Jubilee Industries to unlock remaining shareholding in its Electronics Business Unit for S$21.4M

SINGAPORE, Mar 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Catalist-listed Jubilee Industries Holdings Ltd has entered into a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with UPC Electronics Pte. Ltd. (the "Purchaser") for the sale of the Company's remaining 86% shareholdings in We Components Pte. Ltd. (WEC), the Group's EBU (the "Proposed Disposal").

The Proposed Disposal follows the successful completion of the Company's sale of 14% shareholding interest in WEC ("First Disposal") as announced on 9 March 2023. The Hong Kong incorporated Purchaser's main business is the promotion and distribution of products and solutions of semiconductor manufacturers in the People's Republic of China and overseas. Upon completion of the Proposed Disposal, WEC shall cease to be a subsidiary of Jubilee.

The aggregate consideration of US$15.9 million (approximately S$21.4 million based on the exchange rate of USD 1: SGD 1.3486) for the Proposed Disposal will be satisfied fully in cash. The Proposed Disposal will enable Jubilee to re-strategise its financial and capital resources.

Jubilee's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Terence Tea, said, "The Proposed Disposal reflects the EBU's deep value. To the fullest extent permissible under the laws, Jubilee intends to return the sale proceeds to shareholders in an effective and cost efficient manner."

This press release should be read in conjunction with the full text of the announcement: https://links.sgx.com/FileOpen/Jubilee%20-%20Disposal%20Announcement%20220323.ashx?App=Announcement&FileID=750647

About Jubilee Industries Holdings Ltd [JLJ:SP]

Established in 1993 and listed on SGX-Catalist since 10 July 2009, Jubilee Industries Holdings Limited (Jubilee) is a one-stop service provider with two main business segments:
1. Mechanical Business Unit (MBU), which is engaged primarily in precision plastic injection moulding (PPIM) and mould design and fabrication (MDF) services (Mechanical Segment); and
2. Electronics Business Unit (EBU), which distributes integrated electronic components.

Headquartered in Singapore, Jubilee's production facilities span Malaysia and Indonesia. Jubilee's products are sold to customers in the United States, the People's Republic of China, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and various European countries. For more information, please visit http://www.jihldgs.com

Issued on behalf of Jubilee Industries Holdings Limited
By Waterbrooks Consultants Pte. Ltd.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Wayne Koo
+65 9338 8166
wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg

Elliot Siow
+65 8375 0417
elliot@waterbrooks.com.sg

This Press Release has been reviewed by the Company's sponsor, Evolve Capital Advisory Private Limited ("Sponsor"), for compliance with the relevant rules of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX-ST").

This Press Release has not been examined by the SGX-ST and the SGX-ST assumes no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this announcement.

The details of the contact person for the Sponsor are:
Name :Mr Jerry Chua (Registered Professional, Evolve Capital Advisory Private Limited)
Address :138 Robinson Road, Oxley Tower, #13-02, Singapore 068906
Tel: +65 6241 6626

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

Accrelist’s subsidiary, Jubilee, to unlock remaining shareholding in its Electronics Business Unit for S$21.4 million

SINGAPORE, Mar 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Accrelist Ltd.'s 53.31%-owned subsidiary, Jubilee Industries Holdings Ltd, has entered into a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with UPC Electronics Pte. Ltd. (the "Purchaser") for the sale of the Company's remaining 86% shareholdings in We Components Pte. Ltd. (WEC) (the "Proposed Disposal").

The Proposed Disposal follows the successful completion of Jubilee's sale of 14% shareholding interest in WEC ("First Disposal") as announced on 9 March 2023. The Hong Kong incorporated Purchaser's main business is the promotion and distribution of products and solutions of semiconductor manufacturers in the People's Republic of China and overseas. Upon completion of the Proposed Disposal, WEC shall cease to be a subsidiary of Jubilee.

The aggregate consideration of US$15.9 million (approximately S$21.4 million based on the exchange rate of USD 1: SGD 1.3486) for the Proposed Disposal will be satisfied fully in cash. The Proposed Disposal will enable Jubilee to re-strategise its financial and capital resources. Accrelist's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Terence Tea, said, "The Proposed Disposal reflects the EBU's deep value. To the fullest extent permissible under the laws, Jubilee intends to return the sale proceeds to its shareholders in an effective and cost efficient manner."

This press release should be read in conjunction with the full text of the announcement: https://links.sgx.com/FileOpen/Accrelist%20-%20Disposal%20Announcement%20220323.ashx?App=Announcement&FileID=750650

About Accrelist Ltd. [ACC:SP]

Accrelist Ltd. ("Accrelist") seeks to create long-term value for our shareholders and business partners by unlocking and adding value to the companies we invest in. The Group continues to actively pursue new opportunities with a growing focus on medical aesthetics.

The Group's wholly owned subsidiary corporations include the Accrelist Medical Aesthetics group of companies, branded as A.M Aesthetics, and A.M Skincare Pte. Ltd. ("A.M Skincare").

A.M Aesthetics operates a chain of registered medical aesthetics clinics in Singapore and Malaysia which use state-of-the-art equipment and clinically proven solutions to deliver a wide range of highly reliable and effective treatments.

A.M Skincare is principally involved in the retail sale of pharmaceutical and medical goods. It develops and distributes its own original design manufacturer clinical skincare products ("ODM") with support from South Korean dermatologists alongside other non-ODM products.

In addition, Accrelist holds a 53.31% controlling stake in Jubilee Industries Holdings Ltd. ("Jubilee"), a one-stop service provider with two main business segments:
1. Mechanical Business Unit (MBU) which is engaged primarily in precision plastic injection moulding and mould design and fabrication services; and
2. Electronics Business Unit (EBU) which distributes integrated electronic components.

Headquartered in Singapore, Jubilee's production facilities span across Malaysia and Indonesia. Jubilee's products are sold to customers in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, the People's Republic of China, the United States and various European countries.

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

Issued on behalf of Accrelist Limited
By Waterbrooks Consultants Pte. Ltd.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Wayne Koo
+65 9338 8166
wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg

Elliot Siow
+65 8375 0417
elliot@waterbrooks.com.sg

This Press Release has been reviewed by the Company's Sponsor, RHT Capital Pte. Ltd. ("Sponsor"), for compliance with the relevant rules of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX-ST").

This Press Release has not been examined or approved by the SGX-ST and the SGX-ST assumes no responsibility for the contents of this Press Release including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this Press Release.

The contact person for the Sponsor is:
Name: Mr Mah How Soon, Registered Professional, RHT Capital Pte. Ltd.
Address: 36 Robinson Road, #10-06, City House, Singapore 068877s
sponsor@rhtgoc.com

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

Surprise Inside Chocolate Company Hatches Baby Animal Series Just in Time for Easter

CHICAGO, IL, Mar 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Yowie World is about to get a whole lot cuter! Just in time for Easter, Yowie, the surprise-inside confectionary company unveiled its eighth series – Baby Animals! The series comes pre-approved by fans who voted it the most requested theme. The Baby Animals series highlights the vulnerability of young, endangered wildlife, while demonstrating the fascinating differences between the baby and adult stages of different species.

"I'm exceptionally happy to launch this fan-requested series," says Cynthia Thayer, the Chief Marketing Officer of educational chocolate brand, Yowie. "We asked our fans in the U.S. and Australia what types of endangered animals they most wanted to collect and learn about, and their answer was loud and clear, so this newest series features endangered baby animals from all over the globe. And the cuteness factor is off the charts!"

The 18-animal series will include:
– Southern Cassowary Kitten
– Short-beaked Echidna Puggle
– The Loggerhead Sea Turtle Hatchling
– Yellow Bellied Glider Joey
– An extra-rare mystery animal
– And many more adorable endangered and vulnerable baby animals from around the world.

WHERE TO BUY

The series is already appearing in retail outlets across Australia including Woolworth's, IGA, Big W, The Reject Shop, Kmart.

EDUCATIONAL, FUN AND DELICIOUS OPTION FOR THE EASTER BASKET

As with previous series, the new Yowie branded endangered Baby Animal collectables come with a leaflet containing facts about the animal wrapped inside Yowie's delicious, sustainably sourced, Rainforest Alliance Certified chocolate containing no GMOs, palm oil, gluten, nuts or artificial colors and flavors. The leaflet includes a QR code leading to even more fun, educational and interactive content on YowieWorld.com.

New for this series, you can also download a customizable birth certificate for your new bundle of joy at YowieWorld.com plus a poster to keep track of every baby animal you collect! Yowie's website is a one-stop shop for an extensive cache of activities that will keep kids mentally engaged at home and in class all year long! It is a treasure trove of creative resources for both parents and teachers alike.

Explore more of the wonderful world of Yowie on Facebook or look for @YowieWorld on Instagram and TikTok. You can also find easy, interactive, and educational craft projects and games on Yowie's YouTube channel and on Pinterest.

About Yowie

Yowie is best known for its flagship product, the Yowie surprise-inside chocolate. Each 3D Yowie chocolate is molded in the shape of the Yowie (i.e., bigfoot) characters ("yowie" is the Australian term for bigfoot or sasquatch) and contains limited-edition collectible animal toys and a full-color leaflet featuring a picture of the real-life animal, its profile and level of endangerment.

The 6 clever and charismatic Yowie (aka, bigfoot) characters, Rumble, Ditty, Squish, Crag, Boof and Nap, are here to teach us about endangered animals, their habitats, and all the reasons why it's important to protect these animals in the wild.

Yowie's social media channels and website allow collectors to learn more about the animals and their world while having loads of fun through games and competitions. The combination of tasty, clean-label treats, fun animal toys and a digital platform encourages kids to learn about the natural world and understand its need for protection. For more information visit www.yowieworld.com.

Contact:
Devin Mainville
devin@kmkmedia.com
(779) 221-3764

SOURCE: Yowie Group

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

K2 Partnering Solutions Acquires Openlogix

LONDON, Mar 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – K2 Partnering Solutions, a provider of unique end-to-end consultative technology solutions in the enterprise application and software space, today announced its acquisition of Openlogix, a US-based technology consulting firm specializing in digital transformation and software development.

Openlogix, based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is a top Salesforce, MuleSoft and IBM business partner with over 16 years of experience in delivering digital transformation solutions such as enterprise application integration, Customer 360, and application modernization. The firm partners with customers in industries such as Utilities, Financial Services, Insurance, Technology and Telecommunications.

The acquisition allows K2 to expand within its current ecosystems and provides a unique opportunity to efficiently scale its delivery capabilities and further expand its footprint in the U.S., India and Latin America. Openlogix's team of experienced consultants and developers will also enhance K2's ability to deliver customized solutions to clients.

The partnership will create synergies and opportunities for Openlogix to gain market share and provide it with a global platform to accelerate expansion in North America and new markets.

The acquisition is K2's 8th since December 2020 and supports the group's ongoing strategy of growing its portfolio through complementary acquisitions in the consultative technology solutions space.

"We are excited to welcome Openlogix to the K2 family," said Antonio Gulino, CEO of K2 Partnering Solutions. "Steve, Ramani and the talented Openlogix team have built a great company. Their expertise and experience in digital transformation will strengthen our ability to provide innovative solutions to our clients around the world."

"Our goal has always been to successfully carry out digital transformations for businesses of all sizes with a core focus on enterprise application integration," said Steve Lokam, Founder and CEO of Openlogix. "Joining forces with K2 will bring about exciting synergies that will strengthen our unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional services to our valued customers." Ramani Lokam, Vice President, Operations of OpenLogix said: "We are excited about the potential opportunities that this will bring to our employees. With K2's widespread presence, it will create new possibilities for our partners and employees worldwide."

K2 Partnering Solutions continues to support leading corporate enterprises seeking highly-skilled human capital and integrated solutions to develop, implement and operate critical technology and business solutions. The business provides an integrated end-to-end offering of Talent Solutions, Managed Solutions, Education and Human-Cloud Communities.

Contact Information:
Dylan Griffiths
Senior Vice President Marketing
dgriffiths@k2partnering.com
0203 893 4433

SOURCE: K2 Partnering Solutions

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

Casa Minerals Inc. Provides Update on the 2023 Congress Gold Mine Exploration and Drilling Program

Vancouver, BC, Mar 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Casa Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CASA) (OTC Pink: CASXF) (FSE: 0CM) (the "Company" or "Casa") is pleased to announce its 2023 exploration plan for its Congress Gold Mine Project. Building on its 2022 program which verified mineral data of the Eastern part of the project, the Company explored additional parts of the historic mine and has developed plans for follow-up and confirmation drilling of the Congress Mine West Zone.

Figure 1: Historic resource as outlined by previous operators/owners.

Casa Minerals Congress Mine, Arizona – Cross Section B-B'

Casa Minerals Congress Mine, Arizona – Cross Section F-F'

Casa Minerals Congress Mine, Arizona – Cross Section H-H'

Casa Minerals Congress Mine, Arizona – Cross Section L-L'

Casa Minerals Congress Mine, Arizona – Cross Section M-M'

Casa Minerals Inc, plans to drill 20 drill holes with average length 250 metres (820 feet), totaling approximately 5000 metres (16,400 feet) to confirm the historic resource as reported by previous operators/owners.

Figure 1: Historic resource as outlined by previous operators/owners.
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/159403_20d836fb9436a865_001full.jpg

The objective is to further explore areas of potentially economic gold mineralization and long intervals of strong gold enrichment that were discovered by drilling in 2022 (reference: News Release, February 1, 2023). All work will be conducted in accordance with Arizona mining laws and regulations and will be supervised by qualified registered consulting geologists. Core samples will be processed by mineral exploration QA/QC and NI 43-101 standard procedures and analysed by ISO 9000 registered independent analytical laboratories.

The following 5 sections provide the drill hole sections and plans of historic data collected by the company subject to confirmation by 2023 drilling program.

Casa Minerals Congress Mine, Arizona – Cross Section B-B'
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/159403_20d836fb9436a865_002full.jpg

Casa Minerals Congress Mine, Arizona – Cross Section F-F'
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/159403_20d836fb9436a865_003full.jpg

Casa Minerals Congress Mine, Arizona – Cross Section H-H'
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/159403_20d836fb9436a865_004full.jpg

Casa Minerals Congress Mine, Arizona – Cross Section L-L'
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/159403_20d836fb9436a865_005full.jpg

Casa Minerals Congress Mine, Arizona – Cross Section M-M'
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/159403_20d836fb9436a865_006full.jpg

Casa, in 2022, commenced drilling to confirm a substantial gold "resource" of 400,000 to 500,000 tons (365,000 to 455,000 tonnes) grading 0.3 opt (9.33 g/t) that were reported in 1989 by Echo Bay Mines, the most recent explorer/operator. Republic Goldfields Inc., dba Malartic Hygrade U.S. Inc., subsequently reported production of 28,500 ounces gold from 125,000 tonnes (i.e. 0.23 opt). Over the course of its history, the Congress gold mine has produced about 400,000 to 500,000 ounces of gold from underground workings and once supported a full ore processing plant, complete with a small frontier-style town. After more than 100 years of intermittent activity, the mine last operated in 1992. The above-quoted numbers cannot be verified and have not been audited by a Qualified Person, and do not conform to current NI 43-101 standards and should not be relied upon in any evaluation of the Congress Gold Mine.

Gold occurs with vein quartz and in strongly silicified granite.

Congress Mine property, located in Yavapai county, central Arizona, comprises 105.2 hectares (260 acres) of patented land and 200.2 hectares (494.8 acres) that were acquired by staking. Casa Minerals Inc. owns a 90% interest in the historic claims from 40 feet depth and beyond and an undivided 100% of the staked ground. A 1.5% Net Smelter Royalty is payable on production from the patented claims and certain surface rights to depth of 12.2 metres (40 feet) are held by a third party.

Other Properties

Casa Minerals Inc. also is preparing exploration programs for its British Columbia properties and updates will announce such as soon as they are available.

Qualified Person:
Mr. Erik Ostensoe P.Geo., a director and chief geologist of the Company, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.

Cautionary Note: All historic data referenced in this news release were obtained from available archives and have not been confirmed or verified by the Company or a Qualified Person. There is no assurance that work by Casa Minerals will result in identification of economically-viable mineral bodies comparable in size and/or grade to those that supported historic mining operations.

About Casa Minerals Inc.

The Company is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in Canada and the USA. Casa owns ninety percent (90%) interest in the Congress gold mine (Arizona, USA) in the patented claims from 40 feet depth and beyond and in addition the Company owns undivided 100% in 25 claims (494.48 acres) of unpatented ground adjacent to the Congress gold mine. This historic high-grade gold producing mine has not been explored nor been in production since 1992. Additionally, the Company owns a one hundred percent (100%) interest in the polymetallic Pitman and Keaper properties (BC, Canada) and has an option to acquire a seventy-five percent (75%) interest in the Arsenault VMS Property (BC, Canada).

On Behalf of Board of Directors
Farshad Shirvani, M.Sc. Geology
President and CEO

For more information, please contact:
Casa Minerals Inc.
Farshad Shirvani, President & CEO
Phone: (604) 678-9587
Email: contact@casaminerals.com
https://www.casaminerals.com

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

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Corporate Logo

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/159403

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

Accurate Background Acquires Australia’s VerifyNow

IRVINE, CA, Mar 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Accurate Background, the world's largest privately held provider of compliant background checks, drug and health screening, and monitoring solutions, today announced the acquisition of VerifyNow Pty Ltd, an employment screening provider in Australia. The acquisition complements Accurate's global strategy and expands its portfolio of international compliance-driven employment screening solutions. VerifyNow will continue to operate under the leadership of Khai Ngo, who will join Accurate's senior leadership team.

Aaron Hayes

Tim Dowd

"We remain committed to our global employment screening capabilities while continuing to advance our innovative approach to candidate and client experience, screening technology, and compliance expertise," said Tim Dowd, CEO of Accurate Background. Dowd added, "Accurate and VerifyNow have been partners for several years, and we are excited to deepen this relationship as we seek to better serve our clients' background screening needs in Australia and beyond."

The acquisition further expands Accurate's global business footprint and comes on the heels of the successful acquisition of Vero Screening in July 2022. Accurate gains a new office in Australia, where the VerifyNow team will continue to serve its existing client base while offering support to Accurate's roster of multinational clients.

"Our customers and employees will benefit greatly from this acquisition by Accurate as we look to expand our service and capabilities within Australia and New Zealand and provide better screening options for multinational clients with the Accurate platform," said Khai Ngo, the CEO of VerifyNow.

To manage the global expansion, Aaron Hayes has been promoted to General Manager and EVP, International, overseeing Accurate's EMEA and APAC regions.

"The need to tap into a global hiring pool continues to grow, and employment screening on an international level is more important than ever," said Hayes. "Our expanded global footprint helps us serve Accurate customers with an entrepreneurial mindset and helps ensure a seamless, unified candidate experience at scale."

Dowd added, "As we evaluate opportunities to expand our business footprint to better serve our customers, it is vital that we select partners who share our vision, our values and strengthen our overall capabilities for our customers. We look forward to the opportunities that this acquisition will bring."

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Gilbert + Tobin represented Accurate in the transaction while the sellers of VerifyNow were represented by MV Law.

About Accurate Background

Our vision is to make every hire the start of a success story. As a trusted provider of employment background screening and workforce monitoring services, Accurate Background gives companies of all sizes the confidence to make smarter, unbiased hiring decisions at the speed of demand. Experience a new standard of support with a dedicated team, comprehensive technology and insight, and the most extensive coverage and search options to advance your business while keeping your brand and people safe. To learn more, visit accurate.com.

About VerifyNow

The VerifyNow mission is to help organisations build a trusted workforce. We offer a range of background checks and assessments to support the screening of new hires and the existing workforce. We also offer expertise in psychometric and aptitude testing. To learn more, visit verifynow.com.au.

Media Relations Contacts
Media@accurate.com

VerifyNow Contact
info@verifynow.com.au

SOURCE: Accurate Background LLC

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

HKTDC Export Index 1Q23: Hong Kong Export Index rebounds sharply

HONG KONG, Mar 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The HKTDC Export Index grew 9.3 points to 39.0 in January-March this year, indicating a significant improvement in business sentiment among Hong Kong exporters after borders between Hong Kong and Mainland China reopened in early February. Full benefits are expected to materialise in coming months.

HKTDC Director of Research Ms Irina Fan [R] and Senior Economist (Greater China) Ms Cherry Yeung [L] announced the HKTDC Export Index for the first quarter of 2023 at a press conference today.

The first-quarter export survey by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) showed that almost all respondents (98%) reported positive impacts from the gradual resumption of normal cross-border travel since early January, especially from the more flexible and frequent business travel and cross-border engagements.

More than one-third of the exporters (36.5%) would increase shipments through Hong Kong, after cross-boundary land cargo transport was normalised, driven primarily by end-user requests and a preference for storage, sub-packaging and processing to be done in the city.

Business revives

Releasing the survey today, HKTDC Director of Research Ms Irina Fan said: "As normal travel between Hong Kong and the rest of the world resumes, hundreds of thousands of high-spending mainland and overseas business travellers have been coming back to Hong Kong in recent months, creating impetus for the city's economic recovery."

Ms Fan anticipated that more global buyers would visit trade fairs in Hong Kong during the peak sourcing season to replenish inventory and meet pent-up demand. "All these developments are the pull factors for the city's trade outlook, and we expect a gradual pick-up in the second half of 2023," she said. "Taking into account the external challenges and uncertainties, our export forecast for this year remains unchanged at a 5% growth year-on-year."

Versatility in business strategy

More than half the respondents (55.7%) expected production and operating costs to increase, mainly because of higher raw material, logistics and labour costs.

Against this backdrop, local exporters have adopted a versatile approach. In addition to cash-flow management (39.9%, up 5.3 percentage points), more exporters have focused on e-commerce development (36.3%, up 7.5 percentage points), value-added service provision (31.6%, up 6.6 percentage points) and overseas market expansion (30.5%, up 7.5 percentage points) in the first quarter of 2023.

Clothing sector most optimistic in 12 years

The HKTDC conducts the Export Index survey every quarter, interviewing 500 exporters from six major industries – machinery, electronics, jewellery, watches and clocks, toys and clothing – to gauge business confidence in near-term export prospects. The Index indicates an optimistic or pessimistic outlook, with 50 as the dividing line.

HKTDC Senior Economist (Greater China) Ms Cherry Yeung said all industry sectors saw an upturn in exporter confidence, indicating improving sentiment. "Clothing is the most promising sector, which swings back to the expansionary territory (51.5, up 27.7 points) since the third quarter of 2011, followed by toys (47.9, up 19.0 points) and timepieces (47.5, up 10.7 points)," she said. Ms Yeung attributed the leap to the high penetration of fashion e-commerce during the pandemic and surging demand for new clothes as the world returned to normal.

She added: "Mainland China (47.9) overtook Japan (46.9) as the most upbeat market, followed by ASEAN (44.8). Improving sentiment was also seen towards the United States and European Union markets."

Sub-indexes, including the Trade Value Index (48.0, up 8.8 points), Employment Index (47.6, up 7.3 points) and Offshore Trade Index (28.0, up 8.3 points), also moved up. The Procurement Index remained subdued at 28.4 (down 0.5 point), but momentum varied across sectors – clothing, jewellery and toys improved, while timepieces and electronics slightly declined.

References
– HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/
– HKTDC Export Index 1Q23: Sharp rebound in export confidence as China re-opens https://bit.ly/3YZJoKe
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Jrhbq4

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
Please contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

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

Acrometa to Expand to Thailand through MOU with Waste Management Company on Construction and Operation of Laboratory

SINGAPORE, Mar 21, 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 that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Thailand company whose principal activity is the provision of industrial waste disposal services.

The Thailand company provides non-hazardous waste disposal services. It owns and operates one of Thailand's largest landfills and requires a laboratory in Thailand ("Laboratory") for the testing and certification of solid waste and sludge to ensure proper treatment of any hazardous materials.

The MOU states the intention by the parties to jointly discuss and negotiate definitive agreements on:

1. The design and construction of the Laboratory by ACROMETA's wholly-owned subsidiary Acromec Engineers Pte Ltd
2. The operation of the Laboratory by ACROMETA's co-working laboratory space operator Life Sciences Incubator Pte Ltd ("LSI")
3. Opportunities for ACROMETA and/or its subsidiaries to participate as a joint venture partner in the ownership of the Laboratory.

The MOU shall be valid for a period of six months from the date of signing with the option for extension by mutual agreement.

ACROMETA's Future Economy + Synergy Strategy

On 20 February 2023, ACROMETA announced that it had entered into a binding letter of intent to purchase an additional 40% of the shares of LSI to become the controlling shareholder. On expected completion date, LSI will be a 70% owned subsidiary of ACROMETA.

ACROMETA Chairman Mr Levin Lee Keng Weng had said, "This potentially carves out a new promising mainstream business for us as controlled environment specialist."

The co-working laboratory space business has strong growth potential as Singapore transforms its economy towards high-value sectors such as Biotech, Agritech, and Foodtech with more and more companies conducting research & development activities. Serving SMEs and start-ups and in particular those in the MedTech, Biotech, Biopharma, FoodTech, and Healthcare sectors, LSI provides flexible co-working laboratory spaces for their research and development. It also has synergy with ACROMETA's core controlled environments design and construction business.

Chief Executive Officer Mr. Lim Say Chin had added, "Our wholly owned subsidiary Acromec Engineers, with its experience as builders of cutting-edge laboratories will continue to support LSI's expansion with its controlled environments engineering expertise in Singapore and the region."

On the MOU with the Thailand company, Mr. Lee said, "A future economy business such as the operation of co-working laboratory space plus its synergy with ACROMETA's current core controlled environments design and construction has the potential to elevate the Group to a higher growth trajectory. It also opens the door for ACROMETA to scale its business, including expansion overseas."

In its 20 February 2023 announcement, the Group also mentioned that it was in talks for the proposed development of a co-working laboratory space in Australia, with world-renowned co-working space operator who has in principle agreed, subject to binding agreement, to be one of the anchor tenants.

For a reference on ACROMETA's controlled environments engineering business, newly-acquired co-working laboratory and its Future Economy + Synergy growth strategy please see: https://www.investor-one.com/editorial/22635-ACROMETA-Future-Economy–Synergy-Higher-Growth-Rate

Reference:
https://links.sgx.com/1.0.0/corporate-announcements/517KQ9GG6NX97RM4/339498d63b4046b7f328cb64347577597f5e686256a6a656d6b8ee4eb6d5126b
https://links.sgx.com/FileOpen/Acrometa%20-%20MOU_210323_Final.ashx?App=Announcement&FileID=750414

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 a 6,500 sq feet co- working laboratory space at The German Centre in Singapore serving SMEs and start-ups.

The Group mainly serves the healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and academia, and electronics sectors. ACROMETA counts amongst its customers, 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
Mr. Jerry Tan
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +65 6415 0574
Email: jerry.tan@acromec.com

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

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

This media release has been reviewed by the Company's sponsor, Evolve Capital Advisory Private Limited (the "Sponsor"). It has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the "Exchange") 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.

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

SNS Network to Supply Apple Products and Accessories to Kumon Malaysia

IPOH, Malaysia, Mar 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – SNS Network Technology Berhad (Bursa: SNS, 0259), an ICT system and solutions provider, is pleased to announce that the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, SNS Network (M) Sdn. Bhd, has signed a collaboration agreement with Kumon Education (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. to supply Apple iPad products and accessories to Kumon Malaysia's students and parents.

Managing Director of SNS, Ko Yun Hung

Mr. Ko Yun Hung, Managing Director of SNS and Mr. Atsushi Hasegawa, General Manager of Kumon Malaysia [L-R]

Kumon Malaysia is part of the largest established after-school enrichment programme in the world with over 4 million students currently enrolled across 50 countries and regions. The collaboration agreement covers over 200 Kumon learning centres and can benefit more than 37,000 students in Malaysia.

As part of the agreement, SNS will create and maintain a portal from which Kumon Malaysia's parents and students can access while also undertaking all services related to the supply of Apple iPad products and accessories.

Managing Director of SNS, Ko Yun Hung said, "This collaboration enables Kumon Malaysia to gain access to a range of Apple products and accessories offered by SNS in a seamless manner and also allow us to better serve and communicate with parents and students through the dedicated portal. These products will enrich students' after-school learning experience, providing them access to tools to stimulate their minds and enabling them to interact with each other."

General Manager of Kumon Malaysia, Atsushi Hasegawa said, "The supply of iPad products and accessories through the collaboration with SNS is part of Kumon Connect feature launched in January 2023 to encourage students to enjoy the learning process together online. We believe that digital learning is increasingly an important part of the entire learning process for students and we would like them to have a great head start."

ABOUT SNS NETWORK TECHNOLOGY BERHAD

SNS Network Technology Berhad is principally involved in the provision of ICT products, services and solutions. The Group's core business activities are the sale of ICT products comprising hardware, devices and related peripherals, as well as the provision of ICT services and solutions and; provision of device repair and related services, as well as sale of broadband services.

Under ICT services and solutions, SNS offers JOI(R) smart classroom framework, which integrates and combines a broad range of features to support effective teaching and learning and, Device-as-a-Service (DaaS), a subscription-based service. DaaS offers customers bundled ICT products comprising devices and services according to their requirements.

ABOUT KUMON EDUCATION (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD

Kumon Education (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is part of the largest established after-school enrichment programme in the world with over 4 million students currently enrolled across 50 countries and regions. Kumon Malaysia was formed in 1997 and is the country's largest after-school enrichment programme providing learning of Mathematics and English through the Kumon Method.

SNS Network Technology: 0259 [BURSA: SNS], https://www.sns.com.my/

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

Resolve2Win campaign debuts in Bangkok, promoting Hong Kong’s legal services

HONG KONG, Mar 17, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – To consolidate Hong Kong's strategic position as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific under the National 14th Five Year Plan, the Department of Justice (DoJ) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) are organising the Resolve2Win – Legal Services of Hong Kong, Opportunities for All campaign (Resolve2Win). The signature promotion in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) for Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services debuted with a delegation visit to Bangkok, Thailand on 15 to 17 March. Mr Horace Cheung, Deputy Secretary for Justice, led nearly 30 representatives from Hong Kong's legal sector in face-to-face talks with Thai legal and business representatives to promote the advantages of Hong Kong legal services, encourage collaboration between Hong Kong and Thailand and seize opportunities in the region.

The Resolve2Win – Legal Services of Hong Kong, Opportunities for All campaign debuted in Bangkok, Thailand on 15 to 17 March Nearly 30 representatives from the Hong Kong legal sector join the delegation.

Dr Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, gave welcoming remarks

Mr Horace Cheung, Deputy Secretary for Justice gave the opening remarks

Encouraging Thai businesses to choose Hong Kong as a platform

The promotion visit aimed to let Thai businesses understand the unique advantages of Hong Kong legal services more comprehensively, raising awareness on resolving commercial disputes through arbitration and mediation, while encouraging them to choose Hong Kong as their preferred trade and dispute resolution platform and help Hong Kong legal professionals seize opportunities and develop business in Thailand. Legal groups from Hong Kong and Thailand responded proactively. The Hong Kong Bar Association, Law Society of Hong Kong, Thailand Arbitration Center and Thai Branch of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators are supporting organisations.

At the plenary session – Hong Kong as a Deal Making and Dispute Resolution Hub – Mr Cheung and Dr Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, were officiating guests. In his welcome remarks, Dr Lau said: "Hong Kong has a large, well-established legal sector full of professionals well-versed in legal systems across the world, making the city the perfect choice for anyone seeking legal services. As business links grow between ASEAN countries and Mainland China, particularly the Greater Bay Area, disputes are bound to arise. All parties would agree that arbitration and mediation is a better approach than litigation. In today's forum, we will find out how businesses in Thailand, ASEAN and Mainland China can use Hong Kong as a dispute-resolution platform."

Highlighting the unique opportunities offered by Hong Kong as the only common law jurisdiction within China under "one country, two systems", Mr Cheung pointed out that national strategies – including the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Development and the Belt and Road Initiative – had injected continuous impetus to the growth of Hong Kong and brought opportunities to ASEAN member states.

He further said that as the leading legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific, Hong Kong had a strong pool of legal talents, particularly in dispute resolution services. He encouraged enterprises and talents to capitalise on Hong Kong's unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems" to tap into development opportunities in the GBA and beyond.

Mr Cheung reiterated that the National Security Law had provided stability and a secure environment to enterprises and investors, which was conducive for both local and international businesses in Hong Kong to flourish.

The plenary session was hosted by Mr Jose Maurellet, Senior Counsel, Des Voeux Chambers, Vice-Chairman of Hong Kong Bar Association, with panelists Ms Winnie Tam, SBS, SC, JP, Senior Counsel, Des Voeux Chambers and Mr Tommy Tong, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP. The speakers shed light on Hong Kong's advantages in corporate and commercial legal services and illustrated why Hong Kong was an effective arbitration and mediation platform for resolving commercial disputes. They also provided practical tips for Thai businesses to handle cross-border commercial disputes, especially when Mainland Chinese parties were involved.

The next session, Mediate First Pledge, featured speakers Mr Rimsky Yuen, Chairman, Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association Limited, and Ms Ereblinda Sadiku, Legal Counsel, Thailand Arbitration Center. They focused on the flexibility and other advantages of mediation for dispute resolution. More than 10 Thai companies confirmed their willingness to deploy mediation before turning to other resolution methods, including litigation. The HKTDC also arranged a luncheon and interaction session where more than 200 legal representatives from Hong Kong and legal and business sectors from Thailand conducted in-depth discussions on the story in Hong Kong.

Networking for Hong Kong legal practitioners and Thai businesses

During the three-day trip, the Hong Kong legal delegation paid a courtesy visit to legal and business groups, including Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Thailand Arbitration Center and Lawyers Council of Thailand to discuss potential collaboration.

After the Resolve2Win Campaign launch in Thailand, the HKTDC will continue to work with DoJ. The campaign will promote legal and dispute resolution services of Hong Kong in the GBA early next year, showcasing the robust legal system, solid foundation of the rule of law and diversified legal and dispute resolution services in Hong Kong while helping to better understand the views of mainland stakeholders and their needs towards Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services.

Photo download: http://bit.ly/3LyOXfB

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
Please contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

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