hong Kong and the mainland since the start of the pandemic.

Wilson Chow, PwC Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications Industry Leader; Dr Patrick Lau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director; Mary Huen, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Cluster CEO, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, at Standard Chartered; and Danny Lee, Director of Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association [L-R]

The HKTDC is organising a series of travel experiences, food and accommodation discounts and other opportunities for overseas guests to make the most of their stay in Hong Kong during the AFF and International Financial Week and enjoy the vibrancy of Asia's World City.

With this year's theme being Accelerating Transformation: Impact – Inclusion – Innovation, AFF will examine the current state of the global economy and explore major issues, such as trade and sustainable development across more than 40 panel discussions and workshops. Given the interest in hot-button social issues related to international finance and topics such as climate change, health policy, energy and environmental protection, food and agriculture, in addition to the emergence of new economic models from rapid fintech developments like Web 3.0 and the Metaverse, this year's Forum will launch the Global Spectrum series, while continuing to organise Fireside Chats, to help participants stay current on a wider scope of matters affecting the latest global situation.

17 business delegations, with more than 200 representatives, will attend AFF in person, including from Mainland China, Australia, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. These also include delegations led by the World Federation of International Financial Centers, Beijing Financial Bureau, Tianjin Commission of Commerce, Shenzhen Financial Bureau, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and other organisations. More international business representatives are expected to confirm their in-person participation at the Forum in the coming days.

Mary Huen, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Cluster CEO, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, at Standard Chartered, said: "For Hong Kong, 2023 will be a year of recovery and the return to normalcy. The imminent and orderly resumption of travel with the Mainland will help stimulate our economy, improve market sentiment, and consolidate Hong Kong's role as a super connector – bridging the Mainland and the international market. We are glad that this year's Asian Financial Forum will see global leaders gathering here physically to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the financial industry, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre."

Dr Patrick Lau, the HKTDC's Deputy Executive Director said: "Firstly, given last year's volatile financial markets and fragile economy globally, transformation is key, as the world in 2023 needs new insights, solutions and opportunities, which the more than 100 global political and business leaders, financial experts, investors, entrepreneurs, tech giants and economists we engaged as our speakers will share with our distinguished AFF participants. Secondly, with the resumption of quarantine-free travel between the mainland and Hong Kong and the lifting of international travel restrictions in Hong Kong, we are pleased to see huge interest to join AFF, including attending in-person in Hong Kong. We believe that the AFF platform enables all participants to have closer interactions and create more business opportunities. Another big attraction is, of course, that the participants will introduce their projects at AFF to secure partners or investors. AFF will attract global financial leaders and professionals to participate in person as well as online, and will once again showcase Hong Kong as a vibrant international business centre."

Comprehensive analysis of the latest social and financial situation

This year's forum gathers financial experts from all over the world. Three keynote speakers, Ban Ki-moon, eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations; Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand; and Christina Figueres, co-founder of Global Optimism and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will share their insights on topics, such as multilateral cooperation for sustainable development, diversification and integration, climate action and net zero emissions.

Other distinguished guest speakers include Valerie Baudson, Chief Executive Officer of Amundi; Gu Shu, Chairman of the Agricultural Bank of China; Takeshi Kunibe, Chairman of the Board of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners; Dr Ridha Wirakusumah, Chief Executive Officer of the Indonesia Investment Authority; Mark Tucker, Group Chairman of HSBC; Dr Jose Vinals, Group Chairman of Standard Chartered; and Liu Jin, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and President, Bank of China. Their insights will offer an in-depth look at the state of play of global finance, opportunities in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area markets, asset and wealth management, ESG and green finance, family office ecosystems, impact investing, inclusive finance and more.

Norman Chan, Chairman of RD Wallet Technologies, will have a dialogue with Charles Li, Founder and Chairman of Micro Connect on creating an inclusive capital market; Jeremy Coller, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Coller Capital, will share his views on ESG in private equity investment; Evan Auyang, Group President of Animoca Brands, Dr Giovanna Graziosi Casimiro, Head of Metaverse Fashion Week of Decentraland and Sebastian Fahey, EVP, Managing Director, EMEA and Executive Lead, Metaverse of Sotheby's, will look at NFTs and digital collectable trends. (For the full list of AFF speakers and programmes, please visit https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speaker and https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en )

AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session extended to showcase fintech solutions

The popular AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, jointly organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, will provide investment matching services in hybrid format. The first two days of matchmaking meetings (11 and 12 January) will allow participants to meet at the physical Forum venue and will continue online until 17 January, offering investors and project owners a prolonged period to connect and explore collaboration opportunities. The investment projects covered will span diverse sectors, such as deep tech, digital technology and media, healthtech, education, infrastructure and real estate services, with an eye towards facilitating connections between investors and project managers. More than 600 Deal Flow matchmaking meetings are expected to be held.

There will also be featured exhibition zones – both physical and online. These are Fintech Showcase, the InnoVenture Salon, FintechHK Startup Salon and the Global Investment Zone, which will showcase various innovative technologies. More than 120 local and international financial institutions, tech companies, start-ups, investment agencies and sponsors – including PwC, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China, HSBC, UBS, China International Capital Corporation, Huatai International, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, as well as Cyberport – will gather at the Forum to showcase technologies of tomorrow and global investment opportunities.

Travel experiences, food and accommodation discounts, and more for overseas participants

To encourage overseas AFF delegates to make the most of their stay and experience the vitality of Hong Kong outside the Forum, the HKTDC has for the first time partnered with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Klook, the Lan Kwai Fong Group and hotels to offer travel experiences, food and accommodation discounts, coupled with other special offers to showcase Hong Kong as a popular tourist, conference and exhibitions destination. As the HKSAR Government announced the resumption of quarantine-free travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong in a gradual and orderly manner last month, the HKTDC extends the special offer for an admission pass to 8 January, on top of the Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme, in the hope of driving more participation.

Websites
– Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/aff/en/
– Members of the media interested in interviewing speakers at the Asian Financial Forum can email tleung@yuantung.com.hk or ayiu@yuantung.com.hk by 9 January 2023.
– HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3CvC7to

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

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Tiffany Leung, Tel: +852 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Hing-fung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

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

Continuum and Plato Announce Strategic Partnership for Web3 Powered Data Intelligence & Content Syndication

NEW YORK, Jan 6, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Continuum, a Web3 community thinktank, today announced a strategic partnership with Plato Data Intelligence a NYC-based Data Platform focused on the curation of data intelligence on today's most innovative technology verticals. Through the partnership, Continuum's partner brands will immediately benefit from the increased global reach Plato delivers. The partnership is focused at extending the both companies active Web3 communities via increased brand awareness, engagement and vertical data intelligence using Plato's content distribution and syndication network.

"Our goal is to help early stage companies in the Web3 space create cost effective way to generate brand awareness, social proof and SEO across a company's marketing and outreach objectives," stated Kristina Bruhahn, Continuum's CEO & Founder. "Plato's content distribution and syndication platform enables us immediate global reach across a deep mix of publications and media outlets while their data platform drives the latest in Web3 connectivity and data intelligence. Everyone in the Web3 space should be using it as it drives knowledge across our everchanging landscape."

"All web3 brands are unique, solving different problems of archaic web2 infrastructure, but they all are faced with the same problems. Regulations, commercial adoption press, marketing, development, capital raising, cybersecurity audits, compliance and licenses that makes the sector very difficult to navigate. We immerse ourselves deep into a brand's objectives which serves as a testament to the way we deliver results," Kristina added.

"We are excited to work with Continuum and see a perfect fit for our platform across Continuum's growing community by delivering unprecedented engagement opportunities for their growing community," said Bryan Feinberg, Plato's Founder and CEO.

Current Continuum Web3 Brand Partners

Telos, Goodblock, Rev3al, Legion, DeVO Protocol, Podetize, The Bates Group, MacNerd, Sizzle, MetaKeep, EuroData, Breathe Convention, NFT Today Magazine, Future Point Partners, Aphid AI, DigiRamp, AndMerch, CoinAgenda, Transform Group, BitAngels, Infiom Salon, Blockchain Center, Plato Blockchain, Silo Cloud, Novum Insights, ProofHouse, NFT Yearbook, Cory Connects, Digital Niche Agency, Animus Regnum, Nifty Chicks, Bad Crypto, The Artest Foundation, On the Blocchain, Metazooie, JS Tax Corp, MetaRacerX, Deed Entertainment, Lionshare Media, BizFamous, Reactify, CoinSquad, Digital One IRA, Cointelligence Fund, BC Employ, Local Buzz.

About Continuum (Continuum.Market)

Continuum Market is a Web3 Focused Advisory and Community driving commercial adoption through effective strategy, communications and networking. The company has an extensive roster of partners its delivers through a community focused approach towards brand support, marketing and collective resources.

About Plato (Platodata.io, Platoblockchain.com, AmplifiPR.com)

Plato is an open intelligence repository and platform that curates the latest in data intelligence across today's most innovative market verticals. The platform is designed to provide and ultra-safe and secure environment to consume sector specific real-time data intelligence while delivering fully secured Web3 connectivity across 27 market verticals and 27 languages. Amplifi, Plato's inhouse syndication network currently syndicates content and press release's electronically to over 1900+ Publisher websites for deep and authentic connectivity.

Media Contacts:
Kristina Bruhahn
CEO & Founder
kristina@continuum.market

Plato Data Intelligence
Bryan Feinberg
CEO / Founder
zephyr@platodata.io

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

Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair and Stationery & School Supplies Fair open next Monday

HONG KONG, Jan 5, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The 49th HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the 14th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and 21st Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9 to 12 January 2023. The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair are organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), while the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair is jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

John Tong, HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee Chairman, Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director and Judy Cheung, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, attended the press conference to share highlights and innovative products.

Exhibitors at the Toys & Games Fair displays an AR Animal Revival – Lion toy. By scanning the link on the lion's body, it shows a lion in vivid detail, enabling children to learn about the animal's habits and habitat and capture a photo with the lion by smartphone.

The Pandas' Bamboo House from a Hong Kong exhibitor is made of wood and eco-friendly, renewable materials to nurture children's imagination and creativity while raising their awareness about the environment.

The pandemic and disruption on cross-border trade flows between Mainland China and Hong Kong has affected Hong Kong's export. However, the resumption of cross-border land transportation between the Mainland and Hong Kong will help strengthen the momentum of Hong Kong's export growth to the Mainland. Although total exports of last year have not been announced, it is expected to fall 6%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's tight regional supply chain with some Asian markets led to double-digit export growth. In the first 11 months of 2022, Hong Kong's exports to ASEAN grew by 9.9% year-on-year, while they surged 11.6% and 11.2% to Taiwan and Korea, respectively.

Looking ahead to 2023, while trade frictions between the US and China persist and the geopolitical situation between Russia and Ukraine remains tense, cross-border land transport between Hong Kong and the Mainland is expected to return to normal in February to March this year. Coupled with exports to the ASEAN markets, the HKTDC forecasts a 5% increase in Hong Kong's total exports in 2023.

Sophia Chong, the Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, said, "With the theme of Play To Bond – Family and Beyond, the three fairs will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, including diverse group pavilions. The Toys & Games Fair's Mainland China pavilion will showcase over 250 exhibitors. Supported by the Guangdong Province's Department of Commerce's Cantonese Business Go Global, over 120 Guangdong exhibitors will participate in the Fair. In response to the imminent border reopening and resumption of quarantine-free travel between Mainland China and Hong Kong, the HKTDC will welcome over 1,000 Guangdong enterprises representatives."

Ms. Chong continued, "The Baby Products Fair will once again have a Korean pavilion, showcasing high-quality Korean baby products. The HKTDC has invited many local and overseas entities to visit the three fairs, including importers, department stores, specialty shops, retail chains and etailers."

Innovative products by over 120 international brands

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair will offer a number of themed zones for easy sourcing.

The Brand Name Gallery at both fairs will feature unique and innovative products by over 120 internationally renowned brands, including Eastcolight, Hape, KEEPPLEY, Rastar, Welly, Marcus & Marcus and more.

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair's Kidult World will features products for grown-ups, such as classic comic book character models and Hong Kong Softee Car Building Blocks, while the Smart-Tech Toys zone will showcase toys and games using innovative technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). Green toys, currently the industry's must-haves, will also be on view.

With the support of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association, the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair will again feature two pavilions, offering a wide range of baby products to buyers. The popular Korea Pavilion will have on display baby fashion, health and bath products, maternity products and more, while the Strollers and Gear zone will showcase a range of strollers, car seats and bassinets. Other zones include Baby Bedding Items and Furniture as well as Feeding and Nursery Products.

Jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will feature the latest in creative art supplies, gift stationery, and school and office supplies. The organisers continue to cooperate with renowned industry associations in different regions, including the Malaysia Stationery Importers and Exporters Association, the Federation of Stationers and Booksellers Association of Malaysia, the Taiwan Association of Stationery Industries and the Thai Stationeries and Office Supplies Association, to promote the fair to their respective members.

A series of exciting events to network and stay informed

One of the flagship events, the Hong Kong Toy Industry Conference 2023, will be held on 10 January. On the theme of The Future of Play, a representative from Euromonitor International will analyse key trends in the toy industry in 2023. Industry experts from Animoca Brands, Medialink Group and Eastcolight will talk about the key to success in brand development while representatives from iClick Interactive, AlipayHK and Toy2R Group will share how e-commerce is shaping the way for the toyindustry. In addition, there will be seminars on smart toys and electronic games, an overview of baby products market trends, the latest toy safety regulations, testing and certification and other topics.

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will run under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, which comprises four key exhibition elements, including HKTDC-organised physical fairs, HKTDC's smart business-matching platform Click2Match, online-to-offline seminars under the Intelligence Hub and the hktdc.com Sourcing platform.

This extends face-to-face interactions from physical exhibitions to an online smart business matching platform to help enterprises connect with business partners proactively. EXHIBITION+ provides round-the-clock services that boost the flexibility and effectiveness of business promotion for SMEs and offer benefits such as extended fair periods, expanded platforms and enhanced opportunities.

The HKTDC encourages exhibitors and buyers to make full use of the Click2Match platform, while participating in the physical exhibitions to explore more business opportunities. The Click2Match platform for the three fairs will be accessible until 19 January, which is equivalent to extending the exhibition period by one week.

The Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (10-11 January) and the Asia Financial Forum (11-12 January) will be held concurrently with the three fairs, to kick off the trade sourcing cycle in 2023.

Fair Websites
– HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair: http://hktoyfair.hktdc.com/
– HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: http://hkbabyfair.hktdc.com/
– Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: http://hkstationeryfair.com/
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Gj6rbD

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
HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

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HighTide Therapeutics Raises $107 Million in Series C/C+ Financing to Advance Innovative Pipeline and Business Collaborations

ROCKVILLE, MD and SHENZHEN, CHINA, Jan 5, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – HighTide Therapeutics Inc. ("HighTide"), a globally integrated clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel multifunctional therapies for metabolic and digestive diseases, today announced the closing of a $107 million Series C/C+ financing led by the TCM Healthcare Fund of Guangdong, managed by China Development Bank Capital. Other investors included Yuexiu Fund and Yuthai Fund.

Proceeds of the financing will be used to advance multiple global development programs, including mid-to-late-stage clinical trials, and the commercialization and business development of the company's robust pipeline. HighTide's lead candidate HTD1801, is a novel multifunctional molecule, being developed for the treatment of patients suffering from complex metabolic and digestive diseases.

HighTide has successfully completed multiple clinical trials of HTD1801 and continues to advance its global development programs as follows:

— A Phase 2 clinical study in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is near completion;
— A Phase 2b clinical study in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been initiated; and
— A successful End-of-Phase 2 (EOP2) meeting was held with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on the positive findings from the Phase 2 clinical study in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

"After completing a successful $60 million Series B+ round at the end of 2020, we are thrilled to have well-recognized investors participate in our C/C+ round. We are grateful that our investors have such strong confidence in HighTide's team, the commercial value of our pipeline, and future development prospects," said Liping Liu, Ph.D., founder and Chief Executive Officer of HighTide. "The Series C/C+ financing is a significant milestone for HighTide. It will enable us to move aggressively to accelerate the clinical and commercial development of our innovative pipeline and external business collaborations."

About HighTide Therapeutics
HighTide is a globally integrated clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the discovery and development of novel multifunctional therapies for metabolic and digestive diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The company's lead drug candidate, HTD1801, is a first-in-class new molecular entity, currently in clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Fast Track designation to HTD1801 for both NASH and PSC, as well as Orphan Drug designation for PSC. In China, HTD1801 has been included in the National Major New Drug Innovation Program. For more information, please visit www.hightidetx.com.

Contacts:

Investors
Nadia Gao
ir@hightidetx.com
+86-134-8219-0265

Media
Karl Schmieder
karl@messaginglab.com
+1-646-515-3392

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