KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 5, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Spritzer kicked off this year’s Hari Raya celebration at Spritzer EcoPark in Taiping with a slew of activities to commemorating the double occasion of Hari Raya and the historical town’s landmark 150th Anniversary.
The local attraction warmly invites everyone to Spritzer EcoPark to enjoy nature, fresh air, and an array of engaging activities during this festive period, while taking in the breathtaking decorations showcasing a glittering jewel light display that features Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. Spritzer’s Colourful Raya celebration creatively showcases national symbols of harmony such as the wau bulan and the bunga raya, set amidst vibrant Hari Raya decorations.
In a celebration like never before, the park’s Colourful Raya themed decoration personifies the festive spirit intertwined with nostalgia associated with Raya and will be on display from now until the 1st of May 2024. The Spritzer exhibit for Raya 2024 seamlessly blends the perks of a small-town life and the glamour of holiday decorations for the local population and tourists alike, combining the surrounding natural environment with the captivating lights of the decorations.
Spritzer’s Head of PR, Winnie Chin, expressed, “Spritzer EcoPark is excited to celebrate this extraordinary milestone, coinciding with Hari Raya and Taiping’s 150th anniversary celebration, with all our visitors! We want to offer people from all walks of life, including local residents, tourists, families, and friends, an opportunity to come together, reconnect with nature, enjoy the holiday atmosphere, and create unforgettable memories.”
In conjunction with the Raya celebration the Spritzer EcoPark is offering special promotions at the souvenir shop and water shop. Amidst the natural reserve, visitors can explore leisurely walking trails, marvel at the 214-million-year-old Cactus Rock and enjoy playing 18-hole Mini Golf – a great activity to burn off all the any excess calories or holiday energy! Additionally, visitors can participate in the DIY handcrafting workshops or unwind at the STG café while enjoying the ambience.
The Colourful Raya display is about showcasing Spritzer EcoPark’s values in promoting sustainability and inspiring harmony. Utilising recycled materials and repurposing elements from previous displays, the exhibit embodies Spritzer’s dedication to environmental stewardship. By beautifying and celebrating the natural resources of Perak, Spritzer aims to inspire the public to explore and appreciate the environment. Through community events and cultural affairs, Spritzer brings people together to appreciate and protect the wonders of nature.
Winnie Chin concluded, “We invite everyone to come and capture moments like never before with the Colourful Raya themed display, amidst the animated joy of celebrating Raya with loved ones. Join us at Spritzer EcoPark to share your most lavish #ootdraya #SEPColourfulRaya2024 posts on social media.”
Visit our ‘heart lock’ corner to immortalise your love and treasured moments, by purchasing a pair of love locks from the souvenir counter to pin your love at our designated area. At Spritzer EcoPark, we offer the essence of small-town celebrations while championing sustainability and eco-friendliness.
Established in 1989, Spritzer Group has been a pioneer in providing Malaysians with natural mineral water sourced from a 440-acre green rainforest. Committed to innovation, Spritzer Group leads the Malaysian bottled water industry through manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and sales of its diverse product line. From renowned natural mineral water to refreshing non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, each product is carefully crafted to meet consumer needs.
Comprising eight business subsidiaries, Spritzer Group specializes in the production and distribution of silica-rich natural mineral water, sparkling natural mineral water, distilled drinking water, carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, and non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks.
With over 30 years of experience, Spritzer Group is Malaysia’s largest and only listed bottled water producer. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.
HONG KONG, Apr 5, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – AEON Credit Service (Asia) Company Limited (“AEON Credit” or the “Group”; Stock Code: 00900) today announced its annual results for the year ended 29th February 2024 (“FY2023” or the “Reporting Year”).
During the Reporting Year, the Group’s revenue surged by 31.8% year-on-year to HK$1,623.3 million, as the Group achieved a steady increase in credit card receivables and personal loan receivables, and recorded a significant growth in net interest income despite the increase in funding cost and bank borrowings. With the cost-to-income ratio decreasing to 46.9% from 53.8% in the Previous Year due to the increase in operating income and enhanced operational efficiency, the Group recorded an operating profit of HK$807.9 million for the Reporting Year, representing an increase of 45.1% over the Previous Year. Profit after tax increased by 5.0% to HK$392.3 million in FY2023, with earnings per share increasing to 93.67 HK cents (FY2022: 89.22 HK cents).
The Board has recommended a final dividend of 24.0 HK cents per share, bringing the total dividend for FY2023 to 48.0 HK cents per share, representing a dividend payout ratio of 51.2%.
The Group took a number of timely initiatives during the Reporting Year to drive healthy growth in both sales and receivables for a quality portfolio that provides income, growth and resilience. The Group achieved another year of overall sales growth of 12.4% when compared to the year ended 28th February 2023 (“FY2022” or the “Previous Year”). The total advances and receivables balance continued its upward trend, recording an increase of 19.3% as at 29th February 2024 compared to the balance as at 28th February 2023.
To propel digital transformation, the Group successfully launched the new card and loan system, and the revamped AEON Netmember website and “AEON HK” mobile application (“Mobile App”) during the Reporting Year. This provides a flexible and integrated platform for the creation and delivery of new payment solutions and product benefits. With the rollout of data lake, the Group has developed the ability to utilize data analytics for marketing activities more effectively.
As for customer experience, following the revamp of the new mobile application with biometric authentication and one-time password for online transactions in the first quarter, the Group further added “QR Pay” and “QR Cash” functions to the AEON UnionPay Card and introduced Apple Pay and Google Pay to provide customers with a safer, more secure and convenient way to make payments and withdraw cash. Meanwhile, the Group continued to revamp its branches with dedicated insurance consultation counters and expand its branch network, transforming its physical branch network to a one-stop financial center that delivers face-to-face financial and related advisory services.
The card acquiring business of the Group took a major step forward in FY2023, with more transactions processed for sizeable merchants through cooperation with payment gateways to expand the merchant acquiring channel, which also facilitated the growth of the credit purchase card installment plan business. For the insurance intermediary business, through the development of its sales channels at its branches as well as on its website and mobile application, the Company have enhanced the convenience for customers to access and purchase a wide range of insurance products.
Besides business growth, the Group also places great emphasis on integrating sustainability into its business operations. In the first quarter, new branch uniforms made from environmentally friendly materials were introduced. Since the third quarter, the Group has gradually removed traditional first-use PVC plastics from its credit cards in favor of post-consumer recycled polyvinyl chloride (“rPVC”) plastics approved by the Global Recycled Standard. During the Reporting Year, the Company also renovated its head office, incorporating energy-efficient and environmentally friendly designs such as social hub, motion sensor controls and waste recycling facilities to create a more sustainable and health workplace.
Looking ahead, the Group will strive to accelerate the momentum of sales and receivables growth, while improving the credit assessment and monitoring technique to maintain stable asset quality. On the marketing side, the Group will continue to launch mass promotion initiatives for both its credit card and personal loan businesses. In addition, the Group will continue to refine its credit assessment policy with the aim of maximizing profitability by extending credit facilities to customers on a bespoke and sustainable basis.
As the contactless mobile payment solution is maturing into mass-market deployment in Hong Kong, the Group will invest additional resources to develop related products in the areas of virtual card and e-wallet. With the development of advanced technology in credit assessment and drawdown functions, the Mobile App is expected to become the main channel for credit card and personal loan services.
To further develop the peripheral business, the Group will continue to enhance the operating model of the acquiring and insurance intermediary businesses. The Group expects to secure acquiring licenses from new payment gateways for further expansion of its payment services scope and merchant network. For the insurance intermediary business, the Group will shift the business model to be more customer-centric, with the expansion of the contact center network and the addition of more varieties of insurance products to meet customer needs.
Mr. Wei Aiguo, Managing Director of AEON Credit, said, “We are pleased to have delivered another year of favourable growth despite an uncertain operating environment. We remain committed to meeting the evolving needs of customers and to expand our customer base with more innovative and tailored products. With our responsiveness and strong business relationships with our partners, complemented with a solid liquidity position and balance sheet as well as proven management capabilities, we are well positioned to capture the vast opportunities in the growing consumer finance market and achieve sustainable growth.”
About AEON Credit Service (Asia) Company Limited (Stock Code: 00900)
AEON Credit Service (Asia) Company Limited, a subsidiary of AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. (TSE: 8570) and a member of the AEON Group, was set up in 1987 and listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 1995. The Group is principally engaged in the consumer finance business, which includes the issuance of credit cards and the provision of personal loan financing, card payment processing services, insurance agency and brokerage business in Hong Kong and microfinance business in Mainland China.
For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.aeon.com.hk.
HONG KONG, Apr 5, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The abandoning of Ageas’ SA/NV (AGSN:BB) bid for Direct Line Group has reignited interest in the company’s trajectory. Following the announcement of shelving a potential third bid, Ageas experienced a remarkable surge in its stock price by over 10%, reflecting a resounding vote of confidence from the market in its enduring value proposition. Furthermore, the highly anticipated decision to restart share buyback initiatives, alongside acquisition rumors and sustained strong performance, has further bolstered market optimism.
The Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Ageas, slated for April 17, is expected to be highly significant. However, historical trends indicate that attendance may fall short of the requisite 50% threshold, necessitating a rescheduled ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting (the “Meeting”) on May 15. This Meeting holds two significant focal points of interest. Firstly, Ageas Group CEO Hans De Cuyer’s tenure renewal is expected to be a significant agenda item, particularly following the company’s decision to cease its bid for Direct Line. Envisaged measures to attract investors include the potential utilization of the company’s surplus cash reserves exceeding €1 billion to recommence a large-scale share buyback program. Although Ageas has a history of implementing such initiatives, the program was paused for several years since 2022. The resumption of the buyback plan is poised to invigorate the capital markets and significantly enhance EPS, acting as a potent catalyst for the company’s stock price. As the Meeting approaches, it presents an opportune moment to delve into the financial landscape and assess the current valuation of Ageas’ stock. The undervaluation of Ageas’ shares could present an opportunity for those who recognize the potential for significant returns.
Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, Ageas’ Asian operations have encountered a downturn in market assessment. However, a glimmer of hope shines through its endeavors. The Taiping Life joint venture, a flagship initiative, stands tall among China’s elite insurers, highlighting its profitability amidst a competitive landscape. Particularly noteworthy is Taiping’s commendable performance in 2023. Yet, Ageas extends its footprint across vibrant markets in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and the Philippines. Although Ageas may not hold the majority stake in all these ventures (with the exception of acquiring the majority stake in the Indian Life JV in 2022), its strategic alliances with local financial institutions and influential family enterprises underscore its pervasive presence throughout the region. Furthermore, Ageas boasts leading positions in each market and holds a treasure trove of valuable assets. When considering past merger and acquisition transactions, it’s evident that the collective value of Ageas’ Asian operations forms a significant portion of its current market value.
Recent market rumors hint at keen interest from heavyweight buyers like Generali, BNP and possibly some Belgian banks, which is hardly surprising given Ageas’ current market cap nudging close to €8 billion, rendering it an irresistible acquisition target. Adding to the allure is the Danish Compromise, a Basel Rule that has rekindled enthusiasm for bank investments in insurers. With interest rates on the rise, banks are sitting on ample surplus cash, primed for strategic maneuvers like share buybacks and M&A activity, which could serve as a pivotal catalyst for Ageas.
Berenberg’s latest analysis paints an enticing outlook for Ageas, underscoring its current trading price at a notably low 5.9x 2025 Bloomberg consensus price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, a sharp contrast with its historical five-year average of 8x. Additionally, Bloomberg’s average target price for Ageas stock is around €48, with KBC Securities, Berenberg, and Barclays offering target values of €50.0, €54.9, and €51.5 respectively. These varied targets suggest significant upward movement potential in Ageas’ stock price. Moreover, the enticing prospects of potential share buybacks and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) ventures further emphasize the compelling upside potential for Ageas investors.
On a standalone basis, Ageas has demonstrated stellar performance. In 2023, the company reported insurance premiums of EUR 17.1 billion, representing an 8% increase at constant foreign exchange rates, along with a steady net income of approximately EUR 1 billion. The robust performance is reflected in Ageas’ return on shareholders’ equity, which stood at 16.2%, complemented by a Solvency II ratio of 217%. Analysts anticipate continued growth in Ageas’s net profit. With an attractive annual dividend yield and the potential for buybacks, Ageas presents itself as a stable investment option, particularly appealing to shareholders focused on long-term value. Additionally, investors are patiently awaiting the development and recovery of Ageas’ Asian business, which adds to the company’s overall appeal and potential for sustained growth.
SYDNEY, AU, Apr 5, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – With fresh leadership and greater support from local developers, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) programme has officially opened with an enhanced roster of categories for its 2024 edition.
The black-tie dinner and presentation ceremony of the 7th Annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are now set for Friday, 11 October 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. They mark the second occurrence of the gala celebration on Australian soil, following its historic 2023 edition also held in the Victorian capital.
Entry submissions are accepted online until 2 August 2024 via: AsiaPropertyAwards.com. From left to right: JOSH CHYE, Partner, Tax Consulting, HLB Mann Judd, the Awards Official Supervisor; JULES KAY, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Events; TRAVIS SU, Managing Partner, Skyland; IVAN LAM, Head of International Business, Charter Keck Cramer, Chairperson of the Judges; and; LUI VIOLANTI, Regional Manager, Western Australia, Inhabit Group, Vice Chairperson of the JudgesJULES KAY, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & EventsTRAVIS SU, Managing Partner, Skyland, Winner of Best Luxury Boutique Developer 2023IVAN LAM, Head of International Business, Charter Keck Cramer, Chairperson of the Judges
New details on the awards, collectively known as the Gold Standard of real estate, were announced today during the “Connect with Southeast Asia” event at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.
Key dates for the 2024 edition: 2 August 2024 – Entries close 12 August – 9 September 2024 – Site Inspections 10 September 2024 – Final Judging 11 October 2024 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Melbourne, Australia 13 December 2024 – Regional Grand Final Gala Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand
A wide net of recognition
The 2024 awards for Australia comprise 102 categories, casting a wide net of recognition over outstanding real estate enterprises, developments, and designs throughout the continent. Categories cover the finest developers and projects not only in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria but also in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.
New categories include the never-before-presented ESG awards, recognising companies that advocate for and excel in sustainable design, sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and social impact. Other new categories stand to honour outstanding condominium and housing developments for investment, as well as nature-integrated developments and even sales galleries.
New chairperson, supporting association
An independent panel of expert judges fairly and transparently determines the shortlist of nominees and list of winners. The judging panel conducts its duties this year under a new chairperson: Ivan Lam, head of international business, Charter Keck Cramer.
Mr. Lam succeeds Lui Violanti, regional manager, Western Australia, Inhabit Group, who remains on the programme as vice-chairperson of the judging panel.
Mr. Lam said: “It’s evident that Australia remains a top choice for property seekers from all over Asia-Pacific. The return of buyers, from families of international students to investors looking for great returns, underscores Australia’s importance on the global stage. As we appreciate the investment shifts and trends that move this property market, we are thrilled to recognise and reward the developers at the forefront of this transformation, creating spaces that resonate with property seekers at home and abroad.”
This year, the awards programme has added the Australian Property Developers Association as supporting association, joining such esteemed organisations as Australia Malaysia Business Council Victoria and Melbourne Chinatown Association in celebrating the Gold Standard of real estate.
The entire selection process is made credible and impartial under the supervision of Josh Chye, partner, tax consulting, HLB Mann Judd.
Strengthened appeal
The latest edition of the awards launches as Australia recovers and strengthens its appeal to overseas property buyers, according to Property Report by PropertyGuru, the official magazine.
Record sale prices have been reported around the country, from award-winning waterfront residences to large estates and apartment units, while institutional investors and international students have resumed exploring new opportunities nationwide.
Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “As we enter our seventh year of celebrating success in the country’s real estate sector, Australia’s appeal to property seekers from Asia remains strong. Amid global uncertainties, Australia offers a well-regulated environment, attracting international investors as a haven of stability and opportunity. From the picturesque waterfronts of Gold Coast to the multicultural cities of tomorrow in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia offers some of the finest lifestyle value propositions in the world. The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards amplify this message, providing a platform to showcase Australia’s best real estate to the rest of Asia-Pacific.”
Joining Mr. Kay at the launch event was Travis Su, managing partner of Skyland Group, winner of the Best Luxury Boutique Developer title at the 6th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) 2023.
Skyland Group and other major winners of the 2023 awards went on to compete with their peers across Asia-Pacific at the 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. Developers from Australia received five regional wins at the event known as the culmination of the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series.
The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are part of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its 19th year in 2024. The series covers key markets across the region, spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, with exclusive gala dinners and ceremonies that represent the most anticipated property events of the year.
Organised by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE:PGRU), the 7th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are made possible by supporting associations Australia Malaysia Business Council Victoria, Australian Property Developers Association, and Melbourne Chinatown Association; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; official publicity partner Good Talent Media; media partners Australian Property Investor Magazine, Australian Property Journal, Marketing In Asia, PhilTimes.com.au, The Property Tribune, and Your Investment Property Magazine; and official supervisor HLB.
PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent.
In 2024, the Awards series is open to key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during ‘PropertyGuru Week’ in December 2024.
PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 34 million property seekers2 to connect with almost 55,000 agents monthly3 to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.8 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 16 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its core markets; mortgage marketplace, PropertyGuru Finance; home services platform,Sendhelper; a host of proprietary enterprise solutions under PropertyGuru For Business including DataSense, ValueNet, Awards, events and publications across Asia.
(1) Based on Similar-Web data between July 2023 and December 2023. (2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2023 and December 2023. (3) Based on data between October 2023 and December 2023. (4) Based on data between October 2023 and December 2023.
PROPERTYGURU CONTACTS:
General Enquiries: Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing Services M: +66 92 954 4154 E: allan@propertyguru.com
Media & Partnerships: Nate Dacua, Media Relations & Marketing Services Manager M: +66 92 701 2510 E: nate@propertyguru.com
LONDON, Apr 4, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The World Hepatitis Summit (WHS) 2024 convenes in Lisbon from 9 – 11 April and will bring together global experts to discuss the latest advances in hepatitis prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
World Hepatitis Summit 2024WHS logo
Policy makers, civil society members, representatives from the private sector, academics and other stakeholders will convene to deliberate and share updates on innovative approaches to increase access to testing, vaccination and treatment services for viral hepatitis. Deliberations will also focus on addressing stigma and discrimination and advocating for funding, with an aim for viral hepatitis elimination by 2030.
At the Summit, the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) and The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will present findings from a first-of-its-kind report examining levels of stigma and discrimination surrounding people living with hepatitis in Europe. The report finds that half (50%) of those living with hepatitis B and C struggle to tell people about their hepatitis. Around a quarter of people living with hepatitis B and C report they have not told their family (23%) or friends (25%) about their hepatitis.
Eliminating the stigma surrounding hepatitis through the introduction of policies and structural changes has been named as a key factor in hepatitis elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO).
On the opening day of the Summit, WHO will release its 2024 Global Hepatitis Report. It is the first consolidated report on viral hepatitis epidemiology, service coverage and product access, with improved data for action. With information from 187 countries, the report outlines regional perspectives and actionable steps to scale up interventions, emphasising the importance of leveraging lessons from the COVID-19 response. A standalone press release will be issued by WHO on 9 April.
About the World Hepatitis Summit
The World Hepatitis Summit is organised by the World Hepatitis Alliance, with the support of the Ministry of Health of Portugal and co-sponsored by WHO. Its mission is to support countries in meeting the targets needed to eliminate viral hepatitis. It is being held in Lisbon and virtually. More information: http://worldhepatitissummit.org/ and https://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/.
About Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. WHO says that the total deaths cause by viral hepatitis, including acute cases, cirrhosis and liver cancer, accounted for 1.1 million deaths globally in 2019. In total, over 350 million people in the world are living with viral hepatitis. Each year, over a million people lose their lives because of conditions related to acute hepatitis and chronic infection that cause liver cancer and cirrhosis.
North American expansion plan will extend myFirst’s global presence from 4,000 locations to over 20,000, including Walmart, Costco and Best Buy
Expansion follows myFirst’s Pre-Series A funding round from Lynx Asia Partners and angel investors
myFirst is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for social media safety through its kid-friendly social media ecosystem, watchphones, cameras, earbuds, 3D pens and headphones
Fu Yu will be myFirst’s exclusive contract manufacturer, undertaking the manufacture and assembly of the latter’s products, with the ability to scale up production to support myFirst’s expansion plans
Fu Yu will leverage state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies within its Smart Factory in Singapore, including rapid prototyping, metal 3D printing, liquid silicone rubber injection moulding, and automated high-precision tool fabrication
SINGAPORE, Apr 4, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Singapore’s myFirst Tech Holdings Pte Ltd’s (“myFirst”) has appointed SGX Mainboard-listed Fu Yu Corporation Limited (“Fu Yu”) as its exclusive contract manufacturer to propel a major North American expansion of its kid-safe digital platform. The two homegrown companies signed a S$15 million contract today for Fu Yu to commence mass production this month.
Fu Yu’s Group CEO Mr David Seow, with myFirst’s co-founder and CEO G-Jay Yong in front of myFirst’s retail store at Suntec City
The pioneer of the world’s first kids’ tech ecosystem, myFirst’s myFirst Circle app allows each child to build a unique digital community that is parentally secured to interactions with trusted family and close friends. Through this kid-safe network, children can socialise and share experiences using myFirst’s products, such as watchphones, cameras, earbuds, 3D pens and headphones. Parents will have classification capabilities and also be able to track a child’s whereabouts.
There is an increasing awareness among parents and educators about the importance of social media safety, as many children start to engage with such devices before the age of 5, while nearly one-in-five children under 12 have their own smartphone.[1] These technologies, while offering new learning and development opportunities, carry significant risks in terms of privacy, inappropriate content and safety.
myFirst addresses this gap by offering a unique ecosystem of child-centric tech products that marries the physical interactivity of hardware with real-world technology tailored for children, offering a holistic experience that meets the demands of a parent’s educational goals and a child’s curiosity.
Following a Pre-Series A funding round from Lynx Asia Partners and angel investors, myFirst is set to expand its presence in North America, increasing from 4,000 to over 20,000 locations, including major retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Best Buy. With 46.6 million children under 12[2] in the US, myFirst is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for kid-safe technology. The company, already operating in 40 countries, previously received investments from tech founders and executives from companies like PatSnap, Google, Rainforest, TNB Aura, and Zopim in 2022.
Singapore-headquartered Fu Yu is one of Asia’s largest manufacturers of high-precision plastic products. It will provide a full suite of solutions to manufacture and assemble myFirst’s products. Fu Yu will scale up production, supported by its Smart Factory in Tuas which includes new production introduction and rapid prototyping capabilities, metal 3D printing, liquid silicone rubber injection moulding and high- precision tool fabrication.
Depending on myFirst’s requirements, component production can be manufactured across Fu Yu’s six facilities located across Singapore, Malaysia and China, providing a high level of interoperability and flexibility. Fu Yu’s strategic geographical distribution also ensures a robust supply chain, facilitating efficient cross-border logistics and reducing turnaround times.
Prior to mass production of each of myFirst’s products, Fu Yu’s New Product Introduction (“NPI”) team will engage with myFirst to offer bespoke product design assistance, while optimising the production process to allow for shorter time-to-market while improving quality and high production yield. Both parties will also explore the use of bio-rated materials to manufacture certain components, further enhancing sustainability across the production line.
G-Jay Yong, Co-founder and CEO of myFirst, said, “myFirst is excited to partner with a fellow Singaporean homegrown company in our global expansion. Every time myFirst has expanded, we have faced a sudden surge in demand. We are globally available but the US is a big market and this partnership has given us the backing to be able to cater to this demand surge.
“Parents in the US have been asking us when they could get onto our kids tech ecosystem as they’re very concerned about their kids’ safety online and also in the real world, so now we can assure them we are ready.”
Mr David Seow, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Fu Yu, said, “We are honoured to play such a key role as myFirst embarks on its most significant expansion since its inception. The partnership underscores our ability to meet the high-precision demands for new devices and potential product ramp-ups. Over the past year, Fu Yu has been tirelessly evolving, developing new NPI capabilities to provide early-stage engagement and enhancing our capabilities with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.”
“Our business transformation led to us being appointed as myFirst’s exclusive contract manufacturer, marking our inaugural venture into box-building manufacturing of Internet of Things (IoT) enabled smart devices. We are now well-poised to meet the advanced manufacturing requirements of our customers, and will continue to build upon our strong record and maintain a healthy project pipeline.”
About Fu Yu Corporation Limited
Established in 1978, Fu Yu is Singapore’s oldest and one of Asia’s largest manufacturers of high-end precision plastic and metal components, and products.
Backed by more than 45 years of operating knowledge, Fu Yu provides vertically-integrated manufacturing services to a diversified and loyal customer base across segments and geographies. We operate 6 strategic manufacturing sites across Singapore, Malaysia, and China, and have more than 1.5 million square feet of production floor capacity.
Our Supply Chain Solutions arm was established in 2021 to provide commodity supply chain management services for our customers.
myFirst is the world’s first kids tech ecosystem connecting over 1 million families. Real tech for kids with fun devices, connected services and kid-safe social network to socialise, share and go anywhere, all safely connected with their friends and family.
Our fun devices are the gateway to our kids’ suitable social circle network, myFirst Circle, which is specially designed for kids, their friends, parents and grandparents, to interact within circles of trust with no ads, no strangers, only real, trusted connections.
LONDON, Apr 4, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – HOFA Gallery and Fellowship AI platform daily.xyz announce the launch of ‘New Beginnings’, a pioneering London exhibition that documents the evolution of AI artistry, and weaves together the realities of AI, art and the human experience. In partnership with AI art curation and research experts, Crysalis, the exhibition runs from 11 – 30 April 2024. The ground-breaking showcase will present 14 globally renowned AI artists, including Niceaunties, Sougwen Chung, Emily Xie, Agoria and Elman Mansimov who explore the profound implications of AI on art and human interaction. Other artists include Kevin Abosch, Ivona Tau, Gordon Cheung, Roope Rainisto, Crosslucid, Jennifer & Kevin McCoy, Legio X, Sheldrick and Noper.
Agoria, {I Feel Good} Edit Premiere, AI Video, Edition of 1
Elio D’Anna, Co-founder of HOFA Gallery, explains, “With the emergence of new AI models and techniques, a profound technological evolution occurred in 2023. ‘New Beginnings’ captures the first major works conceived and produced in the post-transition period, juxtaposing them with early era AI creations of immense significance. It effectively narrates the evolution of AI-generated artistry while simultaneously redefining contemporary perceptions of art in the digital age.”
‘New Beginnings’ showcases a diverse spectrum of mediums and methodologies to reflect on AI’s journey and its dual role as both inspiration and instrument in the artistic process. The art creators selected for this showcase are at the vanguard of integrating AI technologies with creative expression through their innovative practices.
Show highlights include:
Niceaunties, a Singapore-based architect and AI artist, who draws inspirations from the rich tapestry of her culture and explores themes of aging, personal freedom and everyday life through generative AI and digital art.
Multi award-winning Sougwen Chung, a Chinese-Canadian artist, who is widely regarded as a pioneer in human-machine collaboration. Recognised as one of TIME100’s esteemed AI innovators, their MEMORY (Drawing Operations Unit: Generation 2) piece has the distinction of being the first AI model acquired by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.
New York based artist Emily Xie harnesses algorithms to create life like textures and forms, navigating delicate balances between chance and control, and the abstract and representational. Her work has been showcased internationally, including at the Singapore ArtScience Museum and the Armory Show.
Agoria, the visionary artist celebrated for his avant-garde BioGenArt, has captivated the art world with his groundbreaking exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay. As a DJ and a master of digital artistry, he is poised to unveil ‘I Feel Good’, a cinematic exploration that weaves together the complex tapestry of AI and humanity, all viewed through the discerning eye of an anthropologist.
Artist Elman Mansimov is a Senior Applied Scientist, who is known for pioneering research in AI. His 2015 alignDRAW project, the first text-to-image model that marked a new era of human-machine collaboration, has been compared to the revolutionary impact of the first fixed photographs in the 1820s.
HOFA, founded in 2012, specialises in curating and showcasing contemporary artworks that blend traditional techniques with digital innovation. The gallery’s dedication to merging these elements is symbolic of its broader mission to catalyse a renaissance in art acquisition, connecting the tangible with the digital to enchant a discerning global audience. Similarly, Fellowship aims to bridge the past and present, shaping the future of art by leveraging blockchain technology to introduce art to a new generation of collectors.
Sunny Cheung, who oversees Design & Architecture curation at M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture, says in his curatorial statement about ‘New Beginnings’, “The recent advancements in AI and generative art processes often feel like magic. Through this exhibition, we explore this magic in AI’s evolution and its impact on creative practices. The artists selected have embraced digital tools to create works that reflect new, faster and collaborative production methods. With vast data flows and virtualisation, artists can draw from lived experiences to create new meanings.”
He adds “Like all great relationships, we don’t necessarily know where the relationship with AI and art is heading, but we are excited by the new possibilities that come with New Beginnings.”
Exhibition Details: ‘New Beginnings’ Exhibition: Free and open to the public daily Dates: 11 – 30 April 2024 Press Preview: 10am – 1pm, 10 April 2024, RSVP required falon@thehouseoffineart.com Venue: HOFA Gallery, 11 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 6PY, UK
Vancouver, BC, Apr 3, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Clairvoyant Therapeutics Inc. (www.clairvoyantrx.com), the private clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing psilocybin treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), today announced that it is on target to potentially become the first in the world to commercialize clinically validated psilocybin treatment. Clairvoyant believes it may achieve this milestone in H2 2025.
Clairvoyant’s randomized controlled trial, CLA-PSY-201, has dosed more than 90 per cent of the expected 128 subjects for its 24-week Phase 2b clinical trial of synthetic psilocybin treatment for AUD (two dosing sessions of a 25 mg oral capsule over 8 weeks) at 12 active clinical sites in Canada and Europe. A top line read out from the clinical trial is expected in Q3 2024 and a Series A financing round is currently underway.
“We are quickly approaching a critical and exciting moment for psilocybin and its potential use as a recognized treatment,” said Damian Kettlewell, CEO, Clairvoyant. “We have the compelling efficacy and safety data on psilocybin treatment for AUD from a phase 2a study previously published in JAMA Psychiatry[i] in 2022 and earlier data published in 2015. Assuming our trial has similar results, we believe there is a regulatory pathway to conditional market authorization in Canada in 2025 and in the EU in 2026.”
Conditional marketing authorization of psilocybin would be based on recognition of AUD as a serious, life-threatening or severely debilitating disease for which psilocybin demonstrates a significant increase in efficacy in relation to existing AUD drugs. Conditional authorization of a new medicine, known as NOC/c in Canada and CMA in Europe, allows the marketing of a new drug with the condition that the sponsor undertake additional studies to verify the clinical benefit. Under NOC/c and CMA, companies are required to conduct confirmatory studies to validate the initial efficacy evidence. Clairvoyant intends to launch a pivotal confirmatory trial in H2 2025, with a read out in 2027, to support full approval of psilocybin treatment in Canada, the EU and UK.
About Patient Safety
Clairvoyant is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. Participants are supported by two therapists in preparation for, and during, the psychedelic experience induced by psilocybin. Clairvoyant has trained over 50 therapists in its 35-hour training program. Therapists are monitored for adherence to the trial protocol and ethics under Clairvoyant’s industry leading therapist adherence monitoring program. No ethical concerns have been identified to date.
About Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol is the leading risk factor for overall burden of disease among men and a significant risk factor among women.[ii] A regional study recently reported that fewer than 5 per cent of patients diagnosed with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder receive recommended medications.[iii]
About Clairvoyant Therapeutics
Clairvoyant Therapeutics is a Canadian biotechnology company trailblazing a path to global mental health through psilocybin treatment. Clairvoyant’s speed-to-market clinical strategy is designed to enable psilocybin treatment in Canada, EU & the UK for patients living with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) beginning in 2025.
The company’s exceptional team, with deep clinical development experience, has made Clairvoyant the most advanced company developing psilocybin for the treatment of AUD. Clairvoyant is a member of Life Sciences BC.
Additional information about Clairvoyant’s clinical trial may be found at ClinicalTrials.gov
SINGAPORE, Apr 3, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Calling all customer experience (CX) champions in Asia! The CX Asia Excellence Awards 2024 is now open for submissions, marking its 10th year of celebrating the best-in-class CX practices across the region.
Showcase your innovative CX strategies and gain global recognition. The awards shine a spotlight on transformative approaches and commend the achievements of individuals and organisations within the vibrant Asian CX community.
This year, we’re excited to introduce four new categories:
Best Use of Data & Customer Insights
Best Use of Artificial Intelligence
Best Use of Intelligent Chatbots
Best Use of MarTech
Highlight your commitment to exceptional CX. Submit your entries by 7 June 2024 across 14 diverse categories, including Omni-Channel Experience, Employee Experience, Contact Centre, Digital Experience, and more. Entry is completely free and open to organisations and individuals across Asia. Visit cxasia-awards.com to learn more about the categories, eligibility criteria, and download the official brochure.
Winners will be announced at the CX Asia Excellence Awards Ceremony, taking place on 20th November during CX Asia Week 2024. Themed Superheroes this year, the CX Asia Awards Ceremony offers the perfect opportunity to network with industry leaders, share best practices, and celebrate your team’s remarkable achievements alongside your fellow CX champions.
2023 Awards: Celebrating Excellence in CX
2023 saw exceptional submissions showcasing the power of innovative CX strategies. We extend a warm congratulations to all the winners who set the bar high across various categories, including:
Gold Award Winners:
Best Brand Experience & Best Social Media Experience: Bumrungrad International Hospital
Best Employee Engagement: United Overseas Bank
Best Use of Mobile: AIA Indonesia
Best Use of CX Technology: Shell Aviation Limited
CX Vendor Excellence: Jio Haptik Technologies Ltd
Best Contact Centre: DHL Express (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Best CX Personality: Trust Bank Singapore
Best Omni-Channel Experience: Income Insurance Limited
Best Customer Experience Team: Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison
Best Customer Experience: AIA Group
Unleash your CX superpowers and submit your entries today!
About IQPC
At its core IQPC is a global business to business event company that has embraced the digital age. We are the go-to source for online and offline events, information, education, networking, and promotion for executives across industries.
About CX Asia
CX Asia has been the go-to hub for Asia’s CX leaders for 12 years. This platform connects the industry’s best, offering insights, connections, and learning through conferences, awards, and valuable content. Senior customer experience, service, insight, digital and marketing decision makers have gathered to dive deep into best practices, explore innovations, and celebrate regional excellence – all designed to help deliver incredible customer experiences and become truly customer-centric.
KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 3, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Presto, renowned as Malaysia’s First Loyalty E-commerce Aggregator, is proud to announce its strategic expansion into the Singapore and Thailand market. The setting up of Presto operations in these countries marks the start of the company’s regional expansion, bringing its innovative loyalty to the e-commerce redemption ecosystem to a wider audience.
Having achieved monumental success by connecting over 20 million users in Malaysia through esteemed partnerships with industry giants such as Bonus Link and Touch ‘N Go eWallet, Presto is now poised to redefine the loyalty rewards landscape on a regional scale. This expansion is led by the newly appointed Managing Director, Regional Business, Jeffry Ho, alongside dedicated Country Heads for Presto Singapore and Thailand, Donn Kwong, and Nakarin Prapaiwongs, respectively, signaling growth and opportunity for Presto’s partners and members.
Presto is Malaysia’s premier Multiple Loyalty Points Redemption Hub, redefining the loyalty rewards program by ingeniously integrating it with e-commerce redemption. With a robust connection to over 20 million loyalty members, Presto offers an unparalleled selection of over 20,000 products ranging from health and beauty, home and living, to tech and gadgets, and vouchers – all available at the convenience under one platform. This groundbreaking platform marks a significant shift in the loyalty rewards ecosystem, introducing a novel concept where loyalty points transcend their traditional role.
The process of combining points with Presto is designed to be as user-friendly with minimal tech integration from our loyalty issuers partners. Users can simply link their various loyalty program accounts through the Presto platform, and then choose how they wish to combine their points at the time of redemption. Presto’s transparent interface ensures that users have complete control over their points, enabling them to maximise the value of their rewards in a way that suits their preferences and needs.
The unique selling proposition of Presto lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate points from multiple loyalty programs, offering unprecedented flexibility to users. This means that points which were previously stranded in less frequently used accounts can now be combined with others to unlock valuable rewards. Whether it’s travel, dining, shopping, or entertainment, users can now leverage their collective points balance to enjoy a wide range of rewards, without the need to wait for a high accumulated points balance in a single program.
We are thrilled to announce Presto’s expansion into the Singapore market with a strategic partnership with EZ-Link Pte Ltd rewards program. The first phase of the tie up is to enable EZ-Link app members to redeem products and services from Presto partners in Malaysia. This also marks a significant milestone in cross border loyalty redemption with capability to combine loyalty points from multiple issuers in the next phase.
At the same time, Presto is engaging in collaborations with several significant upcoming partners. This strategic move not only signifies Presto’s commitment to delivering unparalleled value and convenience to its users but also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the company’s journey to revolutionise the loyalty ecosystem across the region.
With this expansion, Presto extends its innovative platform to Singaporean users, offering them the same exceptional convenience of utilizing loyalty redemption points, and access to a wide array of redemption rewards. This moves underscores Presto’s dedication to enhancing user experiences through innovative loyalty solutions, further solidifying its position as a leader in the loyalty e-commerce aggregation space.
Mr. Cheong Chia Chou, Group CEO of Presto, commented, “The expansion of Presto into the Singapore and Thailand markets represents a significant milestone for our company. We are excited to bring our innovative loyalty to e-commerce redemption ecosystem to a wider audience, enhancing user experiences and driving regional growth. This move underscores our commitment to delivering unparalleled value and convenience to our users across the region.”
Mr. Cheong Chia Chou, Group CEO of Presto
Appointment of Managing Director, Regional Business and Country Heads
Mr. Jeffry Ho, appointed as Managing Director, Regional Business, brings with him more than 20 years of regional experience in the Asia Pacific countries. His leadership, coupled with extensive knowledge of the regional market dynamics, positions Presto for unprecedented success in the region. Donn Kwong and Nakarin Prapaiwongs, appointed as Country Heads for Presto Singapore and Thailand respectively, bring their expertise in sales, partner management, and distribution channels in the Fintech, IT, and Mobile industries, ensuring customised offerings to meet the unique needs of these markets.
Mr. Jeffry Ho, Managing Director, Regional Business
The setting up of Presto operations in Thailand and Singapore is just the beginning of the company’s regional expansion. Presto is committed to fostering a seamless Loyalty to E-commerce Redemption ecosystem where businesses across the region can thrive together, creating unparalleled value for all stakeholders.
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