HKTDC: Creativity showcase raises curtain on jewellery shows

HONG KONG, Feb 24, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), The 39th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 9th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, will be held from 1 to 5 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. As a curtain-raiser for the twin jewellery shows, the 24th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition was announced at the press conference (16 Feb). The competition was jointly organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Jewellers' & Goldsmiths' Association, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, the Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers' Association and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong. It promotes local jewellery design excellence, nurtures talent for the industry and showcases Hong Kong-made jewellery to international buyers.


Winners and guests at the awards presentation ceremony of the 24th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition

Open Group Best of Show Award – Title of design: Dandelion. The Power of Life; Designer: Tang Yuk Ying; Category: Pendant/Brooch

Student Group Champion and Craftsmanship and Technology Award – Title of design: life – cybercity; Designer: Mak Tin Long; Company: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Master Studio; Name of school: VTC Youth College; Category: Pendant/Brooch


Themed "The Origin of Life", the competition was divided into the Open Group and Student Group. Hong Kong design talents were encouraged to create and craft enthralling jewellery pieces based on culture, upbringing and life experiences. This year's competition received nearly 100 entries. The winners were chosen by a panel of seven judges based on four criteria – creativity and innovation, aesthetics, craftsmanship and wearability, topic relevance and marketability (for the Open Group only). Winning pieces will be displayed at the Hall 1E Concourse during fair period, allowing jewellery buyers and exhibitors to appreciate the creativity in Hong Kong's original designs.

Open Group brims with original ideas and exquisite designs

Three Best of Show Awards were given out in the Open Category. Tang Yuk Ying clinched the award with her pendant/brooch design Dandelion. The Power of Life. Using a rotating corolla adorned with green garnets, the designer vividly portraits the perseverance and bravery of the dandelion as its seeds ride the wind into the unknown and adversity, it can always take root, survive and thrive.

Another Best of Show Award winner was Law Tsz Wan. His design, Rice, pays homage to Yuan Longping, the "father of hybrid rice". The gold-green pendant/brooch illustrates the sparkling vibrance of a rice stalks and emblems Mr Yuan's invention and his contributions to mankind.

Xu Qihua and her bracelet/necklace design Ocean of Life took home the third Best of Show Award. The design originates from a Greek myth about dolphins guarding oceans. Depicting dolphins darting between waves, the designer urges the wearer to help protect the water resources, ocean and life.

Student Group exudes boundless creativity

To inspire more young design talents to join the jewellery design profession, the competition includes a Student Group, open to students from Hong Kong's registered schools. Mak Tin Long from the VTC Youth College, championed the Group with the pendant/brooch design Life – Cybercity. Its manufacturing company Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Master Studio won Craftsmanship & Technology Award. The design comprises of water molecules, tree roots, tree trunks and skyscrapers made of silver, enamel, topaz and zircon stones projecting a city built on water and Earth's mineral resources, illustrating the importance of harmony between urban development and the nature.

The Student Group's First Runner-up went to Lee Kwan Ho of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His men's jewellery series The Beetles was inspired by the World Tree, a mythical tree of life. The design features three rhino beetles living in the world tree with a lifespan of only one year, urging humans to experience and cherish life despite the transience of time, life and youth.

The Second Runner-up of the Student Group was Leung Kwok Yee from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her Taoist-inspired ring design The Creation of Entirety uses different materials to represent different elements of life: Pink and green tourmalines represent "yin" and "yang"; cabochon sapphire means the growth of different species; and the five elements are illustrated by white crystals, interlocking coin shapes (water) on the ring shank, cabochon sapphires on branches (soil and wood) and a burning fire shape in the middle.

Twin jewellery shows attract keen participation from global traders

From 1 to 5 March, more than 2,500 exhibitors will showcase exquisite jewellery items and raw materials at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show. Various seminars and events will be organised to allow industry players to stay up-to-date and explore further business opportunities. Topics include Bling Up Your Business with Blockchain & NFT, Hong Kong Jewellery Industry Shines over the World, THE JEWELLERY TRENDBOOK 2024+ 'From Consumer Culture to New Market Opportunities', Jewellery Enamelling: The Techniques, Introduction of 'Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones' Registration Regime, Ammolite – A 71 Million-Year Natural Treasure only from Alberta, Canada, Achieving SDG of Jewellery Testing and Certification Industry through Innovative Integration of Industry, Education, Research and Application. For details, please check https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/en/intelligence-hub.

Fair websites
– Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/en
– Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkdgp/en
– Events and Seminars: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/en/intelligence-hub
– HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Photo download:
– The 24th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition Award Presentation Ceremony: https://bit.ly/3ILdkFa
– Winning pieces from Open Group and Student Group: https://bit.ly/3ZcgTJR

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 Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org
Dino Chen, Tel: +852 2584 4137, Email: dino.f.chen@hktdc.org

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

Palladium One Discovers New Mineralized Chonolith North of RJ Zone and Reports Drill Results for the Smoke Lake Zone, Tyko Nickel – Copper Project, Canada

TORONTO, ON, Feb 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Palladium One Mining Inc. (TSXV: PDM) (OTCQB: NKORF) (FSE: 7N11) (the "Company" or "Palladium One") is pleased to report drill results from the Smoke Lake Zone and reconnaissance drilling in the RJ Area, where the Company has discovered a new mineralized Chonolith / Feeder Dyke on the Tyko Nickel – Copper Project, in Ontario, Canada.

President and CEO, Derrick Weyrauch commented, "These latest results confirm the high-grade nature of the deeper portion of the Smoke Lake Zone. The Smoke Lake area continues to suggest the presence of additional mineralization given the presence of ultramafic rocks that were intersected in several holes and IP anomalies that are still to be fully tested.

"Significantly, reconnaissance drilling north of the RJ Zone discovered a new mineralized Chonolith / Feeder Dyke. Importantly, this drill hole (TK22-093 Figure 2) tested a magnetic high with no ElectroMagnetic ("EM") response. This provides further confirmation of widespread occurrences of Chonolith / Feeder Dyke mineralization on the property, and that these occurrences are not necessarily detectable by airborne EM surveys. Additional drilling at the RJ Zone also returned wide zones (up to 50 meters, Table 1) of at surface disseminated nickel sulphide mineralization similar to historic hole TK16-002 which returned 85.4 meters of 0.5% Ni and 0.2% Cu.

"The 2023 exploration program will continue to focus on these newly identified and interpreted Chonolith / Feeder Dyke structures on the 30,000 hectare Tyko Project (Figure 1)."

The 18 holes which comprise the current release were drilled with two drill rigs, a land-based rig in the Smoke Lake Zone and a helicopter portable rig for reconnaissance holes.

The Smoke Lake Zone drilling focused on testing Induced Polarization ("IP") anomalies (Figure 3) for which Exploration Permits had been received, as well as infill drilling on the deeper part of the Smoke Lake Zone (Figure 4). Ultramafic rocks were intersected (hole TK22-079) in the IP anomaly interpreted to represent the southeast extension of the Smoke Lake Zone (Figure 3). However, further testing is warranted as no sulphide mineralization was intersected and the IP anomaly remains unexplained. The IP anomaly located to the north of Smoke Lake, which also hosts a coincident magnetic anomaly and copper in soils anomaly of up to 195ppm (Figure 3) was tested by hole TK22-095 but also remains unexplained. A yet to be received Exploration Permit is required to fully test this IP anomaly. The presence of several occurrences of ultramafic rocks in drilling, the unexplained IP and soil anomalies suggest that additional mineralization is yet to be found in the larger Smoke Lake area.

The reconnaissance drilling program focused on testing the historic RJ and Tyko zones, a new single line EM anomaly and Interpreted Chonolith Structures (TK22-093). Hole TK22-093 is significant as this target was identified by magnetics alone, with no EM signature and consisted of sheared ultramafic rocks with disseminated nickel sulphide mineralization.

The drilling on the RJ and Tyko zones assisted in establishing the geometry of the mineralization, with the RJ zone confirmed to be dipping steeply to the north, similar to the West Pickle Zone located 3 kilometers to the west. Two 400 meter Borehole ElectroMagnetic ("BHEM") platform holes (TK22-083 and 085) were also drilled at RJ and Tyko to test for massive sulphide mineralization at depth. Within the typical 200-meter observation radius of the holes, no conductors were identified. Hole TK22-083 at RJ intersect several local zones of scattered disseminated nickel mineralization, locally to 0.6% Ni and 0.26% Cu (Table 1.) indicating that the zone does continue to depth.

The 2022 drill program consisted of 70 holes totaling 13,038 meters, of which 27 holes are pending assay results. The 2023 field season is currently underway, with a high-resolution magnetic survey having been completed. The survey was designed to refine the geometry of the interpreted feeder dykes / chonoliths across the Tyko project's 30-kilometer strike length prior to additional drill testing.

Figure 1. Tyko Property map showing various mineralized zones and multi-line VTEM anomalies, background is Calculated Vertical Gradient Magnetics ("CVG").
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/155807_3d335b08143a2a07_001full.jpg

Figure 2. Plan and stylized long section looking north perpendicular to the interpreted chonolith structures linking the West Pickle, RJ and Tyko zones showing potential for massive sulphide mineralization beyond the depth detectable by the 2021 VTEM airborne survey. Note, hole TK22-093, in the top right corner of the plan map intersected nickel mineralization in a new chonolith structure.
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/155807_3d335b08143a2a07_002full.jpg

Figure 3. Smoke Lake area showing all drilling to date, along with IP chargeability anomalies, VTEMax EM trends (dashed white line), Copper in soil anomalies, and ultramafic rock intersects. Background is total field magnetics.
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/155807_3d335b08143a2a07_003full.jpg

Figure 4. Plan map of Smoke Lake Zone showing all drilling to date, (red collars are 2022 drill holes, black collars are 2020-2021 drill holes) background is 1st vertical magnetics.
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/155807_3d335b08143a2a07_004full.jpg

Table 1: Assay Results: Tyko 2022 Drill Results Smoke Lake, RJ and Tyko Zones
https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/Multimedia/Low_PalladiumOne202302231.jpg

Table 2: Drill Hole Locations for assay results from this News Release
https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/Multimedia/Low_PalladiumOne202302232.jpg

QA/QC

The drilling program was carried out under the supervision of Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P. Geo., Vice President of Exploration, and a Director of the Company.

Drill core samples were split using a rock saw by Company staff, with half retained in the core box and stored onsite at the Tyko exploration camp core yard facility.

Samples were transported in secure bags directly from the logging facility at the onsite exploration camp, to the Activation Laboratories Ltd. ("Actlabs") in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Actlabs, which is ISO 17025 accredited with CAN-P-1579 (Mineral Lab). In addition to ISO 17025 accreditation, Actlabs is accredited/certified to ISO 9001:2015. All samples are crushed to 2 millimeters with a 250-gram split pulverized to 105 microns. Analysis for PGEs is performed using a 30 grams fire assay with an ICP-OES finish and for Ni, Cu, and Co using 0.25 grams by 4 acid digestion with ICP-OES finish. Ni, Cu and Co samples over 1.0 wt% were re-analysed by ore grade methods using 4 acid digestion with ICP-OES finish.

Certified standards, blanks and crushed duplicates are placed in the sample stream at a rate of one QA/QC sample per 10 core samples. Results are analyzed for acceptance within the defined limits of the standard used before being released to the public.

About Tyko Nickel – Copper – Cobalt Project

The Tyko Nickel – Copper – Cobalt Project, is located approximately 65 kilometers northeast of Marathon Ontario, Canada. Tyko is an early stage, high sulphide tenor, nickel – copper (2:1 ratio) project and currently has five known mineralized zones spanning over a 20 kilometer strike length.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this release has been reviewed and verified by Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P. Geo., Vice President of Exploration and a director of the Company and the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Palladium One

Palladium One Mining Inc. (TSXV: PDM) is focused on discovering environmentally and socially conscious Metals for Green Transportation. A Canadian mineral exploration and development company, Palladium One is targeting district scale, platinum-group-element (PGE)-copper-nickel deposits in Canada and Finland. The Lantinen Koillismaa (LK) Project in north-central Finland, is a PGE-copper-nickel project that has existing NI43-101 Mineral Resources, while both the Tyko and Canalask high-grade nickel-copper projects are located in Ontario and the Yukon, Canada, respectively. Follow Palladium One on LinkedIn, Twitter, and at www.palladiumoneinc.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
"Derrick Weyrauch"
President & CEO, Director

For further information contact:
Derrick Weyrauch, President & CEO
Email: info@palladiumoneinc.com

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

This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. The common shares of Palladium One Mining Inc. have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.

Information set forth in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address a company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in palladium and other commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume; and tax consequences to Canadian and U.S. Shareholders. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

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

Hektar REIT Realised Net Income higher by 187% for FY2022

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Hektar Asset Management Sdn. Bhd., the Manager of Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust (Hektar REIT), today announced its annual year results for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 (FY2022) with revenue of RM117.5 million, a substantial increase of 21.6% compared with the RM96.6 million for FY2021. The higher revenue is attributed to the increased rental income, including high turnover rent, increased car park income and higher hotel occupancy with an increase in the average room rates. Hektar REIT registered a Net Property Income (NPI) of RM58.7 million, a significant increase of 24.8% compared to RM47 million in the preceding year. Realised Net Income was RM36.4 million, a notable increase of 187% compared to the previous year. The dividend yield for FY2022 was 11.4% which was higher than the pre-Covid period (FY2019), with an impressive annual return of 60.8% based on the share price performance. The Net Asset Value (NAV) per unit for FY2022 was at RM1.27, an increase of 9% compared to RM1.16 in the previous year. There was also a notable increase in the fair value of the Hektar REIT Investment Portfolio of RM41.6 million.



En. Johari Shukri Bin Jamil, Chief Executive Officer of Hektar Asset Management Sdn. Bhd


Portfolio Performance for FY2022:

FY2022 was the year of recovery for the retail sector after the Covid-19 pandemic and the various restrictions & closures it brought. Hektar REIT's portfolio occupancy showed resilience at 82% as the majority of its assets maintained more than 80% occupancy rate. Our mall, Kulim Central, located in Kedah, continues to grow post refurbishment as its occupancy exceeds 96% with a double-digit valuation increase year-on-year. The Management successfully managed to attract 178 new & existing tenants, covering 22.8% of the total Net Lettable Area (NLA), equivalent to 466,357 sq. ft.

Despite the challenging retail environment, the Management remains steadfast in boosting occupancies by focusing on retaining key tenants, reviewing its current mall strategies, and working with innovative and creative retailers who are expected to bring the desired impact to the mall. According to the Manager, good brands are still expanding and in 2022, new & refreshed retailers were introduced in the malls, such as 4Fingers Crispy Chicken, Machines, Sushi Go, Oppo, Switch, Samsung, Myeong Dong Topokki, Siam Restaurant, Gigi Coffee, Yole Yoghurt, Rollney, Felancy, Pierre Cardin, Vivo and Madam Croffle to name a few.

All malls under the portfolio experienced an uptrend in visitor traffic following Malaysia's transition to endemicity after the COVID-19 pandemic, showing positive signs of a return in shoppers' confidence at Hektar malls. Overall visitor footfall count increased to 21.1 million in 2022, a massive jump of 60% compared to last year. It was primarily due to the intensified marketing initiatives, including sales-driven promotional campaigns, various events & activities that were implemented to cater to our loyal shoppers & patrons and Corporate Social Responsibility related events to serve the communities in which our shopping centres operate. All these initiatives have assisted our tenants' sales to inch closer to pre-pandemic levels of 2019 and helped them improve their cash flow by enjoying reduced occupancy costs.

En. Johari Shukri bin Jamil, Chief Executive Officer of Hektar Asset Management Sdn. Bhd. said: "Hektar REIT has shown tremendous persistence & resilience in FY2022 and has worked closely with our tenants, shoppers & other key stakeholders. Malls are evolving into lifestyle-centric places for people to meet, socialise, interact and learn. We are confident and believe they will remain the preferred destinations for entertainment, social activities and shopping amongst Malaysians as long as our malls stay relevant."

"Our focus is on initiatives that will benefit our malls and retailers in the long run through implementing focused strategies that will bring improvements in visitor footfall and encourage higher customer spending, resulting in a continuous positive upward cycle and sustainable growth. Our results for FY2022 have shown that our strategies are yielding the desired results. However, we remain cautiously optimistic about the 2023 outlook given the volatile economic landscape driven by hawkish monetary policy in response to inflationary pressure. We will continue to work harder to provide a fulfilling shopping experience to our loyal patrons and sustainable returns to our Unitholders."

Sustainability & ESG Awards for FY2022:

Hektar REIT embarked on energy efficiency & optimisation initiatives in 2017, in line with our commitment and goal to reduce our carbon footprint. The Management Team has been clear on its sense of responsibility, commitment and sincerity towards implementing initiatives and strategies that mitigate climate change associated risks, provide a positive impact on the community, uphold the best governance practices which are also aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

Hektar REIT is a constituent of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index and the rating was upgraded from a 3-star to a 4-star in its latest evaluation by FTSE Russell in June 2022. The Management team remains committed to continuously looking at and adopting sustainability-linked initiatives as part of the core strategy & decision-making process. We will continue to enhance our efforts in managing material sustainability matters, including climate change adaptation, pollution prevention, water and waste management, and managing energy consumption, including incorporating renewable energy in our energy mix moving forward. Hektar REIT's Assets Under Management (AUM) comprise five neighbourhood malls and one regional mall. Since acquiring these properties, our focus has always been on serving our community.

For FY2022, Hektar REIT's efforts have been recognised and rewarded with three awards for Sustainability & ESG Initiatives:

– Hektar REIT has been awarded "Company of the Year" under the "Stakeholder and Community Sustainability Engagement Initiatives" category of the Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2022.
– Hektar REIT was awarded two Silver awards at The Edge Malaysia ESG Awards 2022:
— Most Improved Performance Award Over Three Years (for Market Cap below RM300M); and
— Property & REIT Sector Award.

The awards recognise and honour Malaysian companies' commitment to developing and enhancing their business operations according to the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.

4Q 2022 Financial Results:

For the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2022 (4Q 2022), Hektar REIT recorded revenue of RM27.9 million, which is 11.7% higher than RM25 million for 4Q 2021. Net Property Income was RM10 million for the quarter under review, which was lower by 18.9% compared to the RM12.4 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year due to the higher upkeep, repair & maintenance expenses that were incurred to cater for improving domestic demand & normalisation of economic activities.

Hektar REIT: http://www.hektarreit.com/

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

Minetech Posts 58% Gain in 3Q Revenue to RM36 Million

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Minetech Resources Berhad, a civil engineering specialist and bituminous products manufacturer, today announced that the Company registered a 58.6% gain in revenue to RM36.3 million for the third quarter ended 31 December 2022 (3Q FY2023) compared with revenue of RM22.9 million in 3Q FY2022.


Matt Chin, Executive Director of Minetech


For the quarter under review, the Company recorded profit before tax (PBT) of RM0.2 million compared with loss before tax (LBT) of RM3.1 million while EBITDA has recorded its highest improvement of 166% compared to 3Q FY2022.

By segment, the civil engineering division registered a 41% rise in revenue to RM22.0 million in 3Q FY2023 compared with RM15.6 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The bituminous products division's revenue grew by a significant 150% to RM10.0 million compared with RM4.0 million while the services division recorded a 60% increase in revenue to RM3.2 million compared with RM2.0 million.

For the nine months ended 31 December 2022 (9M FY2023), the Company registered a 45.3% increase in revenue to RM87.3 million compared with RM60.1 million in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. LBT narrowed significantly by 76.2% in 9M FY2023 to RM2.9 million compared with RM12.2 million in 9M FY2022.

Matt Chin, Executive Director of Minetech, said, "The Company is on the right growth path as we continue to see our losses narrow on significantly higher revenue contributions from the civil engineering and bituminous products divisions. We are also seeing a recovery in the services division and the food and beverage division is starting to contribute too."

"Following our two-pronged strategic focus in 2020, the Company diversified into areas that can support financial performance while at the same time, transforming and rationalising the business. Our ventures now include financial technology and renewable energy, areas that have long-term growth and that can provide recurring income."

"The Company is cautiously optimistic for the coming quarters given that the Malaysian construction sector expanded 8.8% in 2022, with all subsectors registering growth according to data from the Statistics Department. Notably, there was 20.8% growth in the civil engineering subsector in 4Q while the non-residential buildings subsector expanded 19.0% and special trade activities subsector grew 12.7%."

Minetech Resources Bhd: 7219 [BURSA: MINE], https://minetech.com.my/

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

Doubleview Provides Update on Milestone 56% Scandium Phosphate Recovery in First Phase Metallurgical Testing at the HAT Deposit

Vancouver, BC, Feb 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) ("Doubleview") is pleased to provide additional information regarding the metallurgical process and significance of achieving 56% scandium ("Sc") recovery to a scandium phosphate precipitate, in the first attempt of sequential purification of HAT deposit flotation tailings. The HAT Copper-Gold-Scandium-Cobalt deposit is located in the Golden Triangle region of the Atlin Mining District in British Columbia.

Initial independent laboratory tests completed by Coffey, Tetra Tech were designed to demonstrate the validity of the underlying process chemistry. Achieving 56% Sc recovery shows that primarily, the response to the treatment program was predictable and as anticipated.

Expectations are that scandium recoveries in the range of 80% to 90% will ultimately be achievable with further process development and optimisation. Production of a phosphate lends itself to the solution purification scheme currently under test. Once recovered, scandium can be converted to other forms. Alternative treatment strategies are also being considered.

EUR ING Andrew Carter B.Sc. CEng. MIMMM, MSAIMM SME of Coffey, Tetra Tech noted "Even at moderate recoveries, the HAT deposit has the potential to meet international demand for scandium for the foreseeable future. As scandium is a by-product of a waste stream, recovery is not the fundamental driver, cost is. If it can be demonstrated that scandium can be recovered at an acceptable cost, then scandium has the potential to add significant value to the HAT deposit. A techno-economic evaluation for the production of scandium as a by-product of HAT copper-gold production will be evaluated on conclusion of the test work phase."

Mr. Carter also noted that "Reported recovery rates for other projects, either in planning or under development, are 76.2% at the Flemington Project on the low end, and 88.0% at the Syerston Project on the upper end. This positions the potential for Doubleview's HAT deposit favourably as it is targeting an 80-90% recovery rate, however it is noted that other scandium projects currently under consideration are treating laterites.

Farshad Shirvani, President and CEO stated "Current research has shown, that scandium is a unique metal which, when combined with certain other metals, significantly enhances the strength of the alloy while also reducing its weight. This results in lighter and stronger materials that can potentially be essential for a wide range of products where efficiency is crucial. The HAT property is among the few mineral bodies in North America that contain significant amount of scandium."

Scandium is associated with crustal rocks and mafic and utra-mafic lithologies such as amphiboles and pyroxenes (in particular clinopyroxene) and so is primarily associated with the tails stream of a conventional copper flotation process employed in the treatment of a porphyry ore. In a fully integrated process, the HAT deposit could produce a high-gold, low-cobalt copper concentrate and a low-gold, high-cobalt pyrite concentrate. The pyrite concentrate could be used to produce acid for the recovery of cobalt from roaster calcines and scandium from flotation tails.

Qualified Persons:

EUR ING Andrew Carter B.Sc. CEng. MIMMM, MSAIMM SME of Coffey, Tetra Tech is Doubleview's Qualified Person with respect to the HAT Project Metallurgical Studies as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release. He is independent of Doubleview.

About Doubleview Gold Corp

Doubleview Gold Corp, a mineral resource exploration and development company, is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (GER: A1W038) (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview identifies, acquires and finances precious and base metal exploration projects in North America, particularly in British Columbia. Doubleview increases shareholder value through acquisition and exploration of quality gold, copper and silver properties and the application of advanced state-of-the-art exploration methods. The Company's portfolio of strategic properties provides diversification and mitigates investment risk.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information please contact:

Doubleview Gold Corp
Vancouver, BC Farshad Shirvani
President & CEO
T: (604) 678-9587
E: corporate@doubleview.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Doubleview cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Doubleview's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Doubleview's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward- looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Doubleview undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

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.

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

Propel Global Posts 2Q Revenue of RM24.5 Million

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Propel Global Berhad, a provider of oil and gas (O&G) services as well as downstream specialty chemicals to the O&G industry, today announced that the Group recorded a 3.81% gain in revenue to RM24.5 million for the second quarter ended 31 December 2022 (2Q FY2023) compared with RM23.6 million for the corresponding quarter in 2Q FY2022 from continuing operations.


Ms. Angeline Lee, Group Chief Executive Officer of Propel Global


For the quarter under review, the Group registered RM2.59 million in profit before tax (PBT) compared with PBT of RM0.6 million from continuing operations. For the first-half period ended 31 December 2022 (1H FY2023), the Group registered 15.45% increase in revenue to RM42.6 million compared with RM36.9 million in 1H FY2022 while PBT increased to RM5.9 million compared with RM0.7 million.

On a segmental basis, the Group's O&G operations recorded a 35.29% increase in revenue to RM11.5 million in 2Q FY2023 compared with RM8.5 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year while PBT increased to RM2.3 million from RM0.1 million. Under technical services, the Group registered 13.91% decrease in revenue to RM13.0 million from RM15.1 million while PBT for the quarter increased to RM2.8 million compared with RM0.7 million.

The increased sales for the O&G segment are mainly attributable to higher offtake of production chemicals and fulfilment of work orders for well services. The segment's increase in PBT is mainly due to higher margin contributed from radial cutting torch services. For the technical services segment, the lower revenue reported is mainly due to project completions of higher contract sum in preceding year corresponding quarter while PBT improved due to reversal of liquidated ascertained damages on a construction project of commercial buildings and margin contributed from access road construction project.

Ms. Angeline Lee, Group Chief Executive Officer of Propel Global said, "The latest quarter's financial performance is good news for the Group as this is the second quarter of profitability and enables us to exit PN17 status soon. The focus on our strategies seeking opportunities to achieve better financial performance has paid off. The Group will continue to implement initiatives that will enhance our financial performance further."

"The outlook for the O&G industry is expected to be stable supported by crude oil price's decent recovery as this directly benefits businesses involved in exploration with positive spillover effect for others involved in O&G services."

Propel Global Berhad: 0091 [BURSA: PGB], https://www.propelglobal.com.my/

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

HKTDC welcomes 2023-24 Budget

HONG KONG, Feb 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) welcomes the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) 2023-24 budget, which allocates additional funding of HK$550 million over five years to the HKTDC to help Hong Kong enterprises seize opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development as well as tapping into emerging markets and stepping up global promotional efforts.


HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam delivers opening remarks at the Asian Financial Forum 2023. HKTDC will organise mega events in Hong Kong, Mainland China and key overseas markets to attract investment and talents, creating business opportunities for the city.

HKSAR Chief Executive Mr John Lee led a week-long mission to the Middle East in February 2023, during which 13 MoUs were signed, including three MoUs for the HKTDC – with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Chamber and Invest in Sharjah.

In the coming months, the HKTDC will organise more than 10 large-scale exhibitions and conferences in Hong Kong, welcoming many exhibitors and buyers from Mainland China and overseas.


HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said: "We are grateful for the support from the Financial Secretary. The HKTDC will fully support these measures to continue to strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international business centre, tell the good stories of Hong Kong and capitalise on the city's distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support from the Motherland, while being connected to the world. Covering a wide range of industries, the HKSAR 2023-24 budget facilitates Hong Kong's economic revitalisation and reflects the HKSAR Government's commitment to realise high-quality economic development. The HKTDC will work closely with the HKSAR Government to create new opportunities for different industries and help them capitalise on national development, enabling them to diversify and grow on the road to recovery."

Market expansion through HKTDC events

Dr Lam added that the HKTDC has been helping Hong Kong businesses expand to new markets over the years, especially the vibrant BRI countries, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) economies and GBA, and will continue to engage in a series of promotional activities to support growth aspirations of businesses.

These include product-focused SmartHK and product-focused ChicHK in the GBA in May, while we will promote the Hong Kong brand and its many advantages in Thailand in July with our Think Business, Think Hong Kong campaign.

In addition, the HKTDC will set up a Hong Kong pavilion in major trade events in Mainland China, such as the China International Consumer Products Expo in Hainan in April and China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November. The HKTDC will help local businesses explore emerging markets through business missions.

Promote high-quality development

The 2023-24 budget aims to promote high-quality economic growth that matches with national development strategies, focusing on areas, such as finance, sustainable development, innotech and biotech.

Dr Lam added that these are the Council's promotional focuses and will cover these elements in HKTDC's flagship events, including the Asian Financial Forum, the inaugural InnoEx, Asian Summit for Global Health as well as Belt and Road Summit and Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference. The HKTDC will also cover green economy and sustainability in its SME support schemes.

Dr Lam concluded: "Reducing profits tax, extending the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme and enhancing the BUD Fund will help ease operational pressures of local businesses, especially SMEs. Driving development through innovation and technology and green transformation will help diversify our economy and support local businesses expand to new markets and seize new opportunities. The HKTDC will continue to play a pivotal role in Hong Kong's road to recovery."

Success stories
– E-commerce boom drives data demand https://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/p14wwkDp/tech-amp%3B-innovation/E-commerce-boom-drives-data-demand
– AI spots flaws in floors https://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/mtlENVFW/tech-amp%3B-innovation/AI-spots-flaws-in-floors
– Robots transform surgery https://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/1X0ALR1Q/tech-amp%3B-innovation/Robots-transform-surgery
– Gateway to growing Latin market https://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/2VZiy1mM/market-opportunities/Gateway-to-growing-Latin-market
– New play on pork https://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/8GfQR7g7/entrepreneurship/A-new-play-on-pork
– Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3jVDTxT

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
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

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

QMC Receives Work Permit for Irgon Lithium Mine Project

Vancouver, BC, Feb 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – QMC Quantum Minerals Corp., (TSXV: QMC) (FSE: 3LQ) (OTC Pink: QMCQF) ("QMC" or "the Company") has received a work permit from the Government of Manitoba for the Company's Irgon Lithium Mine Property. The Irgon Lithium Mine has a historical resource estimate of 1.2 million tons grading 1.51% Li2O over a strike length of 365 metres, to a depth of 213 metres. Currently, on surface, the strike length has been extended to approximately 800 metres and remains open along strike and to depth. A complete mining plant and 40-man camp were installed on site during 1956/57. The adjacent Highway 314, which transects the property, was specifically built for access to the historic Irgon mining operation. The mining plant was designed to process 500 tons of ore per day. The project has excellent infrastructure, being close to grid power, highway access to a processing facility 20km to the south and a major central railway system located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The initial focus of the proposed work program will be to carry out a field mapping and sampling program in order to extend the Irgon Dike beyond the known 800m strike length. The Company will then execute a channel sampling program across newly exposed mineralized outcrop sections of the Irgon Dike.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

– Historic Resource: Between 1953 and 1954, the Lithium Corporation of Canada Limited ("LCOC") reported a historical resource estimate on the Irgon Dike of 1.2 million tons grading 1.51% Li20 over a strike length of 365 metres and to a depth of 213 metres. This historical resource is documented in a 1956 Assessment Report by B. B. Bannatyne for LCOC (Manitoba Assessment Report No. 94932). This historical resource estimate is believed to be based on reasonable assumptions and both the Company and QP has no reason to contest the document's relevance and reliability.

– Existing Underground Development: During 1956/1957 a complete mining plant was installed, and since removed, on site designed to process 500 tons of ore per day and a three-compartment shaft was sunk to a depth of 74 metres. On the 61-metre level, lateral development was extended off the shaft for a total of 366 metres of drifting from which six crosscuts transected the dike.

– Excellent Historic Recoveries: Historic metallurgical tests reported an 87% recovery from which a concentrate averaging 5.9% Li2O was obtained.

– Excellent Local Infrastructure: The Irgon Property is transected by Manitoba Highway 314 with access to hydro, water, nearby rail head and is located only 20 kilometres north of the Sinomine Rare Metal Resources Group's TANCO Mine which is currently mining spodumene and producing a lithium concentrate on site.

– Pending NI 43-101 Report: A NI 43-101 technical report is nearing completion which will update the historical lithium resource to current NI 43-101 standards.

The mineral reserve cited above is presented as a historical estimate and uses historical terminology which does not conform to current NI43-101 standards. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Although the historical estimates are believed to be based on reasonable assumptions, they were calculated prior to the implementation of National Instrument 43-101. These historical estimates do not meet current standards as defined under sections 1.2 and 1.3 of NI 43-101; consequently, the issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

Qualified Person and NI 43-101 Disclosure

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Daniel Leroux, P. Geo. who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About the Company

QMC is a British Columbia based company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of resource properties. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious, base, rare metal resource properties of merit. The Company's properties include the Irgon Lithium Mine Project and two VMS properties, the Rocky Lake and Rocky-Namew, known collectively as the Namew Lake District Project. Currently, all of the company's properties are located in Manitoba.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of QMC QUANTUM MINERALS CORP.
"Balraj Mann"
Balraj Mann
President and Chief Executive Officer
604-601-2018

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

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

Malaysian Genomics to Offer World’s First DNA-Driven Fertility Test

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Feb 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad, a leading genomics and biopharmaceutical specialist, today announced that the Group has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Divine Genes Sdn Bhd to collaborate on business opportunities in relation to the improvement and international distribution of genetic tests for reproductive health.


Sasha Nordin, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad


Divine Genes is an investment holding company with businesses in pharmaceutical product distribution, financial consultancy services as well as general merchandise and trading.

Under the strategic collaboration, Divine Genes' genetic test for reproductive health will be added to Malaysian Genomics' genetic test portfolio, which will market and distribute these tests in Malaysia and overseas. Both parties will also cooperate in improving the product.

En. Sasha Nordin, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Genomics said, "Decreasing fertility and birth rates are common across the world, and demand for reproductive medicine is growing in many countries. This new, pioneering DNA-driven fertility test can help reproductive health specialists and their patients make important decisions in support of improving the outcome of fertility treatments. This test will form a critical part of Malaysian Genomics' genetic screening portfolio of over 550 tests available across Southeast Asia and the Middle East where we have a presence."

Dr. Pawel Suwinski, Director of Divine Genes said, "This is a good opportunity for us to work with an organisation with the market reach, track record and platform to distribute our test. This collaboration is a good platform for both parties to leverage on each other's strengths in improving the product and expanding the market for the test."

Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad: 0155 [BURSA: MGRC] [RIC: MGRC:KL] [BBG: MGRC:MK], http://www.mgrc.com.my/

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

Samaiden Posts 36% Gain in Revenue to RM40 Million in 2Q

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Feb 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Samaiden Group Berhad, a renewable energy (RE) specialist principally involved in engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and power plants registered a 36.28% rise in revenue to RM40.23 million for the second quarter ended 31 December 2022 (2Q FY2023) compared with RM29.52 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.


Group Managing Director of Samaiden, Ir. Chow Pui Hee


Samaiden recorded a 10.48% gain in profit before tax (PBT) to RM3.48 million in 2Q FY2023 compared with RM3.15 million for 2Q FY2022 while profit after tax (PAT) increased 14.60% to RM2.59 million compared with RM2.26 million.

For the first-half of the financial year 2023 (1H FY2023), revenue increased 52.14% to RM81.00 million compared with RM53.24 million in 1H FY2022 while PBT gained 14.77% to RM6.76 million compared with RM5.89 million. Samaiden's PAT increased 16.67% to RM5.04 million compared with RM4.32 million in the same period.

For the quarter under review, EPCC services contributed to approximately 99.45% of Samaiden's revenue. The remaining revenue came from energy asset investment, environmental consultancy and operation and maintenance.

Group Managing Director of Samaiden, Ir. Chow Pui Hee said, "We see government initiatives encouraging the deployment of RE, particularly the launch of 600 megawatts (MW) Corporate Green Power Programme in last November which will drive the adoption of sustainability. In addition to that, the increase in electricity tariffs starting from January 2023 also serve as the catalyst for the RE industry development in Malaysia."

"Taken together, these initiatives and measures are opportunities that can be leveraged either to provide EPCC services for solar PV systems or to allow us to participate as an investor in all these solar assets. We will also continue to leverage on our core competency and experience to provide end-to-end services for potential solar PV and other non-solar projects. Nonetheless, we remain optimistic about investing in Southeast Asia, as many neighbouring countries are prioritizing energy transition as their key national objective. We are cautiously optimistic about Samaiden's performance for the remainder of FY2023.

Samaiden's total outstanding orderbook stood at RM269.54 million as at 31 December 2022 and is expected to contribute positively to revenue and profit over the next three years.

Samaiden Group Bhd: 0223 [BURSA: SAMAIDEN], https://samaiden.com.my/

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