Global leaders and Nobel laureate attend AFF 2024

HONG KONG, Dec 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Asian Financial Forum 2024 (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will shed light on the importance of fostering sustainable multilateral cooperation while capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial centre under the current global economic landscape.

Themed Multilateral Cooperation for a Shared Tomorrow, the 17th AFF is scheduled to take place on 24 and 25 January 2024 (Wednesday and Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The first large-scale international financial and business event of 2024 in the region, the forum brings together over a hundred financial heavyweights, global policymakers and business leaders to discuss such topics as the global economic outlook, opportunities in Mainland China, investment prospects, green finance, financial technology and multilateral cooperation opportunities.

Luanne Lim, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Chief Executive, Hong Kong, of HSBC, said: “The theme of the upcoming AFF is Multilateral Cooperation for a Shared Tomorrow. The importance of fostering multilateral cooperation cannot be overstated, as it paves the way for sustainable and inclusive growth in our interconnected world. AFF aims to bring together influential speakers and thought leaders from across the globe to facilitate exchanges between nations and regions. Together, we will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by the financial industry in supporting economic development.”

Economist analyses global cooperation and sustainable economic development

AFF’s keynote luncheons have always been a highlight and this year Prof Jeffrey D Sachs, President of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network, will share his insights. A polymath who focuses on sustainable development, Prof Sachs is a reservoir of knowledge on international debt and financial crises, national economic reforms, extreme poverty, global climate change, pandemic prevention and control and many other socioeconomic matters.

From 2001 to 2018, he served as a special adviser to three UN secretaries-general. Prof Sachs was awarded the 2022 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development and the 2015 Blue Planet Prize. During the first keynote luncheon on 24 January, he will explore the post-pandemic global economic environment, analyse the latest recovery trends and emphasise the crucial role of global cooperation in sustainable development.

Nobel laureate addresses recession risks

The second keynote luncheon on 25 January will hear from Prof Douglas W Diamond, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences in 2022 and Merton H Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. Recipient of the Onassis Prize in Finance in 2018, Prof Diamond is a leading authority on bank runs and liquidity crises, earning him the title “father of modern banking theory”. He also served as the president of the American Finance Association and has taught as a visiting professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Given the uncertain economic outlook and increasing geopolitical risks in several regions, Prof Diamond will discuss likely interest rate moves by the United States Federal Reserve as well as risks of future economic recessions and measures to address structural financial crises.

Introducing Stewarding China’s New Chapter and CIO Insights

In response to ever-changing dynamics in the global economy and investment appetite, this year’s AFF will introduce discussion sessions in accordance with market opportunities and industry trends. These sessions aimed at analysing the business opportunities presented to enterprises in emerging markets such as ASEAN and the Middle East. Stewarding China’s New Chapter and CIO Insights will be newly introduced in this year’s AFF. As China is one of the largest engines of global growth, the newly introduced session, Stewarding China’s New Chapter will analyse links with other regions and discuss the role and advantages of Hong Kong. Another new addition is CIO Insights, which will bring together renowned international institutions’ investment leaders to share unique perspectives in the investment field. The sessions will also discuss asset allocation when the investment outlook is uncertain and examine current investment trends in the macroeconomic landscape. The popular Global Economic Outlook, Dialogues for Tomorrow and Fireside Chat, will also be back, covering topics including asset and wealth management, insurance and risk management, RMB Internationalisation, multilateral capital market cooperation, food technology and supply chain security, financial technology, influential investment and financial cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and various financial, economic, social trends, and global issues.

AFF Deal-making connects funds and investment projects

Over the years, the AFF Deal-Flow co-organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association has arranged more than 9,000 meetings for over 6,300 enterprises, including project owners and investors. The highly successful event has allowed participants to connect with funds and investment projects from around the world in such key industries as fintech, environment, energy and environmental technology, medical technology, deep technology and consumer goods. The coming AFF Deal-making will be held in physical form during the Forum, then online until 30 January (Tuesday), providing investors and project owners with more time to connect and explore collaboration opportunities.

The featured exhibition zones – Fintech Showcase, Fintech HK Startup Salon, the InnoVenture Salon and Global Investment Zone – will display next-generation financial concepts, start-up development and global investment opportunities, respectively. The exhibition segment is expected to bring together over a hundred local and global exhibitors, international financial institutions, technology companies, start-ups, investment promotion agencies and sponsors, including Knowledge Partner PwC, HSBC, Bank of China, Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, China International Capital Corporation (CICC), Huatai International, Cyberport and more.

Stellar lineup of themed discussions focus on Middle East and ASEAN

At AFF, engaging discussion sessions and workshops over the two days will include plenary sessions, policy dialogues, keynote luncheon and breakfast panels and thematic workshops. Esteemed financial officials, international financial and multilateral organisations, financial institutions and corporate decision-makers from a diverse range of countries will grace the Forum to identify valuable opportunities while addressing pressing global issues. The forum will feature a stellar lineup of themed discussions and policy dialogues, attracting finance ministers from the Middle East, ASEAN and around the world as well as senior executives from multilateral organisations and international financial institutions.

Launch 2024 with AFF

As the premier financial and business event in the region in 2024, AFF aims to help industry professionals seize opportunities and create more room for cooperation while promoting Hong Kong.

Early bird registration is now open for participants.

AFF has also collaborated with a number of organisations to provide special travel, dining and shopping discounts and privileges for overseas participants, encouraging them to make the most of their stay and experience the vitality of Hong Kong. Further details on event content, complete speaker lineup and media registration arrangements will be announced at a press conference in mid-January.

Websites
Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/aff/
Programme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/programme
Speaker List: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakers

Members of the media interested in interviewing speakers at the Asian Financial Forum can email awong@yuantung.com.hk or tleung@yuantung.com.hk by 16 January 2023.

Photos Download: https://bit.ly/3GN43dR

Asian Financial Forum 2024, organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, will be held on 24 and 25 January 2024 (Wednesday and Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the theme Multilateral Cooperation for a Shared Tomorrow. The picture shows scenes from the Forum in 2023.

During the keynote luncheon on the first day of the Forum (24 January), Prof Jeffrey D Sachs, President of United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, will explore the post-pandemic global economic environment, analyse the latest recovery trends, and emphasise the crucial role of global cooperation in sustainable development.

The keynote luncheon on the second day of the Forum (25 January) will feature a keynote speech by Prof Douglas W Diamond, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences in 2022 and Merton H Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, discussing prospects for interest-rate moves by the United States Federal Reserve and economic recession risks, and delve into measures to address structural financial crises.

After the forum, AFF Deal-making participants can continue with online matchmaking and meetings that will last three days until 30 January (Tuesday). This will allow investors and project owners more time to connect and negotiate investment deals and collaborations. The picture shows scenes from the Forum in 2023.

Luanne Lim (left), Chairwoman of the AFF Steering Committee and Chief Executive, Hong Kong, of HSBC and Patrick Lau (right), Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC

Media enquires
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: (852) 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Snowy Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong, Tel: (852) 3428 3413, Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung, Tel: (852) 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
Hing-fung Wong, Tel: (852) 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

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

Top 5 Considerations When Choosing a Credit Card in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Dec 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Selecting a suitable credit card from the hordes of offers we receive daily can be overwhelming. However, this can be overcome by knowing the factors to consider while choosing a credit card. With the right credit card, you can save on interest and annual fees and enjoy attractive perks like reward points, cash back, and flyer miles.

In this article, we will discuss the factors you should consider when choosing a credit card .

Factors to look out for while choosing a credit card

There are several other factors that you must consider before selecting a credit card. They are as follows:

1. Rewards and Incentives : Credit cards often incentivise customers with perks like reward points, cash back and flyer miles. For example, some cards are co-branded and offer more rewards for specific merchants, while others offer a higher cash back rate for spending in a particular category. Credit card companies also frequently release promotional offers for their customers. Understanding the reward and loyalty programs offered by your shortlisted cards can help you select a suitable credit card for your needs.

2. Interest rates : It denotes the interest charged on the unpaid balance of your credit card. It is noteworthy here that you must pay your credit card outstanding balances by the due date; otherwise, you might accumulate significant debt. In Singapore, interest rates may vary for different credit cards, with some going as high as 26.9% per annum. Hence, it is best to get a credit card only if you are confident of paying your dues in full each month.

3. Annual Fees : Most credit cards charge annual fees, while some may offer promotional waivers for the first year. It is essential to carefully weigh the annual fees against the benefits offered by the credit card; if the benefits are not aligned with your financial and lifestyle preferences, it may not be worth paying the annual fee. Select credit cards, such as the Citi Cash B ack Card , offer a first-year annual fee waiver. Alternatively, there are instances when paying the annual fee instead of waiving it might reward you. For example, by paying the annual fee for the Citi Prestige Card , cardmembers get a welcome gift of 62,500 Citi ThankYou SM Points. With these Points , you can choose to redeem, shop, or even pay with Points on your favourite transactions.

4. Lifestyle and Spending Habits : Every credit card has its benefits and offers that cater to the needs of specific categories of customers. For example, if you are a globetrotter, travel credit cards offering air miles and travel perks will be more beneficial to you. If you spend mainly on groceries and shopping, you may benefit more from credit cards that offer rewards or cash back on such purchase categories. Hence, you must understand your lifestyle needs and financial requirements before you apply for a credit card.

5. Terms and Conditions : You should read the fine print and understand the exclusions and conditions to maximise the benefits offered by your credit card. Other factors like credit limits, annual fees, and late fees should also be taken into consideration. Paying attention to these details will aid you in choosing the right credit card that aligns with your needs.

Conclusion

Credit cards can be beneficial in increasing purchasing power, but it is essential to use them responsibly and pay off your outstanding balances on time. With so many options out there, it is crucial to compare your credit card offers by considering the abovementioned factors. By doing so, you can enjoy lifestyle privileges, cash back, and rewards tailored to your needs and unlock exciting benefits.

Disclaimer

The content reflects the view of the article’s author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or its employees. Please read the products and offers on the Citi Singapore website for accuracy or completeness of the information presented in the article.

Contact Information
Sonakshi Murze
Manager
sonakshi.murze@iquanti.com

Legend Capital Portfolio Company ZKH Lists on the New York Stock Exchange Successfully

HONG KONG, Dec 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – On the evening of December 15th, Beijing time, Legend Capital’s portfolio company, ZKH Group Limited (“ZKH”) (NYSE: ZKH), was officially listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

ZKH is a leading maintenance, repair and operations (“MRO”) procurement service platform in China. The company provides one-stop MRO procurement and management services for its customers and offers digital and fulfilment solutions for participants along the industry value chain.

ZKH offers a broad range of MRO products covering all major MRO product lines and over 17 million SKUs. The company’s product lines can be broadly divided into five categories: spare parts, chemicals, manufacturing parts, general consumables, and office supplies, which consist of 32 product lines available on its platform. It has established long-term cooperation with more than 60,000 advanced manufacturing customers. At present, ZKH has 30 distribution centers and 96 transit warehouses, continuing the dedication to building a nationwide fulfilment network to deliver last-mile delivery services for customers.

Legend Capital co-led ZKH’s Series C financing in 2018 and made additional investments in the company’s subsequent financing rounds in 2019 and 2020. After the investment, Legend Capital has kept giving support and assistance to the company in multiple aspects, including business resource introduction, corporate strategy, follow-up financing and listing-related work.

Legend Capital stated: “After years of development, ZKH has demonstrated competitive strengths in the industry based on its differentiated capabilities, including one-stop supply chain capabilities covering all major product categories and procurement channels, delivery capabilities characterized by distributed warehousing and instant delivery, and service capabilities featuring online/offline products and advantageous product lines. At the same time, the company has an efficient and highly capable team consisting of outstanding talents in multiple fields, including industrial products, e-commerce, and logistics, and the management team, led by the founder of the company, Mr. CHEN Long, has also demonstrated strong resource integration capabilities. The approval for listing has reflected the resilience of ZKH’s business development. Congratulations!”

About Legend Capital

Founded in 2001, Legend Capital is a leading VC&PE investor focusing on the early-stage and growth-stage opportunities in China, with offices across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Seoul, Korea.

It currently manages USD and RMB funds of over US$10 billion in commitments, and has invested in around 600 companies, covering technology, healthcare, consumer, enterprise service and intelligent manufacturing sectors. Rooted in China, Legend Capital participated in the rise of many world-leading companies by solid investment coverage and systematic post-investment value-add. Over the years, Legend Capital has also become a widely recognized name in bridging key resources in China and overseas through cross-border activities, and a valuable partner to Chinese and overseas investors.

Legend Capital values long-term sustainable investment and incorporates ESG into its long-term development strategy. As a UNPRI signatory since November 2019, Legend Capital is among the first group of top VC/PE firms in China to join the initiative.

For more information, please visit www.legendcapital.com.cn/index_en.aspx and follow us on LinkedIn @Legend Capital.

The article is distributed by Ever Bloom (HK) Communications Consultants Group Limited on behalf of Legend Capital.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Orianna Ou / Ms. Arina He

Tel: +852 3468 8171

Email: legendcapital.list@everbloom.com.cn

CITIC Telecom CPC Leverages AI to Push Innovation Boundaries, Garners 3 Industry Awards in Recognition of Intelligent Innovation and Professional Team’s Devotion to Technical Excellence

HONG KONG, Dec 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (“CITIC Telecom CPC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883) is pleased to announce the winning of 3 distinguished awards in recent months. These awards affirm CITIC Telecom CPC’s determination and contribution to foster the development of AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology and intelligent innovation, push the boundaries of innovation and redefine the industry’s quality standards, as well as recognize the extraordinary achievements of the professional team for many years of dedication to transformative technology excellence.

With the motto “Innovation Never Stops”, CITIC Telecom CPC strives to use innovative technologies, including AI, big data and cutting-edge analytical technologies, to develop disruptive solutions that effectively support the operations and business decisions of enterprise customers. CITIC Telecom CPC is dedicated to fostering an innovation-driven culture and actively invests extensive resources in nurturing talent development and building a high-performance professional team. These awards are a testament to the expertise, pursuit of excellence, and continuous efforts of the CITIC Telecom CPC team in developing innovative solutions and services.

Mr. Brook Wong, Chief Executive Officer of CITIC Telecom CPC, said, “We are honored to receive these three industry awards, which serve as a motivation for us to continue to push innovation boundaries and explore new possibilities. The innovation and advancements in AI technology will further push forward its development towards commercialization and strengthen its in-depth integration of the real economy. Looking forward, CITIC Telecom CPC will continue to integrate innovative technologies such as AI big data models, intelligent voice, computer vision and natural language processing (NLP) under the robust backbone of the “Cloud, Network, Intelligence, Security” integrated platform. We will keep on developing advanced technologies through best practices and multiple scenarios to drive high-quality development of the digital economy and empower enterprises in upgrading, transforming and accelerating their international operations.”

The 3 awards are:

— “Best AI Application – Silver Award” in CAHK STAR Awards 2023 organized by The Communications Association of Hong Kong;

— AI-SDWAN is awarded Runner Up in “Infrastructure-as-a-Service Innovation of the Year” category of SDC Awards(1) 2023;

— Championship in the “Academic Document Chapter-based Structure Restoration Challenge – Final” in 2023 iFLYTEK AI Developer Competition

(1) SDC (Storage, Digitalization and Cloud) Awards – https://sdcawards.com/winners/2023

Intelligent Data Analysis Technology Leads to Repeated Winning in CAHK STAR Awards

CAHK STAR Awards bestow industry recognition on companies that have shown their excellence and innovation throughout the year in different streams. CITIC Telecom CPC has won again in “Best AI Application” category this year with the winning entry AI-Analytics intelligent data analysis solution. As a winner of this premier industry award for eight years in a row, CITIC Telecom CPC’s professional team has demonstrated the pursuit of excellence and commitment to continuous innovation.

The award-winning small model data analysis solution, AI-Analytics, realizes the “Big data, Small model, Multiple scenarios, Intelligent application” Model as a Service (MaaS) system. The solution integrates large dataset models and multi-patented self-developed intelligent algorithms through deep learning to build a full model of knowledge base for business applications. With the deployment of computing resources and cross-dimensional training cycles, large AI models can be turned into services, enabling enterprises to use an algorithm development platform right away without the need to spend resources and time training on their own model. The solution quickly provides enterprises with intelligent and visual key data analysis, empowering enterprises to monitor network architecture, operating status, and structure of business, and receive intelligent alerts and dynamic prediction of future business changes. As a result, business performance and accuracy are enhanced while reducing costs.

*Winning of “Best AI Application” in CAHK STAR Awards 2023*

AI-driven SD-WAN Unlocks Immense Business Values

SDC Awards aim to reward the innovation, excellence, and success of the IT industry in various key areas. All the winners were voted by the public. CITIC Telecom CPC “AI-SDWAN” won the Runner-Up in the “Infrastructure-as-a-Service Innovation of the Year” category in the 2023 SDC Awards. AI-SDWAN utilizes AI to offer unprecedented network performance and management models. In response to the needs of distributed enterprises, this solution allows the creation of hybrid networks that bind multiple access technologies into a single logical path. This enhances business stability and agility, maximizes the performance and accessibility of business applications, and reduces costs.

CITIC Telecom CPC offers a network management system that is driven by AI, big data analytics, and deep learning technologies to enhance network operations and reliability. The solution provides early warning and prediction by intelligent analysis of data status and customer operating models to avoid network interference or downtime, assist IT personnel in automatically adjusting resource allocation, and optimize the performance of the entire network. Another feature is future projection. Customers can set parameters for applications, links, traffic, and services according to expected business changes. The system then shows possible evolution models, effectively helping customers and IT personnel make better planning and decisions.

*Winning of “Infrastructure-as-a-Service Innovation of the Year” category of SDC Awards 2023*

Innovation & Data Science Team Clinches Champion in iFLYTEK AI Developer Competition

“The Academic Document Chapter-based Structure Restoration Challenge – Final” in 2023 iFLYTEK AI Developer Competition aims to leverage advanced AI algorithms and Large Language Model (LLM) to restore the chapter-based structure of multi-page academic documents and fill the gaps in previous research to foster the further development of the integration of AI and academic document processing technology. The Competition has been organized successfully for 5 years, attracting over 73,000 developer teams to participate. This year’s Competition raised a total of 108 questions and attracted 32,000 teams from well-known companies and universities, including Hikvision, Tsinghua University, University of Southern California, Peking University, etc.

Empowered by the “ICT-MiiND Big Data Platform”, the innovation and data science team of CITIC Telecom CPC used innovative, accurate computer vision technology and natural language processing technology, underwent intensive and repeated testing (around 3 times of tests as conducted by 1st Runner Up), the team once again shines and is crowned the championship in the final, demonstrating the team’s innovation and execution capabilities in integrating multiple AI technologies and technical applications. At the same time, the team leveraged intelligent thinking to formulate effective processing solutions at three levels: solutions, training techniques, and strategies. With the use of the structural restoration method, the team identified the categories and relevance of paragraphs in documents, ultimately solving the traditional problem of relying on keyword searches in document retrieval, lack of semantic context comprehension, and as a result enhancing retrieval accuracy and relevance.

*Championship in the “Academic Document Chapter-based Structure Restoration Challenge – Final” in 2023 iFLYTEK AI Developer Competition*

Mr. Ivan Lee, Vice President of Information Technology Services and Data Science of CITIC Telecom CPC, said, “We are pleased that our team’s innovative development and efforts have been recognized by the industry and brought home an array of awards again. By participating in different industries and innovation competitions, we have explored opportunities to interact and communicate with elites in industry, academia, and research arenas. Not only do we strengthen team cohesion, but also enables us to exchange knowledge with ecosystem partners, optimize our technologies, and accelerate innovation development.” He added, “The Challenge has provided us with a meta platform to showcase our technologies and innovation capabilities, allowing us to effectively apply technologies to the real-world challenges in both work and living environments leveraging the foundation of the ICT-MiiND® (ICT-Intelligence) strategy. We strive to invest in technology development to achieve breakthroughs in key technologies and contribute to the industry’s quality development. Advanced technologies are the key to enhancing the core competitiveness of an enterprise. We will persist in driving technology development through innovative practices to ensure that our team maintains a leading position in the technology arena.”

About CITIC Telecom CPC

We are CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (“CITIC Telecom CPC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), serving multinational enterprises the world over by addressing their specific ICT requirements with highly scalable tailored solutions built upon our flagship technology suites, comprising TrueCONNECT(TM) private network solutions, TrustCSI(TM) information security solutions, DataHOUSE(TM) cloud data center solutions, and SmartCLOUD(TM) cloud computing solutions.

With the motto “Innovation Never Stops,” we leverage innovative technologies, embracing AI, AR, Big Data, IoT, and other cutting-edge emerging technologies to transform technical potential into business value for our customers. As an enterprise digital transformation partner, we strive to help our customers achieve industry-leading positions, high agility, and cost-efficiency through digitalization.

With our Global-Local capabilities, we are committed to providing our customers with one-stop-shop ICT solutions with superior quality. Having a worldwide footprint across nearly 160 countries and regions, including Asia, Europe and America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, our global network resources connect over 165 points of presence (POPs), 60+ SDWAN gateways, 21 Cloud service centers, 30+ data centers, and three dedicated 24×7 Security Operations Centers (SOCs). We are certified with a series of international certifications, including SD-WAN Ready, ISO 9001, 14001, 20000, 27001, and 27017, to ensure our services comply with international standards and resources for enterprises. We offer local professional services, superior delivery capabilities as well as exceptional customer experience and best practices through our global presence and extensive industry know-how, becoming a leading integrated intelligent ICT service provider to enterprise customers.

For more information, please visit www.citictel-cpc.com

Media Contacts:
Catherine Yuen
CITIC Telecom CPC

T: (852) 2170 7536
E: catherine.yuen@citictel-cpc.com

PowerPanel Announces Innovative Gen20 Portable

OXFORD, MI, Dec 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – PowerPanel, a leader in sustainable energy solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the Gen20 Portable, a groundbreaking unit that seamlessly integrates electricity generation, hot water production, and advanced water filtration. The Gen20 Portable is designed to be deployable and to provide 200 gallons of potable water per hour, hot water for showers, and electricity, all generated from the sun’s energy through their patented PVT panels, from their catering to the urgent needs of areas affected by natural disasters and infrastructure challenges.

This versatile unit has already shown its immense value in Ukraine and other regions, offering a unique solution in the global market. The same cutting-edge technology powers PowerPanel’s larger array racks, which have been successfully implemented in diverse projects, including a hotel in St. Thomas and a significant initiative in Cleveland.

“The Gen20 Portable is more than just a product; it’s a beacon of hope in challenging times,” says Rob Kornahrens, CEO of PowerPanel. “We’re not just innovating; we’re changing lives by providing essential services in disaster-hit and remote areas. This is the future of sustainable disaster relief.”

In a significant partnership, PowerPanel collaborates with the world’s largest non-governmental organizations, leveraging the Gen20 Portable to support its humanitarian efforts. This collaboration underscores PowerPanel’s commitment to harnessing innovative technology for social good.

“PowerPanel’s Gen2O Integrated represents a monumental leap in renewable energy solutions,” says Garth Schultz, President and Founder of PowerPanel.

This product embodies our commitment to innovation, combining PV and Thermal technologies to achieve double the decarbonization and quadruple the energy output of traditional modules. Its modular design ensures flexibility and scalability, offering a minimal footprint with maximum output. The Gen2O Integrated, comprising our PVT 1 modules, custom racking, and Thermal Edge Storage Tank, is a comprehensive, cost-effective system for on or off-grid living in any climate, redefining what’s possible in sustainable energy.

The Gen20 Portable and the Gen20 Integrated represent a leap forward in sustainable and portable energy solutions, underlining PowerPanel’s dedication to empowering communities and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

About PowerPanel

PowerPanel is at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions and is dedicated to developing innovative products that address critical needs in energy, thermal and electric, water, and environmental sustainability. With a focus on practical and scalable technology, PowerPanel is committed to making a positive impact globally. Learn more at https://www.powerpanel.com/Contact-Us

Contact Information
Scott Alpert
Director of Sales & Marketing
sales@powerpanel.com
+1 (248)-572-6277

Sara Maya
Marketing Director
sara@paradigmcollective.co

GPO Plus, Inc. (GPOX) Achieves Record Revenues with 25% Quarterly Growth

LAS VEGAS, NV, Dec 19, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – GPO Plus, Inc. (OTCQB: GPOX), a prominent distribution and manufacturing company specializing in consumer products for convenience stores, gas stations, and specialty retailers, has reported impressive Q2 financial results. The company’s gross revenue for the quarter ending October 31, 2023, reached a record $1.21 million, marking a substantial 25% increase from the previous quarter ending July 31, 2023, which reported $970,735 in gross revenues.

Key Highlights:

1. Quarterly Revenue Surge: GPOX achieved a remarkable 25% surge in top-line revenue, reaching $1.213 million in the second quarter, up from $970,735 in the preceding quarter.

2. Expansion of DSD Service: Approximately 154 stores received the new Direct Store Delivery (DSD) service with full product inventory by October 31, 2023. GPOX is on track to surpass the estimated 258 stores receiving the white glove DSD service by year-end, with an ambitious target of 475 stores expected to be online by May 2024.

3. Technological Advancements: GPOX Labs.ai, the technology division, has initiated the implementation of its proprietary MSRP software platform. This advanced technology incorporates AI mapping tools, live dispatch consoles, and comprehensive DSD inventory support, optimizing logistics and inventory management.

4. Strategic Partnership: GPOX Labs.ai has entered into a strategic partnership with an enterprise data exchange company to enhance Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). This collaboration aims to provide near-real-time inventory updates and advanced sales analytics, expected to go live this quarter.

About GPO Plus

GPO Plus (GPOX) operates as a product development, manufacturing, and distribution company, offering a diverse portfolio of high-quality innovative products directly to consumers and retailers. With a focus on product development, distribution, marketing, and sales, the company aims to expand its product line and distribution reach to meet market demand and customer needs.

Source: AmplifiPR
Dz@Amplifipr.com

Renowned Iranian Artist Farshchian Showcases Famous Painting at Prestigious Sotheby’s Auction House

MIAMI, FL, Dec 18, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Mahmoud Farshchian, 93, the renowned Iranian artist, continues to captivate art enthusiasts with his exceptional talent and artistic vision. FarshchianART — a foundation created by the Farschian family and dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, preserving, and interpreting the art and archives of Mahmoud Farshchian — has announced that one of his paintings inspired by the original “Fifth Day of Creation” fetched an impressive price of $120,000 at a prestigious auction held at Sotheby’s. This sale highlights the enduring appeal and value of Farshchian’s works in the art market.

“Fifth Day Of Creation” – 6×4 feet – circa 1980s – estimated at 1.8 million USD, captured the adoration of collector Stuart Cary Welch. He commissioned Farshchian, who painted an inspired painting of 3×2 feet.

When Welch saw Farshchian’s collection, he stated: “Once experienced, Farshchian’s pictures tend to linger in our minds, revealing new facets…. Through his enticing, sometimes upsetting worlds, Farshchian’s brush dances to the rhythms of traditional vegetal arabesques.”

— DR. STUART CARY WELCH, Curator – Harvard University Art Museums, 1970-1995

Mahmoud Farshchian, who is currently 94 years old and residing in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, has been recognized as a master of Persian miniature painting for several decades. His unique style, blending traditional Persian elements with contemporary influences, has garnered international acclaim. With a career spanning over six decades, Farshchian’s artworks have become highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide.

Leila Farshchian, the director of Farshchianart.com, expressed her delight at the auction result, stating, “We are thrilled to witness the continued appreciation of my father’s work in the art world. The sale of the inspired commissioned ‘Fifth Day of Creation’ for $120,000 reaffirms the enduring value of Mahmoud Farshchian’s artistic legacy. His ability to evoke profound emotions through his brushstrokes is truly remarkable.”

It is worth noting that Farshchian’s paintings have achieved even higher prices in the United States, with some reaching up to $1,800,000. The artist’s ability to capture the essence of Persian culture, history, and spirituality has resonated deeply with collectors, establishing Farshchian as an icon of Persian art.

For more information about Mahmoud Farshchian and his extraordinary artworks, please visit Farshchianart.com.

About Mahmoud Farshchian:

Mahmoud Farshchian is a renowned Iranian artist known for his mastery of Persian miniature painting. With a career spanning over six decades, Farshchian’s works have been exhibited and collected in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. His unique artistic style combines traditional Persian techniques with contemporary influences, creating captivating and evocative compositions.

Media Contact: https://www.farshchianart.com

Contact Information
Leila Farshchian
Director
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201-777-4557

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Rover Metals Submits Plan of Operations for Its Let’s Go Lithium Project, NV, USA

Vancouver, BC, Dec 18, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Rover Metals Corp. (TSXV:ROVR)(OTCQB:ROVMF)(FSE:4XO) (“Rover” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that it has submitted its Plan of Operations (the “Plan”) permit application for its Let’s Go Lithium (“LGL”) project to the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada division.

LGL Project

The LGL project is a claystone sedimentary lithium project located in a flat playa in an ancient volcanic lakebed. The claim block, which is approximately 8,300 acres in size, includes several limestone-capped butte-like outcrop formations. As released on September 7, 2023, a successful Phase 1 surface sampling program has returned multiple high-grade surface lithium samples. The clay body, as it’s known today, is believed to have very little overburden, and at the southern boundary of the project the lithium rich clay is exposed at the surface, or above surface in butte outcrops. Project infrastructure includes hydro power lines on site, direct road access, access to the Union Pacific rail line, and the nearby town of Pahrump with a readily available work force.

LGL Property Map

Regional Geology

The project is located within the prolific southwest Nevada claystone lithium jurisdiction. LGL is located just 12 km away from the historic Franklin Wells hectorite (a rare lithium smectite mineral) deposit. Mining at Franklin Wells dates back to the 1920’s. The regional geology of the Amargosa Valley is a basin-and-range structure with the Greenwater Range and Funeral Mountains to the west and the Amargosa Desert to the east. The Greenwater/Funeral mountains are fault-controlled with narrow interior valleys and are bounded by broad, coalescing alluvial fans. The Greenwater/Funeral mountains are composed of lower Paleozoic marine and metamorphic rocks. LGL is located in a large basin of clay rich Tertiary lakebed sediments, the major host rock for the other lithium claystone deposits in the southwest Nevada lithium jurisdiction. Lhoist North America has been open pit mining the specialty clays in the area since 1974.

Later-stage company comparable claystone lithium projects in southwest Nevada include Century Lithium Corp.’s Clayton Valley project; American Lithium’s TLC project; Noram Lithium’s Zeus project, and Nevada Lithium’s Bonnie Claire project. All of the aforementioned companies are later-stage mining companies, with a NI 43-101 resource calculation.

LGL Plan

Rover has been working with UES since August 2023 on the Plan. An integral part of the Plan, is the water table flow model, developed by UES’ Principal Hydrologist – Dwight Smith PE, PG, CHg, and team. The Company, through UES, is expecting to start baseline environmental surveys in the early spring of 2024.

Judson Culter, CEO at Rover Metals, states, “The Plan was developed to ensure that there will be no impact to the critical water tables and sensitive biological resources in the Amargosa basin. Dwight Smith has over 20 years of hydrogeology experience working in the Amargosa basin. Rover and UES have obtained a copy of the Plan of Operations and Environmental Assessment study that the neighbouring mine, operated by Lhoist North America, is operating under. Lhoist has been mining in the area for over 50 years, and their Plan of Operations was most recently updated in 1992. Management at Rover, and UES, feel confident that sustainable lithium mining can be supported in the Amargosa Valley.“

A Call for Battery Recycling Partnerships and Joint Ventures

Management of the company will continue their outreach efforts, with assistance from the Nevada State Governor’s Office, to explore partnerships with the Las Vegas-based battery recycling community in H1 of 2024. The eastern Amargosa Valley has been slated for solar farm energy development by the BLM. Solar energy, in addition to the existing hydro energy infrastructure in the area, allows for new development opportunities like EV raw materials battery recycling. Rover is seeking inbound requests to partner with recycling technology companies. Please contact info@rovermetals.com with inquiries. The LGL project is a one and half hour drive from the city of Las Vegas, one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.

Resignation of Director

Eugene Hodgson has resigned as a director of the Company. Mr. Hodgson was an integral part of Rover’s early growth years, helping the Company establish a presence in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The resignation of Mr. Hodgson coincides with management’s efforts to focus on lithium resource development in Nevada. The Company is seeking to add new directors with experience in Nevada over the coming weeks and months. Mr. Hodgson will stay on in an advisory consulting capacity with the Company on an as-needed basis.

About Rover Metals

Rover is a publicly traded junior mining company that trades on the TSXV under symbol ROVR, on the OTCQB under symbol ROVMF, and on the FSE under symbol 4XO. The Company has a diverse portfolio of mining resource development projects with varying exploration timelines. Its critical mineral projects include lithium, zinc, and copper. Its precious metals projects include gold and silver. The Company is exclusive to the mining jurisdictions of the U.S. and Canada.

You can follow Rover on its social media channels:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rovermetals
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rover-metals/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoverMetals/
for daily company updates and industry news, and
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJsHsfag1GFyp4aLW5Ye-YQ?view_as=subscriber
for corporate videos.
Website: https://www.rovermetals.com/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
“Judson Culter” Chief Executive Officer and Director
For further information, please contact:
Email: info@rovermetals.com
Phone: +1 (778) 754-2617

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause Rover’s actual results, performance, achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur. There can be no assurance that such statements prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any factor could cause actual results to differ materially from Rover’s expectations. Rover undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates, opinions, or other factors, should change.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

LQR House Repurchases 499,940 Shares in Ongoing Share Buyback Program and Shares Fintel’s Updated Price Target of $306 per Share

MIAMI BEACH, FL, Dec 18, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – LQR House Inc. (the “Company” or “LQR House”) (NASDAQ:LQR), a niche ecommerce platform specializing in the spirits and beverage industry, provides an update on the progression of its Share Buyback Program and shares Fintel’s updated price target for LQR.

LQR House has executed another tranche of its Share Buyback Program, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder value. During the week ending, December 15, 2023, the Company strategically repurchased 499,940 shares of its common stock at an average cost of $2.26859 per share, following Rule 10b-18 guidelines. This move was the Company’s response to shareholder concerns, demonstrating the management’s attentiveness and dedication to enhancing value by reducing the available free float.

Sean Dollinger, Chief Executive of LQR House, expressed his ongoing belief in the Company’s resilience, citing the recent events as a testament to its strength. Mr. Dollinger stated, “With continued confidence in our business and pipeline, the management team believes that Company shares are an attractive investment opportunity.” He emphasized his thoughts on the undervaluation of LQR House shares and the share repurchases serving as a value-enhancing use of capital. Mr. Dollinger further commented on the Company’s financial discipline and strategic focus, stating, “As we look at the broader landscape and the strategic opportunities before us, we intend on remaining financially disciplined with a clear focus on executing against our strategy, delivering value for our shareholders, and investing in our future.”

Additionally, Fintel published an article on December 16, 2023, detailing a staggering 5900.00% increase in the average one-year price target for LQR to $306.00 per share from the prior estimate of $5.10 per share dated November 26, 2023. The average one-year price target for LQR House has been revised significantly, reflecting an increase of 11,806.61% from the latest reported closing price of $2.57 per share. This positive adjustment is based on various analysts’ estimates, ranging from a low of $303.00 to a high of $315.00 per share. For more details, read the full article here.

About LQR House Inc.

LQR House intends to become a prominent force in the wine and spirits e-commerce sector, epitomized by its flagship alcohol marketplace, cwspirits.com. This platform seamlessly delivers a diverse range of emerging, premium, and luxury spirits, wines, and champagnes from esteemed retail partners like Country Wine & Spirits. Functioning as a technology-driven hub, LQR House utilizes software, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to elevate the consumer experience. CWSpirits.com stands out as the go-to destination for modern, convenience-oriented shoppers, providing a curated selection of alcohol products delivered to homes across the United States. Beyond its role as an e-commerce leader, LQR House is a marketing agency with a specialized focus on the alcohol industry. The Company measures campaign success by directly correlating it with sales on CWSpirits.com, demonstrating a proven return on investment. Backed by an influential network of over 550 figures in the alcohol space, LQR House strategically drives traffic to CWSpirits.com, enhancing brand visibility. LQR House intends to disrupt the traditional landscape of the alcohol industry, driven by its dedication to providing an unparalleled online purchasing experience and delivering tailored marketing solutions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Shareholders can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

Investor and Media Contact: info@lqrhouse.com

HKIRA 15th Anniversary Summit cum Cocktail Celebration Gathers industry elites to promote sustainable development, Uphold Hong Kong as an International Financial Centre

HONG KONG, Dec 18, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Hong Kong Investor Relations Association (“HKIRA”) recently held its 15th Anniversary Summit cum Cocktail Celebration, gathering industry leaders to help drive continuous innovation in and progress of the industry, and to strengthen corporate governance and maintain exchange with investors. HKIRA had the great honour of having Mr Chan Mo-po, Paul, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, as officiating guest of the Summit.

Themed “IR New Horizons: Sustainability and Innovation”, this year’s summit brought together leading Hong Kong listed companies in various industries, international enterprises, investors from around the world, analysts, financial experts, and representatives of regulators, overseas investor relations associations and stock exchanges. HKIRA also invited about 18 speakers from the most influential organisations and listed companies in different industries, including the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, EY, MSCI, New World Development Co. Ltd. and academia, to share their insights and experience on issues of interest to the financial market and IR industry.

Dr Eva Chan, Founding Chairman of HKIRA, said, “In the past 15 years, we have seen HKIRA grow, with more and more members joining and embarking on cooperation in widening scope with each other. We also have the support from regulators and have built close partnership with other industry associations. These achievements have brought abundant resources and opportunities to HKIRA and our members, as well as helped strengthen our professional capabilities and influence in the IR sector.”

“Looking ahead, we will continue to help safeguard Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and actively partake in cooperation and exchange in the international IR realm. We will work closely with regulators, industry associations and other stakeholders to promote best IR practices and standards, plus enhance information disclosure and investment opportunities for investors. We believe, with our consistent effort and via cooperation, Hong Kong will continue to be an important hub and window for the global IR industry.”

Strategic Public Relations Group is proud to be the Official Public Relations Partner and Diamond Sponsor of HKIRA again for its 15th Anniversary Summit cum Cocktail Celebration 2023.

Mr Chan Mo-po, Paul, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, friends from the investment community and industry professionals attend the HKIRA 15th Anniversary Summit Cum Cocktail Celebration

About HKIRA

Hong Kong Investor Relations Association (HKIRA) is a non-profit professional association comprising investor relations practitioners and corporate officers responsible for communication between corporate management and the investment community. HKIRA advocates the setting of international standards in IR education, advances the best IR practices and meets the professional development needs of those interested in pursuing the investor relations profession.

HKIRA is dedicated to advancing the practice of IR as well as the professional competency and status of its members. To date, HKIRA has over 1,300 members most of whom are working for companies primarily listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. About 64% of the Hang Seng Index Constituent Stock companies are currently members of HKIRA. HKIRA’s members are from a wide spectrum of professions including IR, finance, accounting, company secretarial to corporate investment and hold positions at different corporate levels, including top executives responsible for IR and management of listed companies. For more information about HKIRA details, please visit our website http://www.hkira.com.

Media enquiries:

Strategic Public Relations Group

Cindy Lung Tel: +852 2864 4867 Email: cindy.lung@sprg.com.hk

Holly Szeto Tel: +852 2864 4859 Email: holly.szeto@sprg.com.hk

Michelle Shiu Tel: +852 2864 4861 Email: michelle.shiu@sprg.com.hk

Website: www.sprg.asia

Hong Kong Investor Relations Association

General Enquiry Tel: +852 2117 1846 Email: info@hkira.com

Website: www.hkira.com