Origen Resources Creates Advisory Board, Announces Financing

Vancouver, BC, Feb 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Origen Resources Inc. (CSE: ORGN) (FSE: 4VXA) (the "Company" or "Origen"), a rapidly emerging lithium exploration and project generating company, is pleased to announce it has created an Lithium Advisory Board to assist in the further development of the Company. Origen welcomes Gabriel Pindar, Dr. David Shaw, Neil Stuart and George Cumplido as the founding members of this Advisory Board.

Mr. Gabriel Pindar was co-founder and COO of Neo Lithium, which was acquired by Zijin Mining for $960 Million. Neo Lithium's sole asset was the 3Q lithium carbonate project in Argentina, which is forecasted to start production at the end of this year. Previously he served as GM and Head of Projects for ArcelorMittal Group, Deputy Project Director for BHP's Olympic Dam Expansion, as well as senior Project Management roles for Fluor and Hatch.

Dr. David Shaw is a well-respected structural geologist and mining entrepreneur, with significant global lithium experience over the last 14 years, from exploration to production. Dr. Shaw served as Senior Mining Analyst for the Corporate Finance Group at Yorkton Securities from 1990 to 1996. During his tenure at Yorkton, he was involved in over $2 billion of capital market activity. Dr. Shaw was instrumental in the selection, acquisition and exploration of Talison Inc's lithium brine assets; Talison was acquired by Chinese lithium producer Tianqi in 2013 for $850 million. Dr. Shaw was also involved with First Majestic Silver from start-up in 2004 through to eight operational mines, he resigned as of 2019.

Mr. Neil Stuart is a highly-experienced geologist and founding director and Executive Chairman of Orocobre Limited (now Allkem Limited, current market capitalisation $8 billion) and was key to the acquisition and development of the Salar Olaroz Lithium mine in Argentina. Mr. Stuart was also the Founding Chairman of Oroplata Limited, whose Cerro Negro Project was taken over by Goldcorp for $3.5 billion. He has held numerous senior executive positions on Australian- and Canadian-listed companies.

Mr. George Cumplido was recently non-Executive director of Power Minerals, specifically focused on its Salta Lithium Brine Project in Argentina. Formerly Senior Commercial Manager for Rio Tinto and Chief Commercial Officer with ASX-listed Xanadu Mines Ltd, Mr. Cumplido has extensive experience managing resource projects from inception to production. Fluent in Spanish, Mr. Cumplido has also held senior positions with Vale, Mitsubishi and CSIRO, Australia's national science agency.

Gary Schellenberg, CEO of Origen, noted: "Origen now has a Tier 1 team to execute on its Los Sapitos Lithium Project in Argentina. As noted in our January 19 news, the Company is focusing all its exploration efforts on lithium, given forecasts of a massive shortage of lithium by 2030. I am pleased that our new Advisory Board members share my belief in the significant potential of Los Sapitos. The Advisory Board will be of immediate assistance to Dr. Thomas Hawkins, recently announced as Origen's Managing Director, and our technical teams of Coast Mountain Geological, Petra Gold Servicios SRL and Servicios Logisticos SRL."

Gary continued: "This advisory board will also add incredible value to Origen's on-going global search for lithium brine, clay and pegmatite opportunities in addition to Los Sapitos and our Newfoundland pegmatite belt. Our combined team has been investigating lithium for the last 13 years, including the Mariana Lithium Brine Project now operated by Ganfeng Lithium. I look forward to accelerating our progress with these distinguished advisors."

Los Sapitos Project Status

Origen's Los Sapitos Lithium Project is located in the northern part of the San Juan Province in Argentina. Discovered by Origen during a global search for lithium occurrences, the most prospective part of Los Sapitos consists of 26,962 hectares of contiguous exploration licences in San Juan Province, covering a Clayton Valley-style lithium occurrence. Clayton Valley brines are contained at depth in dipping aquifers controlled by faults and which have never formed a conspicuously visible salt lake like their Andean cousins. Notably, Abermarle's Silver Peak deposit only covers 2,000 hectares. Preliminary water sampling in Los Sapitos indicated lithium levels similar to some established lithium salars – as high as 390 mg/l (see news release dated October 13, 2021). This indicates that the inflow water and conditions of Los Sapitos are capable of developing lithium brines of potential interest. Ulexite (a boron evaporite mineral) has also been identified at Los Sapitos and indicates that concentrated boron-bearing brines have been present – an important indicator for lithium prospectivity. In 2023, Origen is planning gravity surveys, multiple geochemical programmes and airborne/satellite work, in order to identify drill targets for testing in Q4 of this year.

Financing

Origen is pleased to announce that that it has arranged for a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to 8 million units of securities of the Company ("Units") at a purchase price of $0.25 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,000,000. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half Common Share purchase Warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.40 at any time up to 18 months following issuance.

Proceeds will be used for the next phase of detailed exploration at the Company's Los Sapitos Lithium Project, and for general working capital. Insiders will likely participate in the placement and, as such, their participation in the Private Placement is a related-party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions.

John Harrop, P. Geo., a Qualified Person as that term is defined in NI 43-101, has supervised the preparation, or approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release. Mr. Harrop is employed by Coast Mountain Geological Ltd. He is not independent of the Company as defined in NI 43-101.

About Origen

Origen is an exploration company engaged in generating, acquiring and advancing base, precious metal, and lithium properties. The Company is fully focused on its 100% interest in the Los Sapitos Lithium project in Argentina, and also holds a property portfolio of four 100% owned precious and base metal projects in southern British Columbia, a 100% interest in the 26,771 ha LGM project property in the mineral rich Golden Triangle of British Columbia, and a portfolio of investments from prior property joint ventures and sales.

On behalf of Origen,
Gary Schellenberg
CEO

For further information, please contact Gary Schellenberg, CEO at 604-681-0221.

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

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

Southern Score Builders Posts RM59 Million Revenue in 2Q

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Southern Score Builders Berhad (Bursa: SSB8, 0045), a provider of construction management services mainly for high-rise residential buildings, had announced today that the Group registered revenue of RM59.35 million for the second quarter ended 31 December 2022 (2Q FY2023).

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Score Builders, Gan Yee Hin

The Group recorded a loss before tax (LBT) of RM0.43 million in 2Q FY2023. The LBT recorded was mainly due to a one-off reverse acquisition expense amounting to RM14.63 million incurred as part of the regularisation plan which was completed on 9 November 2022. If not for the reverse acquisition expense, the Group would have recorded a profit before tax (PBT) of RM14.2 million in 2Q FY2023.

Due to the regularisation plan, there is no comparison with the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.

For the six months ended 31 December 2022 (1H FY2023), Southern Score Builders registered revenue of RM110.47 million and PBT of RM9.46 million. The Group would have registered PBT of RM24.09 million for 1H FY2023 if not for the reverse acquisition expense incurred under the regularisation plan.

The Group remains in a solid financial position to pursue its growth and expansion plans, with cash and cash equivalents balance at the end of 1H FY2023 amounting to RM108.22 million.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Score Builders, Gan Yee Hin said, "We are optimistic for the outlook of the Group based on the ongoing projects and the Group's potential to secure new projects in the coming quarters. We believe the growth momentum of the domestic construction sector will continue after having expanded 8.8% in 2022 according to the latest figures from the Department of Statistics Malaysia."

"The Group has participated in a number of public and private sector tenders and is also exploring opportunities in other projects that could yield long-term and sustainable revenue. The strategic focus remains expanding our construction services while leveraging on our expertise and business network. As part of the future plans, we are also venturing into the manufacturing of Industrialised Building System products as we see demand growing from the construction sector."

"Taking into consideration the Group's prospects, the Group is likely to achieve the targeted profit over the profit guarantee period which is a cumulative net profit guarantee of RM80.0 million over the three-year period from 2022 to 2024 provided by the vendor, Super Advantage Property Sdn Bhd under the regularisation plan. This guarantee is intact and well on target."

In a separate announcement to the stock exchange, the Group's Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of 1 sen per ordinary share for the financial year ending 30 June 2023 to be paid out on 18 April 2023 with an ex-date of 28 March 2023.

Southern Score Builders Bhd: 0045 [BURSA: SSB8], https://southernscore.com.my/

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

Dennis Nguyen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Nasdaq-listed Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) to Speak at NXT CX Summit Indonesia in Jakarta

SINGAPORE, Feb 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Society Pass Incorporated ("SoPa") (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia's (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces that company founder, chairman, and CEO Dennis Nguyen has been invited to serve as the keynote speaker at the 8th NXT CX Summit Indonesia to be held on Wednesday, 22 February 2023. The title of the conference is "Holistic Approach to Indonesia's Customer Transformation."

Mr. Nguyen is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of SoPa. He has been an investment banker and venture capitalist with more than 25 years of deal experience in the SEA, Greater China, US, EU, Korea and Middle East markets. He founded Society Pass in 2018 and led the company to its historical initial public offering on Nasdaq in November 2021, being the first Vietnam-based company to complete a traditional IPO outside of Vietnam. SoPa aims to transform the entire retail value chain towards a more digital future in SEA with SoPa's first-in-class loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem.

During the conference, Mr. Nguyen will talk about "Society Pass: Building the Next Generation Digital Ecosystem in Southeast Asia" at 10:45 am on Wednesday, 22 Feb 2023.

Event details:
Event: 8th NXT CX Summit Indonesia https://www.nxtcxsea.com/
Date: Wednesday, 22nd February 2023
Location: Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Jakarta, Indonesia (In-person Conference)

About Society Pass Inc.

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

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021. SOPA shares were added to the Russell 2000 index in December 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa's data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 205,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

SoPa leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, digital advertising platform; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam's leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam; Mangan.ph, a leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines and Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company's filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company's initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contacts:
PRecious Communications
sopa@preciouscomms.com

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

Director-General of Investment Promotion visits Bangkok to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Feb 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Mr Stephen Phillips, today (February 20) started his duty visit to Bangkok as part of the latest efforts to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities.

Mr Stephen Phillips

During the visit, Mr Phillips will meet with potential start-ups and companies from fintech, transport, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, and consumer products sectors to discuss their plans of setting up or expanding in Hong Kong. He will also speak at the panel discussion on "Digital FDI & Innovation" at the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies Asia Pacific IPAs Investment Conference and host two briefings for Thai start-up communities with specific themes on the latest development and initiatives of virtual assets in Hong Kong and the vibrant start-up landscape and opportunities in the city respectively.

Mr Phillips said, "Hong Kong is the only place in the world where the global advantage and the China advantage come together in a single city. This unique convergence makes Hong Kong the irreplaceable connection between the Mainland and the rest of the world. The city is an ideal location for overseas and Mainland companies, as well as entrepreneurs from around the world, as a base to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), China, and Asia more widely."

He added, "Hong Kong offers Thai companies a wide range of routes to growth opportunities. I look forward to sharing with representatives of companies and entrepreneurs the latest business environment in Hong Kong, and in particular, how they can use Hong Kong to seize opportunities, including those arising from the GBA."

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

Hong Kong Investment Promotion Chief visits Bangkok to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Feb 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Mr Stephen Phillips, today (February 20) started his duty visit to Bangkok as part of the latest efforts to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities.

Mr Stephen Phillips

Kincentric Malaysia’s Best Employers demonstrate Organizational Agility and Commitment to Attract and Retain Talent

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Kincentric, a Spencer Stuart Company, announces today their Best Employers for 2022. As part of its leading employer program, Kincentric measures and recognizes extraordinary employers who have demonstrated the keen ability to listen and address their employee's evolving needs to drive higher talent retention and performance. Key factors that differentiated these Best Employers especially included their marked willingness and agility to encourage diverse ideas and implement them with speed, to ultimately enhance employee experience.

According to Ridhima Khanduja, Market Leader for Kincentric Malaysia, the country's Best Employers for 2022 outperformed in four critical performance pillars that highlighted their strong purpose-driven culture and execution capability. This, in turn, has enabled them to be responsive and agile, maintain high levels of employee engagement, and foster a culture where employees stay and become brand advocates.

The Best Employers in Malaysia have excelled in four fundamental performance pillars, which included employee engagement (a 14-point increase to 83%), agility (a 12-point increase to 79%), engaging leadership (a 9-point increase to 77%), and talent focus (a 12-point increase to 77%), when compared to their average peers.

These outstanding performance indicators were evident in the following five (5) organizations, which were recognized as Kincentric Malaysia's Best Employers:

a) Lotuss Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
b) McDonald's Malaysia
c) PLUS Malaysia Berhad
d) Sunway Theme Parks; and
e) Tenaga Nasional Berhad

Ridhima said, "The business landscape and priorities have fundamentally shifted to become today's Brittle-Anxious-Non-Linear-Incomprehensible (BANI) world, creating a unique set of challenges for employers and markets alike. Organizations, including our Best Employer companies, are under pressure to meet employees' shifting expectations, and are going above and beyond to address these challenges head-on. Leading companies understand the need to adapt and redefine their talent strategy by building resilience, awareness and empathy, while leveraging on data to survive and thrive."

"Malaysia's employee engagement levels in H1 2022 have dipped below pre-COVID levels, from 70% in 2019 to 67%. Employee's intent to stay in the organization has also experienced a similar pattern, dropping five (5) points from 64% in 2019 to 59% in the same period. The lower scores indicate that many organizations are trying something new – testing, learning and refining – while others are holding back in the hope that things will go back to 'normal'. It is time to embrace change, and we are encouraged by the progress made by Malaysian employers," Ridhima added.

Sunway Theme Parks had also received recognition as the 'Best of the Best' for its outstanding demonstration of organizational agility and manager capability in support of employee wellbeing and development. Despite existing market challenges that impacted the theme park industry, the organization emphasized its commitment to its people through various strategic measures such as their 'Service Culture Program' and cross-departmental trainings, which deepened Sunway's corporate culture, and provided resilience and agility to respond to fluid business environments.

The 'Best of the Best' recognition was also awarded for Sunway Theme Parks' ability to engage with employees across levels and age groups in a consistent manner – a challenging feat that most organizations struggle with. The concerted efforts to engage its employees by creating a culture of recognition and in providing clarity and opportunities for career growth had allowed Sunway Theme Parks to develop a multigenerational employee experience, which meets the unique expectations of its millennial employees.

Calvin Ho, Executive Director of Sunway Theme Parks said, "At Sunway Theme Parks, we believe that it is the people that build the business. Only when our leaders reflect upon their strengths and weaknesses, then we are able to understand our colleagues and improve upon the dynamics of a team. By doing so, our leaders become more adaptable, are able to exercise empathy and can better impact our business. The sharpest of blades are often forged in the strongest of fires."

McDonald's Malaysia and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) were also awarded with Special Recognitions for their outstanding commitments to Building Purposeful Talent and Transforming Culture, respectively. Over the years, and especially in 2022, both organizations had demonstrated a steadfast dedication to developing and strengthening their internal structures to support talent development, offer meaningful career direction and pathways, and create a working environment which fostered growth and success.

"Congratulations to all the Kincentric Malaysia's Best Employers for their exceptional achievements in creating an engaging culture that prioritizes employees' voices, value, and performance. Their dedication to promoting this culture through courageous organizational changes is truly admirable," Ridhima concluded.

About Kincentric

Kincentric, a Spencer Stuart Company, helps organizations unlock the power of people and teams to ignite change and drive better business results. With decades of experience and specialist expertise in areas such as culture, employee engagement, leadership assessment and development, HR and talent advisory, and diversity, equity and inclusion, Kincentric uses data-driven insights to architect solutions that add value, enhance agility and increase organizational effectiveness. For more information, visit kincentric.com.

Image:
Chong Chye Neo, judge for Kincentric Malaysia's 2022 Best Employer program; Tuan Haji Wahizan bin Abd Rahman, Chief People Officer of Tenaga Nasional Berhad; Dato' Wahab Abu Bakar, judge for Kincentric Malaysia's 2022 Best Employer program, Melanie Lim, Senior Director – Restaurant Solutions Group, Training, Learning & Development of McDonald's Malaysia; Ridhima Khanduja, Market Leader for Kincentric Malaysia; Calvin Ho, Executive Director of Sunway Theme Parks; Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi, Chief Operating Officer of PLUS Malaysia Berhad; Puan Yasmin Mohd Ramzi, Head of People Strategy & Organizational Effectiveness, Tenaga Nasional Berhad; Alvin Low, Head of People of Lotuss Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd; Dato' Hamidah Naziadin, judge for Kincentric Malaysia's 2022 Best Employer program. [L-R] ( https://acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_Kincentric20230217.jpg )

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

Jewellery twin shows burnish Hong Kong image

HONG KONG, Feb 16, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR) has removed restrictions on travel between Hong Kong and Mainland China and lifted vaccination requirements for overseas visitors to the city. The moves will boost global trade between Hong Kong, Mainland China and the world at large. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has been actively promoting the territory's advantages through different channels and exhibitions. The 39th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 9th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organised by the HKTDC, will be staged at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 1-5 March 2023, as a launch pad for a new round of trade fairs to help Hong Kong companies capture global business opportunities.

Sophia Chong (centre), HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, Lawrence Ma (L), Chairman, HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show Fair Organising Committee, and Winston Chow, Chairman, HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee, attended today's (16 February) press conference to introduce the twin jewellery shows.

Winners and guests at today's prize presentation ceremony for the 24th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition

Artist Tiffany Lau and other models present stunning jewellery pieces.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "We are happy to see positive feedback from international and mainland business communities on the relaxation of the pandemic prevention policies in Hong Kong. We observed a gradual return of overseas and mainland participants in exhibitions and conference held in January. This year, the twin jewellery shows are attracting more than 2,300 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions, with half of them from overseas. The fairs will draw 100 buying missions with more than 10,000 non-local buyers from 70 countries and regions, showing significant increase in both non-local exhibitors and buyers compared to last year. We believe the exhibition industry and international trade will benefit directly from full relaxation of quarantine measures later this year."

The HKTDC will focus on two key aspects – markets and sectors – to promote Hong Kong as a business hub and help trade regain momentum. The HKTDC will focus on promoting Hong Kong as the preeminent two-way bridge between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); between Asia and the world. Apart from GBA, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries, traditional and emerging markets remain our regional focus for promotion. Apart from facilitating trade and exports of various industry sectors, the HKTDC will also reinforce Hong Kong's leading role in innovation & technology, health & wellness and sustainability.

Hong Kong fine jewellery exports rally

After the pandemic brought a 20% decline in 2020, Hong Kong's fine jewellery exports benefited significantly from relaxed quarantine measures. The value of Hong Kong's fine jewellery exports last year rose 18% to HK$71.4 billion (US$9.1 billion), as compared to 2019. While there was a 40% growth in Hong Kong's jewellery sales to ASEAN markets, the exports to the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Australia and Taiwan also showed an encouraging increase.

Group pavilions include Mainland China, Japan, Korea and Germany

The twin shows will feature 20 group pavilions including those from Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Turkiye, Israel, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, the United States and others. A number of jewellery associations will return to the fairs and show support, such as the Asia Pacific Creator Association, International Coloured Gems Association, Tanzanite Foundation, and the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association which organises T-GOLD+METS pavilion with Italian Exhibition Group and many more. The overwhelming response proves Hong Kong is an attractive platform for international companies.

Highlighted zones present exquisite jewellery

The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will feature 17 zones. Amongst all, the Hall of Fame will gather 18 jewellery brands, including Hong Kong's ASIAN STAR, Spain's CARRERA Y CARRERA, Italy's Oriental Jewels and Thailand's Key Gems; Hall of Extraordinary will showcase masterpieces from about 60 exhibitors, such as Dehres, United Jewelry, On Tung Company, and Continental Diamond from Hong Kong, Switzerland's Thomas Faerber SA, DIACRAFT Inc from the US, Germany's Heinz Mayer, and Italy's Crivelli s.r.l.; Designer Galleria will feature precious pieces from 25 jewellery designers from across the world. Participating designer brands include Green G, Starlite Jewellery and CULTURED from Hong Kong, Korea's Gina Fine Jewelry Creator, Taiwan's Dian-Ta Design Studio and more.

The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show consists of three product zones, including Hall of Fine Diamond, Treasures of Nature and Treasures of Ocean showcasing premium quality diamonds, gemstones and pearls.

Over 20 inspiring events help businesses stay up-to-date

The twin jewellery shows will organise over 20 seminars and events covering various topics such as 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. These seminars and events will allow industry players to stay up-to-date and explore further business opportunities. There will also be various networking events and jewellery parades during the shows. In addition, the winning pieces of the 24th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition will be displayed during the fair period.

The shows will run under the EXHIBITION+ physical-online hybrid model, which includes HKTDC-organised physical fairs, the smart business-matching platform Click2Match, online-to-offline seminars under the Intelligence Hub and the hktdc.com sourcing platform. This extends face-to-face interactions from physical exhibitions to an online, smart business-matching platform to help enterprises proactively connect with business partners. The Click2Match platform for the two fairs will be accessible from 1-12 March 2023, letting exhibitors and buyers continue conducting business discussions online after the physical shows.

Websites:
– Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/en
– Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkdgp/en
– Interesting Products: https://bit.ly/3K8Xwgt
– Activity List: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/en/intelligence-hub
– HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3lHyKtw

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

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

Aneka Jaringan Shareholders Approve All Resolutions at 4th AGM

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Aneka Jaringan Holdings Berhad (Bursa: ANEKA, 0226), a basement and foundation construction specialist, announced that shareholders have approved all resolutions at the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Aneka Jaringan held today on a virtual platform.

Managing Director of Aneka Jaringan, Pang Tse Fui

Shareholders received the audited financial statements for the Financial Year Ended 31 August 2022 together with the reports of the directors and auditors contained therein. Shareholder passed resolutions to re-elect Dato' Noraini binti Abdul Rahman and Wee Kee Hong to the Board of Directors and approved the payment of directors' fees and benefits of up to RM220,000 from 17 February 2023 until the conclusion of the next AGM.

Other resolutions passed included the re-appointment of Baker Tilly Monteiro Heng PLT as the Group's auditor, as well as authorising the Board of Directors to fix its remuneration. Shareholders also approved the authority for the Board of Directors to issue shares and approved the proposed new mandate for recurrent related party transactions of a revenue or trading nature.

Managing Director of Aneka Jaringan, Pang Tse Fui said, "We would like to thank shareholders for their continued support and confidence in us as the Group continues to secure new contracts in Malaysia while expanding in Indonesia. We have secured RM59.8 million in contracts in Financial Year Ended 2023 and have increased capacity in Indonesia as we seek to leverage on the country's infrastructure needs that include its new capital of Nusantara."

"The Group is cognisant of the risks and challenges that continue to affect the construction sector. Energy, labour and raw material prices remain areas of concern and the Group has taken steps to mitigate these risks such as replacing outsourced workers with newly recruited foreign workers as we have been granted a government quota of 150 workers."

Aneka Jaringan has an order book of RM145.73 million as of 31 October 2022, with Malaysian operations contributing RM138.97 million and Indonesian operations contributing RM6.76 million.

As of 31 October 2022, the Group's tender book stood at RM969.45 million, with tenders in Malaysia valued at RM873.85 million and tenders in Indonesia valued at RM95.60 million.

Aneka Jaringan Holdings Berhad: 226 [BURSA: ANEKA], http://www.anekajaringan.com/

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SCIB Terminates Indonesian Project

KUCHING, MALAYSIA, Feb 14, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Civil engineering specialist Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (SCIB) today announced that the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, SCIB International (Labuan) Ltd. (SCIBILL), has issued a notice of termination to PT Cipta Multi Sarana (PTCMS) for the proposed engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) project involving earthworks for the Prabumulih-Muara Enim tolled road located in Sumatera, Indonesia valued at RM55.59 million.

Group MD and CEO of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman

SCIBILL, which accepted a letter of award for the EPCC project on 18 August 2020 from PTCMS, has decided to take the necessary measures to protect its interests following the lack of progress in the project arising from uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and in view of the initiatives being taken to review and update SCIB's order book records.

SCIBILL and PTCMS have mutually agreed to terminate the contract and unconditionally release and indefinitely discharge both parties from all claims, liens and obligations of every nature arising out of or in connection with the performance of the works and all amendments thereto, provided that the parties' obligations under a settlement agreement are fulfilled.

Group Managing Director of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman said, "The termination is in the best interests of the Company as there has been no progress on the project. On the part of PTCMS, it has acknowledged that there are no penalties or liquidated ascertained damages on SCIBILL."

Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd: 9237 [BURSA: SCIB], http://scib.com.my

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ONERHT Foundation together with Chui Huay Lim Club and Ee Hoe Hean Club raise close to S$500,000 to promote medical care and support for disadvantaged groups

SINGAPORE, Feb 14, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – ONERHT Foundation Ltd, the corporate social responsibility vehicle of RHTLaw Asia LLP and the RHT Group of Companies (collectively, "ONERHT"), together with its co-organisers Chui Huay Lim Club and Ee Hoe Hean Club, has raised close to S$500,000 to promote health and wellness among disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our community.

Guest-of-Honour Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, (7th from left) onstage with Organising Committee members and advisors, generous donors and the esteemed artists at the event

The charity gala dinner held on 8th February 2023 was themed "In Pursuit of Excellence – ONERHT Foundation Charity Gala Dinner 2023" and attended by Guest-of-Honour Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health together with more than 400 guests.

Funds raised through the event will be used to support three local charitable healthcare institutions: Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution, Ren Ci Hospital and Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. Each with its own storied history of service to the community, these three institutions serve thousands of patients every month, regardless of background, race and religion. The funds will enable the three hospitals to expand their services and facilities to support the growing healthcare needs of an ageing population.

Ms Kaylee Kwok, Chairman of ONERHT Foundation, said, "Tackling the challenges of today's complex world requires the combined effort of various stakeholders from private and public sectors driven by a common purpose for good. We are inspired by the sense of purpose and dedication to selfless service demonstrated by local charitable healthcare institutions. We believe businesses can emulate their values by recognising our shared responsibility to deliver positive impact to the community and to think beyond profit."

Mr Ng Hoy Keng, President of Chui Huay Lim Club, said, "We hope to continue our collaboration with community groups to organise more cultural and charity events at the Chui Huay Lim Club, bringing vibrancy to the club while leveraging its modern facilities which are open to all."

Mr Aw Chye Wee, Chairman of Ee Hoe Hean Club, said, "Through its philanthropic members past and present, the Ee Hoe Hean Club has a long history of giving back to the community, including donations for the Tong Chai Medical Hall. It is our hope that we will be able to pass on this spirit of giving to the next generation."

The gala dinner marks the end of a three-day public exhibition of Chinese paintings and calligraphy artworks by Hong Kong artists Mr Alfred Cheung and Mr Wong Wai Ho. A successful silent auction of the artworks was held during the exhibition at the Chui Huay Lim Club between 6-8 February.

"This was a joint effort made possible by the effort of our co-organisers and the generosity of our donors, sponsors and esteemed artists," added Ms Kwok.

Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has with the support of its donors and sponsors been able to raise more than S$4 million for more than 24 charitable organisations.

ONERHT Foundation Ltd

A Singapore registered charity and grant-making philanthropic organisation, ONERHT Foundation Ltd ("Foundation") enables RHTLaw Asia LLP and the RHT Group of Companies (collectively, "ONERHT") to do right and do good through various charitable endeavours.

Set up by ONERHT in 2015, the Foundation was registered as a Singapore charity by the Commissioner of Charities and a grant-making philanthropic organisation by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore on 16 September 2016 and 28 November 2016 respectively.

The Foundation seeks to establish, inspire and encourage the right philanthropic culture among the corporate and legal fraternity of giving back to the community in a focused, hands-on and meaningful manner. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than S$4 million to support more than 24 beneficiaries involved in education, the environment and sustainability, disadvantaged groups as well as the arts and sports. For more information, please visit www.onerht.foundation

For media enquiries, please contact:
Elliot Siow / elliot.siow@rhtgoc.com / +65 8375 0417

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