Hong Kong Investment Promotion Chief visits Indonesia and Singapore to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Jan 9, 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 (January 9) embarked on a duty visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, and Singapore this week as part of the latest efforts of InvestHK to promote Hong Kong's business attractions, including the opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Mr Stephen Phillips

During the visit, Mr Phillips will be meeting with representatives of companies from financial services and family offices, innovation and technology, transport, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, creative industries, and business and professional services sectors to discuss their plans of setting up or expanding operations in Hong Kong and other parts of the GBA.

Mr Phillips will also host a business roundtable cum luncheon for member companies of the Employers' Association of Indonesia in Jakarta to provide an update on business opportunities and talent initiatives in Hong Kong. In Singapore, he will conduct two roundtables jointly organised with the Good City Foundation and the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises respectively, to share with them the latest initiatives and opportunities of the family offices sector in Hong Kong.

Mr Phillips said, "Hong Kong remains 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 GBA, China, and Asia more widely."

He added, "Hong Kong offers Indonesian and Singaporean companies a wide range of routes to growth opportunities. I look forward to sharing with representatives of companies and entrepreneurs the up-to-date and real situation in Hong Kong, and particularly 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

Overwhelming interest among global financial leaders to attend 16th Asian Financial Forum

HONG KONG, Jan 6, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The 16th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will once again be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 11 and 12 January to bring together global financial leaders in person. The event will also be accessible virtually. The first large-scale business exchange event of 2023 comes on the heels of the reopening of the Hong Kong-Mainland China border and the resumption of quarantine-free travel between Hong Kong and the mainland since the start of the pandemic.

Wilson Chow, PwC Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications Industry Leader; Dr Patrick Lau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director; Mary Huen, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Cluster CEO, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, at Standard Chartered; and Danny Lee, Director of Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association [L-R]

The HKTDC is organising a series of travel experiences, food and accommodation discounts and other opportunities for overseas guests to make the most of their stay in Hong Kong during the AFF and International Financial Week and enjoy the vibrancy of Asia's World City.

With this year's theme being Accelerating Transformation: Impact – Inclusion – Innovation, AFF will examine the current state of the global economy and explore major issues, such as trade and sustainable development across more than 40 panel discussions and workshops. Given the interest in hot-button social issues related to international finance and topics such as climate change, health policy, energy and environmental protection, food and agriculture, in addition to the emergence of new economic models from rapid fintech developments like Web 3.0 and the Metaverse, this year's Forum will launch the Global Spectrum series, while continuing to organise Fireside Chats, to help participants stay current on a wider scope of matters affecting the latest global situation.

17 business delegations, with more than 200 representatives, will attend AFF in person, including from Mainland China, Australia, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. These also include delegations led by the World Federation of International Financial Centers, Beijing Financial Bureau, Tianjin Commission of Commerce, Shenzhen Financial Bureau, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and other organisations. More international business representatives are expected to confirm their in-person participation at the Forum in the coming days.

Mary Huen, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Cluster CEO, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, at Standard Chartered, said: "For Hong Kong, 2023 will be a year of recovery and the return to normalcy. The imminent and orderly resumption of travel with the Mainland will help stimulate our economy, improve market sentiment, and consolidate Hong Kong's role as a super connector – bridging the Mainland and the international market. We are glad that this year's Asian Financial Forum will see global leaders gathering here physically to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the financial industry, reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre."

Dr Patrick Lau, the HKTDC's Deputy Executive Director said: "Firstly, given last year's volatile financial markets and fragile economy globally, transformation is key, as the world in 2023 needs new insights, solutions and opportunities, which the more than 100 global political and business leaders, financial experts, investors, entrepreneurs, tech giants and economists we engaged as our speakers will share with our distinguished AFF participants. Secondly, with the resumption of quarantine-free travel between the mainland and Hong Kong and the lifting of international travel restrictions in Hong Kong, we are pleased to see huge interest to join AFF, including attending in-person in Hong Kong. We believe that the AFF platform enables all participants to have closer interactions and create more business opportunities. Another big attraction is, of course, that the participants will introduce their projects at AFF to secure partners or investors. AFF will attract global financial leaders and professionals to participate in person as well as online, and will once again showcase Hong Kong as a vibrant international business centre."

Comprehensive analysis of the latest social and financial situation

This year's forum gathers financial experts from all over the world. Three keynote speakers, Ban Ki-moon, eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations; Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand; and Christina Figueres, co-founder of Global Optimism and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will share their insights on topics, such as multilateral cooperation for sustainable development, diversification and integration, climate action and net zero emissions.

Other distinguished guest speakers include Valerie Baudson, Chief Executive Officer of Amundi; Gu Shu, Chairman of the Agricultural Bank of China; Takeshi Kunibe, Chairman of the Board of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners; Dr Ridha Wirakusumah, Chief Executive Officer of the Indonesia Investment Authority; Mark Tucker, Group Chairman of HSBC; Dr Jose Vinals, Group Chairman of Standard Chartered; and Liu Jin, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and President, Bank of China. Their insights will offer an in-depth look at the state of play of global finance, opportunities in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area markets, asset and wealth management, ESG and green finance, family office ecosystems, impact investing, inclusive finance and more.

Norman Chan, Chairman of RD Wallet Technologies, will have a dialogue with Charles Li, Founder and Chairman of Micro Connect on creating an inclusive capital market; Jeremy Coller, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Coller Capital, will share his views on ESG in private equity investment; Evan Auyang, Group President of Animoca Brands, Dr Giovanna Graziosi Casimiro, Head of Metaverse Fashion Week of Decentraland and Sebastian Fahey, EVP, Managing Director, EMEA and Executive Lead, Metaverse of Sotheby's, will look at NFTs and digital collectable trends. (For the full list of AFF speakers and programmes, please visit https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speaker and https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en )

AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session extended to showcase fintech solutions

The popular AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, jointly organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, will provide investment matching services in hybrid format. The first two days of matchmaking meetings (11 and 12 January) will allow participants to meet at the physical Forum venue and will continue online until 17 January, offering investors and project owners a prolonged period to connect and explore collaboration opportunities. The investment projects covered will span diverse sectors, such as deep tech, digital technology and media, healthtech, education, infrastructure and real estate services, with an eye towards facilitating connections between investors and project managers. More than 600 Deal Flow matchmaking meetings are expected to be held.

There will also be featured exhibition zones – both physical and online. These are Fintech Showcase, the InnoVenture Salon, FintechHK Startup Salon and the Global Investment Zone, which will showcase various innovative technologies. More than 120 local and international financial institutions, tech companies, start-ups, investment agencies and sponsors – including PwC, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China, HSBC, UBS, China International Capital Corporation, Huatai International, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, as well as Cyberport – will gather at the Forum to showcase technologies of tomorrow and global investment opportunities.

Travel experiences, food and accommodation discounts, and more for overseas participants

To encourage overseas AFF delegates to make the most of their stay and experience the vitality of Hong Kong outside the Forum, the HKTDC has for the first time partnered with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Klook, the Lan Kwai Fong Group and hotels to offer travel experiences, food and accommodation discounts, coupled with other special offers to showcase Hong Kong as a popular tourist, conference and exhibitions destination. As the HKSAR Government announced the resumption of quarantine-free travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong in a gradual and orderly manner last month, the HKTDC extends the special offer for an admission pass to 8 January, on top of the Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme, in the hope of driving more participation.

Websites
– Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/aff/en/
– Members of the media interested in interviewing speakers at the Asian Financial Forum can email tleung@yuantung.com.hk or ayiu@yuantung.com.hk by 9 January 2023.
– HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3CvC7to

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

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Tiffany Leung, Tel: +852 3428 2361, Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Hing-fung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

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

Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair and Stationery & School Supplies Fair open next Monday

HONG KONG, Jan 5, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The 49th HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the 14th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and 21st Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9 to 12 January 2023. The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair are organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), while the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair is jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

John Tong, HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee Chairman, Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director and Judy Cheung, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, attended the press conference to share highlights and innovative products.

Exhibitors at the Toys & Games Fair displays an AR Animal Revival – Lion toy. By scanning the link on the lion's body, it shows a lion in vivid detail, enabling children to learn about the animal's habits and habitat and capture a photo with the lion by smartphone.

The Pandas' Bamboo House from a Hong Kong exhibitor is made of wood and eco-friendly, renewable materials to nurture children's imagination and creativity while raising their awareness about the environment.

The pandemic and disruption on cross-border trade flows between Mainland China and Hong Kong has affected Hong Kong's export. However, the resumption of cross-border land transportation between the Mainland and Hong Kong will help strengthen the momentum of Hong Kong's export growth to the Mainland. Although total exports of last year have not been announced, it is expected to fall 6%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's tight regional supply chain with some Asian markets led to double-digit export growth. In the first 11 months of 2022, Hong Kong's exports to ASEAN grew by 9.9% year-on-year, while they surged 11.6% and 11.2% to Taiwan and Korea, respectively.

Looking ahead to 2023, while trade frictions between the US and China persist and the geopolitical situation between Russia and Ukraine remains tense, cross-border land transport between Hong Kong and the Mainland is expected to return to normal in February to March this year. Coupled with exports to the ASEAN markets, the HKTDC forecasts a 5% increase in Hong Kong's total exports in 2023.

Sophia Chong, the Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, said, "With the theme of Play To Bond – Family and Beyond, the three fairs will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, including diverse group pavilions. The Toys & Games Fair's Mainland China pavilion will showcase over 250 exhibitors. Supported by the Guangdong Province's Department of Commerce's Cantonese Business Go Global, over 120 Guangdong exhibitors will participate in the Fair. In response to the imminent border reopening and resumption of quarantine-free travel between Mainland China and Hong Kong, the HKTDC will welcome over 1,000 Guangdong enterprises representatives."

Ms. Chong continued, "The Baby Products Fair will once again have a Korean pavilion, showcasing high-quality Korean baby products. The HKTDC has invited many local and overseas entities to visit the three fairs, including importers, department stores, specialty shops, retail chains and etailers."

Innovative products by over 120 international brands

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair will offer a number of themed zones for easy sourcing.

The Brand Name Gallery at both fairs will feature unique and innovative products by over 120 internationally renowned brands, including Eastcolight, Hape, KEEPPLEY, Rastar, Welly, Marcus & Marcus and more.

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair's Kidult World will features products for grown-ups, such as classic comic book character models and Hong Kong Softee Car Building Blocks, while the Smart-Tech Toys zone will showcase toys and games using innovative technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). Green toys, currently the industry's must-haves, will also be on view.

With the support of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association, the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair will again feature two pavilions, offering a wide range of baby products to buyers. The popular Korea Pavilion will have on display baby fashion, health and bath products, maternity products and more, while the Strollers and Gear zone will showcase a range of strollers, car seats and bassinets. Other zones include Baby Bedding Items and Furniture as well as Feeding and Nursery Products.

Jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will feature the latest in creative art supplies, gift stationery, and school and office supplies. The organisers continue to cooperate with renowned industry associations in different regions, including the Malaysia Stationery Importers and Exporters Association, the Federation of Stationers and Booksellers Association of Malaysia, the Taiwan Association of Stationery Industries and the Thai Stationeries and Office Supplies Association, to promote the fair to their respective members.

A series of exciting events to network and stay informed

One of the flagship events, the Hong Kong Toy Industry Conference 2023, will be held on 10 January. On the theme of The Future of Play, a representative from Euromonitor International will analyse key trends in the toy industry in 2023. Industry experts from Animoca Brands, Medialink Group and Eastcolight will talk about the key to success in brand development while representatives from iClick Interactive, AlipayHK and Toy2R Group will share how e-commerce is shaping the way for the toyindustry. In addition, there will be seminars on smart toys and electronic games, an overview of baby products market trends, the latest toy safety regulations, testing and certification and other topics.

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will run under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, which comprises four key exhibition elements, including HKTDC-organised physical fairs, HKTDC's 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 connect with business partners proactively. EXHIBITION+ provides round-the-clock services that boost the flexibility and effectiveness of business promotion for SMEs and offer benefits such as extended fair periods, expanded platforms and enhanced opportunities.

The HKTDC encourages exhibitors and buyers to make full use of the Click2Match platform, while participating in the physical exhibitions to explore more business opportunities. The Click2Match platform for the three fairs will be accessible until 19 January, which is equivalent to extending the exhibition period by one week.

The Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (10-11 January) and the Asia Financial Forum (11-12 January) will be held concurrently with the three fairs, to kick off the trade sourcing cycle in 2023.

Fair Websites
– HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair: http://hktoyfair.hktdc.com/
– HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: http://hkbabyfair.hktdc.com/
– Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: http://hkstationeryfair.com/
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Gj6rbD

About HKTDC

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

Media enquiries
HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

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

Doubleview Appoints Red Cloud Securities Inc. to Provide Corporate Advisory Services

Vancouver, BC, Jan 4, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: A1W038) (the "Company" or "Doubleview") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Red Cloud Securities Inc. and Red Cloud Financial Services Inc. (together "Red Cloud") to provide the Company with a range of corporate advisory services. Red Cloud is a Toronto-based financial services company that provides assistance to mineral exploration and mining companies in accessing capital markets and enhancing their corporate profile.

Under the engagement, Red Cloud will be paid a fee of $10,000 per month for the services it will render starting January 1, 2023 and for an initial six-month period and the arrangement can automatically renew month-to-month thereafter at the option of the Company. More specifically, Red Cloud will provide services such as organizing and administering "roadshows", drafting traditional marketing materials, managing Doubleview's social media and providing traditional media support and assistant in the creating of video content for exclusive use on "Red Cloud TV" and other services as required by the Company. In certain circumstances additional services may be provided to the Company by Red Cloud and an additional contingent consideration for such services may be applicable. The engagement of Red Cloud is subject to TSX Venture Approval. Red Cloud has no direct relationship with the Company, other than as contemplated in the current agreement.

"Doubleview has entered a new horizon in its growth that must now reach out to higher grounds in the mining exploration arena. With the strategic metals and unique new North American financial spectrum, we need professionals in this environment to bolster our growth. I am sure that Red Cloud's unique and robust experience in the strategic metals and mining markets will open new doors for Doubleview," stated Farshad Shirvani, President and CEO.

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), (FSE: 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

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

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

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

Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA)’s NusaTrip Opens Regional Office in Singapore to Service Booming Rebound in Southeast Asia Travel Market

SINGAPORE, Jan 4, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – NusaTrip, Indonesia's first IATA-certified online travel agency (OTA) and the travel vertical of Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA), today announces the opening of its first regional office in Singapore and first office outside of Indonesia. The office opening positions NusaTrip as the travel platform of choice for travelers desiring access to the booming recovery of Southeast Asia's (SEA) tourism industry and reflects NusaTrip's commitment to developing a wider range of marketing and commercial partnerships with airlines, hotels, and tourism boards. Customers in Singapore can now directly book flights and hotel rooms and pay in local currency on NusaTrip.com's dedicated website for Singapore travelers.

"Singapore's strategic location at the center of Southeast Asia (SEA) make it a preferred destination for travelers from around the globe. Ranked the third busiest airport in the world by Skytrax, Singapore's Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) plays an important and strategic role in SEA's travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. The presence of NusaTrip in Singapore is only the beginning of many significant advancements to come. It is an important step toward increasing our accessibility and credibility among our key stakeholders in SEA", said NusaTrip's CEO, Johanes (Joe) Chang.

Leveraging SEA's soaring momentum of the travel and tourism industry recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic, NusaTrip is expanding its offering beyond air travel. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council's "Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2022" report, the Travel & Tourism GDP in Asia-Pacific is forecasted to grow at an average annual rate of 8.5% or twice the 4% growth rate for the regional economy. Against this backdrop, NusaTrip expects to significantly add to its supply of hotels beyond the current 200,000 registered hotels on its platform. NusaTrip connects worldwide flight content through streamlined integration with low-cost and full-service airlines from multiple points of sale and enables global distribution at ease via its proprietary technology, the NusaXchange platform.

About NusaTrip

Founded in 2013, NusaTrip is an IATA-licensed, Indonesia-based online travel agency serving both local and global customers and partners by optimising cutting-edge technology and providing 24/7 customer-centric support team-as-a-service. NusaTrip is a member of Society Pass (Nasdaq: SoPa) ecosystem. For more information, please review: https://www.nusatrip.com.

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a next generation, 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.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital advertising network; 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; Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines; Handycart.vn, a premier online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam; and Mangan.ph, a leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines.

For more information on Society Pass, please review the following online information which is not part of this press release:
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:
Rosa Milyarna – NusaTrip Indonesia
Rosa@nusatrip.com

NusaTrip/Society Pass ID PR Representatives
Elisabeth (elisabeth.winiartati@gmail.com | +62813375150220)
Angga (anggahadi@gmail.com | +6281213858388)

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

The 5th Hong Kong Public Relations Awards 2023 Set to Kick Off Soon

HONG KONG, Jan 4, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Public Relations Professionals' Association (PRPA) today announces that the 5th Hong Kong Public Relations Awards (HKPRA) will soon kick off and enrolment will open with a briefing session in January 2023.

As a flagship event for the public relations industry since its inception in 2010, HKPRA aims to recognise organisations, teams and individual public relations practitioners who have planned and executed excellent and highly effective public relations campaigns that have contributed to the organisations they serve.

Ms Agnes Hui, President, Hong Kong Public Relations Professionals Association says, "We are excited to announce that HKPRA is back since it was last held in 2018-2019. Special thanks are due to Dr John Chan, Professor Anthony Wu, Mr George Yuen and Dr Linda Tsui who have agreed to continue their leading roles in the Organizing Committee and Panel of Judges spearheading HKPRA, along with a strong line up of judges for different award categories, adding weight to the credibility and authority of HKPRA.".

HKPRA contributes to raising public awareness of the role of public relations in helping organisations achieve their goals through fostering better understanding and improving relations between organisations and their stakeholders. At the same time, HKPRA helps raise professional standards of public relations practitioners in Hong Kong and plays an important part in fostering the development of the business community, government bodies, non-government organisations and the Hong Kong community at large.

Dr John Chan, Chairman, Organising Committee of HKPRA 2022-23, said: "HKPRA has been very well received and strongly supported by the PR industry. The Awards have seen continual enhancement in the content, format and depth of the entries. Among them many demonstrated execution excellence and remarkable achievements that deserve much recognition."

"Hong Kong and its people have gone through some unprecedented challenges recently and the corporate communications function has been playing a significant role especially during the pandemic period. In view of that, we have added a new category to the Awards this time to reflect the diversity," added Dr Chan.

In addition to the "Public Relations Campaign" and "Individual" awards given in previous years to recognize industry peers, "Student" awards are added to the 5th HKPRA with a view to nurturing the next generation of public relations professionals and fostering knowledge transfer within the industry.

Stay tuned for further announcements from PRPA on the "Hong Kong Public Relations Awards".

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

Bintai Kinden Expands Further into O&G

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Jan 3, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Bintai Kinden Corporation Berhad (Bursa: BINTAI, 6998), a mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering services specialist, is pleased to announce that the Company's 51%-owned sub-subsidiary, Bintai Energy Sdn Bhd ("BESB"), has been awarded a series of subcontracts by Petro Flanges & Fittings Sdn Bhd (PFF) and various customers recommended by PFF, involving the supply of high-grade carbon steel/stainless steel piping, valves and piping accessories to various oil and gas (O&G) businesses valued at RM4.0 million.

Executive Director of Bintai Kinden, En. Azri Azerai

The value of accumulated subcontracts secured through PFF in which BESB is the identified special purpose vehicle for the supply of materials to the O&G industry is now RM12.9 million. PFF is a supplier of pipes, flanges, fittings, valves and other O&G-related equipment.

In a separate announcement, the Company is also pleased to note that BESB has received approved licenses as dealers of instrumentation cables and general cables in relation to power and control from Petronas. The licenses are effective from 11 August 2022 to 10 August 2025.

Bintai Kinden also announced that BESB is partnering Puncak Logam Sdn Bhd (PLSB), whose principal business is the trading and marketing of goods, to ensure faster delivery time of products to clients through storing its products, which includes pipe, fittings, flanges, gaskets, stud bolts and structure materials and any other goods in PLSB's facility while enabling PLSB to source for purchasers in Malaysia for these products.

En. Azri Azerai, Executive Director of Bintai Kinden said, "The latest award of subcontracts to BESB is part of the partnerships and tie-ups we are pursuing to grow our O&G-related business. This includes seeking opportunities and partnerships with companies that share the same vision as Bintai Kinden, in Southeast Asia. We are now expanding into Indonesia through a local partner in the country. We are also delighted with the award of the licenses by Petronas enabling us to supply products and services to O&G businesses in Malaysia. This will certainly be a boost to our O&G arm."

En. Nuraiman bin Shaiful Annuar, Director of Bintai Energy said, "The partnership with PLSB is strategic to the growth of our O&G-related business because we believe logistics will be important in the supply-chain. It will ensure that products get to clients faster and also at the same time, PLSB will help us to market the products in Malaysia."

En. Amli Mohamed Amin, Managing Director of PLSB said, "Our partnership with BESB ensures that there are always an inventory of O&G products on-hand that can be shipped out to clients. Given the uncertainties related to the global supply chain, our facility offers a stock of ready supply while at the same time, we can help market these products through our network of clients."

Bintai Kinden Corporation Berhad: 6998 [BURSA: BKC], http://bintai.com.my/

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

Surayyah Ahmad on Greater Participation for Nigerian Women in Tech

ABUJA, NG, Jan 2, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Surayyah Ahmad, Ethco Group Ltd co-founder and Executive Secretary of Startup AREWA has discussed the underrepresentation of Nigerian women in the tech industry, and women's effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in the tech ecosystem. She identified several important elements that can raise women's involvement in technology and help the nation achieve a balanced workforce.

Surayyah Ahmad, Ethco co-founder and Executive Secretary, Startup AREWA, discussed underrepresentation of Nigerian women in the tech industry and opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in the tech ecosystem. [Image: Startup AREWA]

"Studies from all across the world are showing that women are underrepresented in the tech industry, despite recent headlines concentrating on tech hiring sprees and the underrepresentation of diverse populations. Although the reasons for this differ, it is known that many people's decision to seek a career in technology dates back to their elementary school years," she says.

Women hold only 18% of undergraduate computer science degrees and 26% of computing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Since the 1990s, there has been a decrease in the proportion of women working in computer science-related fields, from 35% to 26% between 1990 and 2013. According to the United Nations, only one in five experts in technical disciplines like artificial intelligence are women.

Only 16% of females at the pre-university level have had tech occupations recommended to them, and only 3% of them originally planned to pursue careers in technology, according to a recent report by Price Waterhouse Coppers (PwC) survey on women in technology. This figure is less in conservative regions such as Northern Nigeria, which, according to a World Bank report, could take more than 40 years to catch up with the country's southern region.

Regardless of the disparity in accessing opportunities, women are starting to develop ideas and lead change through technology in their immediate contexts, despite the disparities in access. Things are gradually changing as more young women become interested in technology. Despite the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry globally, women have demonstrated a remarkable capacity to advance society, such as by reviving small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria.

Surayyah cited two sisters in Nigeria as an example of this achievement of women in technology. The sisters took the initiative to create an app, which would provide technical support to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. According to the sisters, Kesandu and Dumebi Nwokolo, the app is intended to assist budding entrepreneurs and serve as a stepping stone that will increase visibility and ostensibly display these abilities, goods and services to the world.

Ms. Odunayo Eweniyi, the Co-founder of Piggy Vest, has opined that in Africa, the normative beliefs that put women in subordination to men as a culture while encouraging patriarchy have put women on the sidelines of critical decision-making around the world. She says, "The lack of women in tech can't be explained away by innate biological differences. It is really down to a combination of systemic bias, men funding men, and a working culture that excludes women."

Surayyah states that more women from Northern Nigeria are coming up with programs to help Northern women get into tech. Start-up Kano run by Aisha Tofa, the Brief Academy run by Farida Yahya, and TTlabs are currently some of the female-led institutions driving the inclusion of northern women in technology, mostly by providing mentoring and sponsorship to technology institutions.

Giving girls early access to technology is a good start, but it's never too late to give women the chance to get the experience they need to start a career in technology. Organizations can create valuable technical talent development programs that promote women and help diversity in representation and ideas, which frequently results in even greater innovation.

"Through job shadowing or internships, these programs give women a chance to learn technical skills that they can use in real life. Participants can learn useful information and meet other people who are interested in the same things they are. Even the experience gained can help develop their talents and launch a technological career," Surayyah said.

About Startup AREWA

Startup AREWA was established to organize, empower and promote the Northern Nigeria technology and Startup Ecosystem, with the overarching goal of using technology and startups as a strategy to combat unemployment and poverty across the Northern Nigeria.

From the first Bootcamp at Bello Memorial Foundation Hall in Kaduna to a series of over 20 Bootcamps across Northern Nigeria, engaging over 5000 Startups with support from innovators and public-private leaders, Startup AREWA is implementing its strategic plan of promoting and providing real-time support to Startups.

Official website: https://startuparewa.ng
Facebook: https://facebook.com/startuparewa
Twitter: https://twitter.com/startuparewa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startuparewa/
Email: hello@startuparewa.ng

For more information, please visit https://startuparewa.ng, write to contact@startuparewa.ng, or call us on +234 90 9685 9999.

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

Dr. Marliyyah Mahmood discusses the Impact of Tech on Women in Northern Nigeria

ABUJA, NG, Jan 2, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Dr. Marliyyah A. Mahmood, Women In Tech and Project Manager for Startup AREWA, discusses how technology is enabling and enhancing women's empowerment in Northern Nigeria. She emphasizes some of the fundamental advantages of social media technologies, such as giving women access to a virtual environment where they may express themselves.

Dr. Marliyyah A. Mahmood, Women In Tech, Project Manager for Startup AREWA, spoke on how technology is enabling and enhancing women's empowerment in Northern Nigeria. [Image: Startup AREWA]

"It is impossible to overstate the importance of women in the growth of any nation, state, or community. This is to reiterate the critical role that women's education plays in long-term national development, which begins at home. Women are frequently observed to be the children's first teachers at home. A mother's influence on upbringing in any developing country, and the empowerment of women, has a significant impact on key developmental outcomes like health, education, reproductive patterns, income level, and other factors," said Dr Mahmood.

While a report from PWC in April 2020 states that 41% of micro-businesses in Nigeria are owned by women, a report in EFInA stated that 55% of the financially excluded adults in Nigeria are women, and of the 25.1 million financially excluded in the north, 13.1 million are women. Business transactions are largely cash within informal channels, as business funds are kept at home because financial institutions are concentrated in the state capital, while poor record-keeping from transacting through informal channels in turn hampers eligibility for credit.

The previous census, which was performed in 2006, indicated that women made up around 49.7% of the population of Nigeria. Despite this, Nigerian women (particularly those in the northern region) have not been able to change the long-standing status that society accords to women. There are a number of reasons why women in Northern Nigerian society are treated unequally, the majority of which can be linked to the patriarchal system in place and the general lack of gender awareness among the rural population, including women who have been socialized to accept their subordinate position.

However, with better access to information online, women have developed a greater sense of awareness. Online educational content, blogs videos and social media tools have given women access to a virtual world that provides them with opportunities for self-expression. Digital platforms are aiming to be more inclusive than ever before in light of the changing political conscience. It is now essential, not simply an option, to guarantee women's safety, inclusivity, and a voice at all intersections.

Through online workspaces, more women have recently been able to achieve financial independence. There are now more jobs available for women thanks to specific job postings on numerous online portals. Housewives or moms who have taken extended absences from the workforce now have access to special possibilities to re-enter the workforce. Many websites provide part-time and full-time occupations that people can undertake from home.

In Northern Nigeria, Startup AREWA and Financial Service Innovation (FSI) organized a virtual hackathon on financial inclusion amongst female entrepreneurs within the northern region by proffering simple and easy-to-use fintech solutions to increase more of their participation in setting up businesses. The innovative solutions developed from this hackathon were able to tackle the challenges faced by unbanked and underbanked female entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria.

Dr. Marliyyah reveals how women now have access to a wide range of created opportunities online as a result of technology advancements. "Technology has helped women affirm their freedom of expression and right to the workforce, which they frequently find difficult to accomplish. This is a really great achievement that shows how it can be utilized to empower those with disadvantaged identities.

"However, it must not be overlooked that having internet access is necessary in order to take use of these virtual prospects. How many women and members of underrepresented groups actually have access to such technology is still an open subject. To ensure that intersectional gaps are filled and that technology and the internet are more widely available, intervention is necessary in this context."

About Startup AREWA

Startup AREWA was established to organize, empower and promote the Northern Nigeria technology and Startup Ecosystem, with the overarching goal of using technology and startups as a strategy to combat unemployment and poverty across the Northern Nigeria.

From the first Bootcamp at Bello Memorial Foundation Hall in Kaduna to a series of over 20 Bootcamps across Northern Nigeria, engaging over 5000 Startups with support from innovators and public-private leaders, Startup AREWA is implementing its strategic plan of promoting and providing real-time support to Startups.

Official website: https://startuparewa.ng
Facebook: https://facebook.com/startuparewa
Twitter: https://twitter.com/startuparewa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startuparewa/
Email: hello@startuparewa.ng

For more information, please visit https://startuparewa.ng, write to contact@startuparewa.ng, or call us on +234 90 9685 9999.

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

Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre holds “Light of Jinsha – The Ancient Shu Civilisation” exhibition

HONG KONG, Dec 30, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – An exhibition entitled "Light of Jinsha – The Ancient Shu Civilisation" is now open at the Hong Kong Heritage Discover Centre. Featuring over 70 pieces of invaluable national exhibits unearthed from the archaeological sites in Sichuan Province, namely Jinsha in Chengdu and Sanxingdui in Guanghan, the exhibition reveals the civilisation of the ancient Shu of 4,000 years ago.

The "Light of Jinsha – The Ancient Shu Civilisation" exhibition opens from December 30 to March 29, 2023 at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre.

One of the highlight exhibits, a face-shaped gold foil (grade-one national treasure) unearthed from the Jinsha site.

One of the highlight exhibits, a replica of the "gold foil sunbird". Its prototype is one of the most significant national treasures excavated at the Jinsha site.

One of the highlight exhibits, a stone yazhang-tablet, unearthed from Tai Wan on Lamma Island in 1990. Its decorative style is similar to the jade zhang-tablet unearthed from the Jinsha site, suggesting a spread of ritual artefacts from the Central Plains to the Chengdu Plain and the Pearl River Delta region in Lingnan.

The "Light of Jinsha – The Ancient Shu Civilisation" exhibition is the first exhibition following the signing of the framework agreement by the Development Bureau and the National Cultural Heritage Administration last month to further promote cultural heritage exchange and collaboration on archaeology and built heritage.

The Jinsha site, a major archaeological discovery in 2001, is another political, economic and cultural centre established by the ancient Shu people in Chengdu Plain after the Sanxingdui civilisation. Located in the northwest of downtown Chengdu with a total area of over five square kilometres, the site has yielded various important remains as well as tens of thousands of precious cultural relics, including sacrificial vessels and household utensils made of ivory, gold, bronze and jade.

Over 200 pieces of gold artefacts were unearthed from the Jinsha site, topping the archaeological sites of the Xia and Shang dynasties ever found in terms of the quantity and variety. Among the gold artefacts on display at the exhibition are two pieces of grade-one national treasures, namely a face-shape gold foil and a frog-like gold foil. A replica of the "gold foil sunbird", the most significant national treasure unearthed at the Jinsha site, is also be displayed to showcase the exquisite gold craftsmanship of the ancient Shu.

Also displayed at the exhibition are seven selected archaeological artefacts from Hong Kong, including a stone yue-axe, a stone ge-blade, a stone ring and a stone yazhang-tablet, for comparison with those excavated from Sichuan. The similarities between these relics from Hong Kong and Sichuan suggest a spread of ritual artefacts from the Central Plains to the Chengdu Plain and the Pearl River Delta region in Lingnan, demonstrating the "pluralistic integration" of the origins of the ancient Chinese civilisation.

The arrival of the national exhibits in Hong Kong and the preparation of the exhibition are introduced in a short video (https://youtu.be/Jq9NCZOKaQI) produced by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO).

The exhibition is held at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui until March 29, 2023. Admission is free. For details, please visit the AMO's website (https://www.amo.gov.hk/en/news/index_id_128.html?year=2022) or call 2208 4488.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com