HKTDC MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse set to return on 13 March

MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse will run on 13 March under the theme Envision the Next Level, offering a platform where participants and industry elites can exchange ideas and seize opportunities
The conferences will focus on discussing the hottest global topics such as AI marketing mastery, brand defining and purpose marketing, national trends, K-Pop for marketing, tactics and strategies for the Gen Alpha and silver markets, sustainability, sensory marketing as well as brands storytelling
Speakers includes Zack Kass, AI Futurist and former Head of Go To Market at OpenAI, Jungsuk Jay Lee, Chief Ecosystem Officer of NAVER Z Corp, the metaverse unit of Korean internet giant NAVER, Ibby Abutarboush, former Brand Defining & Purpose Marketing Director of Nike and Brand Marketing Consultant of Arsenal Football Club and Enan Wang, senior marketing executive of Kweichow Moutai

HONG KONG, Feb 29, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will hold the parallel MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse conferences at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 13 March. With some 70 speakers from around the world, including chief marketing officers, retailers, brand representatives, agencies and e-commerce experts, this 2-in-1 event will feature discussions on marketing experiences, success stories, market strategies and trends.

Themed Envision the Next Level, the conferences will focus on topics from AI marketing mastery, brand defining and purpose marketing, national trends, K-Pop for marketing, tactics and strategies for the Gen Alpha and silver markets, sustainability, sensory marketing as well as brand storytelling. Participants can exchange insights with industry elites and seize opportunities.

Futurist shares views on AI development

Artificial intelligence has reshaped the advertising and digital marketing industries, creating a need to fully understand AI in order to formulate more efficient and creative strategies. This year’s conferences will feature heavyweight speakers, including AI Futurist Zack Kass, the former Head of Go To Market at OpenAI. He has been demystifying AI and making it accessible and understandable for everyone, helping leaders from different areas navigate the rapidly evolving environment. Visiting Hong Kong from the US, Kass will share insights on AI trends in marketing in the session Navigating the AI Future in the Global Marketing Arena.

Jungsuk Jay Lee, Chief Ecosystem Officer of NAVER Z Corp, the metaverse unit of Korean internet giant NAVER, will address The Next Frontier of Marketing with K-pop and Cutting-Edge Technologies, exploring the convergence of K-pop and technology in marketing.

Ibby Abutarboush, former Brand Defining & Purpose Marketing Director (EMEA) of Nike, will discuss the process of creating a new brand-defining strategy at Nike. The strategy helped Nike shape and realise its goals, including innovatively collaborating with top athletes and boosting the displaced through sports. He will also share his experience as Brand Marketing Consultant for Arsenal Football Club and Marketing Director for Neymar Júnior and Cristiano Ronaldo, giving valuable insights into how top brands redefine their purpose and drive meaningful rebranding.

Enan Wang, Director of the Digital and Information Management Centre and iMoutai Department, Kweichow Moutai, will discuss the strategy of bringing Baijiu to the younger generation through brand crossover and product innovation. He will also discuss the characteristics, related developments, challenges and opportunities of the youth market in Mainland China.

Tech solutions and digital services provider CURIOSITYCHINA by FARFETCH implement omni-channel marketing. The firm’s Head of Partnerships APAC, John W Danzi, will address Next-Level Luxury Engagement: Harnessing Omni-Channel Strategies to Captivate Affluent Consumers on harnessing the power of multiple channels to create immersive brand experiences and forge deep connections with consumers.

Green marketing has become a hot topic. Giovanni Musillo, Managing Director (Hong Kong and Macao) of OnTheList, will speak on The Conscious Consumer: How Sustainability & the Circular Economy Drive Retail Success, discussing the popular concept of conscious consumption and the powerful synergy between sustainability, marketing and brand reputation.

Creating opportunities for start-ups and a new generation of entrepreneurs is a key area for the HKTDC. This year’s conferences, in line with the concept of youth entrepreneurship and talent development, will feature a Meet the Leaders’ dialogue series, with Tommie Lo, Founder & CEO of Preface, as a speaker. He founded a technology training company, offering personalised programming courses. He will share his views on entrepreneurship and his dynamic career, as well as explore the future application of AI in marketing and advertising. The founder & CEO of The Bees, KK Tsang, and industry young guns will offer tips on joining the advertising industry and starting your own businesses. Director Nick Cheuk, who won the 60th Golden Horse Awards Best New Director prize for the film Time Still Turns the Pages, will share share his journey in pursuing his dreams and his unique insights on creativity and creation.

Other renowned speakers include Dani Mariano, President of Razorfish from the United States, who will join Simon Barnett, Director of Brand Partnerships & Advertising of Moonbug Entertainment, which distributes intellectual property rights for children’s entertainment brands Blippi and Cocomelon, to share insights on the potential and marketing direction for Generation Alpha in Gen Alpha: Everything that Brands Need to Know. Bradley Horowitz, CEO of MALIN+GOETZ, skincare brand from New York, will participate in the Marketing Mastery: Malin+Goetz’s Journey from Boutique Beauty Brand to Global Genderless Beauty Icon, discussing the experience of developing his brand from a boutique skincare store to a globally renowned name. Patrick Garvey, Founding Partner of WE ARE Pi, a renowned advertising agency In the Netherlands, Yoji Minakuchi, Fellow & Chief Design Officer of Suntory Holdings from Japan, Johanna Monange, Founder and CEO of Maison 21G, a perfume brand from France, and Julie Nestor, Executive Vice President, Head of Marketing and Communications of Asia Pacific for Mastercard, will address Next Level Sensory Marketing: Engaging the Senses for Lasting Brand Impressions. Wenzhuo Wu, China Managing Editor of Jing Daily, will reveal the huge marketing opportunities in Mainland China’s silver market.

Workshops and networking for achieving practical outcomes

The conference will also feature some 40 local and Asia Pacific exhibitors such as EternityX, EventX, FirstPage and Omnichat, highlighting the latest digital marketing and e-commerce solutions. A series of digital marketing and e-commerce workshops will offer a chance to acquire practical marketing technology and e-commerce promotion skills. Participants can also join networking events or meet Hong Kong marketing service companies through the one-to-one business matching service to explore collaboration opportunities.

Please find the latest programme and speaker list at https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en. For interviews with speakers, please email katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org and phyllis.km.tsang@hktdc.org and we will be in touch to follow up.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/49iSqIq

Zack Kass, AI Futurist, former Head of Go To Market at OpenAI

Ibby Abutarboush, former Brand Defining & Purpose Marketing Director of Nike

Enan Wang, Director of Digital and Information Management Centre and iMoutai Department, Kweichow Moutai

Jungsuk Jay Lee, Chief Ecosystem Officer of NAVER Z Corp

Tommie Lo, Founder and CEO of Preface

Giovanni Musillo, Managing Director (Hong Kong and Macau) of OnTheList

MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse return on 13 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. MarketingPulse 2023 is depicted in the above image.

Websites:
MarketingPulse
Conference website: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en
Conference programme: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en/programme
Speaker list: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en/speaker

eTailingPulse: https://etailingpulse.hktdc.com/en/
EntertainmentPulse: https://hkfilmart.hktdc.com/conference/hkfilmart/en/about-entertainmentpulse

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: (852) 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Phyllis Tsang, Tel: (852) 2584 4288, Email: phyllis.km.tsang@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

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

DC Healthcare Further Expands into Perai, Pulau Pinang with Two New Outlets, and Introduces DC Body

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 29, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – DC Healthcare Holdings Berhad (“DC Healthcare” or the “Group”), an aesthetic medical services provider specialising in the provision of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, is pleased to announce the opening of two new outlets: Dr Chong Clinic and DC Body, both located in Perai Pulau Pinang (Auto City). These new establishments underscore the Group’s commitment to expanding its reach and enhancing the accessibility of the Group’s top-tier aesthetic and wellness services.

DC Body located in Perai Pulau Pinang (Auto City)

Dr Chong Clinic – Perai Pulau Pinang (Auto City) continues the Group’s offering of premier aesthetic services, building on the reputation of excellence that DC Healthcare has established. Meanwhile, DC Body – Perai Pulau Pinang (Auto City) represents a new frontier for the Group, focusing on beauty, wellness, and weight management. Developed in collaboration with medical professionals from Dr. Chong Clinic and certified nutritionists, DC Body is set to revolutionise the approach to wellness with the Group’s comprehensive, personalised treatment plans and state-of-the-art technology.

Dr. Chong Tze Sheng, Managing Director of DC Healthcare, shared his excitement about the new outlets, stating, “The opening of Dr Chong Clinic and DC Body in Perai, Pulau Pinang is a landmark moment for us, broadening our horizons in the realms of health and beauty. These outlets embody our commitment to delivering a wide spectrum of services that cater to the diverse needs of our clients. With a unique blend of aesthetic expertise and wellness solutions, we’re set to offer Perai transformative experiences rooted in excellence and innovation. This expansion is more than just growth; it’s a testament to our vision of integrating beauty with well-being, ensuring our clients receive the best care possible.”

He added, “I’m immensely proud of our team for making this vision a reality and eagerly anticipate the positive impact we’ll bring to the Perai community.” The introduction of these new outlets comes at a time when the demand for aesthetic and wellness services is experiencing robust growth. With an emphasis on creating a serene and rejuvenating environment.”

DC Body is poised to become a sanctuary for those seeking to embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant self. The center’s focus on weight management nutrition, body contouring and delivered by a team of dedicated specialists in ensuring a holistic approach to wellness.

As DC Healthcare continues to expand the Group’s geographical footprint, the strategic locations of these new outlets in Perai are expected to play a pivotal role in the Group’s growth trajectory. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and quality, DC Healthcare is well-positioned to lead the charge in the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine and wellness, promising a brighter, healthier future for its clients.

Dr Chong Clinic located in Perai Pulau Pinang (Auto City)

Dr. Chong Tze Sheng, Managing Director of DC Healthcare

AsiaMedic achieves record revenue of S$23.5 million for FY2023 amid expansion of its medical imaging and aesthetics businesses

· Significant capacity expansion for the Group’s diagnostic imaging and radiology service following the addition of SIGNA™ Hero 3T MRI scanner
· Maiden contribution post-acquisition of LE Private Clinic contributed to the increase in medical aesthetics services revenue
· The Group continues to explore potential opportunities for further expansion following 3rd consecutive year of revenue growth, backed by resilient balance sheet

Financial Highlights	FY2023	FY2022	Change (%)
(S$’000)
Revenue	23,513	18,882	25
Net Profit[1]	1,921	2,186	(12)
EBITDA[2]	3,356	3,433	(2)

Group	31 Dec 2023	31 Dec 2022
Net Assets	13,257	10,941	21
Net Asset Value per share (cents)	1.15	0.98	20

[1] Net profit attributable to owners of the Company
[2] Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation

SINGAPORE, Feb 28, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – SGX Catalist-listed AsiaMedic Limited (the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) announced its financial results for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 (“FY2023”).

The Group’s FY2023 revenue increased by S$4.6 million or 25% from S$18.9 million for FY2022 to S$23.5 million due to the increase in revenue from the imaging and aesthetic businesses. The Group’s other income also increased by 71% to S$0.7 million due mainly to higher interest income from short- term investments and sub-lease income.

The Group’s EBITDA held steady at S$3.4 million for FY2023.

Mr Arifin Kwek, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaMedic Limited, said, “We are encouraged by the record high revenue achieved for FY2023 following three consecutive years of revenue growth.

The growing referrals from specialist clinics and hospitals reflect the Group’s position as a preferred provider of diagnostic imaging and radiology services. We will continue to invest in the latest technology to enhance the patient experience.”

In September 2023, the Group became the first in Asia Pacific to commence operations of the SIGNA™ Hero 3T MRI scanner which delivers higher image quality with improved efficiency, comfort, and productivity. In February 2024, the Group replaced its CT scanner with a new cutting-edge platform with best-in-class technology.

“Our immediate priorities are to ensure the smooth integration of the Group’s newly acquired medical aesthetics business, strengthening the operations of our primary healthcare services and intensify our collaboration with insurance companies to open new opportunities for the Group’s medical wellness and health screening services,” he added.

FY2023 Income Statement

With the increase in revenue, the Group’s consumables expenses increased by 12% to S$1.7 million, personnel expenses increased by 22% to S$12.2 million, laboratory and consultancy fees increased by 55% to S$3.6 million, and other operating expenses increased by 17% to S$2.8 million.

Depreciation of plant and equipment increased by 232% to S$0.9 million due to equipment purchased in FY2022 and FY2023, as well as depreciation charge with the reversal of impairment for equipment in 2H2022.

Depreciation of right-of-use assets increased due to the depreciation charge with the reversal of impairment of right-of-use assets in 2H2022, and the leasing of new clinic space at Orchard Building.

Finance costs increased by 75% to S$0.4 million due mainly to a higher interest rate applied for the lease modification recognised in 2H2022, the leasing of new clinic space at Orchard Building, and the bank financing obtained for the purchase of the MRI scanner in September 2023.

As a result of the above, the Group registered a net profit of S$1.9 million for FY2023, translating to a net margin of 8.2%.

Financial Position and Cashflow

The Group’s balance sheet remained resilient, with net assets increasing from S$10.9 million as at 31 December 2022 to S$13.3 million as at 31 December 2023.

For FY2023, the Group achieved strong net cash flow from operations of S$3.4 million, more than double compared with S$1.2 million recorded in FY2022 due to the improved performance of the imaging business and a lower working capital requirement in FY2023.

The Group continues to explore potential opportunities for further expansion and long-term growth.

This press release should be read in conjunction with the financial statements announcement for FY2023 uploaded on SGXNet.

For media and analysts’ queries, please contact:
Waterbrooks Consultants
Wayne Koo
T: (65) 9338 8166
E: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg

About AsiaMedic Limited

AsiaMedic Limited together with its subsidiaries (“AsiaMedic” or the “Group”) is a leading healthcare provider in Singapore which provides holistic solutions through integrated application of the latest medical technologies to prevent and detect early illnesses to achieve positive experiences and clinical outcomes for patients.

The Group is committed to helping clients through practical and personalised solutions delivered with the highest professional standards of service and expertise in a timely, safe and consistent manner. Conveniently located at Orchard Road, AsiaMedic is a preferred one-stop centre for:

· Diagnostic imaging and radiology services
· Medical wellness and health screening services
· Primary healthcare services
· Medical aesthetic services and products

For more information, please visit www.asiamedic.com.sg

HKTDC welcomes Hong Kong SAR’s 2024-25 budget

HONG KONG, Feb 28, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) welcomes the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) 2024-25 budget.

The budget introduces a number of measures to boost Hong Kong’s economic growth and promote the continued development of SMEs and start-ups. These measures offer wide-ranging support to help SMEs manage their cash flow and accelerate their transformation, attract high-value added industries, capital and international talent to Hong Kong as well as promote green and digital transformation.

HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said: “At the HKTDC, our mission is to support SMEs and provide them with opportunities to grow and transform. We welcome the HKSAR Government’s initiative to extend the application period and increase the total guarantee commitment for the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, and make continuous enhancements and inject more funds to the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (“BUD Fund”). Aside from these initiatives, the introduction of enhancement measures for profit tax will also assist SMEs to tackle their capital flow challenges and accelerate their transformation.”

The HKTDC will work closely with the HKSAR Government to further promote Hong Kong’s strengths and eight centre advantages, move towards a green and digital future and create opportunities for Hong Kong’s industries to ensure the continued growth of the city’s economy. We will also reinforce Hong Kong’s important role as a two-way business and investment hub.

The budget reiterated Hong Kong’s role as a leading business platform for the Belt and Road Initiative. The HKTDC’s global network of 50 offices covers the Belt and Road’s main markets, from ASEAN to Africa, from Europe to South America. This year, we will set up two additional consultant offices along the Belt and Road to connect Hong Kong businesses with arising opportunities.

Dr Lam added that the next 10 years will be a “golden decade” for the Belt and Road. The HKTDC will continue to be guided by the eight major steps of the Belt and Road Initiative, as announced by President Xi Jinping in 2023, and leverage our global network and major events to help Hong Kong businesses explore the Belt and Road market.

The HKTDC supports SMEs’ development and expansion via a range of support programmes, including the Transformation Sandbox (T-box), GoGBA one-stop platform and Digital Academy.

In the 2024-25 financial year, we will provide support to SMEs according to four main directions:

Assist SMEs to seize opportunities brought about by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan;
Capture arising opportunities in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and other emerging markets, especially ASEAN and the Middle East;
Help SMEs achieve digital and green transformation; and
Enrich international business people’s stay in Hong Kong, enhance digital offerings in HKTDC exhibitions and conferences, and provide a seamless online and offline experience for event participants.

Media enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Agnes Wat	Tel: (852) 2584 4554	Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org
Sam Ho	Tel: (852) 2584 4569	Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

About HKTDC

Global Humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Conduct Mental Health Masterclass in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Feb 28, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Renowned mental wellness expert and global peace ambassador Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will conduct an immersive Mental Health Masterclass to advance strategies and techniques for enhanced mental wellness on 24 March 2024. The event is expected to attract full capacity at The Theatre at Mediacorp.

Gurudev’s commitment to advance mental health is the core of the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF), the non-profit organisation he founded in 1981. The AOLF has taught evidence-based programmes to promote mental wellness for 41 years. Its powerful proprietary Sudarshan Kriya technique, supported by published research has helped millions worldwide.

Gurudev is a keynote speaker at global forums including United Nations, UNESCO and World Economic Forum. At the European Parliament Think Tank conference in June 2023, he emphasised the urgency for governments to address global mental health issues, “Mental health is one of the greatest challenges the world is facing today. Whether it is in developing or developed countries, in war or peace zones, it is an issue that affects the entire world”. Referencing the World Health Organisation’s World Health Report 2022 findings of “one in every three individuals in the world suffering from anxiety and depression”, he highlighted mental health and loneliness as the “silent epidemics”.

Gurudev’s holistic programme, with emphasis on treatment and preventive care aligns with Singapore’s national mental health and well-being strategy. AOLF is pulling out all the stops to ensure the Masterclass offers the solution to maintaining optimum mental well-being for all. Gurudev is conducting the Masterclass as part of his 11 Countries Far East Asia Tour, heralding a reinvigorated mindset towards mental health as a universal human right. This is Gurudev’s first visit to Singapore after 6 years, the 8th stop in the tour.

The Journey Within: Wisdom Series Masterclass
24 March 2024
The Theatre at Mediacorp
One-North Ave, Singapore 138507
1030am – 630pm

About Art of Living Foundation https://www.artofliving.sg

Operating in over 180 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organisation. Founded in 1981 by the renowned humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. AOLF’s programmes are inspired by Gurudev’s philosophy of creating world peace through a stress-free and violence-free society. AOLF has touched over 800 million lives through educational and self-development programmes and tools that foster well-being.

About Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy. He has helped millions find resilience in the face of adversity, and become powerful agents for social change. Standing for the Gandhian principles of non-violence, Gurudev has mediated and progressed negotiations for peace in conflict-stricken areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia. He has received 39 governmental awards, including the highest civilian awards from several nations. Twenty-four universities have awarded him with honorary doctorates for his peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts.

Media Contact:
Pradnyesh
pradnyesh@bloomingdalepr.com
Bloomingdale Public Relations (on behalf of The Art of Living Foundation)

LYC Healthcare Reports Strong Q3 FY2024 Results of RM36.0 Million

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – LYC Healthcare Berhad (“LYC Healthcare” or the “Group”), a leading provider of comprehensive healthcare and specialist in mother and child care services, is pleased to announce the financial results for the third quarter ended 31 December 2023 (“Q3 FY2024”), demonstrating significant revenue growth and an improvement in operational results.

In Q3 FY2024, LYC Healthcare achieved a robust revenue of RM35.9 million, a notable increase from RM23.5 million in the same quarter of the previous year (“Q3 FY2023”). This growth is primarily attributed to the Group’s strategic focus on nutraceutical business and beneficial outcomes from lease modifications. Despite facing industry-wide challenges, LYC Healthcare successfully narrowed Loss Before Tax (“LBT”) to RM1.2 million, down from RM1.8 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, underscoring the effectiveness of the Group’s operational and strategic initiatives.

On a regional basis, Malaysia segment continues to contribute significantly to the Group’s performance, generating RM24.0 million in revenue for the quarter, up from RM13.4 million in the previous year’s quarter. The LBT in this segment decreased to RM2.0 million from RM3.2 million, reflecting improved outcomes from the nutraceutical business.

In Singapore, the healthcare operations continued to excel, generating revenue of RM11.9 million and a profit before tax of RM0.8 million. This performance is an improvement in revenue compared to the previous year, although there was a slight decrease in profit before tax from RM1.5 million, attributed to strategic investments in the region’s healthcare sector for future growth plans.

Cumulatively, for the nine months ended 31 December 2023 (“9M FY2024”), LYC Healthcare posted a revenue of RM95.0 million, up from RM66.6 million in the same period last year. The Group’s LBT improved significantly to RM2.9 million from RM6.4 million, driven by contributions from profit guarantee contributions, gains on lease modifications, and robust performance in both the Singapore healthcare businesses and the nutraceutical sector.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, LYC Healthcare’s revenue increased from RM32.4 million in the preceding quarter to RM35.9 million, with LBT narrowing to RM1.2 million from RM2.0 million, further evidencing the Group’s strong performance momentum.

Mr. Sui Dong Hoe, Managing Director cum Group Chief Executive Officer of LYC Healthcare expressed optimism about the Group’s direction, stating, “The positive trends we are observing in Q3 FY2024 are a clear indication that LYC Healthcare is on the right trajectory towards profitability and sustained growth. Our strategic investments, particularly in T&T Medical Group Pte Ltd (“T&T”) and HC Orthopedic Surgery Pte Ltd (“HCOS”), and operational enhancements are beginning to bear fruit. The full acquisition of T&T and HCOS, coupled with our plans to list these entities under LYC Medicare (Singapore) Pte Ltd on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange (“SGX”), showcases our commitment to capitalizing on these opportunities. These steps are pivotal in further strengthening our market position and delivering value to our stakeholders.”

TechInvention Lifecare announces the ground breaking of its state-of-the-art Global Collaborative Centre for Medical Countermeasures

MUMBAI, INDIA, Feb 28, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – In a significant stride towards enhancing global health security and pandemic preparedness, TechInvention Lifecare Pvt. Ltd. is proud to announce the ground breaking of its Global Collaborative Centre for Medical Countermeasures (GCMC) with an investment of approx. USD 15 million. The centre is strategically located close to the upcoming international airport in Navi Mumbai, India.

Prototype - Global Collaborative Centre for Medical Countermeasures (GCMC) — Prototype – Global Collaborative Centre for Medical Countermeasures (GCMC)

GCMC has been acknowledged for its global significance at the 2nd World Local Production Forum in The Hague on 6-8 November 2023, organized by the WHO. The objective of GCMC is well aligned to WHO’s call to action, CEPI’s 100 days mission, India’s National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2020-2025), and other global key initiatives.

This facility will serve the needs of both public and private organizations, such as academic institutes, start-ups, MSMEs, and R&D organizations, to provide a comprehensive ecosystem, facilitating the transition from R&D to GMP-scale production for pre-clinical/clinical batches with required regulatory approvals.

GCMC is a unique eco-friendly centre to cater to crucial medical countermeasures—the entire cycle of vaccine development, from strain to supply, biotherapeutics and diagnostics for both human and veterinary segments, while ensuring sustainable manufacturing. This initiative aligns with the One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.

Mr. Syed S. Ahmed, Director and CEO of TechInvention, expressed, “The current challenges posed in biologics equity arise from the disparity in translational research dissemination from the centres of excellence to the regional manufacturing ‘hub and spoke’ model setups. We believe that GCMC would be the needed intervention, strengthening the hubs by providing ‘scaled-up’, regulatory-approved, cost-effective, and free of IP infringement biosolutions sourced from both indigenous research and centres of excellence worldwide”.

About TechInvention Lifecare Pvt. Ltd.: https://techinvention.biz/

TechInvention Lifecare Pvt. Ltd. distinguishes itself as a unique Indian biotech company, supporting the ‘One Health’ concept by integrating three pivotal interventions: diagnostics, vaccines, and biotherapeutics, catering to both human and veterinary sectors. Its innovation is dedicated to advancing global health through novel solutions. With a focus on research and development, the company is committed to addressing the health challenges that may emerge in the future.

For further details, please contact:
Mr Sarang Pathak
+91 99606 16481
sarang@techinvention.biz

Avance Clinical CEO Talks with SCRIP about US Biotech Sector “Green Shoots” and a New CRO Report

Adelaide, AU & North Carolina, USA, Feb 28, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Avance Clinical, the award-winning Australian and North American market-leading CRO for biotechs, has today spoken with SCRIP about their positive outlook for the US biotech sector following the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference and Biotech Showcase meetings. (read the full article here)

Avance Clinical CEO, Yvonne Lungershausen was interviewed by SCRIP Intelligence about the current biotech financial and drug development climate in the US and signs of growth.

Lungershausen noted there was a positive shift in sentiment compared to the previous year, with some companies even announcing their Series A funding during the conference. However, she emphasized that investors remained cautious, demonstrating a low-risk appetite in their investment decisions.

“We’re seeing green shoots in terms of funding coming through now in the US, but I think it’s still a bit of a tough road ahead. Investors are really being super cautious about where they’re investing and relatively, there’s not a high-risk appetite,” Lungershausen said to SCRIP in the interview.

The Avance Clinical team engaged with industry leaders at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference and Biotech Showcase, sharing insights into the evolving landscape of biotech funding, their strategic partnerships in the AI sector, and ground-breaking developments in oncology study design.

The interview also covered AI saying “Lungershausen indicated that Avance had taken the position of having an innovation and technology group specifically to look at how the CRO can best support clients to get the data that they need for their trials as quickly as possible.

Avance Clinical, she said, is looking at partnerships with companies developing AI and making the assessment of “whether or not that’s something that we should bring in-house and offer to our clients”. It is also keen to work with some of those companies in terms of helping them “understand what the landscape requires”.

According to the interview “Avance’s CEO maintained that Australia also featured “high on the agenda” for a lot of the biopharma companies at JPM “because time is money”.

“That came through over and over again and the ability to start fast with high-quality data that is readily accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies was very important,” she explained.

While a 43.5% rebate on clinical trial costs in Australia provides biopharma clients “a longer runway with their money”, there’s also the exchange rate advantage that typically comes into play.

Importantly, sponsors also don’t require to have an active own-country IND to initiate trials in the island continent. That, Lungershausen stated, is the “biggest advantage” and is possible because Australia has a streamlined and efficient regulatory process.”

According to the interview she said “that amid the generally tight funding environment what also came through strongly…was the need for biotechs to find the right partner”.

SCRIP Intelligence noted that Avance Clinical presented at JPM and Biotech Showcase a new analysis by market research leader, Frost & Sullivan on the biotech sector and the challenges they have finding the right fit or size CRO (See report here).

The analysis has shed light on critical hurdles faced by more than 60% of US biotechs seeking the right CRO partner to propel their drug development programs forward.

SCRIP Intelligence said Lungershausen believes that Avance Clinical “is ideally positioned being able to support biopharma with the advantages of Australia for early phase trials and “start fast but then pivot back to the US very quickly”.

“They’re looking for a partner that can seamlessly help transition them and there’s a lot of excitement about that,” she said.

The comprehensive report underscores the increasing preference of biotechs to collaborate with mid-sized, agile, and responsive CROs with a proven track record of swiftly advancing high-quality clinical programs. The findings suggest that large multinational CROs may be perceived as less responsive and less adept at adapting to the fast-paced nature of biotech demands.

Key insights from the analysis:

1. Challenges in Partner Selection: The analysis reveals that 60 to 65% of US biotechs encounter challenges in identifying the right-sized CRO partner capable of delivering at every phase of their drug development program.

2. Perception of Large Multinational CROs: There is a notable perception among biotechs that large multinational CROs may be less responsive and adaptable to the dynamic requirements of the biotech industry.

3. Biotech Funding Decline: The report highlights challenges faced by biotechs, including a decline in biotech funding, increased drug development complexity, evolving FDA regulatory review processes, and costly delays due to slow patient recruitment.

4. Engagement with Multiple CROs: More than 50% of biotechs engage with more than one CRO during their clinical program, leading to increased costs, delays, and challenges in knowledge and data transfer.

Find out more:

Learn about the GlobalReady model here https://www.avancecro.com/avance-clinical-north-america-operations/

For more information about the benefits of running your next study with Avance Clinical contact us: enquiries@avancecro.com

Media Contact:
Avance Clinical
Kate Thompson
media@avancecro.com

About Avance Clinical

Avance Clinical is the largest premium full-service Australian and North American CRO delivering quality clinical trials, with globally accepted data, in Australia, New Zealand and the US for international biotechs. The company’s clients are biotechs completing Phase I to Phase III of their drug development program that requires fast, agile, and adaptive solution-oriented clinical research services.

Frost & Sullivan Awards
Avance Clinical, a Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific CRO Market Leadership Award recipient for the past four years, has been providing CRO services in the region for more than 26 years.

Pre-clinical through to mid to late phase
Avance Clinical offers pre-clinical services with their experienced ClinicReady team right from pre-clinical through to Phase III clinical services leveraging significant Australian Government incentive rebates of up to 43.5% and rapid start-up regulatory processes.

With experience across more than 120 indications, the CRO can deliver world-class results and high-quality internationally accepted data for FDA and EMA review.

Technology
Avance Clinical uses state-of-the-art technology and gold standard systems across all functional areas to provide clients with the most effective processes. Medidata, Oracle, TrialHub, Certinia, Salesforce, Zelta and Medrio are just some of the technology partners.

www.avancecro.com

Q2 Metals Concludes Its 2024 Winter Drill Program at the Mia Lithium Property, James Bay Territory, Quebec, Canada

Highlights:

A total of 20 holes, for approximately 3,085 metres was completed during the Winter Drill Program.
Drill holes MIA24-033 and 036, located in the centre of the mineralized zone, highlight the potential with aggregate lengths of spodumene-mineralized core intervals of 19.0 and 23.7 metres, respectively.
Core assay results remain to be reported for 31 drill holes from the Company’s inaugural drill program in the fall of 2023.

Vancouver, British Columbia–(ACN Newswire – February 27, 2024) – Q2 Metals Corp. (TSXV: QTWO) (OTCQB: QUEXF) (FSE: 458) (“Q2” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce it has concluded its winter 2024 drill program (“Winter Drill Program“) at its wholly owned, 8,668-ha Mia Lithium Property (the “Property“) located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory of Quebec.

“The winter drill program at the Mia Property has confirmed the spodumene mineralized pegmatite at the western end of the Mia Trend,” commented Q2 Metals VP Exploration, Neil McCallum. “The drilling has successfully evaluated a large portion of the Mia Trend that had been explored at the surface. I look forward to having our team conduct additional property-wide mapping and sampling this summer to get a greater understanding of the remainder of the Mia Property as a large portion of it has not yet seen any exploration.”

The Winter Drill Program commenced on January 18^th at the west end of the more than 10-kilometre-long Mia Lithium Exploration Trend (the “Mia Trend“) which is located 22 km from the Billy Diamond Highway, proximal to major hydro-powerline and all-season road infrastructure. A total of 20 drill holes were completed on the Mia Trend for approximately 3,085 Metres (Figure 1).

The work completed at the Mia Zones 1-3 at the western end of more than 10-kilometre-long Mia Trend consisted of 11 drill holes (Tables 1 and 2, Figures 1-4). Several drill holes intersected visual spodumene-bearing pegmatite intervals. Drill holes MIA24-033 and 036, located in the centre of the mineralized zone, highlight the potential with aggregate lengths of spodumene-mineralized core intervals of 19.0 and 23.7 metres, respectively.

A total of 9 additional drill holes were completed along the remainder of the more than 10-kilometre-long Mia Trend.

The geological team has completed the processing of all 2024 drill holes, and the samples have been dispatched to the lab for analysis. The preliminary pegmatite intervals of each drill hole are reported in Table 1 and the basic location and dip/azimuth details are also included below in Table 2.

The presence of spodumene in drill core is based primarily on visual identification, and a portable LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) analyzer was used to confirm the presence of lithium, which strongly suggests the presence of spodumene. There are drill holes that have intersected pegmatite without visual identification of spodumene however, analytical results will ultimately confirm the presence of lithium mineralization.

Figure 1. Property-Scale Summary Map

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1454/199439_36ef1f3564bec8d0_004full.jpg

Figure 2. Summary Map of Drilling at the MIA 1,2 &3 zones

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Figure 3. Summary Map of Drilling Along the Mia Trend (MIA 5-7)

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Figure 4. Summary Map of Drilling Along the Mia Trend (MIA 8,9, CARTE)

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1454/199439_36ef1f3564bec8d0_007full.jpg

Table 1. 2024 Pegmatite Interval Summary

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Table 2. Summary of 2024 Winter Drill Holes

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Fall 2023 Drill Program – Assay Update

A Quality Assurance / Quality Control (“QA/QC”) protocol that follows industry best practices was incorporated into each of the fall and winter drill programs. Due to QA/QC concerns with the analytical laboratory, the Company is awaiting receipt of assay results for the 31 drill holes completed during the fall 2023 drill program. Results will be reported as soon as they are available.

Future Field Work at Mia Lithium Property

The Company is planning to conduct a property-wide mapping and sampling program to expand upon the shortened 2-week ground mapping field program that was conducted in 2023. A particular focus will be to understand the mineralization potential along the Bruce and Lady trends and the possibility of extending the Mia Trend.

Q2 Metals to Attend 2024 PDAC Convention

Q2 Metals is pleased to announce its participation in the 2024 PDAC Convention in Toronto, Canada. PDAC event and booth details:

Event: PDAC 2024
Date: March 3 – 6, 2024
Location: Investors Exchange, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada
Booth Number: 3148

Qualified Person

Neil McCallum, B.Sc., P.Geol, is a registered permit holder with the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed the technical information in this news release. Mr. McCallum is a director and VP Exploration of Q2.

About Q2 Metals Corp

Q2 Metals Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company currently advancing exploration at the more than 10-kilometre-long Mia Trend on its 8,668-ha flagship Mia Lithium Property in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory of Quebec, Canada which is host to both the MIA 1 and MIA 2 lithium occurrences as well as 11 confirmed mineralized zones. The Company also owns the Stellar Lithium Property with 77 claims totaling 3,972-ha, located approximately six kilometres north of its Mia Lithium Property.

Q2 also holds the highly prospective Big Hill and Titan gold projects covering approximately 110 km² in the Talgai Goldfields of the broader Warwick-Texas District of Queensland, Australia. The Big Hill Gold Project is host to 54 high-grade historical gold mines.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Alicia Milne
President & CEO
Alicia@Q2metals.com

Jason McBride
Corporate Communications
Jason@Q2m etals.com

Telephone: 1 (800) 482-7560
E-mail: info@Q2metals.com
Website: www.Q2Metals.com
Follow the Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. Forward-Looking statements are typically identified by words such as: “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “may”, “should”, “would”, “will”, “potential”, “scheduled” or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Accordingly, all statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future including, without limitation, any statements or plans regard the geological prospects of the Company’s properties and the future exploration endeavors of the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions.

Forward-Looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date specified in such statement. Forward-Looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the focus of the Company’s current and future exploration and drill programs, the scale, scope and location of future exploration and drilling activities, the Company’s expectations in connection with the projects and exploration programs being met, , the Company’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same. Readers are cautioned that mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business and accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors are discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis for its recently completed fiscal period, which is available under Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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U.S. Polo Assn. Supports 2024 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship(R) Airing on ESPN

West Palm Beach, FL, Feb 27, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), was proud to again support the 2024 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship®. The most prestigious cup in women’s polo in the United States ran from Feb. 3-23, 2024, with qualifying games played at Port Mayaca Polo Club, and the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Final played once again on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field One at the world-renowned USPA National Polo Center (NPC) – Wellington on Feb. 23.

ESPN is broadcasting the Women’s Championship Final for sports fans around the world on ESPN News Thursday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m. EST; check your local listings.

Beginning with eight teams, the most teams in years, the qualifiers brought that number down to two incredible women’s teams playing for the trophy – Buena Vibra and 90210. Ultimately, the championship trophy went to first-time U.S. Open winner Buena Vibra with a score of 13-11. It was a hard-fought game with a tie score down to the final chukker. Buena Vibra Team Captain Milly Hine, with an impressive eight-goal ranking, won the Game MVP, scoring 10 of the team’s 13 goals. In addition to Hine, the team consisted of Clara Cassino (8), Cory Williams (4) and Valentina Tarazona (1), Tarazona being the youngest player on a winning team at age 13. This was the first time for all players on Team Buena Vibra to win the Women’s U.S. Open.

“It’s an absolute dream. My team is incredible; we can’t believe it. None of us have played the finals, none of us have the experience of what it’s like to play on this field or against such a tough opposition,” said Buena Vibra Team Captain and Game MVP Milly Hine (8). “We just decided let’s enjoy it, let’s just hope our horses are as well prepared as possible, and we did everything in our power to perform on this day.”

U.S. Polo Assn.’s support of the most celebrated cup for women’s polo in the United States included donations of uniforms to participating teams with the iconic U.S. Polo Assn. double horsemen logo, as well as donations made to polo and equestrian charities selected by the finalists in the 2024 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. These included Replay Polo, selected by Buena Vibra, and Work to Ride, selected by 90210.

Unlike other team sports, women and men play polo together as equals, and approximately 40% of USPA club members are female. Women are, in fact, the fastest-growing segment in the sport of polo at the club and collegiate levels at more than 40% and 60%, respectively.

“The 2024 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship is a showcase of women’s polo achievements,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and markets the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to support these outstanding female athletes in one of the high goal season’s most prestigious tournaments, highlighting some of the very best players in the sport.”

“Adding the charitable component to this important polo tournament emphasizes our support of not only the women but the many polo and equestrian charities in need within our polo community,” added Prince.

Ten-goal players in this year’s high-goal tournament were Hope Arellano, Nina Clarkin and Hazel Jackson. At an eight-goal rating, Mia Cambiaso played as well. Newcomer to the Women’s Open, Shariah Harris, a Cornell graduate and former Work to Ride program participant, was an exciting addition to the competition in 2024.

“It was an amazing opportunity playing in the Women’s Open. This time last year during the finals I just told myself that I’m going to play in this next year and someway, somehow, it all worked out and here I am,” said Harris. “It was definitely a personal accomplishment and an honor to play with women of this caliber.”

“I am always honored to compete against other amazing women polo players in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship,” added Arellano, professional polo player and U.S. Polo Assn. Brand Ambassador. “And I love being surrounded by those in the South Florida polo community who support women’s professional polo.”

About the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship

The U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® has a profound history dating back to the 1930s in California. The first women’s U.S. Open tournament was presented by the United States Women’s Polo Association (USWPA) in 1937 at the Golden Gate Field in San Francisco, California, in 1937. Women were officially welcomed into the United States Polo Association in 1972 with Sue Sally Hale becoming the first woman member. On the centennial anniversary of the USPA in 1990, a U.S. Women’s Open was officially sanctioned and held at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. It was officially recognized as a national tournament in 2011 and has been hosted at the Houston Polo Club for the past seven years, becoming the largest annual women’s polo event in the United States.

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the country’s oldest sports governing bodies, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. A recent, multi-year deal with ESPN to broadcast the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., has made the thrilling sport accessible to millions of households globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized around the world with awards for global growth, expansion, licensing, and digital presence. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, particularly in the last five years, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

USPA Global is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sport and lifestyle content. A historic, multi-year, global arrangement between USPA Global and ESPN, now showcases many of the top championship polo games in the U.S., enabling millions of sports fans and consumers to enjoy the sport across ESPN’s broadcast and streaming platforms. For more sport content, visit globalpolo.com.

Contact Information
Stacey Kovalsky
VP Global PR and Communications
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+001.561.790.8036

Shannon Stilson
VP, Sports Marketing & Media
sstilson@uspagl.com
+001.561.227.6994

SOURCE: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

View the original press release on newswire.com.