China Bluechem’s Profit Achieves Record High in 2023, Up 45.0% Year-on-Yearly to RMB 2.382 Billion

HONG KONG, Mar 24, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – China BlueChemical Ltd. (“China BlueChem” or the “Company,” stock code: 3983), China’s largest chemical fertilizer central enterprise in both production capacity and production volume, has announced its audited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2023. In 2023, the Company realized a revenue of RMB12.990 billion. Net profit attributable to owners of the Company grew 45.0% year-on-yearly to RMB 2.382 billion, which was the best performance since the establishment of the Company. The Board has recommended the payment of a final dividend of RMB0.207 per share (tax inclusive) for 2023, hitting record high and representing a payout ratio of 40%.

Mr. HOU Xiaofeng, CEO and President of China BlueChem said, “The Company clearly defines its development position and has been promoting the transformation and upgrade of the traditional industrial structure, while, at the same time, it has achieved safe production and pursues to increase its sales efficiency. As a result, China BlueChem’s brand value has been enhancing continuously and reached RMB5.404 billion in 2023, up by RMB1.433 billion as compared with the previous year, which was a record-high increment. To consistently implement the Company’s green and low-carbon development strategy and improve ESG management level, the Company sold 67% of equity interest in a subsidiary, Tianye Chemical (now renamed as New Material Company), which is under urea and methanol segments, which resulted in a one-time revenue of RMB 850 million, thus further optimizing the Company’s asset structure and also significantly driving the growth of the Company’s profits.”

In 2023, the Company’s methanol plant was awarded the honorary title of “Energy Efficiency Leader” by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation for the twelfth consecutive year, and the synthetic ammonia plant was awarded the honorary title of “Water Efficiency Leader” by the China Nitrogen Fertiliser Industry Association for the fourth consecutive year.

In respect of production management, the Company adhered to the principle of safe production and continued to strengthen management and control over the production operation. There were no production-related accidents throughout the year, and for the second consecutive year, there were no environmental pollution incidents, hence the best performance since the founding of the Company. Hainan Phase I methanol plant once again recorded a long-term operation period of over 500 days, and the continuous operation days of the CNOOC Huahe fertilizer plant and the production volume of urea both achieved record highs. Benefiting from such developments, the Company’s annual production of urea increased significantly year on year. In 2023, the Company produced 2,006 thousand tonnes of urea, 814 thousand tonnes of phosphate and compound fertilizers, 1,462 thousand tonnes of methanol and 165 thousand tonnes of acrylonitrile and related products.

With regard to sales management, the Company continued to strengthen market promotions and promoted refined pricing management. It enhanced its influence across channels and increased sales in the high-price range, to achieve greater sales at higher prices and increase both sales volume and profit. The Company also intensified brand building efforts, focusing on bolstering its position as a “Plant Nutrition Solution Provider”. Furthermore, the Company sought to increase e-commerce direct sales. As a consequence, the e-commerce direct sales to farmers reached 84.6 thousand tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 110%. In 2023, the Company sold 1,992 thousand tonnes of urea, 1,444 thousand tonnes of methanol, 473 thousand tonnes of phosphate fertilizers, 353 thousand tonnes of compound fertilizers and 159 thousand tonnes of acrylonitrile and relating products. During the year, the Company exported a total of 153 thousand tonnes of urea and 130 thousand tonnes of DAP, and the export volume of fertilizers increased by 80% year on year. Export of methanol amounted to 25 thousand tonnes.

In 2024, both the supply and demand for urea are anticipated to increase, which can be attributed to its direct application in agricultural products and through the procurement of raw materials for compound fertilizer factories. Due to seasonality, supply and demand are expected to enter different phases based on low and peak seasons. As for phosphate fertilizer, the new overseas production capacity is anticipated to fulfill part of the export demand. The overall balance between supply and demand will be relatively loose in the market, though the cost of raw materials is expected to decline, hence the price of phosphate fertilizer may return to a reasonable level with fluctuations based on the season. With gradual stability entering the global supply chain and adjustments being made in the raw materials market, the cost of raw materials for compound fertilizer will potentially sustain relative balance. Overall, the compound fertilizer market is facing certain fluctuations, and is expected to observe a neutral trend. Regarding methanol, its import will continue to remain at a high level. It is worth noting that the demand from downstream industries for olefins will be stable, whereas traditional downstream industries will show a growth trend, and the alternative application of energy will maintain growth. Furthermore, the overall price center of the methanol market is expected to improve over last year. In respect of acrylonitrile, the growth rate of domestic acrylonitrile production capacity will slow down as the release of existing production capacity has been the main driver of supply. Since the capacity expansion in downstream industries such as ABS and carbon fiber will be relatively concentrated, the overall supply and demand structure will be adjusted and revamped, and the sale in the markets will further improve.

Mr. HOU Xiaofeng, CEO and President of China BlueChem said, “In 2024, the Company will continue to place safety and environmental protection as its top priority, hence it will further strengthen the refined production management, and promote the full implementation of the new Heath, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management system. The Company will also seek product and service upgrades, strengthen its position as a “Plant Nutrition Solution Provider”, precisely implement cost reduction measures, and continuously optimize the value of its products in terms of cost per tonne. Furthermore, the Company will intensify research on the resource utilization of carbon-rich natural gas and CO2 to champion carbon reduction. While promoting industrial innovation with scientific and technological innovation, the Company will master more fertilizer and chemical-related core technologies, and conduct both self-initiated and cooperative research and development. Moreover, it will focus comprehensively on digital and intelligent transformation, intensify research efforts on strategic emerging industries, and optimize planning and deployment, in order to facilitate the Company’s high-quality development.”

About China BlueChemical Ltd.

China BlueChemical Ltd. (“China BlueChem”) is a listed company that specialises in the development, production and sales of chemical fertilisers and synthetic chemical products. It is the largest Central enterprise in the field of chemical fertilisers in terms of both production capacity and production volume. The Company is a subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation which mainly engages in the exploration, development, production and sales of crude oil and natural gas. On 29 September 2006, China BlueChem was listed on the main board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code 3983. Currently, its production facilities are located in Hainan, Hubei and Heilongjiang, China, with a total designed annual production capacity of 1.84 million tonnes of urea, 1 million tonnes of phosphate and compound fertilisers (mono-ammonium phosphate, di-ammonium phosphate and compound fertiliser), 1.4 million tonnes of methanol, 200,000 tonnes of acrylonitrile and 70,000 tonnes MMA. It has a deep water port with a designed annual throughout capacity of 18.28 million tonnes in Dongfang city, Hainan province. Boasting continued growth of its brand value, the Company’s brand value reached RMB5.404 billion in 2023, up by RMB1.433 billion as compared with 2022. In early 2023, the Company was granted “The Outstanding Listed Enterprise Awards 2022 – Excellent Results Performance” by Capital Media in recognition of its impressive and growing financial results.

For more information about the Company, please visit its website:

www.chinabluechem.com.cn.

Jiumaojiu Announces 2023 Annual Results

HONG KONG, Mar 22, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Jiumaojiu International Holdings Limited (“Jiumaojiu” or the “Company” and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”); Stock Code: 9922HK) is pleased to announce the audited consolidated results of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Key Financial Highlights

Revenue increased by 49.4% from RMB4,005.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to RMB5,985.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023;
Net profit for the year increased significantly by 763.3% from RMB55.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to RMB480.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023;
Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company increased by 819.9% from RMB49.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to RMB453.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023;
Adjusted net profit increased by 623.2% from RMB69.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to RMB501.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Final dividend proposed after the end of the year of HKD0.15 per ordinary share, representing a payout ratio of approximately 43.1%of profit for the year attributable to equity Shareholders.

In the year of 2023, the Group continued to adhere to its multi-brand and multi-concept strategy and explored new business opportunities, aiming to further expand its market share and maintain its market position as a leading Chinese cuisine restaurant brand manager and operator in the People’s Republic of China. In the year of 2023, total revenue of the Group increased by 49.4% from RMB4,005.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to RMB5,985.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, and its net profit for the year increased significantly by 763.3% from RMB55.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to RMB480.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. While the Group’s revenue is increasing, it further optimizes operational efficiency through effective management control, leading to a substantial growth in profits.

Steady Expansion of Stores And Advancing Overseas Deployment

Following the relaxation of anti-pandemic measures against the novel coronavirus COVID-19 (the “Pandemic”) and border reopening in early 2023, the Group adopted an active expansion strategy and opened 180 new restaurants in 2023, comprising 134 Tai Er restaurants, 35 Song Hot Pot restaurants, four Jiu Mao Jiu restaurants, six Lai Mei Li Grilled Fish restaurants and one Fresh Wood Beef Hot Pot(“Fresh Wood”) restaurant. As of December 31, 2023, the Group self-operated 726 restaurants, covering 142 cities in the PRC, Singapore, one city in Canada, one city in Malaysia, one city in Thailand and two cities in the United States.

As of December 31, 2023, the Group had a total of 578 Tai Er restaurants, 62 Song Hot Pot restaurants, 77 Jiumaojiu restaurants, 1 Uncle Chef restaurant, 7 Lai Mei Li Grilled Fish restaurants and 1 Fresh Wood restaurant. In 2023, the Group accelerates the restaurant network expansion of Tai Er brand and Song Hot Pot brand, while optimize the operation of Lai Mei Li Grilled Fish brand by restaurant renovation and menu upgrades. Meanwhile, in July 2023, the Group introduced its Fresh Wood brand, positioned as a high-end brand, to offer customers beef hot pot dishes using natural and premium food ingredients.

Multiple Brands under The Umbrella Flourishing And Operational Capabilities Continuously Strengthening

The Group generates revenue from four segments classified by brands, including Tai Er, Song Hot Pot, Jiu Mao Jiu and all other brands. Restaurant performance of most of the Group’s brands improved in 2023. Revenue contribution from Tai Er, Song Hot Pot and Lai Mei Li Grilled Fish increased by 44.3%, 210.4% and 272.3%, respectively. Moreover, the table turnover rates of Tai Er, Song Hot Pot, Jiu Mao Jiu and Lai Mei Li Grilled Fish also increased, which were mainly attributable to the increase in customer traffic following the relaxation of anti-pandemic measures against the Pandemic and border reopening in early 2023.

Revenue from Tai Er increased by 44.0% from RMB3,108.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to RMB4,476.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to the restaurant network expansion of Tai Er from 450 restaurants as of December 31, 2022 to 578 restaurants as of December 31, 2023. Meanwhile, its business operation has recovered from the Pandemic, leading to the increase in the number of operating days in 2023 compared to that in 2022 and the increase in table turnover rate of Tai Er restaurants from 3.5 in 2022 to 4.1 in 2023.

Revenue from Song Hot Pot increased significantly by 210.4% from RMB259.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to RMB806.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to the restaurant network expansion of Song Hot Pot from 27 restaurants as of December 31, 2022 to 62 restaurants as of December 31, 2023, and the increase in table turnover rate of Song Hot Pot restaurants from 3.6 in 2022 to 3.8 in 2023. In addition, revenue from Song Hot Pot as a percentage of total revenue increased from 6.5% in 2022 to 13.5% in 2023. In addition, Revenue from Jiu Mao Jiu remained relatively stable at RMB605.5 million and RMB629.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Restaurant Operating And Delivery Services Concurrently to Jointly Boost Group Growth

Services provided by the Group or activities it engages in currently comprise restaurant operations, delivery business and others, mainly including sales of goods and sales of specialties. In 2023, the Group experienced accelerated growth in both its restaurant operations and delivery services revenue.

Revenue from restaurant operations increased by 58.2% from RMB3,203.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to RMB5,066.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to the Group’s restaurant network expansion from 556 restaurants as of December 31, 2022 to 726 restaurants as of December 31, 2023 and the growth in same store sales as the number of days of operation and table turnover rates of the Group’s restaurants increased in 2023 amid the recovery of its business operation from the Pandemic. As a result, revenue from restaurant operations as a percentage of total revenue increased from 80.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022 to 84.6% for the year ended December 31, 2023.

In addition, Revenue from delivery business increased by 14.5% from RMB787.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to RMB901.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to an increase in the number of restaurants that offered delivery services along with the Group’s restaurant network expansion.

In the future, the Group remains fully devoted to providing marvelous dining experience to customers through exquisite dishes, high-quality services and unique dining ambience. By replicating the Group’s success through further expansion; continually expanding into more market segments by pursuing a multi-brand and multi-concept strategy; continually strengthening the Group’s supply and support capabilities; expanding into the global markets to gain international presence; introducing franchise and cooperative model for regional and international expansion, the Group maintains the group’s strong market position and enhance its competitiveness, in order to maintain a strong market position and enhancing its competitiveness.

Propose Distributing Final Dividends to Showcase Confidence in Corporate Growth

The Board is committed to increasing returns for the shareholders of the Company (the “Shareholders”). For the year ended December 31, 2023, apart from utilizing approximately HKD150.0 million for share repurchases on market, the Board also proposes to distribute a final dividend of HKD0.15 per ordinary share (totalling approximately HKD215.4 million), which represents a payout ratio of approximately 43.1% of profit for the year attributable to equity Shareholders. Going forward, after a thorough reevaluation of the Group’s financial performance, financial position, and strategic development plans for the future, the Board intends to maintain a dividend payout ratio of no less than 40% of profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders.

About Jiumaojiu International Holdings Limited

Jiumaojiu International Holdings Limited is a leading chained Chinese cuisine restaurant brand manager and operator, focusing on serving cuisines with quick services, and creating a casual and upscale ambience with modern decoration of restaurants which are primarily located in shopping malls. As of December 31, 2023, the Group self-operated 726 restaurants, covering 142 cities in the PRC, Singapore, one city in Canada, one city in Malaysia, one city in Thailand and two cities in the United States.

InnoEX returns with twofold increase in the number of exhibiting countries and regions

Four major HKTDC-organised technology exhibitions will be held in April: HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition), HKTDC Smart Lighting Expo, InnoEX, and HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition)
The events will bring together about 4,300 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions
The inaugural Smart Lighting Expo will showcase innovative smart lighting products, solutions and interconnected lighting technologies
InnoEX will display I&T achievements related to smart living, explore innovation and technology prospects and promote cross-sector cooperation

HONG KONG, Mar 22, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The second edition of InnoEX, co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre next month. This year’s exhibition, themed Innovations for A Smarter World, will gather global next-generation smart solutions and disruptive innovative technologies to promote innovation and foster cross-disciplinary cooperation, showcasing Hong Kong’s strengths as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub.

The HKTDC’s four major technology exhibitions in April – the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition), HKTDC Smart Lighting Expo, InnoEX and HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) – will bring together about 4,300 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions. The inaugural Smart Lighting Expo and 15th edition of the International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) will be held from 6 to 9 April (Saturday to Tuesday), showcasing a wide range of cutting-edge smart lighting solutions and innovative products. InnoEX and the Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) will then run from 13 to 16 April (Saturday to Tuesday), presenting creative technology ideas and demonstrations.

Jenny Koo, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Through our four technology exhibitions, the HKTDC aims to help promote solutions and develop Hong Kong as an international I&T hub. The development of new quality productive forces, as the national priority, will provide a huge market for Hong Kong’s development in innovation and technology, and the digital economy in Hong Kong. InnoEX not only showcases various innovative achievements but also brings together representatives from the governments of Hong Kong, Mainland China and ASEAN, as well as experts from different technological fields, to discuss important issues related to technology and smart city development. Through this approach, InnoEX promotes comprehensive cross-regional and cross-industry cooperation, aiming to enhance local I&T capabilities. The inaugural Smart Lighting Expo showcases smart lighting products, solutions and interconnected lighting technologies, contributing to the development of smart living in synergy with other technology exhibitions.”

International institutions join InnoEX to exhibit innovative solutions

As a founding event of the Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BITWeek), driven by the Hong Kong SAR Government and HKTDC, this year’s InnoEX will bring together exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, doubling the number from last year. Participating exhibitors will come from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Canada, France, India, Poland, Thailand, the United Kingdom and other locations. The pavilion from France, So French So Innovative, will feature renowned cutting edge companies such as STMicroelectronics, Veolia, Thales and Dragages. The Canadian Consulate General will also set up a pavilion. The 20 pavilions from Mainland China nearly double last year’s tally. They come from 16 provinces and cities, including Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Liaoning, Shandong, Shanxi, Zhejiang and their respective cities.

The Smart Hong Kong Pavilion, organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), drew crowds at the previous InnoEX and returns this year. It will focus on AI and showcase over 100 I&T solutions that are closely related to people’s daily lives. These include innovative solutions adopted by government departments, and a series of winning entries from local innovators and students. The Hong Kong SAR Government’s Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) is once again joining InnoEX to showcase the remarkable innovations and technological advancements achieved by 16 research centres under InnoHK, a platform fostering collaboration among esteemed researchers from the local, mainland and overseas communities. The showcased centres will present of AI-driven data analytic applications, AI chips, robots for diverse industries, and more.

Other participating units include the five research and development centres under the ITC, local universities, leading-edge tech firms such as PTF AreaTech Company Ltd, NEC Corporation, Yonyou (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd., Goldpac Group Limited, as well as several local pavilions such as the B4B Challenge, Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the Smart City Consortium. Meanwhile, government representatives, relevant industry sectors, academia and research sectors from around the world have been invited to attend and learn about the exhibitors’ solutions and discuss collaboration opportunities.

In view of the rapid development of ASEAN countries and their increasing demand for smart city solutions, InnoEX will host an ASEAN Roundtable on its opening day (13 April). Government representatives from Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries will share their experiences in developing smart cities, discuss collaboration across various sectors and explore sustainable development practices. Exhibitors will also have an opportunity to establish connections with officials from these regions and seek potential collaboration.

Spectrum of activities analyse I&T trends and empower talents

Talent is a crucial asset for the development of the I&T sector. In this year’s InnoEX and Electronics Fair, the HKTDC is collaborating with major recruitment platform Jobsdb, and the Hong Kong Top Talent Services Association to facilitate talent-matching activities, helping exhibitors recruit talents. Job seekers can attend the event on the second day (14 April) and engage with actively recruiting exhibitors to apply for desired positions. The event will also host multiple seminars where human resource experts and industry professionals will share insights on entering Hong Kong’s I&T sector.

InnoEX will also feature thematic activities to support start-up development. These include the Hong Kong Value Creation for Technology: Pitching Competition, Meet the Mentors, Investment Matchmaking, and Start-up Smart Launch sessions, allowing entrepreneurs to promote products and ideas to potential buyers and investors.

The event will present a range of seminars with speakers from the So French So Innovative pavilion, the OGCIO, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, and various innovative technology companies, who will delve into the latest I&T trends. The Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities will also organise the inaugural Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference, bringing together top innovation and technology talents and renowned scientists, including Nobel Prize and ACM A.M. Turing Award winning scholars, to discuss important issues in such fields as big data, AI, quantum computing, biotech, and new materials. The conference aims to help industries seize opportunities brought by the latest wave of industrial transformation.

Entering its 20th edition, the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) adopts the theme World’s Leading Electronics Marketplace. The exhibition features three special theme zones – Hall of Fame, Startup Zone and Tech Hall, showcasing innovative electronic products and technological solutions from renowned international brands and innovative technology companies. Many electronic products cater to the silver market by incorporating health-management features.

This year the Energy Storage Zone features products that provide power for outdoor activities and electric vehicles. EV industry leader Tesla will exhibit environmentally friendly electric vehicles at the event. A Digital Entertainment Experiential Zone will offer electronic gaming and interactive experiences from game developers and creative enterprises specialising in extended reality and AI.

On 15 April, the Tech Trends Symposium will be held, discussing The Future of Spatial Computing & Generative AI. Industry experts will be invited to discuss the latest developments in related technologies and equipment.

The 15th HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) and the inaugural HKTDC Smart Lighting Expo will run earlier in April, under the theme Bright Lighting • Smart Living. The Smart Lighting Expo’s highlighted zone, the Smart Ecosystem and IoT Supply Chain Area, in collaboration with the Shanghai Pudong Intelligent Lighting Association, will feature the latest solutions from well-known brands such as Midea, Sunricher, MicRadar and DALI Alliance. Other international brands, such as Helvar and Valta, will showcase lighting innovations. The concurrent Spring Lighting Fair will continue to serve as a one-stop trading platform. Its highlighted zone, the Hall of Aurora, will gather over 260 renowned brands and showcase innovative lighting products and technologies. Other product zones include commercial lighting, decorative lighting, residential lighting, technical lighting and lighting accessories.

The four technology exhibitions will continue to adopt the HKTDC’s EXHIBITION+ model, merging online and offline elements. Exhibitors and buyers can continue to use the Click2Match smart business matching platform for up to seven days after the exhibition. The event also introduces the Scan2Match service, allowing buyers to continue online discussions with exhibitors by scanning QR codes at the physical fairs using the HKTDC Marketplace App.

BITWeek brings exciting I&T events

BITWeek founding events include InnoEX, the Digital Economy Summit co-organised by the HKSAR Government and Cyberport, and the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition). BITWeek also features partner events including HKSTP’s Elevator Pitch Competition, HKTDC Smart Lighting Expo and the Hong Kong Web3 Festival, all of which are not-to-be-missed technology events in the industry.

Photos Download: https://bit.ly/43qGVwh

Jenny Koo (centre), Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, Tony Wong (right), Government Chief Information Officer and Steve Chuang (left), Chairman, Electronics/Electrical Appliances Industries Advisory Committee of the HKTDC and Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries attended today’s press conference to introduce highlights and details of the four major technology exhibitions

InnoEX exhibitor PTF AreaTech Company Ltd is promoting application of the Beidou satellite navigation system in Hong Kong. This solution enables precise positioning in remote areas without ground-based signal coverage. The Short Message function allows for the transmission of rescue messages in situations without network connectivity, aiding in emergency rescue operations

The Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) presents the Impact Dissipating Bollard for Road Safety, which significantly enhances safety for vehicle occupants and pedestrians during collisions

Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics developed the Tumbler Inspection Robot with Embodied Intelligence for Smart City. The robot improves inspection efficiency and safety while reducing the number of times humans need to enter the tunnels

Veolia’s smart recycling bin incorporates a data management system and offers features such as pest repellent and auto-deodorisation

Kin Technology Limited introduces an automatic pill dispenser that accurately issues the correct dosage of medication with no pre-sorting. It also has remote monitoring and medication management functionalities

AT-Vibe Technology Limited uses handheld 3D laser radar device XGRIDS – Lixel L1 to rapidly construct digital 3D models of public spaces such as architectural features, roads, and parks, providing solutions for tree-collapse prevention and elderly safety monitoring

United Wealth Holdings Limited presents the S52 Carbon Fiber Smart Watch, made from exceptionally durable carbon fibre, which is five times stronger than steel. The watch is equipped with Huawei’s smart module and is water resistant up to 50 metres

Smart Lighting Expo exhibitor Mindstec Asia Limited showcases the Helvar 950 DALI-2 Multi-master Application controller. It supports four DALI-2 networks and can be connected to multiple controllers, enabling automation control, dimming, colour temperature adjustment and compatibility with third-party control devices and BMS building management systems. It can be easily expanded and applied to large and complex projects

KTE Electrical Limited, a Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) exhibitor, introduces the Arco Series, a Flexible Track Light System. With just one track, it can be installed across ceilings, walls and hanging positions, illuminating every corner. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with other lighting systems, offering customers a comprehensive and convenient lighting solution

Websites
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition): hklightingfairse.hktdc.com/en
Smart Lighting Expo: smartlightingexpo.hktdc.com/en
InnoEX: innoex.hktdc.com/en
Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition): hkelectronicsfairse.hktdc.com/en

Media enquiries

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:

Anson Wong	Tel: (852) 3428 3413	Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Salina Cheng	Tel: (852) 3428 2362	Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hing-fung Wong	Tel: (852) 3428 3122	Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Clayton Lauw	Tel: (852) 2584 4472	Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Jane Cheung	Tel: (852) 2584 4137	Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
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HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

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

Newborn Town Announces 2023 Annual Results with a YoY Increase of Nearly 300% in Profit

HONG KONG, Mar 22, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Newborn Town (“Newborn Town”; 9911. HK), one of the frontrunners of the global social networking and entertainment industry, announced its 2023 annual results on March 21st.

The company’s revenue increased solidly in 2023, reaching RMB3,308 million with an 18% YoY increase. The revenue of the social networking business reached RMB2,972 million, while the revenue of the innovative business was RMB336 million.

According to the announcement, Newborn Town’s high-quality growth strategy has continued in 2023. The company’s net profit increased by 165% YoY to RMB761 million. The profit attributable to equity shareholders of the company reached RMB513 million, representing a 294% YoY growth. The adjusted EBITDA was RMB675 million, representing a rise of 80% compared to the corresponding period in 2022. The gross margin reached 52%, up 14 percentage points.

Since its debut in the global markets in 2013, Newborn Town has grown into a leading tech company in the social entertainment industry. The company has focused on its core business, the ‘pan-audience social networking business’ while eyeing the ‘diverse-audience social networking’ and ‘quality game’ businesses for years.

MICO, YoHo, SUGO and TopTop are four flagship apps under Newborn Town’s ‘pan-audience social networking business’ and have made rapid strides as they’ve evolved into top-notch platforms that aim to meet users’ diversified social demands among emerging markets such as the MENA region and South East Asia.

The year of 2023 has witnessed a series of upgrades in this business segment’s social apps. Among the ‘first-mover’ apps, MICO has tailored more services to meet the social needs of MENA users. YoHo, an audio-based social platform, has added more localized features and refined its operations, leading to a continued increase in profit. In 2023, these two apps continued to keep their leading position on the top 30 of the list of Chinese non-game publishers in terms of overseas revenue released by data.ai.

TopTop, the game-oriented social platform in Newborn Town’s ‘second-mover’ apps portfolio, has progressed in enhancing its user growth system and fostering a lively atmosphere within the community. These efforts have led to an over 2x YoY increase in revenue and an over 6x YoY rise in profit.

As another ‘second-mover’ app, the companion-based social app SUGO has gained over 3x YoY increase in revenue and over 6x YoY rise in profit in 2023 as it optimized the in-app matchmaking strategy. This app has also been a frequenter in the above-mentioned list from data.ai since 2023 and has seen a continued uplift in ranking.

Notably, Newborn Town is the social entertainment company with the most number of apps on data.ai’s list, which is the result of its endeavors to implement the ‘replication’ strategy for social apps in this business segment and a reward for Newborn Town’s unremitting exploration of the MENA region.

Since 2017, Newborn Town has taken steps to explore the MENA region, which is considered as a promising market for the social networking and entertainment industry.

By diving deep into Muslim users’ social needs and carving out multiple social scenes with localized quality content, Newborn Town has achieved a 30% YoY increase in revenue from its core apps in the MENA region; from 2020 to 2023, the growth CAGR was ~32%.

Plus, Newborn Town has also focused on the social needs of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2023, Newborn Town officially consolidated the ‘diverse-audience social networking business’ to start a new chapter exploring this realm.

The ‘diverse-audience social networking business’ mainly targets global markets. Based on a comprehensive observation of social trends among LGBTQ+ people, Newborn Town launched the social app HeeSay, which aims to encourage LGBTQ+ people to share, express, and connect.

This platform leverages the user base and brand influence that the international version of Blued has accumulated in different markets. It completed the ‘dating app to community app’ upgrade and officially debuted in over 70 countries and regions on January 1st, 2024.

As the annual result revealed, the ‘diverse-audience social networking business’ contributed to revenue of RMB353 million and profit of RMB102 million. HeeSay was expected to accelerate its global exploration due to Newborn Town’s deep localized operations capabilities.

Newborn Town’s innovative business also achieved remarkable breakthroughs during 2023 as its flagship game, Alice’s Dream: Merge Island, witnessed a continued rise in monthly revenue.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Alice’s Dream reached an average monthly revenue of over 8 million US dollars and has frequently been at the forefront of Sensor Tower’s lists regarding overseas revenue and downloads.

Based on that success, Newborn Town rolled out new apps like Taylor’s Secret, Merge Cove and Sudoku. And Sudoku ranked third on the US mid-core casual games list for June 2023, as released by data.ai.

The global casual games market is estimated to reach approximately 25 billion US dollars in 2027. Based on the forecast, Newborn Town will further upgrade flagship apps’ monetization capabilities and profitability. Furthermore, the company will create more quality games with high lifetime value while steadily incubating new products.

“The company will stick to its high-quality growth strategy and continue its commitment to the ‘pan-audience social networking business’ in the MENA region. Besides, we won’t stop tapping into the LGBTQ+ social networking and quality games industries to explore more possibilities and engage more global users, thus achieving diversified and sustainable growth,” Li Ping, CEO of Newborn Town said.

For further information, please contact:
PEANUT MEDIA LIMITED
Direct Line: +86-755-61619798 x8210
Email: hswh.project@czgmcn.com

WL Delicious Announced 2023 Annual Results

HONG KONG, Mar 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Weilong Delicious Global Holdings Ltd (“WL Delicious” or the “Company”) and together with its subsidiaries (the “Group”) (Hong Kong stock code: 9985.HK) announced its audited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2023 (“Reporting Period”).

The macro-economy continued to recover in 2023 and China’s consumer market also showed a rebound trend. Snack food industry experienced diversified changes in the needs of consumers and sales channels. During the Reporting Period, WL Delicious actively embraced the changes and adhered to the ‘multiple categories and large single product’ strategy. WL Delicious continued to strengthen omni-channel construction and embraced new opportunities brought by the emerging channels. Additionally, WL Delicious persisted in enhancing its brand influence through youthful brand building.

WL Delicious’s overall business operations and financial performance remained stable. Revenue for the Reporting Period was 4,872 million (RMB, same as below), representing a 5.2% year-on-year (“YoY”), primarily due to an increase in the sales from the emerging channels such as O2O, snack specialty retailers and content e-commerce platforms. Diversified channels have promoted the accelerated transformation of the snack food industry. Faced with this development trend, WL Delicious has kept pace with the times, actively embraced the growth opportunities brought by emerging channels, and has continued to strengthen its omni-channel operations and expansion strategies, thereby achieving the revenue growth. Gross profit for the Reporting Period was 2,323 million, representing a 18.5% growth YoY. Gross profit margin increased 5.4 percentage points to 47.7%, mainly due to (i) the Group’s structural adjustment of main products in 2022; (ii) a decrease in the price of raw materials during the Reporting Period; and (iii) the optimization of the Group’s cost management by optimising production process flow continuously. Net profit for the Reporting Period was 880 million, representing a 481.9% increase YoY. Adjusted net profit grew 6.3% YoY to 970 million, and adjusted net profit margin increased from 19.7% in 2022 to 19.9% during the Reporting Period, primarily due to the increase of gross profit.

Based on the Group’s overall performance, and having accounted for the sufficient cash flow and improved operations during the Reporting Period, the Board proposed to declare a final dividend of 0.10 per share (RMB, inclusive of tax, same as below). The proposed final dividend and interim dividend representing approximately 60% of the net profit of the Group for Reporting Period. Besides, considering that 2023 was the first anniversary of WL Delicious’ listing, the Board proposed to declare a special dividend of 0.11 per share, representing approximately 30% of the net profit of the Group for the Reporting Period. The annual dividend payout ratio of WL Delicious[1] reaches approximately 90%, which includes interim dividend, final dividend, and special dividend on the first anniversary of listing.

In terms of the products, the Group actively explored the consumer needs through market research, expanded its product lines to conform to consumer preferences, and constantly innovated and launched new products. Leveraging rigorous and profound fundamental research and advanced production techniques, the Group launched new products such as spicy Latiao “BADAO PANDA”, konjac vegetarian tripe “XIAO MO NV” and spicy crisp Latiao “CUI HUO HUO”. The new products further enrich the Group’s product portfolio and strengthen the Group’s position in the spicy snack food industry.

In terms of channels, through in-depth channel building over years, WL Delicious has a nationwide distribution network that deeply penetrates the Chinese market. In 2023, while continued to strengthen the traditional channels, the Group also embraced emerging channels such as O2O and Snack Specialty Retailers. Further, the Group strived to cover all channels of e-commerce platforms, which formed a strong complement to offline channels. The Group also strengthened consumer interaction through short videos, internal live streaming and influencer live streaming to enhance traffic conversion and repurchase of content e-commerce platforms. At the same time, the Group also actively expanded overseas markets.

In terms of brand, WL Delicious actively strengthened its brand building and engaged with young consumers through novel, interesting and topical activities, thereby capturing consumers’ interest points and creating topics with public communication power, thereby enhancing the brand exposure and visibility of the Group. At the same time, the Group also valued “humanistic core” of the brand, actively participated in brand public welfare activities and fulfilled social responsibilities to improve the Group’s brand image.

Mr Liu Weiping, Chairman of WL Delicious commented, “The year of 2023, for WL Delicious, was a year to take the initiative to innovate and accelerate the omni-channel construction. Facing the consumer environment that is undergoing many changes, WL Delicious remained confident and actively embraced changes and trends. Looking forward to the new year, WL Delicious will continue to innovate, explore multiple categories strategies, embrace the development emerging channels, and continue to strengthen the construction of online and offline omni-channels. We will actively strengthen our brand building and continue to create a brand image that is loved by consumers. We will also strengthen our supply chain, digital capabilities and enhance organizational team building, and constantly improve the Company’s operating efficiency, so as to strive to create values for the shareholders and customers.”

[1] The annual dividend payout ratio of WL Delicious: 86.84%

About Weilong Delicious Global Holdings Ltd

WEILONG Delicious Global Holdings Limited (“WL Delicious”) is an all-in-one spicy snack products enterprise, leading in the research and development, production, and sales of spicy snack foods in China. Based on traditional formulas, WL Delicious started the Chinese seasoned flour products (also commonly known as Latiao industry, created our first Latiao snack in 2001, leading the standards construction of Latiao industry. With our outstanding product development capabilities, the Group has successfully diversified into vegetable products, bean-based products and others, including Konjac Shuang, Fengchi Kelp, 78° Braised Egg and others. The Group has further launched new products like spicy Latiao “BADAO PANDA”, konjac vegetarian tripe “XIAO MO NV” and spicy crisp Latiao “CUI HUO HUO” in 2023, which are quite popular among consumers. In 2023, we have won more than 30 awards, including the “2023 Vibrant Brands Favored by College Students” by the 30th China International Advertising Festival and the “TopBrand2023 Top 500 Chinese Brands” by the Chinese Brand Festival. For more information, please visit https://www.weilongshipin.com/

Cleverbridge and PartnerStack Launch CleverPartners to Accelerate the Growth of B2B Partner Ecosystems

Cologne, Germany, Mar 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Cleverbridge, a growth engine for global technology companies, today announced the launch of CleverPartners, powered by PartnerStack, a one-stop solution for accelerating B2B partner revenue and performance.

Built specifically to drive revenue for SaaS businesses, CleverPartners simplifies and automates many of the toughest parts of scaling partner programs – like recruiting the right partners, tracking partner-sourced conversions through the entire funnel, calculating and paying partner rewards, and selling through software marketplaces – all while providing a great experience for both customers and partners.

“It’s getting more expensive and challenging to acquire customers, with increasing marketing costs, traditional go-to-market motions declining in effectiveness, and fewer prospects willing to talk to a sales rep. In this environment, it’s critical that technology companies meet B2B buyers where – and how – they want to discover and purchase software,” said Wendi Sturgis, CEO of Cleverbridge. “With CleverPartners, businesses can expand their reach, unlock new revenue streams, and efficiently manage and scale any kind of partner program.”

CleverPartners empowers businesses to easily recruit from a network of 80,000+ active B2B affiliate, referral, and reseller partners earning commissions in over 50 countries. Businesses can also leverage established partnerships to streamline the process of getting listed in high-value distributor marketplaces like Ingram Micro and Arrow, and hyperscale marketplaces like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and IBM Cloud.

Leads and deals are automatically routed and managed within a partner portal, and an integration with Cleverbridge’s eCommerce platform allows partners to drive high-intent prospects or customers to a direct buying point. By leveraging CleverPartners alongside CleverAutomations, businesses can automate long-tail renewals while maintaining existing commission structures, enabling channel partners to redirect their focus to new customer acquisition and larger, more strategic opportunities.

“ISVs require top-tier tools and teams to scale their affiliate and channel programs effectively,” said Bryn Jones, CEO of PartnerStack. “With this new CleverPartners offering, ISVs can support their entire go-to-market by generating demand, closing new business, automating expansions and renewals, and simplifying the end-to-end partner management journey. I could not be more excited to collaborate with Cleverbridge to bring their B2B expertise to the forefront of partnerships and drive value together.”

No matter where your SaaS business is in its partnerships journey, CleverPartners provides everything you need to accelerate revenue growth and scale your partner ecosystem to its fullest potential. Schedule a demo today at grow.cleverbridge.com/cleverpartners-demo.

About Cleverbridge

Cleverbridge makes it easy to maximize customer lifetime value. We leverage deep eCommerce expertise to automate and optimize self-service transactions across the entire customer journey, empowering customers to purchase, expand, and renew subscriptions in 240+ countries and territories globally. For more than 18 years, our Growth Engine has integrated payments with subscription management, tax compliance, lifecycle marketing, advanced analytics, and partner ecosystems to consistently deliver recurring revenue growth without added headcount. Learn more at grow.cleverbridge.com.

About PartnerStack

PartnerStack is the all-in-one platform for scaling your SaaS partner ecosystem with a network of top B2B partners. Unlike other partnerships software that only handle one step of the partner journey, or work for only a single type of partner, PartnerStack comes with everything you need to recruit, activate, track, commission, and optimize all of your partnerships: affiliate partners that drive traffic, referral partners that bring you qualified leads, and reseller partners that sell your solution for you. PartnerStack connects you with more of the right partners and automates the toughest parts of managing partnerships, so you can grow your ecosystem and unlock new revenue channels.

Contact Information
Gordon Knapp
Senior Director, Marketing
gordon.knapp@cleverbridge.com

SOURCE: Cleverbridge

View the original press release on newswire.com.

Renowned Lithium Executive Brian Talbot to Join Atlas Lithium as Chief Operating Officer and Director

HIGHLIGHTS

– Renowned lithium expert Brian Talbot has agreed to join Atlas Lithium as Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Company’s Board of Directors on April 1, 2024, a highly significant milestone.

– Brian Talbot’s addition to Atlas Lithium’s team further enables the Company’s early revenue strategy targeting first lithium concentrate production in Q4 2024.

Boca Raton, Florida–(ACN Newswire – March 21, 2024) – Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) (“Atlas Lithium” or “Company”), a leading lithium exploration and development company, is pleased to announce the upcoming addition of Brian Talbot as Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors effective April 1, 2024. Mr. Talbot is a renowned lithium sector executive with extensive development and operational expertise. This strengthening of the executive team comes on the heels of the Company’s early revenue strategy, with anticipated first revenues and production commencing in Q4 2024.

Mr. Talbot is considered one of the leading authorities in lithium globally and has an extensive track record as a technical and operational leader throughout his career with over 30 years of experience in mining operations. In particular, he has extensive experience in DMS (dense media separation) plant development and operation, having worked at major lithium companies where he built a strong track record of operational performance.

Most recently, Mr. Talbot was founder and director of RTEK International DMCC, a consulting firm that advises lithium developers and producers. From July 2022 to September 2023, Mr. Talbot was the Chief Operating Officer at Sigma Lithium Corporation (“Sigma Lithium”), a Canadian lithium producer with operations in Brazil. At Sigma Lithium, he oversaw the development of that company’s flagship Grota do Cirilo project from construction through commissioning and operations.

From 2017 to 2022, Mr. Talbot held positions as General Manager and Head of Australian Operations at Galaxy Resources, through mergers now part of Arcadium Lithium PLC, one of the world’s largest fully integrated lithium companies with a current market capitalization of approximately $4.7 billion. While at Galaxy Resources, Mr. Talbot was instrumental in increasing the production at Mt. Cattlin (a hard-rock lithium mine in Ravensthorpe, Western Australia) by 100%, which resulted in record production. Previously, from 2015 to 2017, Mr. Talbot was at Bikita Minerals in Zimbabwe, which owns and operates the longest running hard-rock lithium mine in the world.

With extensive experience designing, planning, building, and managing profitable mining operations globally, Mr. Talbot has a proven track record of driving operational excellence. His leadership has consistently improved efficiency, identified commercial opportunities, extended mine life, and maximized safety across diverse projects and regions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with Honors from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Martin Rowley, former Chairman of Galaxy Resources and later Allkem Limited, and now Lead Advisor to Atlas Lithium, commented, “I was able to persuade Brian to leave Bikita’s lithium operations in Zimbabwe and move to Australia to be responsible for the restart of operations at Galaxy Resources’ Mt. Cattlin. During the time we worked together at Galaxy, his work ethic, dedication, conscientious team building ability, and creativity underwrote the significant value increase to all Galaxy shareholders. I look forward to working with him again on realizing the undoubted potential of Atlas Lithium.”

“When speaking with global lithium investors, Brian Talbot is a name that is clearly revered as a ticket for success. The fact that Atlas Lithium can attract such exceptional talent speaks volumes about our culture and the potential of our project. We wholeheartedly welcome Brian to our Board of Directors and to lead our development and exploration technical teams,” said Marc Fogassa, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Brian Talbot added, “After visiting and studying in detail Atlas Lithium’s properties, I firmly believe there is a strong alignment between my expertise in expediting hard-rock lithium projects to production and the solid foundation that the Company has already built. This opportunity allows me to further advance Atlas Lithium’s strategic direction as a member of its Board of Directors, while also fostering my own professional growth as a leader in the lithium space.”

About Atlas Lithium Corporation

Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) is focused on advancing and developing its 100%-owned hard-rock lithium project in Brazil’s Lithium Valley, a well-known lithium district in the state of Minas Gerais. In addition, Atlas Lithium has 100% ownership of mineral rights for other battery and critical metals including nickel, rare earths, titanium, and graphite. The Company also owns equity stakes in Apollo Resources Corp. (private company; iron) and Jupiter Gold Corp. (OTCQB: JUPGF) (gold and quartzite).

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward looking statements are based upon the current plans, estimates and projections of Atlas Lithium and its subsidiaries and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the forward- looking statements. Such statements include, among others, those concerning market and industry segment growth and demand and acceptance of new and existing products; any projections of production, reserves, sales, earnings, revenue, margins or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; uncertainties related to conducting business in Brazil, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about future events. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: results from ongoing geotechnical analysis of projects; business conditions in Brazil; general economic conditions, geopolitical events, and regulatory changes; availability of capital; Atlas Lithium’s ability to maintain its competitive position; manipulative attempts by short sellers to drive down our stock price; and dependence on key management.

Additional risks related to the Company and its subsidiaries are more fully discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report and in Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on October 20, 2023. Please also refer to the Company’s other filings with the SEC, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent the Company’s views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The Company explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Investor Relations:
Brian Bernier
Vice President, Investor Relations
+1 (833) 661-7900
bwb@atlas-lithium.com
https://www.atlas-lithium.com/
@Atlas_Lithium

Corporate Logo

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/202385

2024 Raya Lagi Happening with Spritzer Sparkling New Ambassadors

KUALA LUMPUR & TAIPING, Mar 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – SPRITZER brings the happening to Raya with ambassadors Aina Abdul and Syafiq Kyle. Singer songwriter, Aina along with actor and singer Syafiq showcase what it means to “step-out-of-your-comfort-zone” during Raya 2024 through “Tambah Spritzer Sparkling” and highlight the happening – meriah, menarik, fashionable, interesting, exciting.

From Left: Spritzer Ambassador Aina Abdul and Syafiq Kyle

The pair teamed up in the most creative ways; a music video, highlighting the fun effects of adding Spritzer Sparkling bringing new inspiration to your Raya celebration. Both entertainers challenged their talents across areas such as rap, acting as the opposite person (watch the video to understand), and composing, performing Spritzer’s Raya Lagi Happening song were firsts for Aina and Syafiq.

Spritzer encourages everyone to sidestep the monotony of life to experience things you always wanted to do like preparing a special Raya dish for the family, wear uniquely coloured baju or tudung, or make the secret refreshing Tropika Ros Sparkling, also known as “Hero Recipe”, drink with tropical and rose cordial, topped with lychee, from the music video for buka puasa!

Spritzer is hosting a meet and greet, named “Tambah Spritzer Sparkling, Raya Lagi Sparkling” with both ambassadors at IOI City Mall Putrajaya on 30 March 2024, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the LG East Court. Join in the fun and inspiration where Aina and Syafiq will perform, get delicious Spritzer mocktail recipes, and take a few photos of the celebrities’ engagement signing with Spritzer!

Spritzer’s management said, “We recommend trying new things, things you always wanted to do. We encourage our staff at Spritzer to get out of their comfort zone, do a dance on TikTok, making Tropika Ros Sparkling recipe to serve your guests during Raya or buka puasa, it brings new thoughts and creativity. Adding Spritzer Sparkling to your Raya celebration can bring the happening.”

Spritzer Sparkling – 2024 Raya Campaign microsite: https://www.spritzer.com.my/spritzersparklingraya2024/
Spritzer Sparkling – 2024 Raya Campaign Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX6MeQ88IUc
To learn more about Spritzer and sustainability, visit their website at https://www.spritzer.com.my.

Lizzies 2024: Finalists & Final Updates

SYDNEY, AU, Mar 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The 2024 Samsung Australian IT Journalism Awards are finally here! This Friday from 6.30 our new venue at Doltone House on Jones Bay Wharf will play host to this annual event celebrating Australia’s leading technology journalists, publishers and media partners at this year’s Night of Nights.

As ever, these awards are only possible thanks to our Name Sponsor Samsung Australia, our lifelong event partners at Watterson, our partners Amazon Web Services, Optus, Cisco, NetApp, the Australian Computer Society, Meta, and our Official Gin Sponsor Aussie Broadband.

(Above: WhistleOut with last year's Best Consumer Technology Coverage award) — WhistleOut with last year’s Best Consumer Technology Coverage award

Dates, Times, Dress code

For everyone attending the awards this Friday March 22nd, here’s some essential housekeeping –

Date: Friday March 22nd from 6.30pm
Venue: Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney
Dress Code: Black Tie / Dress to theme
Best Dressed Theme: Sequins and Sparkles
Socials: #Lizzies, #Lizzies24

Late RSVP’s and tickets

If you have an urgent query, RSVP, or late ticketing enquiry, please email Mike@Influencing.com ; or contact Donna@Influencing.com.

Cisco Webex Livestream

Big thank you to Cisco for assisting the livecast of the event for those who can’t make the trip to Sydney. This has been something we’ve done since Lockdown (remember that?), and our online audience keeps growing each year.

Cisco’s Director of Public Relations and Communications Cori Moran: “Cisco is once again proud to support the Lizzies this year – the best recognition and celebration of the IT Journalism industry. We are pleased to enable connections through Webex that will allow anyone to join the celebration from anywhere. Congratulations to all the finalists!”

The livestream will go live from 7.45pm on Friday for all the award coverage, with the first award live from 8pm. Your link for that viewing stream is here. (Remote finalists will be sent a separate email with instructions for following along and joining live presentations.)

Full Finalists List – Support Your Favourite Outlets!

Thank you again to everyone who entered this year’s awards. The standard keeps rising year after year, a glowing testament to the abilities of Australian technology journalists. In acknowledgment of that we’d like to reaffirm this year’s list of finalists, and wish every the best of luck!

ABC's Marc Fennell, of 2023's Best Outlet with Download this Show on ABC Listen — ABC’s Marc Fennell, of 2023’s Best Outlet with Download this Show on ABC Listen

Finalists – Coverage Awards

Best News Coverage
ABC News Story Lab, AFR, ARNNet, Capital Brief, Digital Nation, GadgetGuy, Games Hub, Gizmodo Australia, Information Age, InnovationAus, iTnews, Mi-3, Reseller News, Reviews.org/au, Safewise, SmartCompany, The Age & Sydney Morning Herald

Best Business Coverage
AdNews, AFR, Capital Brief, CRN, Digital Nation, Information Age, InnovationAus, iTnews, Mi-3, SmartCompany

Best Consumer Technology Coverage
Canstar Blue, Explosion Network, GadgetGuy, GamesHub, Gizmodo Australia, Lifehacker Australia, Reviews.org/au, SmartCompany, The Age & Sydney Morning Herald, WhistleOut

Best Independent Coverage
AlexReviewsTech, BTTR, Checkpoint Gaming, Craving Tech, Explosion Network, Gamer Girl Journalist, High Performance Laptops, Pickr, Player2, SIFTER, SMB Tech, Stevivor, SuperJump, The Martech Weekly, Vertical Hold

Best Gaming Coverage
ABC News, Checkpoint Gaming, Explosion Network, GadgetGuy, GamesHub, IGN Australia, Kotaku Australia, Lifehacker Australia, Player2, Reviews.org/au, Stevivor, SuperJump, The Game Crater

Best Video Program
ABC Gamer, Chris Stead, Good Game Spawn Point, SBS, Tobias Venus, Women Love Tech

Best Audio Program
Checkpoint on JOY, Debunks, Digital Nation, Download This Show, Hello AI Overlords, KBKast, Mi3 Audio Edition, PocketBuds, Risky Business, The Business of Tech, The Wrap, Vertical Hold, Walkthrough by SIFTER, We Review Stuff

Beat Awards
John Costello Best Business Journalist
Andrew Birmingham
Athina Mallis
Chris Pash
Christopher Kelly
Jeremy Nadel
Justin Hendry
Liam Tung
Paul Smith
Rob O’Neill
Ry Crozier
Tess Bennett
Velvet-Belle Templeman

Paul Zucker Best Technology Industry Journalist
Andrew Birmingham
Daniel Van Boom
David Swan
Eleanor Dickinson
Eloise Keating
Jessica Sier
Nick Bonyhady
Paul Smith
Rob O’Neill
Simon Sharwood
Tess Bennett
William Maher

Helen Dancer Best Consumer Technology Journalist
Alex Choros
Alex Kidman
Alice Clarke
Chris Neill
David Braue
Fergus Halliday
James Purtill
Jarni Blakkarly
Josh Taylor
Tegan Jones
Zachariah Kelly

Best Gaming Journalist
Amanda Yeo
Daniel Van Boom
Elliot Attard
Emily Spindler-Carruthers
Fergus Halliday
Gianfranco Di Giovanni
Isaac McIntyre
Jack Ryan
James Cottee
Leah Williams
Matthew Hewson
Ruby Innes

Best Telecommunications Journalist
Alex Angove-Plumb
Alex Choros
David Braue
David Swan
Josh Taylor
Mariam Gabaji
Paul Smith
Rob O’Neill
Ry Crozier
Simon Sharwood
Tara Donnelly

Journalism Awards
Alicia Camphuisen Best New Journalist
Ashley Regan
Brandon How
Christie Graham
Christie McQualter
Courtney Borrett
Dylan Crismale
Emily Spindler-Carruthers
Hannah Geremia
Julian Fell
Ky Stewart
Lauren Rouse
Petra Stock
Ruby Derrick

Cass Warneminde Best News Journalist
Andrew Birmingham
Ariel Bogle
David Braue
David Hollingworth
David Swan
Eloise Keating
Georgia Dixon
Jason Pollock
Josh Taylor
Justin Hendry
Paul Smith
Tegan Jones

Graeme Philipson Best Columnist
Bronwen Clune
Cam Wilson
Casey Tonkin
Chris Griffith
Jack Ryan
James Riley
Luke Reilly
Paul Smith
Simon Sharwood
Tegan Jones
Tim Biggs

Best Security Journalist
Amanda Yeo
David Braue
David Hollingworth
David Swan
Hannah Geremia
Leigh Stark
Leonard Bernardone
Patrick Gray
Paul Smith
Thomas Uren

Best Technology Issues Journalist
Ariel Bogle
Cam Wilson
Daniel Van Boom
David Swan
Jack Ryan
Jarni Blakkarly
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson
Jessica Sier
Josh Taylor
Julian Fell
Sam Nichols
Tess Bennett

Best Technical Journalist
Adam Turner
Alex Kidman
Alice Clarke
Amanda Yeo
Casey Tonkin
David Braue
Jeremy Nadel
Leigh Stark
Neerav Bhatt
Petra Stock
Tara Donnelly
Zachariah Kelly

Best Gaming Reviewer
Alice Clarke
Amanda Yeo
Christie McQualter
David McNamara
Edmond Tran
Fergus Halliday
Jam Walker
James O’Connor
James Wood
Leah Williams
Luke Reilly

Best Technology Reviewer
Adam Turner
Alex Choros
Alex Kidman
Alice Clarke
Anula Wiwatowska
Chris Button
John Davidson
Leigh Stark
Nick Broughall
Nick Ross
Rae Johnston
Rose Jordan
Zachariah Kelly

Best Short Form Content
ABC Gamer
Cam Wilson
Frances Cook
Gizmodo Australia
Jack Ryan
Kotaku Australia
Lifehacker
Naomi Jackson
Quest Daily
Safewise Australia
The Game Crater
Tobias Venus
WhistleOut

Content & Media Relations Awards
Best Corporate Content
David Braue
Huntley Mitchell
Kathryn Goater
Matt Hopkins
Nick Ross
Velvet-Belle Templeman

David Hellaby Best Media Relations
Adela Amanowicz (Cisco)
Angela Coombes (NetApp)
Doug Johns (Power Up PR)
Justin Stolarski (Optus)
Mike Foley (Five Star Games)
Oisin O’Callaghan (Watterson)
Salvatore Di Muccio (WellAbove)

About Samsung Australian IT Journalism Awards

Known affectionately as The Lizzies and held every year since 2003, the Australian IT Journalism Awards acknowledge the most outstanding journalists and outlets covering technology in Australia each year. Content, Journalism, Beat/Vertical and Media Relations – there are 21 separate awards, plus our two special categories: Title of the Year, currently held by the Australian Financial Review; and Journalist of the Year, currently held by David Braue. Ensuring audiences have an accurate, balanced & accessible understanding of technology is critical for Australia’s future commercial growth. The peer-judged awards advance this cause each year, by publicly identifying and encouraging good tech journalism. https://www.thelizzies.com/

Media Contact:
Mike Woodcock
Chief Commercial Officer
Influencing & the Mediaconnect Group
www.Influencing.com
mike@mediaconnect.com.au / mike@Influencing.com
O: +61 2 9894 6277
M: +61 411 969 248

Follow #Lizzies or #Lizzies24 on Instagram & Twitter

Avantor Wins Five Prestigious Awards at Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards 2024

SINGAPORE, Mar 21, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Avantor, Inc., a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences advanced technologies industries, has secured five prestigious awards at the esteemed Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards (ABEA) 2024. The ABEA event, held in conjunction with the 11th Annual Biologics Manufacturing Asia 2024, 8th BioLogistics World Asia 2024, and 2nd Annual Clinical Trials Festival Asia 2024, underscores Avantor’s exceptional achievements in bioprocessing, logistics, and supply chain management, as well as its leadership in the biopharma sector.

Avantor sweeps 5 Biopharma Award at the Asia Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards 2024 in Singapore.

(Right) Narayana Rao, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Middle-East Africa (AMEA), Avantor receiving the Bioprocessing Leadership Award

Avantor is honored with five ABEA awards, including three excellence recognitions and two individual accolades:

Overall Downstream Bioprocessing Supplier Award
Best Aseptic Fill-Finish and Packaging Supplier Award for Formulation Development
Best Bioprocessing Supplier Award for Single-use Systems
Bioprocessing Leadership Award presented to Narayana Rao, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Middle-East Africa (AMEA), Avantor
Supply Chain Management Lifetime Achievement Award conferred upon Yee Seng Ng, Vice President, Operations, Asia Middle-East Africa (AMEA), Avantor

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Rao said, “We are honored to receive these awards, which represent our steadfast commitment to providing indispensable support to the biopharma industry across the AMEA region. I am proud of Avantor’s commitment to advancing manufacturing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality while supporting our customers at every stage of their innovation lifecycle, from discovery to commercialization. I also would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Avantor for supporting the growth and development of our team.”

“These awards are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Avantor team,” remarked Christophe Couturier, Executive Vice President of AMEA, Avantor. “At Avantor, we understand the critical importance of resilient and adaptable supply chains to enabling progress across the biopharma sector and we are committed to empowering our customers to optimize their bioprocessing operations.”

As a trusted global partner to the biopharma industry, Avantor supports customers across the AMEA region in navigating operational challenges such as productivity constraints providing unwavering support and driving innovation to accelerate life-changing innovation.

The Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards (ABEA) recognizes exceptional Asian bioprocessing, biologistic, clinical trials and aseptic fill and finish experts, organizations and technologies. It celebrates outstanding achievements and innovations in the bioprocessing industry across the Asia Pacific region. The awards are judged by a panel of industry experts, and winners are selected based on their contributions to the advancement of the bioprocessing industry.

About Avantor®

Avantor®, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading life science tools company and global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technology industries. From discovery to delivery, we work side-by-side with scientists around the world to enable breakthroughs in medicine, healthcare, and technology at scale. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities at more than 300,000 customer locations in 180 countries.

For more information, visit avantorsciences.com, newsroom and find us on LinkedIn, X(Twitter) and Facebook.

Regional Media Contact:
Christina KohDirector, Communications – AMEA
Avantor
M: +65 9720 0169
Christina.Koh@avantorsciences.com