Mitrade Redefines Its Brand Identity, Debuts New Logo and AI Features

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, Aug 16, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Mitrade unveils its revamped branding logo along with a new slogan, “Trade Faster, Trade Smarter”, to perfectly embody their vision of crafting the ultimate trading experience for traders. The new branding direction is implemented with a range of innovative enhancements aimed at providing traders with the best tools and resources.

Mitrade changed its logo and slogan to better define its brand identity. With a strategic shift towards “Trade Faster, Trade Smarter”, the new logo shows a modern and AI-inspired design, connecting with traders who are into technology and innovation. The incorporation of updated bright colors not only adds vibrancy but also signifies the dynamic and innovative nature of the trading platform.

Trade Faster, Trade Smarter Anytime, Anywhere

Mitrade enables users to dive into a trading experience that empowers them to act with speed, backed by the insights they need to trade smart – no matter where they are. Building on this brand innovation, Mitrade has masterfully woven in the capabilities of TradingView, ensuring a smooth and integrated user experience. Furthermore, with the introduction of MitradeGPT, users are now equipped with tools to make faster decisions while trading on Mitrade.

Prioritizing speed, Mitrade has flawlessly incorporated TradingView, a platform trusted by over 550 million unique users, into its trading interface. This integration brings TradingView’s sleek and comprehensive interface to Mitrade’s platform, empowering traders to effortlessly conduct technical analysis, make well-informed predictions, and execute trades seamlessly.

To assist traders in keeping in touch with the market pulse, Mitrade has integrated ChatGPT and FXStreet news insights into its platform, making the company first in the CFD world to have this kind of feature. With MitradeGPT, users can access real-time insights, personalized guidance and a quick summary to navigate the complexities of financial markets – filtering out the noise from the bustling news environment. MitradeGPT is available in the brand’s mobile application.

Mitrade Academy Now Available In 10 Languages

Along with the change of the brand’s new slogan, Mitrade reveals the expansion of Mitrade Academy’s educational resources in 10 languages. This launch shows Mitrade’s dedication to helping traders worldwide by giving them easy-to-understand learning materials in their native languages. By offering an extensive range of educational content, including tutorials and trading guides, in languages such as English, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, and more, Mitrade aims to break down language barriers and foster a more inclusive and informed trading community.

Social Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MitradeOfficial

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitradeOfficial

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mitradecom/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitrade_official/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Mitradeglobal/

Media Contact:

Mitrade Media team

E-mail: branding@mitrade.com

Website: https://www.mitrade.com/

SOURCE: Mitrade

Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) / Thoughtful Media Enter Philippines Market and Launch Creator Economy Focused Advertising Platform

SoPa officially launches Thoughtful Media Group (TMG), the leading digital advertising platform in Southeast Asia, in the Philippines market.
TMG will present its Philippines executive team and disruptive influencer advertising business model at a media presentation in Manila on Thursday, 17 August 2023.
TMG has expanded its ecosystem of multi-platform advertising services through a network of more than 10,000 talented creators across multiple industries in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines, assisting brands maximise marketing budgets and achieve significant revenue generation.

Manila, Aug 16, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) (“SoPa”), Southeast Asia (SEA)’s next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces the official launch of its digital advertising platform, Thoughtful Media Group Inc (TMG), in the Philippines market. With the theme of “The Power of Influence”, TMG will introduce its new Manila-based executive team and its disruptive influencer advertising business model at a media presentation at 4 pm on Thursday, 17 August 2023 at Mansion Sports Bar & Lounge, OPL Building, 100 Don Carlos Palanca, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Established in 2010 and acquired by SoPa in 2022, TMG’s growth trajectory has been impressive. In just 12 months, TMG has grown from operating exclusively in its headquarters of Bangkok, Thailand, to expanding to Vietnam in 4Q 2022, to Indonesia in 1Q 2023 and now to Philippines in 3Q 2023. In addition, TMG’s employee count has increased from just 15 professionals in July 2022 to over 75 staff today. With an influencer network of more than 10,000 talented creators, an integrated roster of digital advertising products and services including influencer marketing and brand campaigns, social commerce, and sports marketing, and 13 years of experience serving more than 100 brands, TMG’s market entry into the Philippines market offers a significant value proposition to advertisers, merchants, and influencers in SEA’s fourth largest economy. Well positioned to benefit from Philippine’ forecast soaring digital advertising revenues over the next decade as increasingly more consumers make direct purchases on social media platforms, TMG collaborates with social media platforms, advertisers and influencers to develop the entire creator economy in Philippines.

Mr. Dennis Nguyen, SoPa Founder/Chairman/CEO and TMG Chairman, states, “We are very pleased to bring the Philippines market into the TMG ecosystem. TMG’s disruptive advertising platform, combining over 10,000 talented creators, market-leading design/branding capabilities, influencer advertising-focused social commerce services, will generate massive storytelling capabilities and revenue generation opportunities for local, regional and international advertisers seeking to market in Philippines. By leveraging our local knowledge of market trends from other offices in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, TMG provides international quality advertising products and services for our brand partners as well as a significant revenue generating opportunities for Philippines creators”.

Mr Nguyen continues, “I am very excited to hire Billy Soo to head our TMG Philippines operations. Billy brings a wealth of experience in gaming and advertising from his time at Gushcloud International, Nixgen Entertainment and Powerplay Inc. I look forward to seeing Billy and his team create the most unique and powerful advertising platform here in Philippines”.

Although currently at a nascent stage, the Philippines creator economy is experiencing a dynamic surge, driven by a tech-savvy population and widespread internet access. According to Datareportal, Philippines’s internet penetration rate stood at 73.1 percent of the total population at the start of 2023 with the number of internet users increasing by 10 million between 2022 and 2023. Furthermore, Filipinos spend a combined 3 hours and 43 minutes a day on social media. INSG forecasts the value of SEA’s influencer marketing industry to reach US$2.59 billion in 2024, up from US$638 million in 2019 alone.

Responsible for driving sales and onboarding Philippines clients onto TMG’s regional digital advertising platform, Mr. Billy Soo, Country Head of Thoughtful Media Group Philippines, comments, “Bonding through the power of influence, we want to create a genuine connection for brands and content creators, tapping onto TMG’s broad advertising network and extensive ecosystem to open new doors towards more business opportunities, capitalising on digital-first and fully integrated advertising networks. Mr. Nguyen hired me to turbocharge TMG’s expansion here in the land of the Kabayan. In just five weeks’ time, we have already built a staff of 10+ Manila-based advertising professionals. TMG Philippines will offer premium branded campaigns, MCN, sports marketing and e-sports verticals and we look forward to serving the creator and advertiser communities”.

About Thoughtful Media Group Inc.

Founded in 2010, Thoughtful Media Group is the leading digital advertising platform in SEA. Through our network of more than 10,000 talented creators across multiple industries in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines, we help brands maximise marketing budgets and achieve business objectives through some of the most innovative marketing campaigns in the region.

In July 2022, Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA), the next generation acquisition-focused fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in SEA, acquired Thoughtful Media Group Inc. Since then, TMG has fully evolved into a digital-first and fully integrated advertising powerhouse, servicing creators and advertisers in SEA.

For more information on TMG, please visit:

Website at www.thoughtfulmedia.com or

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoughtful-media-group-inc or

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thoughtfulmedia/ or

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thoughtfulmediaasia or

Twitter at https://twitter.com/ThoughtfulMedia.

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 650,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; VLeisure, Vietnam’s leading provider of hotel management and payment solutions; Gorilla Global, a Singapore-based, mobile network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines; and NextGen Retail, a Indonesia-based e-commerce platform.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:

Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or

Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Media Contact:

Rokas Sidlauskas

Chief Marketing Officer

rokas@thesocietypass.com

AcroMeta’s Laboratory Construction Business Rides on Singapore’s Pandemic Readiness Strategy

SINGAPORE, Aug 15, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – ACROMETA Group Limited, an established specialist engineering service provider in the field of controlled environments serving mainly the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia sectors, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary company Acromec Engineers Pte Ltd has been awarded a S$19 million contract for the design and construction of a 1,500 sqm high containment biosafety level research laboratory.

The facility is designed for research on highly infectious pathogens potentially carried by infected animals and spread through airborne transmission.

The state-of-the-art project involves the construction of a high containment biosafety laboratory using modular panels for both reliability and durability to withstand long periods of hard usage and repeated commissioning. Construction would be carried out in a 'live' building with many existing tenants without affecting their operations. The facility is expected to be completed and certified by 2024 and will be compliant with WHO and MOH high containment facility standards.

Mr Lim Say Chin, ACROMETA's Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "The award to Acromec is a testament to our engineering experience and capabilities. With its expertise and established track record in controlled environments engineering, AcroMeta is positioned to benefit from the construction of such laboratories as governments in the region strengthen their biomedical R&D capabilities to counter threats from infectious diseases."

Acromec, the wholly-owned engineering subsidiary of the Group, is an established specialist engineering services provider with more than 25 years of experience in the field of controlled environments. It has designed and built several high biosafety level R & D laboratories and manufacturing facilities for biomedical companies, such as 10X Genomics, Integrated DNA Technologies, and GenScript.

Research laboratories a vital link in Singapore's pandemic readiness strategy

Singapore emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic as one of the countries that scored high marks for its handling of the crisis. Every aspect of the pandemic was systematically studied, monitored, and appropriate actions taken – from procurement and cold storage of vaccines for the entire resident population, to laboratory testing and identification of each mutated variant of the virus as it evolved.

But the pandemic also revealed the need for Singapore to be prepared for future pandemics. The government has implemented the findings of the Covid-19 White Paper published on 8 March 2023 which detailed the 7 lessons to be learned from the pandemic and implemented a pandemic readiness strategy. The strategy takes a whole-country approach and involves participation by, and collaboration with the private sector as well as with the entire population.

Mr Levin Lee Keng Weng, ACROMETA's Executive Chairman, added: "Laboratories for the testing, identification and carrying out of research with live virus is a vital link in the Singapore government's preparedness strategy for future pandemics. These laboratories are not standard laboratories but highly specialised facilities; the design and construction of which can only be done by a handful of controlled environments experts such as Acromec."

This media release has been reviewed by the Company's Sponsor, Evolve Capital Advisory Private Limited. It has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, and the Exchange assumes no responsibility for the contents of this document, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this document.

The contact person for the Sponsor is Mr. Jerry Chua, 138 Robinson Road, #13-02 Oxley Tower, Singapore 068906, jerrychua@evolvecapitalasia.com.

Reference:
https://links.sgx.com/1.0.0/corporate-announcements/QYHDGZS2TXQ25H0Q/cc60f5adb8665785b09fc0d7833240cd9253d57800c21ff2906079f092b27884

https://links.sgx.com/FileOpen/Acrometa-ProjectWinPressRelease_15Aug2023IDLabs%20-%20Final.ashx?App=Announcement&FileID=769346

About ACROMETA Group Limited (SGX Stock Code:43F)

ACROMETA (Previously known as ACROMEC Limited) is an established specialist engineering services provider with more than 25 years of experience in the field of controlled environments.

The Group has, over the years, acquired expertise in the design and construction of facilities requiring controlled environments such as laboratories, medical and sterile facilities and cleanrooms.

ACROMETA's business is divided into three main business segments: (i) Engineering, procurement, and construction services, specialising in architectural, and mechanical, electrical, and process works within controlled environments; (ii) Maintenance and repair services of facilities and equipment of controlled environments and their supporting infrastructure. (iii) Co-Working Laboratory business; currently operates 6,500 square feet of co-working laboratory space at The German Centre in Singapore, serving SMEs and startups.

The Group mainly serves the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia, and electronics sectors. ACROMETA's customers include hospitals and medical centres, government agencies, research and development companies or agencies, research and development units of multinational corporations, tertiary educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, semiconductor manufacturing companies, and multinational engineering companies.

The Company has been listed on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange since 2016. For more information, please visit www.acrometa.com.

Media and Analysts Contact:

ACROMETA Group Limited
Ms. Cheah Lai Min
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +65 6415 0574
Email: laimin.cheah@acrometa.com

Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd
Mr. Wayne Koo
Tel: +65 6958 8008 / +65 9338 8166
Email: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg, query@waterbrooks.com.sg

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

Q&M 1H2023 Core Healthcare Revenue stays resilient as the Group focuses on organic growth plans

SINGAPORE, Aug 15, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Mainboard-listed Q&M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited ("Q&M", the "Company", and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") today reported total revenue of S$87.1 million, and profit after tax attributable to parent of S$5.3 million for the first half ended 30 June 2023 ("1H2023"). The Group's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation ("EBITDA") for 1H2023 was S$18.5 million.

Core Healthcare Business revenue decreased marginally from S$83.7 million for 1H2022 to S$83.3 million for 1H2023, mainly due to higher revenue contribution from Singapore dental clinics offset by lower revenue contribution from Singapore medical clinics and the impact of the weakening Malaysian Ringgit for the Group's operations in Malaysia. The Group's other business segment ie medical laboratory were impacted by lower demand for Covid-19 testing.

Dr Ng Chin Siau, Group Chief Executive Officer of Q&M, said, "The continual resilience of Q&M's Core Healthcare Business is well appreciated by investors and reflects the Group's well-established foundations. Further, we will focus on organic growth following significant expansion of our dental clinic network across Singapore and Malaysia in 2022. We will continue to invest in technology and implement strategies that will enable us to further optimise productivity across our clinic network."

Recently, Q&M launched its dedicated mobile App on both the Apple Appstore and Google Play. With just the click of a few buttons, a patient can select their preferred date, time and clinic location to make appointments to see the dentist. Q&M's patients can receive timely reminders before the appointment dates and view past and future appointments, reschedule or cancel appointments anytime, as well as manage their digital receipts through the App. Additionally, results of x-rays taken are uploaded into the App for quick reference. The patient will receive a 6-monthly reminder notification when it is time for them to attend their dental check-up, so as to ensure their dental and oral conditions are closely monitored.

Looking ahead

Q&M Group has devised a holistic strategy to foster sustainable growth focusing on organic growth by leveraging on our brand and expertise and capitalising on opportunities to expand our services and reach.

We are working hard to build a strong platform upon which our future growth can be firmly established based on the following 5 thrusts:

1. Building Strong Foundations- strengthening the basics

Our cluster management system is being enhanced with dentists and dental assistants working even more closely together with area managers to optimise both human and physical resource allocation throughout the network.

2. Improving efficiency – reducing costs and wastage

Our Group is mindful of keeping costs low and using central purchasing as much as possible to reduce wastage and ensure more just-in-time ordering so that we can also reduce storage costs correspondingly.

3. Medical Laboratory

Post-pandemic, the Group's medical laboratory business, Acumen Diagnostic will continue to develop its range of tests and solutions to maximise its intellectual property and research capabilities for various medical purposes. These include the tests for sepsis, identification of bacteria pathogens and their associated antimicrobial resistance in hospitalised pneumonia.

4. Expanding our brand- locally and overseas

Beyond Singapore, the Group continues to explore good opportunities to develop a new sustainable growth pillar through organic growth and further expansion of its dental business in Southeast Asia growing private dental healthcare market. We are also exploring the expansion of the Q&M brand and knowhow beyond our current borders. As a premium dental group with a strong reputation for high-quality products and services, we are working towards exporting our expertise regionally and beyond in a deliberate and decisive manner.

Commitment to our Community

Anchored in the Company's philosophy, Q&M Free Dental Clinic Limited, a registered charity under the Commission of Charities, opened its first free dental clinic on 10 July 2023 in Chai Chee, to provide essential dental treatment for the underprivileged individuals and families in need.

This press release is read in conjunction with Q&M's 1H2023 results release on SGXNET.

For more information, please read the attached SGXNET announcement and media release.

https://links.sgx.com/1.0.0/corporate-announcements/N9238L5A9JUG97NG/ca70061aa798c196bcb9132653f9e01c12ad35d1d3327823f3a120d1949a5e95

[1] Core Healthcare Business excludes contributions from the Group?s medical laboratory and expenses incurred on the development of the Group?s digital Artificial Intelligence (AI) guided clinical decision support system as well as rental rebates received from the Singapore Government.

About Q&M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited (QC7.SI)

Q&M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited (QC7.SI) ("Q&M" or together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") is a leading private dental healthcare group in Asia.

The Group owns the largest network of private dental outlets in Singapore, operating 108 dental outlets across the country. Underpinned by about 270 experienced dentists and over 350 supporting staff, the Group sees an average of 40,000 patient visits a month in Singapore. The Group also operates 5 medical clinics and a dental supplies and equipment distribution company.

Outside of Singapore, the Group has 44 dental clinics and a dental supplies and equipment distribution company in Malaysia, as well as a dental clinic in the People's Republic of China ("PRC"). Q&M is also the substantial shareholder of Aoxin Q&M Dental Group Limited, a dental Group listed on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange that operates dental clinics and hospitals primarily in the north-eastern region of the PRC. The Group aims to expand its operations geographically and vertically through the value chain in Malaysia, the PRC and within the ASEAN region.

The Q&M College of Dentistry was established in 2019 to offer postgraduate dental education as part of its commitment to continual education and professional development of dentists. It offers Singapore's first private postgraduate diploma programme in clinical dentistry.

In 2020, the Group expanded into the medical laboratories and research industry with the strategic investment into Acumen Diagnostics Pte. Ltd. ("Acumen"). Currently, Acumen focuses on developing its range of medical research, tests and solutions to secure viable patents and to achieve successful commercialisation of the medical products in the near future.

The Group was listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX- ST") on 26 November 2009.

For more information on the Group, please visit www.QandMDental.com.sg

For more information, please contact:
Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd
Wayne Koo: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg, +65 9338-8166
Derek Yeo: derek@waterbrooks.com.sg, +65 9791-4707
General: query@waterbrooks.com.sg, +65 9690-4959

Proud Investor Relations partner:
https://www.waterbrooks.com.sg/ and https://www.shareinvestorholdings.com/

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

VinFast And Black Spade Acquisition Co Complete Business Combination

HONG KONG, Aug 15, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – VinFast Auto Ltd. ("VinFast") and Black Spade Acquisition Co (NYSE: BSAQ) ("Black Spade") today announced the completion of their previously announced business combination (the "Business Combination"). The listed company following the Business Combination is VinFast Auto Ltd., and its shares and warrants will commence trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq") under the ticker symbols "VFS" and "VFSWW," respectively, on August 15, 2023.

Representatives of VinFast and Black Spade

The announcement of the completion of the Business Combination comes after Black Spade's shareholders voted to approve the transaction on August 10, 2023. As a result of the Business Combination, Black Spade became a wholly owned subsidiary of VinFast and is expected to be delisted from the NYSE American LLC.

Madame Thuy Le, Global CEO of VinFast Auto Ltd., said: "Becoming a U.S-listed company marks a significant milestone in VinFast's global expansion. More than just transaction on the stock market, going public reflects a powerful vote of confidence in our vision and potential, as well as fulfills our pledge to make smart, safe and environmentally friendly electric vehicles accessible to everyone. I sincerely appreciate the wonderful collaboration with Black Spade as our respected partners who are joining us in our 'boundless together' journey towards a greener future for us and future generations."

Mr. Dennis Tam, Chairman and Co-CEO, Black Spade Acquisition Co, shared, "We are very pleased to announce the successful completion of the Business Combination with VinFast, an exceptionally fast-growing and scalable company in the electric vehicle ("EV") sector. VinFast has developed an engaging array of smart, safe, and eco-friendly EV models. We are confident that VinFast will maintain its commitment to offering high-quality products accompanied by outstanding after-sales services. A listing on the Nasdaq will enhance VinFast's global outreach by facilitating even wider access to capital. Driven by a shared aspiration to shape a better future through innovation, we anticipate our collaboration with VinFast to bring about a fresh chapter of sustainable mobility."

Additional information about the transaction, including a copy of the business combination agreement, is available in Black Spade's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 12, 2023 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") at www.sec.gov.

More information about the transaction is available in VinFast's registration statement on Form F-4 which includes BSAQ's proxy statement and VinFast's prospectus in relation to the business combination, which was first filed with the SEC on June 15, 2023.

About VinFast
VinFast – a member of Vingroup JSC – is Vietnam's leading automotive manufacturer committed to its mission of creating a green future for everyone. VinFast manufactures and exports a portfolio of electric SUVs, e-scooters and e-buses across Vietnam, the United States, and, soon, Europe. Learn more at www.vinfastauto.us.

About Black Spade Acquisition Co
Black Spade Acquisition Co ("BSAQ") is a blank check company incorporated for the purpose of effecting a business combination (Special Purpose Acquisition Company). BSAQ was founded by Black Spade Capital, which runs a global portfolio consisting of a wide spectrum of cross-border investments, and consistently seeks to add new investment projects and opportunities to its portfolio. Learn more at: https://www.blackspadeacquisition.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws with respect to the transaction between VinFast Auto Ltd. (the "Company") and Black Spade Acquisition Co ("Black Spade"), including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction, the anticipated benefits of the transaction, the Company or Black Spade's expectations concerning the outlook for the Company's business, productivity, plans and goals for product launches, deliveries and future operational improvements and capital investments, operational performance, future market conditions or economic performance and developments in the capital and credit markets and expected future financial performance, as well as any information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are their managements' current predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions available to the Company and Black Spade, and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that investors of the Company may not receive the same benefits as an investor in an underwritten public offering, (ii) the risk that the Black Spade securities may experience a material price decline after the transaction, (iii) the adverse impact of any shareholder litigation and regulatory inquiries and investigations on the Company's business, (iv) a reduction of trust account proceeds and the per share redemption amount received by shareholders as a result of third-party claims, (v) the risk that distributions from trust account may be subject to claw back if Black Spade is deemed to be insolvent, (vi) the ability of the Company to get approval for listing of its ordinary shares and warrants and comply with the continued listing standards of the Nasdaq, (vii) the ability of the Company to achieve profitability, positive cash flows from operating activities and a net working capital surplus, (viii) the ability of the Company to fund its capital requirements through additional debt and equity financing under commercially reasonable terms and the risk of shareholding dilution as a result of additional capital raising, if applicable, (ix) risks associated with being a new entrant in the EV industry, (x) the risks that the Company's brand, reputation, public credibility and consumer confidence in its business being harmed by negative publicity, (xi) the Company's ability to successfully introduce and market new products and services, (xii) competition in the automotive industry, (xiii) the Company's ability to adequately control the costs associated with its operations, (xiv) the ability of the Company to obtain components and raw materials according to schedule at acceptable prices, quality and volumes acceptable from its suppliers, (xv) the Company's ability to maintain relationships with existing suppliers who are critical and necessary to the output and production of its vehicles and to create relationships with new suppliers, (xvi) the Company's ability to establish manufacturing facilities outside of Vietnam and expand capacity within Vietnam timely and within budget, (xvii) the risk that the Company's actual vehicle sales and revenue could differ materially from expected levels based on the number of reservations received, (xviii) the demand for, and consumers' willingness to adopt EVs, (xix) the availability and accessibility of EV charging stations or related infrastructure, (xx) the unavailability, reduction or elimination of government and economic incentives or government policies which are favorable for EV manufacturers and buyers, (xxi) failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting and to accurately and timely report the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, (xxii) battery packs failures in the Company or its competitor's EVs, (xxiii) failure of the Company's business partners to deliver their services, (xxiv) errors, bugs, vulnerabilities, design defects or other issues related to technology used or involved in the Company's EVs or operations, (xxv) the risk that the Company's research and development efforts may not yield expected results, (xxvi) risks associated with autonomous driving technologies, (xxvii) product recalls that the Company may be required to make, (xxviii) the ability of the Company's controlling shareholder to control and exert significant influence on the Company, (xxix) the Company's reliance on financial and other support from Vingroup and its affiliates and the close association between the Company and Vingroup and its affiliates and (xxx) conflicts of interests with or any events impacting the reputations of Vingroup affiliates or unfavorable market conditions or adverse business operation of Vingroup and Vingroup affiliates. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's registration statement on Form F-4 filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), Black Spade's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 10, 2023, Black Spade's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-months ended March 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on May 15, 2023, and other documents filed by the Company and/or Black Spade from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and all forward-looking statements in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company and Black Spade assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither the Company nor Black Spade gives any assurance that either the Company or Black Spade will achieve its expectations. The inclusion of any statement in this communication does not constitute an admission by the Company or Black Spade or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.

Additional Information and Where to Find It
This document relates to a transaction between the Company and Black Spade. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act. In connection with the Business Combination, the Company filed a registration statement on Form F-4 with the SEC (as may be amended from time to time, the "Registration Statement") on June 15, 2023, which included a proxy statement of Black Spade and a prospectus of the Company. The SEC declared the Registration Statement effective on July 28, 2023.

The Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, contains important information about the Business Combination and the other matters voted upon at the meeting of Black Spade's shareholders approving the Business Combination (and related matters). Black Spade also filed other documents regarding the transaction with the SEC. This document does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the transaction and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the transactions.

Investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Black Spade through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by Black Spade may be obtained free of charge from Black Spade's website at https://www.blackspadeacquisition.com/ or by written request to Black Spade at Black Spade Acquisition Co, Suite 2902, 29/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central Hong Kong.

INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

Participants in Solicitation
Black Spade and the Company and their respective directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Black Spade's shareholders in connection with the transaction. Information about Black Spade's directors and executive officers and their ownership of Black Spade's securities is set forth in Black Spade's filings with the SEC, including Black Spade's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 10, 2023, and the Registration Statement. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the transaction may be obtained by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the transaction. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

No Offer or Solicitation
This document is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities pursuant to the transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

Contact
VinFast Auto Ltd.
Investor Relations Email: ir@vinfastauto.com

Black Spade Acquisition Co
Investor Relations Email: ir@blackspadeacquisition.com

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

ASTI Says Fresh Attempt to Remove 5 Directors Is Invalid; Urges Shareholders to Attend FY2021 AGM on 31 August Instead

SINGAPORE, Aug 14, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – ASTI Holdings ("ASTI" or the "Company") said today that a second attempt to call for an extraordinary general meeting ("EGM") to replace all 5 current directors, as well as the EGM itself, are invalid. Instead, it urged shareholders to ignore the invalid EGM and to attend the Company's Annual General Meeting for its FY2021 ("FY2021 AGM") scheduled for 31 August 2023.

Acting on the advice of its lawyers, ASTI said 4 requisitioners seeking to hold an EGM on 22 August 2023 had breached Company's constitution.

"The Requisitioning Shareholders are usurping the rights, powers and entitlements of the Board to scrutinize, attend and conduct the Proposed EGM (assuming it was otherwise properly held), and have made and continue to make it impossible for the Proposed EGM (assuming that it was otherwise properly held) to be actually, properly and validly held and conducted by the Board in all respects in compliance with the Constitution and such laws," ASTI said.

ASTI also pointed out that the requisitioners have failed and/or neglected, or deliberately and recklessly without regard to their duty to give such Notice of the EGM to "all Members" as required by the Constitution. Further, no notice was given to the Auditor, which is also a requirement of the Constitution.

The second attempt to overhaul ASTI's board is taking place after a consortium, Prospera Alliance Pte. Ltd. ("Prospera"), has expressed genuine interest to make a pre-conditional voluntary general cash offer (''Potential Exit Offer'') for the Company. The consortium comprises Stock Exchange of Thailand-listed Capital Engineering Network Public Company Limited ("CEN") and a substantial ASTI shareholder, Mr Heah Theare Haw.

Prospera, whose offer ASTI believes remains "the only and most advanced exit offer available at the moment", has said it is deeply concerned about the proposal to remove all current directors, and that it will re-assess the viability of implementing the exit offer.

As such, ASTI said it will continue to work with Prospera to address its concerns and to ensure amicable communications, so as to reach a viable solution in the best interest of the Company and for the benefit of all shareholders.

The 4 – Mr Ng Yew Nam ("Mr Ng"), Mr Lim Chee San, Mr Toh Cheng Hai and Mr Ng Kok Hian – had led an attempt in April 2023 – later deemed invalid – to call for an EGM to overhaul ASTI's board. In their second attempted EGM, being called under section 177 of the Companies Act, they seek to appoint 5 new directors including Mr Ng as Executive Director.

Among the 5 current directors they seek to remove is a CEN-nominated director, Mr Theerachai Leenabanchong. Prospera has informed ASTI that it is concerned whether this indicates that the new board is not receptive to the Potential Offer.

ASTI said that the requisitioners, in breach of the Company's Constitution, "clearly and unequivocally are usurping the right, power and entitlement" of the Board of Directors to conduct the Proposed EGM (assuming that it was otherwise properly held) in a proper manner.

Hence, shareholders should ignore the invalid 22 August 2023 EGM, ASTI said. To minimise disruptions caused by the requisitioners, the Company urged shareholders to focus on the FY2021 AGM 9 days later when they will be able to consider on the audited results, and vote on the election or re-election of directors and the appointment of the auditor for FY2022.

ASTI intends to release the FY2021 results by 16 August 2023 and hold the FY2021 AGM on 31 August 2023. This long-awaited AGM will allow ASTI to comply with and satisfy the requirements of the Second Notice of Compliance issued by the Singapore Exchange Regulation on 21 July 2023.

To address concerns of shareholders and to maintain a spirit of openness and discussion, ASTI has written today to the Securities Investors Association (Singapore) ("SIAS") to facilitate and moderate a Shareholders' Dialogue early next week, ahead of the FY2021 AGM.

ASTI said it intends to invite all shareholders, the requisitioners as well as representatives of the Potential Offeror to the dialogue. "We have been urging a spirit of open communications among all shareholders and with the Potential Offeror. Instead, the requisitioners have so far rebuffed our appeals with a response that they prefer legal correspondence," ASTI said.

"ASTI has already achieved a financial turnaround in the first half of FY2022. The presentation of the FY2021 audited results to shareholders on 31 August 2023 will facilitate the progress of the Potential Exit Offer which can unlock value for all shareholders. Hence, we continue to seek open dialogue with all parties concerned," the Company said.

The Potential Offer is subject to, amongst others, approvals being obtained from the Securities Industry Council ("SIC") of Singapore. ASTI has been informed that the Potential Offeror has submitted an application to the SIC for the necessary approvals.

ASTI recorded an unaudited profit after tax of S$3.0 million for FY2022 which reversed a pre-tax loss of S$8.1 million in FY2021. However, it could not exit the SGX-ST Watch-list by the 5 June 2022 deadline as its six-month average daily market capitalisation was short of the S$40 million threshold. After several attempts to extend the deadline were rejected, ASTI's shares were suspended from 5 July 2022 pending the completion of an exit offer.

Media & Investor Contact
Isaac Tang
WhatsApp (Text): +65 9748 0688 asti@wer1.net

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

“Think Business, Think Hong Kong” coming to Paris

HONG KONG, Aug 14, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will take its mega promotion campaign, Think Business, Think Hong Kong, to Paris on 19 September. The full-day symposium, set to take place at Carrousel du Louvre Paris, will bring together business leaders from Hong Kong and France to discuss the latest developments and opportunities in Asia's new economy and across diverse sectors, including green finance, sustainability, innovation and technology, and more.

As the HKTDC's first large-scale promotion event in Europe after the pandemic, it is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants to explore business cooperation and opportunities.

The HKTDC's Think Business, Think Hong Kong campaign aims to showcase Hong Kong as a resilient business and investment hub and the ideal platform for global businesses to tap opportunities in the thriving Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and wider China and Asia markets.

At the event, Dr Peter K N Lam, HKTDC Chairman, Mr Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR and Mr Olivier Becht, France's Minister for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad will deliver remarks at the symposium's opening session.

A number of high profile speakers will share their insights, including Mr Arnault Castel, Founder of kapok; Mr Dennis Chan, Founder and Creative Director of Qeelin; Mr Jose Maurellet, SC, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association and Des Voeux Chambers; and Mr Wilfred Yiu, Co-Chief Operating Officer & Head of Equities of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited.

The event will feature thematic sessions on hot topics in business today, including on green finance, opportunities in innovation in Asia and business opportunities in the GBA, and how French companies can capture opportunities through Hong Kong.

There will be extended networking activities, with Hong Kong government officials and business leaders from across sectors, including technology, finance and professional services, taking part in the programme. One-on-one business consultations, on-site business matching with French companies as well as the Hong Kong Dinner provide many opportunities for the business communities of France and Hong Kong to connect.

Strong France-Hong Kong ties

France is an important trading and investment partner of Hong Kong. In 2021, it was Hong Kong's third largest trading partner, export market and import market in the EU. France was also the largest EU investor in Hong Kong at the end of 2020, while Hong Kong was the fourth most popular destination for French investment in Asia. Hong Kong investors also made substantial investments in France, with the city the second largest Asian investor in the country. As of 2022, there are more than 360 French companies in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong an ideal business partner

Hong Kong has been consistently ranked top on economic freedom and competitiveness. Its institutional strengths, including the free trade and investment regimes, a simple and low tax system and free flow of capital and goods offer a favourable business environment for investors.

Beyond trade and finance, Hong Kong offers exciting prospects in innovation and technology (I&T) for French start-ups. Entry into or expansion in Mainland China as well as conducting joint research can help French enterprises further grow their business. With its aim to create an I&T new hub of 30,000 hectares, Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis project also offers many opportunities, which will be highlighted at the symposium.

Hong Kong's strategic location as an international financial, fundraising and investment hub and as the international gateway between Mainland China and the rest of the world presents immense opportunities for French companies seeking to expand in the GBA, Mainland China, Belt and Road countries and ASEAN.

For more information, visit:
https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2023-paris/symposium/en/index.html

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
HKTDC's Communication & Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

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

Cloud Security Remediation Leader Dazz Extends Partnership With Amazon Web Services

PALO ALTO, CA, Aug 11, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Dazz, the global leader in cloud security remediation, announced today that it was selected to join Amazon Web Services' Independent Software Vendors Accelerator program for its seamless integration with AWS, enabling customers to quickly adopt and scale cloud computing while improving the process of discovering, reducing, and fixing security issues. The ISV Accelerate program helps independent software vendors (ISVs) like Dazz accelerate their growth and success in the cloud computing market through close collaboration with the AWS Sales team. The new partnership builds on the existing relationship between Dazz and AWS, which includes the Dazz Remediation Cloud being available for purchase in the AWS Marketplace, as well as Dazz's recognition as an APN Global Startup.

Dazz empowers businesses to embrace modern development and a rapid shift to the cloud-including greater utilization of containers and adoption of serverless architectures-all with complete code-to-cloud visibility of their environments.

It's a challenge that daunts many enterprises in doing business online: cyberattacks can happen in minutes, but discovering and fixing cloud application vulnerabilities and misconfigurations can take weeks. Dazz enables cloud security and engineering teams to quickly take action by automatically prioritizing critical issues, reducing alert noise, and fixing issues at root causes all in a developer-friendly workflow. Through Dazz, AWS customers will be able to significantly reduce the mean-time it takes to remediate security risks, as well as gain full pipeline visibility into the cloud infrastructure and software development life cycle.

"When customers deploy on AWS, they are able to scale development rapidly," said Merav Bahat, Dazz's co-founder and CEO. "Security teams need a way to keep up and scale their visibility into potential gaps or vulnerabilities across all code, containers, and infrastructure. We are proud to extend our partnership with AWS and empower security and engineering teams to collaborate more efficiently on fixing critical issues, so more time can be spent on building, innovating, and accelerating the business."

About Dazz

Dazz accelerates cloud remediation for security and engineering teams. The Dazz Remediation Cloud maps your code-to-cloud pipelines, reduces your security alerts to their key root causes, and remediates issues right in the developer's workflow. With Dazz, you gain full pipeline visibility, cut through alert noise, increase the value of existing tools, and shrink your risk window by reducing time to remediate. Visit us at dazz.io and follow us on Twitter at @dazz_io and LinkedIn at dazz-io.

Contact Information
Tamar Harel
Head of US Office, STLV
tamar@shalomtelaviv.com
+972508879311

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

INVEST Fair 2023: Growing Wealth with Confidence to be held on 12th & 13th August 2023 at Suntec Exhibition Hall

SINGAPORE, Aug 10, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – ShareInvestor Pte Ltd, Singapore's largest independent platform for investor relations, market data tools and investor education will co-host INVEST Fair, Singapore's largest investment fair, along with InvestingNote, Singapore's first and largest community for retail investors. Under the timely theme of "Growing Wealth with Confidence", this year's event aims to inspire participants to boldly move forward in their investment journey amidst a challenging external environment.

Held from 10am to 5pm on Saturday (12 August) and Sunday (13 August), INVEST Fair will host more than 50 expert speakers from the field of finance and investment, including fund managers from major financial institutions. These experienced experts will share their wealth of knowledge across two days, covering a broad spectrum of topics including the latest market outlook, sector insights, investment knowledge, trading skills, property and alternative investment.

Mr Christopher Lee, CEO of ShareInvestor Group, said, "We have curated an interactive and educational platform for seasoned and novice investors that aims to inspire confidence amidst the pressures of a high interest rate environment and gloomy global outlook.

This year's event also aims to broaden investors' horizons beyond traditional equities, with opportunities to learn more about growing your wealth through cryptocurrency, property and alternative investments."

Guest of Honour, Mr Michael Syn, Senior Managing Director, Head of Equities at SGX, will deliver the keynote address at 10.15am on Saturday (12 August). He brings deep insights as CEO of the stock market, central depository and futures market with a background in investment banking and investment management.

In addition to the line-up of esteemed speakers, this exciting weekend will be filled with lots of fun activities and challenges, interactive booths and lucky draw prizes to be won!

For more information on the event and registration details, please visit our official website at https://www.invest-fair.com/home.html

For Media Enquiries, please contact:
InvestingNote & ShareInvestor
Ethan Ho, Head of Investor Platforms
ethan.ho@shareinvestor.com
+65 9835 4410

Waterbrooks Consultants
Wayne Koo, Managing Director
wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg
+65 9338 8166

About ShareInvestor (www.shareinvestorholdings.com)

A leading regional media and technology company, ShareInvestor Pte Ltd (SI) was founded in 1999 to empower investors to make informed investment decisions. SI focuses on providing investor relations, market data and investor education services, and operates the largest investor relations network in the region.

SI Group has over 130 employees in four countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia). It has also made strategic investments in investor relations/public relations firm, Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd (www.waterbrooks.com.sg), and Singapore's leading social media platform for investors, Investing Note Pte Ltd (www.investingnote.com).

SI (www.shareinvestor.com) provides online market data for multiple markets across its online platform tools ShareInvestor Station(TM), ShareInvestor WebPro(TM) and ShareInvestor Mobile. Its other products include Investor-One (www.investor-one.com), a website on inverstor education, market news, corporate developments, and data analytics; as well as Inve$t, the e-magazine published weekly in Singapore and Malaysia.

SI organises financial investment seminars and conferences for investors. Its annual large-scale events InvestFair(TM)(www.investfair.com.sg) in Singapore and Malaysia draws thousands of participants.

About InvestingNote (www.investingnote.com)

InvestingNote is the largest and most interactive platform for investments in Singapore and Malaysia. We're here to make investing fun and profitable!

It is a community-driven platform designed specifically to help investors and traders to share ideas on stocks, personal finance, news and insights through social networking and a variety of useful investment tools.

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

HKTDC Food Expo kicks off next week with inaugural Food Expo PRO

HONG KONG, Aug 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the much-anticipated HKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo, and HKTDC Home Delights Expo will run from 17 to 21 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The inaugural Food Expo PRO will be staged with the returning Hong Kong International Tea Fair at the same venue from 17 to 19 August. At the five events will be more than 1,700 exhibitors, providing a one-stop sourcing and shopping platform for trade buyers and the public to enjoy global cuisines and lifestyle products.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, announced the full programme and key highlights of this month's events at today's press conference.

The Food Expo brings you the best of the world's cuisines, with a wide range of speciality food and beverages, including the Isey Skyr, the unqiue Icelandic yoghurt, 100% handmade and original tinned cakes, frozen cocktail ice lollies from the Netherlands and made-in-Hong Kong black truffle gelato.

Ticketing partner AlipayHK and Alipay representative, Keith Cheung (L), Head of Marketing, AlipayHK, meets Sophia Chong (R), Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC at the press conference.

In addition, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) together with the HKTDC and eight scientific research institutions, will be held at the same venue on 17 and 18 August to offer the latest industry information and promote the development of Chinese medicine.

Introducing highlights of the August's events at a press conference today, Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: "This year's Food Expo marks our first large-scale public food exhibition with tasting opportunities since the pandemic restrictions were lifted. We have renamed the former Food Expo Trade Hall as Food Expo PRO this year to serve the needs of the catering industry. Coinciding with several exhibitions and the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products, these events will provide an excellent platform for both industry professionals and the public to explore and learn about diverse gourmet cuisines, beauty and fitness products, healthcare information, and trendy homeware. Boosted by the positive influence of the Consumption Voucher Scheme, we anticipate welcoming large crowds to the events."

Food Expo PRO – Showcasing a vast array of the latest and specialised product trends (17-19 August)

This year, the Food Expo's Trade Hall is renamed as Food Expo PRO. The first two days will be open to trade buyers, while the last day (19 August) will be open to public and trade buyers. The Food Expo PRO will showcase food and beverage products from 20 countries and regions, with 21 pavilions from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, and from Mainland China's provinces including Fujian, Heilongjiang, Hunan, Jilin, Sichuan, Zhejiang, and more.

Exhibitors from all over the world will showcase various food, service, and technology that reflect the latest product trends, such as Korea's flavoured pickled seafood, Singapore's traditional coffee with unsweetened oat milk, Poland's smooth and mild fruit-flavoured vodka, and essence of mushroom (Yun-zhi) product from the Chinese Medicine and Health Food zone.

On top of diverse exhibits, the fair also provides more specialised and comprehensive information.

The new Food Science and Technology Zone will showcase innovative food processing technologies, such as peanut protein-based and alternative plant-based chicken products developed by food tech start-ups, and non-alcoholic beers developed by local academic institutions. Two of Food Tech Symposium sessions will be held during the fair, with the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Controlled Environment Hydroponic Research and Development Centre and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong discussing the development of emerging technologies in the food industry in Hong Kong, and food technology start-ups sharing how technology is reshaping the F&B and retail industries.

Hong Kong International Tea Fair: Promoting world famous teas and facilitating cultural exchange (17-19 August)

Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be open to trade buyers on the first two days of the fair, and to trade buyers and the public on the last day (19 August). There will be 10 pavilions, including the first-time participation of Kenya Pavilion, and returning exhibitors from Sri Lanka, and Mainland China's Fujian, Guizhou, Hunan, and Jiangsu provinces, showcasing famous teas, tea products and tea wares. Highlighted products include the modern version of Chaoshan Gongfu Tea, enriched and concentrated milk tea, and Japanese handcrafted Tetsubins (cast iron kettles), amongst others.

The Hong Kong International Tea Fair Tea Competition 2023 will be held with awards such as "The Best Aroma Award" and "The Best Taste Award", selected by professional tea judges in a blind tasting. Attendees will be able to sample the winning teas free of charge on the morning of 19 August.

The two trade fairs will continue to be held under the hybrid exhibition model EXHIBITION+, allowing global food and tea buyers to view exhibitors recommended by artificial intelligence (AI), and to arrange and conduct online meetings with exhibitors through Click2Match, a smart business matching platform, from 10 to 26 August, in addition to the physical trade fairs. For the first time, the Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair will pilot Scan2Match, which is designed to help buyers connect with exhibitors seamlessly from offline to online.

Food Expo – A culinary voyage around the world (17-21 August)

The 33rd edition of the Food Expo presents the Public Hall and Gourmet Zone, that will showcase global cuisines and dining options from around the world, will be open to the public for five consecutive days from 17 to 21 August 2023. The Gourmet Zone will feature nearly 100 exhibitors showcasing the finest cuisines from Asia, Europe and the United States, with desserts, organic greens and fine coffees from all over the world, making it a must-attend event for those who are in appetite for the finest cuisines.

This year, the newly introduced Wine Whisky Wonderland zone brings fine wines from all over the world, and there will be a special K-Food zone for food lovers to keep abreast of Korean culinary trends and culture.

The Public Hall will feature various exhibitors, including more than 30 well-known brands, such as Maxims, Tai Pan, Nissin, Sau Tao, Tao Ti, Kee Wah Bakery, Wing Wah, and Four Seas Group in the Premium Food zone.

The Food Expo also features speciality food and beverages, including Isey Skyr, the unique Icelandic yoghurt,100% handmade and original tinned cakes, frozen cocktail ice lollies from the Netherlands, organic collagen jelly from Korea, made-in-Hong Kong black truffle gelato, and more.

Back again will be the ever-popular cooking demonstration at the Star Kitchen. This year, 18 sessions of Star Chef Cooking Demonstration will be staged at Food Expo. They include Ronald Shao, Executive Chef of Mian; Hung Chi Kwong, Executive Chinese Chef of Run at The St. Regis Hong Kong; Adam Wong, Executive Chef of Forum Restaurant – Ah Yat Abalone; Chan Sai Fai, Executive Chef (Dim Sum) of Chuan Palace; Au-Yeung Chung Kei, Executive Chef of YUE; and Olivier Elzer, French founder, and mastermind behind Clarence.

In collaboration with the Environment and Ecology Bureau's Committee on Reduction of Salt and Sugar in Food, and the Centre for Food Safety, the expo will invite famous chefs to demonstrate "less salt and less sugar" recipes to advocate the ethos of healthy eating in the city. On 19 August, media veteran Jacky Chan will host the Chef's Dialogue featuring three renowned Hong Kong chefs who will share their cooking and dining tips and secrets. There will also be several exciting events during the expo, including seminars and talks, wine tasting workshops and exhibitor presentations.

Beauty & Wellness Expo – Rejuvenating the natural beauty from within (17-21 August)

The seventh Beauty & Wellness Expo will showcase a wide range of beauty, cosmetic, hairdressing, fitness and wellness products. In addition to the major pavilions hosted by the Federation of Beauty Industry (H.K.), Hong Kong Hair & Beauty Merchants Association, International Beauty & Health General Union, The Cosmetic & Perfumery Association of Hong Kong Ltd, and Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness Limited, there will be new pavilions presented by the CIDESCO International CICA Association of Esthetics and Association of International Aesthetics Management.

In addition, Hieggo Pavilion will be exhibiting for the first time at Beauty & Wellness Expo, bringing with it a wide range of health products, with Lawrence Cheng and other guests sharing wellness knowledge at the fair. The expo will showcase an extensive variety of health and beauty products. These include the Pulseroll Vibrating Massage Roller from the United Kingdom, the DR. SCHAFTER Advanced Derma Laser Skin Peel, the FOOTDISC Anti-Fatigue Insoles and the Sericin Poria Pore Refining Booster.

A series of informative and exciting activities will be held including an "Introduction to Mental Health" sharing session organised by Mind HK; a preview of the 2023 IFBB Hong Kong Fitness Awards Charity Open Championship; a seasonal autumn/winter make-up demonstration by expert Edmon Wong; and seminars on topics such as Japanese manicure, slimming and nutritional dieting, and more.

Home Delights Expo – Igniting an ideal smart home (17-21 August)

The ninth Home Delights Expo will showcase smart home products, kitchen appliances, kitchenware, tableware, and household products. The Avenue of Delights will feature over 40 exhibitors and several lifestyle brands, including Towngas, ZWILLING JA Henckels, A-Fontane, LAURASTAR, Tiger, and German Pool. The expo will present new home products, including the Hydrogen Plus Cold & Hot Purifier, MasterMind, an AI massage chair equipped with voice control and bespoke functions, and a sterilisation machine for cleansing knives, chopsticks, and cutting boards by Zhang Xiao Quan.

This year, the Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association pavilion will continue to showcase home design elements that integrate technology into people's daily lives to build an ideal smart home. In addition, the Creative Corner will provide a platform for young start-ups to promote and sell their products. Apart from cultural and creative products, the public can participate in exciting activities such as bonsai design and dried flower gift making workshops.

ICMCM – High-calibre experts discuss the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine (17-18 August)

The Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association together with the HKTDC and eight scientific research institutions will present the latest International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM), offering invaluable Chinese medicine insights and information for industry participants.

This year's theme is "Inheritance and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine", featuring 18 keynote speakers, including experts from the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Mainland China, and Hong Kong who will discuss new Chinese medicine research and development and share successful product commercialisation cases. Running in a hybrid format, the conference will stimulate and facilitate exchange of ideas among speakers and participants. By attending the conference, registered Chinese medicine practitioners in Hong Kong may also apply for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits.

Promoting electronic payment with Consumption Voucher Scheme and daily lucky draw

with the second instalment of the Consumption Voucher Scheme rolled out, the HKTDC is encouraging exhibitors to embrace electronic payment methods to streamline transactions and enable a more convenient and efficient shopping experiences for the public.

The "Lucky Draw" will take place daily during the exhibition period with prizes including hotel accommodation and buffet vouchers, homeware, skincare products, gourmet food, health products and fitness classes. Spending HK$200 or more on a single receipt allows visitors to enjoy one lucky draw entry, with a maximum of five entries per receipt. The HKTDC's promotional website, "August Happy Buy", continues to help the public keep abreast of the latest shopping information, various flash sales, "HK$1" offers and more than 160 shopping coupons will be given away. In addition, the HKTDC will also launch a "BYO Utensils for Bonus Rewards" campaign to encourage people to support environmental protection, and some exhibitors will give bonus offers to those who bring their own utensils.

E-tickets are available for sale at AlipayHK, Alipay (HKTDC's ticketing partner), which offers a HK$3 and Rmb3 discount for every transaction. Other sales outlets include the 01 Space e-ticketing platform, all 7-11 and Circle K convenience stores, and via the Octopus App. Physical ticket sales for the August exhibitions will not be available at the fairground. Instead, toll booths will be set up at the entrance to allow visitors to use their AlipayHK, Alipay or Octopus card for admission instantly. The HKTDC has also extended the discounted morning and night admission tickets for the public to visit the exhibitions during non-peak hours on designated dates.

Websites
– HKTDC Food Expo PRO: https://foodexpopro.hktdc.com
– HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair: https://hkteafair.hktdc.com
– HKTDC Food Expo: https://hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com
– HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo: https://hkbeautyexpo.hktdc.com
– HKTDC Home Delights Expo: https://homedelights.hktdc.com
– The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM): https://icmcm.hktdc.com
– August Happy Buy website: https://ecoupon.hktdc.com/food/
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/45il75B

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries

HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:
HKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC Food Expo PRO, HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair, ICMCM
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

HKTDC Home Delights Expo
Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4575, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.org

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