Lincotrade Delivers Strong Performance for FY2023 with Revenue Surging 78.0% to S$69.9 Million

SINGAPORE, Aug 30, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Lincotrade & Associates Holdings Limited, ("Lincotrade" or the "Company" and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), a specialist in interior fitting-out services, is pleased to announce its full year financial results ended 30 June 2023 ("FY2023"), following the completion of the reverse takeover ("RTO") of Fabchem China Limited on 3 August 2022.

Highlights:
– Excluding the one-off non-cash RTO-related expenses, the Group's profit before tax in FY2023 was S$2.8 Million, a year-on-year increase of 168.2%
– Strong performance from the Group's commercial and showflats business segments, which posted revenue growth of 58.7% and 357.3% respectively, propelled the Group's revenue growth in FY2023
– Generated net cash flow of approximately S$4.7 million from operations during FY2023
– Total assets increased 26.5% to approximately S$35.1 million, of which cash and cash equivalents increased by 104.5% to approximately S$12.7 million as at 30 June 2023
– The Group's order book stood at approximately S$58.0 million as at 30 June 2023
– Aiming to expand its order book with a healthy pipeline of new projects, the Group expects the demand for its interior fitting-out services in 2023 to remain strong in view of the projections of Singapore's Building and Construction Authority ("BCA"), where the total construction demand in 2023 is projected to range between S$27 billion and S$32 billion

Commenting on its FY2023 results, Managing Director of Lincotrade, Mr. Tan Jit Meng said: "FY2023 marks a new milestone in Lincotrade's history as we completed our RTO and transition into a listed company in our corporate journey.

We look back on a strong first year of listing with good performance across the Group, both operationally and financially, which reflects our core competencies in project management and execution.

With diversity in our business model that has three different business categories, Lincotrade is well-positioned to continue our momentum of organic growth that aligns, and we aim to supplement that growth with a disciplined financial approach.

The positive outlook of Singapore's construction market reaffirms Lincotrade's positive trajectory and reinforces our belief in our ability to achieve a stronger growth profile ahead."

Propelled by higher revenue contribution from the Group's commercial and showflats business segments, the Group's revenue surged by approximately S$30.6 million or 78.0%, to approximately S$69.9 million in FY2023: Lincotrade is engaged in the provision of interior fitting-out services, additions and alterations ("A&A") works and other building construction services primarily for three business segments, commercial, residential and showflats.

As part of the Group's strategic plans to increase revenue contribution from its commercial segment, the Group has been focused on securing more commercial projects in Singapore and as a result, there was a higher percentage of revenue contribution from some of the Group's larger commercial projects in FY2023. There was also increased revenue from larger showflats projects in FY2023 while majority of the Group's residential projects were substantially completed before 30 June 2022.

As a result, revenue contribution from the Group's commercial and showflats business segments increased by approximately S$17.9 million or 58.7% and approximately S$14.1 million or 357.3% respectively in FY2023.

Gross profit increased by approximately S$2.6 million or 55.0% in FY2023 to S$7.3 million despite lower gross profit margin: Corresponding to increased revenue growth in FY2023, the Group's gross profit increased to approximately S$7.3 million in FY2023. However, the Group's gross profit margin dipped 1.5 percentage points to 10.4% in FY2023 (FY2022: 11.9%), mainly due to higher proportion of revenue contribution from the showflats business segment, which registered lower gross margin in FY2023.

One-off non-cash RTO expenses of approximately S$10.8 million includes the deemed RTO expenses of approximately S$9.6 million, share-based payment to the Sponsor and Arranger of approximately S$1.2 million: With the completion of the RTO on 3 August 2022, the Group recognised the one-off non-cash RTO expenses in accordance with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (International) in FY2023.

Excluding the one-off non-cash RTO expenses, Lincotrade would have recorded an adjusted profit before tax of approximately S$2.8 million for FY2023, representing a growth of 168.2% as compared to FY2022.

Generated net cash of approximately S$4.7 million from operations during FY2023: The Group recorded operating cash flows before working capital changes of approximately S$3.5 million and net cash of approximately S$4.7 million generated from operating activities during FY2023.

During FY2023, the Group used net cash of approximately S$0.3 million in investing activities and there was net cash outflow of approximately S$0.6 million from financing activities.

Overall, the Group registered a net increase of approximately S$3.8 million in cash and cash equivalents during FY2023.

Total assets increased 26.5% to approximately S$35.1 million, of which cash and cash equivalents increased 104.5% to approximately S$12.7 million as at 30 June 2023: The Group's total assets comprise non-current assets of approximately S$4.4 million and current assets of approximately S$30.6 million as at 30 June 2023.

The key components of non-current assets are property, plant and equipment of approximately S$1.4 million and non-current portion of trade and other receivables of approximately S$3.0 million. The key components of current assets are cash and cash equivalents of approximately S$12.7 million, contract assets of approximately S$5.3 million and current portion of trade and other receivables of approximately S$11.2 million.

As at end June 2023, the Group's total equity stood at approximately S$8.8 million and total liabilities amounted to approximately S$26.3 million, of which total non-current liabilities is approximately S$1.7 million and current liabilities is approximately S$24.6 million. The key components of current liabilities are trade and other payables of approximately S$11.7 million and other financial liabilities of approximately S$11.6 million.

Positive industry outlook in Singapore: According to a media release by BCA issued on 12 January 2023, it projects the total construction demand in 2023 (i.e. the value of construction contracts to be awarded) to range between S$27 billion and S$32 billion.

The public sector is expected to contribute about 60 per cent of the total construction demand, between S$16 billion and S$19 billion. Private sector construction demand is projected to be between S$11 billion and S$13 billion in 2023.

Over the medium-term, BCA expects the total construction demand to reach between $25 billion and $32 billion per year from 2024 to 2027. Private sector construction demand is projected to remain steady over the medium-term, reaching approximately S$11 billion to S$14 billion per annum from 2024 to 2027, in view of healthy investment commitments amid Singapore's strong economic fundamentals.

As at 30 June 2023, the Group's order book stood at approximately S$58.0 million which generally will be fulfilled during the next two years.

With an aim to expand its order book with a healthy pipeline of new projects, the Group continues to proactively tender for new projects in Singapore, particularly those that are larger in terms of scale and contract value. In January 2023, the Group secured an Asset Enhancement Initiative ("AEI") for an integrated development in Singapore with a contract value of approximately S$35.0 million, the largest single contract secured by the Group to date.

About Lincotrade

Established in 1991 and based in Singapore, Lincotrade has over 30 years of experience in the interior fitting-out industry and have established a proven business track record since its inception. Since 2006, Lincotrade has had its own in-house processing facility to process, assemble and manufacture Carpentry Products to support and complement its interior fitting-out services.

Lincotrade's interior fitting-out projects encompass space planning and lay-out, interior construction and finishing works on floorings, ceilings, partitions, doors, fixtures and fittings, mechanical, electrical and plumbing works such as air-conditioning installation, water and sewage fit-outs, lighting, power and other works. Lincotrade also provide A&A works include minor alterations, extension, conversion and upgrading of buildings as well as minor repair and improvement works. In addition, Lincotrade provide building construction services which mainly consist of the construction of showflats and sales galleries.

For more information, please visit http://www.lincotrade.com.sg.

Media & Investor Contacts:
Mr. Alex TAN
Mobile: +65 9451 5252
Email: alex.tan@8prasia.com

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

Erez Capital Makes Investment in Curio Converting Nuclear Waste into Sustainable Energy

BOSTON, Aug 25, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Erez Capital, a rising star in the venture capital arena with a firm focus on disruptive technologies, is thrilled to announce a strategic investment of $100,000 in Curio, an avant-garde deeptech startup. Curio stands at the vanguard of nuclear technology innovation, pioneering the develop and commercialization cutting-edge technologies that are aimed at converting nuclear waste into safe and sustainable energy sources.

"Throughout Erez Capital's journey, I've had the privilege of engaging with numerous startups. Among them, Curio shines as a company positioned to reshape the renewable technology landscape. Beyond mere concepts, Curio boasts an established patented process with a clear path to commercialization, led by a dedicated workforce, a distinguished board of experts, and visionary leadership. Together, they're propelling the company toward unparalleled heights within this industry," shared Michael Benezra, the Managing Director and Founder of Erez Capital.

Curio's breakthrough hinges on its patented nuclear waste recycling technology NuCycle, which effectively addresses the longstanding challenges of the light-water reactor fuel cycle. The company has secured substantial investments, including vital support from the Department of Energy's ARPAe program, as well as continued investments from Synergos Holdings (www.synergosholdings.com) – a distinguished deeptech accelerator based in New York, led by visionary founders Rabbi Yechezkel Moskowitz and Yehudah Moskowitz.

Under the adept leadership of President and CEO Ed McGinnis, a former Executive Director of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and Acting Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Curio is ushering in a new era of nuclear recycling and energy transformation.

About Erez Capital:

Erez Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm in Boston, investing in seed-stage startup companies at the forefront of digital transformation. For more information, visit https://ErezCapital.io.

About Curio

Curio is a leading deeptech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the energy landscape through its groundbreaking nuclear waste recycling technology NuCycle. By converting nuclear waste into secure and renewable energy resources, Curio is determined to shape a cleaner and more sustainable future. Guided by the expertise of President and CEO Ed McGinnis, a distinguished luminary in the field of nuclear energy, Curio is poised to redefine how we approach energy generation and waste management. For more information, visit https://curio.energy.

For media inquiries, please reach out to:
Michael Benezra
mbenezra@erezcapital.io

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

Erez Capital Announces Additional Venture Partners

BOSTON, Aug 4, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Erez Capital, an emerging venture capital fund investing in disruptive technologies, is thrilled to announce its addition of 40 Venture Partners to join the fund. These new partners will play an importanl role in the quickly developing artificial intelligence ecosystem – specifically in the proptech, medtech and fintech sectors.

"This fund and its investments will represent the consensus of experts, technology innovators, venture capital, private equity principals and investment bankers who have managed over $100 Billion, and executed over $700 Billion in M&A and licensing transactions," said Michael Benezra, Managing Partner

Erez Capital Public Deck

As part of our commitment to pushing boundaries and driving transformation, Erez Capital has diligently sought out Venture Partners who share our vision and possess unique expertise in their respective fields. The addition of academic experts, research directors, private equity principals, venture capital partners, fund managers, CEO's, attorney's, investment bankers, startup founders, and experienced investors to our network significantly bolsters our capabilities, propelling us forward in achieving our ambitious goals.

VENTURE PARTNERS

Lawrence Lou,
Artificial Intelligence
Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB)

Mark Hammond
Director New Business TPM
Softbank

Arpit Garg
Investment Banking
Drake Star

Luqman O Lawal, MD
Vice President
Bright Health (NYSE: BHG)

Stefan Mitu
Venture Partner
VU Venture Partners , EY

Kyle Levy
VP of Finance
Phoenix Capital Partners

Jonathan Rich
CEO
Sophia Partners LLC

Darshan Honale
Venture Partner
Global Health Impact Fund

William Grenawitzke
Managing Partner
Bellows Capital Partners

Nicholas Kirk
Lead Investor
Vehiculum Capital

Nadine Samuels, PhD, CPA
Controller, Erez Capital
Assistant Professor of Accounting
SUNY – Canton

Akshit Kandi
Co-Founder
FareMD

Cathy Gent
CEO
Global Investment Corporation (GIC)

Barika Edwards
Partner
Curious Culture

Kayemba Mvula
Founder
Pivot LLC (New Orleans)

Robert Schultz
Adjunct Professor
Babson College

Dr. Anita Gupta
Chief Surgeon | City of New York
American Society of Anesthesiologists to U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

Farouk Khailann
CEO Premium Africa Holdings. Strategic Advisor
The Private Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi for Strategic Alliances and Policies.

About Erez Capital

Erez Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm in Boston, investing in seed-stage startup companies at the forefront of digital transformation.

Contact:
Noah Ente, Erez Capital
Noah@erezcapital.io

Source: Plato Data Intelligence https://Platodata.io

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

Farouk Khailann Joins Erez Capital as Venture Partner

BOSTON, Aug 2, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Farouk Khailann, CEO of Premium Africa Holdings, Managing Partner of Akon Lighting and Strategic Advisor to the UAE Royal Family Office, Joins Erez Capital as Venture Partner.

Farouk Khailann is an African Entrepreneur with a strong commitment to Africa's economic growth. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Premium Africa Holdings, Managing Partner for Akon Lighting, and a Strategic Advisor to the Royal Family of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) The Private Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi for Strategic Alliances and Policies.

The office was established by his Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, a member of the ruling family of Sharjah & Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, focusing billions in investment capital in capital projects, manufacturing, trade, real estate, information technology, oil and financial services. At the same time, Farouk is the CEO of Premium Africa Holdings – an Africa focused investment holding company with assets and projects in Ghana, Liberia, Gambia and Sierra Leone.

"Farouk is a global leader, entrepreneur and strategic advisor covering several innovation hubs including Ghana and in the United Arab Emirates among multiple other MENA nations. We are lucky to have his leadership and to help the fund expand its footprint into these growing and dynamic markets," said Managing Partner and Founder of Erez Capital, Michael Benezra.

Farouk holds a number of international appointments. He is the Deputy Executive Director of the Global Chamber of Business Leaders, International Partner of the World Angel Business Investment Forum, Founding Director of the Global Wealth Council, Africa Ambassador of Asia CEO Community, Board member of World Innovation Alliance, Senior Advisor of Unimeier University (Italy) and Vice Chairman of African Institute of Small-Scale Mining. He works closely with the offices of five African presidents on various interventions geared towards the economic transformation of their respective countries.

About Erez Capital:

Erez Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm in Boston, investing in seed-stage startup companies at the forefront of digital transformation. For more information, visit https://ErezCapital.io.

Contact:
Noah Ente, Erez Capital
Noah@erezcapital.io

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

Renowned Physician-Pharmacist Dr. Anita Gupta joins Erez Capital, Bringing Healthcare Innovation Expertise on Board.

BOSTON, Massachusetts, Jul 27, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Erez Capital is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Anita Gupta to its esteemed team of Venture Partners. Dr. Gupta, a global leader in healthcare innovation, is renowned for her ground-breaking contributions to the medical field and her exceptional expertise in anesthesiology and pain management.



With an illustrious career and a portfolio of remarkable accomplishments, Dr. Anita Gupta has made a significant impact on healthcare innovation and patient advocacy. As a World Economic Forum Member Expert, she has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Women of Influence in healthcare by Fierce Healthcare. Her educational background includes prestigious institutions such as Princeton and Harvard Business School, further solidifying her position as an award-winning executive and an exceptional leader in her field.

Throughout her career, Dr. Gupta's dedication to healthcare innovation has led her to spearhead pioneering initiatives in the United States. Notably, her advocacy at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) resulted in the expansion of naloxone for frontline use in combatting overdoses, addressing the drug crisis head-on. Dr. Gupta's vigilance also played a crucial role in identifying and mitigating the impact of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, in the Philadelphia drug trade.

In recognition of her exceptional expertise, Dr. Anita Gupta has been appointed as a member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Global Forum on Innovation. Her distinguished title of Distinguished Fellow member at the National Academies of Practice further emphasizes her impact in the medical community.

Dr. Gupta's remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning her features in renowned publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Forbes, CNN, MSNBC, The Huffington Post, and the Milken Power of Ideas. Her leadership and expertise have been acknowledged through numerous prestigious awards, including the Patient Advocacy Award by the National Academies, being named one of the Top 100 Most Inspiring Leaders by PharmaVoice, and being recognized as one of the Top 10 Healthcare Business Leaders in Philadelphia. Additionally, Dr. Gupta has been honored as one of the Top 10 Emerging Leaders by Pharmaceutical Executives and as a Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Scholar, among other esteemed accolades.

Dr. Anita Gupta's addition to Erez Capital reinforces the firm's commitment to collaborating with top-tier professionals and industry leaders to foster innovation and make a lasting impact in the healthcare sector.

About Erez Capital: https://ErezCapital.io

Erez Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm in Boston, investing in seed-stage startup companies at the forefront of digital transformation.

Contact:
Noah Ente, Erez Capital
Noah@erezcapital.io

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

Erez Capital Announces the Addition of 40 Venture Partners and $10M Commitment

Virginia, USA, Jun 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Erez Capital, a emerging venture capital fund investing in disruptive technologies, is thrilled to announce its addition of 40 Venture Partners to join the fund. These new partners will play an important role in the quickly developing artificial intelligence ecosystem – specifically in the proptech, medtech and fintech sectors.



"This is an exciting new chapter for Erez Capital, creating a new collaborative model to drive rapid acceleration and growth for pre-seed and seed-stage technology startup companies." said Michael Benezra, Managing Partner.

As part of our commitment to pushing boundaries and driving transformation, Erez Capital has diligently sought out Venture Partners who share our vision and possess unique expertise in their respective fields. The addition of academic experts, research directors, private equity principals, venture capital partners, fund managers, CEO's, attorney's, investment bankers, startup founders, and experienced investors to our network significantly bolsters our capabilities, propelling us forward in achieving our ambitious goals.

VENTURE PARTNERS
– Omar Agely, Managing Partner Mandatory Ventures
– Garth Daniels, CEO Ensign Global Fund
– Kenneth Asher, CEO Kasher Capital
– Jonah Zahnd, Manager for Social Impact Investing Harvard Business School
– John Brice, Managing Partner Poseidon Capital Partners
– Lawrence Jen, Managing Partner Anderson Angels
– Andrew Cohen, VP YE Ventures
– Brandon Kortokrax, Venture Associate Moonshots Capital
– Pankaj Kedia, Managing Partner 2468 Ventures
– Jim Lewis, Managing Partner Freestone Group
– James Lubin, Partner Indigo Ventures
– Joe Mikhail, CEO YouVue
– Eric Mayo, Managing Partner Terra Incognita Capital
– Mohammed Nagda, Venture Partner, NexGen Venture Partners
– A.J. Noronha, Managing Partner, GX Ventures
– Mario Pazos, Managing Partner, Moana Capital
– Tyler Norkus, VP Ideanomics (NYSE:IDEX)
– Keena Pierre, Chief of Staff, Zane Venture Fund
– Brahm Pillai, Managing Partner Pillai Capital
– Deepak Ramanathan, Director of Capital Markets Regent L.P.
– Jeff Schell, CEO Prove
– Amari Smothers A.I and VC
– Dr. Aakash Saraiya, Physician Google Health
– Varun Sharat, Managing Partner Charybdis Capital Management
– Nick Sterlacci, Co-Founder OneDeal
– Tom Vollbrecht, Zion Bank
– Bryan Feinberg, CEO Zephyr Technology Ventures

Advisory Board
– Leonard Johnson, CEO Artificial Intelligence Economic Development Corp
– Dr. Cvic Innocent, CTO & Founder Estate Protocol
– Tim Ramdeed, Managing Partner Dharma Capital Partners
– Mike Berson, CEO Chainstarters
– Eugene Buff, EIR Northeastern University
– Steven Friedmutter, CEO SF Ventures

About Erez Capital

Erez Capital is a venture capital firm at the forefront of the AI and machine learning revolution. We are committed to accelerating innovation and breakthrough technologies. Through a collaborative approach to due-diligence, evaluation and venture investing – we aim to exit portfolio companies within 60 months.

Contact:
Noah Ente
Erez Capital
Noah@erezcapital.io

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

International Yoga Day Celebrations by Ojas Yoga and Wellness Align with “Health Happiness Harmony” Book Launch, Inspiring a Holistic Approach to Inner Transformation

Singapore, Jun 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – In celebration of the highly anticipated International Yoga Day on June 21st' Ojas Yoga, a renowned holistic wellness and yoga practice hub, celebrated Yoga Day with transformative events and activities promoting health, harmony, and inner well-being. His Excellency.P Kumaran, High Commissioner of India, Singapore launched the book on 21st June 2023 on the auspicious day of International Yoga Day in Singapore at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. A special master class was organized to celebrate and honor World Yoga Day in which around 200 people participated. The event aimed to promote the practice of yoga and its numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being. Participants had the opportunity to learn from esteemed yoga instructors, who guided them through various yoga techniques and shared their expertise.



International Yoga Day, celebrated every year on the 21st of June, was established by the United Nations, is a global initiative that recognizes the profound benefits of yoga for individuals and communities alike. It serves as a reminder of the timeless wisdom and practice of yoga, which has been cherished for centuries and continues to inspire millions worldwide.

As a leading yoga teacher and passionate advocate for the power of yoga, Archana Amlapure, Founder of Ojas Yoga and Wellness, is committed to spreading the joy and benefits of yoga to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With a mission to foster a healthier and more balanced society, Archana has been empowering people on yoga and its benefits across Asia. The studio is located in 359A, Joo Chiat Road, Singapore. She has been instrumental in conducting various Yoga lessons for students from India, US, Thailand and Malaysia.

"I am thrilled to celebrate International Yoga Day and share the profound benefits of yoga with our community," said Archana, the visionary behind Ojas Yoga and Wellness. "Yoga has the power to heal, restore, and unite people from all walks of life. Our events and programs aim to create a space where individuals can cultivate mindfulness, strengthen their bodies, and nourish their souls. It is time to discover the transformative power of yoga and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more balanced life."

The book "Health Happiness Harmony" embarks on a journey that delves into the depths of our inner being, guiding us towards self-discovery, healing, and profound growth. Yoga, with its ancient roots and timeless wisdom, has the power to unlock every individual's true potential and connect to a state of harmony and balance.

Archana, on launching her first book, quips, "As I reflect upon the significance of yoga in my own life, I am humbled by its ability to create a profound shift in our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is a practice that transcends boundaries, cultures, and beliefs, embracing all who seek solace, strength, and serenity. Through the pages of this book, we all have the opportunity to embark on a shared exploration of this beautiful and transformative practice. May this book serve as a trusted companion on your personal odyssey of self-discovery, growth, and connection. May it inspire you to step onto your mat with renewed vigor and embrace the teachings of yoga with unwavering devotion."

It is time to embrace the practice of yoga as a lifelong journey and let it illuminate your path with its transformative light.

About Ojas Yoga and Wellness-

Ojas Yoga and Wellness is a premier yoga studio dedicated to empowering individuals through yoga and mindfulness. Led by Archana Amlapure, a highly trained and experienced yoga teacher, Ojas offers a variety of classes, workshops, and retreats designed to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Website: https://ojasyog.com/

Contact:
Archana Amlapure
(+65) 8191 2862

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

Franchising & Licensing Asia 2023 Paves the Way for Aspiring Entrepreneurs & Global-Ready Brands

SINGAPORE, June 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – With more professionals seeking a career change, franchising and licensing continue to be viable options for aspiring entrepreneurs pursuing business ownership. Franchising and licensing offer multiple benefits including a proven business model, established brand recognition, readilyavailable training, support and infrastructure; all of which translate into more assurance and confidence, andlower failure rates, more flexibility and potentially better control over a fulfilling and rewarding career.

With Asia as one of the fastest-growing economic regions in GDP per capita, countries in the region are seeing significant growth in their middle-class populations, where this tier of consumers with higher spending power and disposable income are influencing global consumption patterns and driving demand for premium and better-quality service and products. This is where the franchising and licensing models allow home-grown and established brands and aspiring individuals to step in to meet these consumers’ needs.Today there are more than 4,300 franchise systems throughout Southeast Asia with more than 150,000franchisee firms licensed to sell goods on behalf of master franchise brands.

Empowering aspiring individuals with knowledge, best practices and meaningful connections to jumpstart their business ownership journeys, Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia) – Asia’s most established trade platform for the industry – returns this year from 17-19 August at Sands Expo and ConventionCentre Level 1. Presented annually by the Franchising & Licensing Association (Singapore) andorganised by Constellar, FLA2023 offers tremendous opportunities for aspiring individuals andentrepreneurs to connect with global-ready brands who are looking to expand into the rest of Asia Pacificand globally, with Singapore as the springboard.

With a diverse and unique range of product and service brands on board, FLA2023 is the ideal platform tomeet brand owners and franchise leaders, as well as discover how franchisees can play unique strategic roles in furthering the brand’s success in the local market(s) with theirin-market knowledge of business, marketing and talent strategies.

“Singapore is a lucrative market and springboard for both master franchisors looking to expand in the region and for aspiring individuals seeking opportunities. Singapore’s dynamic pro-business environment, politicalstability, among other considerations, offer a much lower barrier of entry. FLAsia2023 is the key knowledge exchange and business networking platform where both franchisors & franchisees can greatly benefit from” said Mr Dickson Low, President of Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore).

Brands to check out at FLA2023 include the The TungLok Group, Russo’s New York Pizzeria, the KC Group of Companies (owner of full-service salon brands such as Kcuts, Kskin and Clippers Barber), Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant, Speech Academy, Mscents, Chewy Junior, and many more.

More details will be shared nearer to date. To attend Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLA) 2023, sign uphere at https://bit.ly/MediaReg2023

About Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore)

FLA (Singapore), one of the founding members of the World Franchise Council, was established in 1993 with the mission to nurture and develop Singapore’s franchising industry. An essential component of Singapore’s knowledge- based economy, FLA (Singapore) promotes and facilitates the use of franchising, licensing and branding as a growth strategy for Singapore enterprises, thus contributing to turning Singapore as a regional franchise and license hub. Through its partnership with Singapore government agencies and international franchise and license bodies, FLA (Singapore) also assists its members in their international development programmes. With an active growing membership of close to 140 companies, representing more than 250 strong brands, FLA (Singapore) is led and managed by a dedicated team of advisors, committee members and full-time secretariat with the goal of supporting Singapore companies to expand internationally. https://www.flasingapore.org/

About Constellar

Constellar connects a global eco-system of event partners and consumers through a holistic portfolio of intellectual property (IP) in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. As Asia’s partner of reference for curating innovative event and venue experiences, Constellar activates impactful networks to bring global markets, businesses and consumers together for sustainable growth. With our expertise and dedication, we are invested in helping you build trusted relationships with stakeholders for the long term and enabling cross-industry collaboration through world-class audience engagement solutions. Visit constellar.co for more information.

For more information, please contact:

Carine Lin
Manager, Communications & Culture
Email: carine.lin@constellar.co
Mobile: 9336 3746



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

SMEStreet League of Mentors Proudly Welcomes Mr Deepak Maheshwari as the Chairperson for MSME & Startups – Finance & Growth Committee of 2023-24

MUMBAI, INDIA, Jun 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – SMEStreet is excited to Welcome Mr Deepak Maheshwari as the chairperson of 2023's MSME & Startups – Finance & Growth Committee of SMEStreet League of Mentors (https://smestreet.in/smestreet-league-of-mentors/smestreet-league-of-mentors/). Mr Maheshwari will also be the permanent Mentor of the SMEStreet League of Mentors which aims to ensure easy access of expertise for MSMEs and Startups.

"Finance for MSMEs and scaling of Startups are very crucial areas requiring serious attention for the growth of our country. The subject holds critical importance for MSME entrepreneurs in India, especially at a time when enormous opportunities are getting generated that require strong and timely execution. Through this engagement, we wish to bring our team's expertise accessible for any entrepreneur from the startup or MSME sector," says Mr Deepak Maheshwari (www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-maheshwari-0605b86/), Co-Founder Jindagi Live Group and Dealplexus.com.

Mr Deepak Maheshwari is an accomplished professional with over 27+ years of leadership experience across diverse businesses. He has led large and diverse teams with GE and IFCI with hands-on mentorship approach. He has well-rounded experience in start-up, growth and business optimization cycles and has facilitated multi-million dollar strategic investments in multiple businesses. He is a qualified CA, CS, CFA and Cost Accountant.

On this announcement, Dr Faiz Askari, Founder and Chief Editor of SMEStreet welcomed Mr Maheshwari and stated, "This is indeed a great milestone to have the knowledge support of Mr Maheshwari's experience accessible for MSMEs and Startups. Mr Maheshwari holds a great understanding of today's financial landscape for credit management and strategic growth for the business. His support and engagement in SMEStreet League of Mentors shall open a great horizon of opportunities for the vast Indian MSME and Startup sector."

SMEStreet League of Mentors is a joint initiative of SMEStreet Foundation and Vertical Business Media's that started in 2020.

SMEStreet League of Mentors is an initiative designed to bring much-needed expertise closer to MSMEs which is needed for their business growth. Mentors at SMEStreet League of Mentors will not only motivate the entrepreneurs but also bring clarity in business vision. We at SMEtreet have spent years in interacting and understanding the common and specific pain points of MSMEs. One of the most common pains that almost every startup and MSME entrepreneur faces is the limitation of seeking the best possible guidance. Limited knowledge and filtered information make business life difficult, so in order to make the entrepreneur's life easier and smart and in other words, in our endeavour to contribute in the direction of ease of doing business, we would like to bring you closer to SMEStreet's League of Mentors.

About SMEStreet League of Mentors
Click Here (https://smestreet.in/smestreet-league-of-mentors/smestreet-league-of-mentors/)

For more information, contact:
Tabinda H
verticalbusinessmedia@gmail.com

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HKTDC Export Index 2Q23: Exporter confidence hits two-year high

HONG KONG, Jun 13, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The HKTDC Export Index rose 8.8 points to 47.8 in the second quarter this year, showing better business sentiment among Hong Kong exporters after Mainland China's borders reopened and business activities return to normal.


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


All major industries and export markets rallied except for clothing, with toys (55.4, up 7.5 points) and machinery (50.3, up 7.4 points) moving above 50 into expansion territory while, among markets, the European Union (51.4, up 9.4 points) and United States (51.1, up 6.7 points) turned positive for the first time in five years.

Based on a quarterly Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) survey of 500 exporters from six major industries – machinery, electronics, jewellery, timepieces, toys and clothing – the index at above 50 indicates an optimistic outlook, and below 50 pessimistic.

Export outlook upbeat

HKTDC Senior Economist Ms Cherry Yeung said three new sub-indices – inventory (48.5), current new orders (45.1) and expected new orders (53.6) – provided a more comprehensive exporter sentiment picture. Respondents – especially those from toys, timepieces and machinery sectors – expected strong growth in new export orders in July-September.

The profitability outlook improved as more respondents (66.3%, up 15.3 percentage points from the final quarter of last year) expected higher or stable net profit margins for this year.

"Against this backdrop, the city's exporters have adjusted their business strategies, shifting the focus from cash-flow management to spending more resources on marketing, promotion and business matching (41.6%, up 11.7 percentage points from previous quarter) and diversifying sales into additional overseas markets (31.1%)," Ms Yeung said.

All sub-indices rise

Other sub-indices grew this quarter with the Trade Value Index and Employment Index edged up 0.8 point to 48.8 and 0.5 point to 48.1 respectively, while the Procurement Index leapt 15.9 points to 44.3.

The Offshore Trade Index, which tracks sentiment around shipments not passing through Hong Kong but managed by businesses within the city, soared 18.5 points to 46.5, "signalling a sustained recovery in demand for Hong Kong's trading services", Ms Yeung added.

Growing economic risks

The survey results also revealed a slower-than-expected recovery of cargo routed through Hong Kong. Only 13.4% (down 23.1 percentage points from previous quarter) of related respondents expected an increase this year. As of last month, the number of cross-boundary vehicles at all crossings for goods vehicles and containers reached a plateau at about 60% of the pre-pandemic level. Some industry players said reduced capacity had raised cross-border logistics costs between 20% and 30% from pre-pandemic levels, slowing the recovery.

The biggest risk was seen as an external one, with most respondents (66.1%, up 29.9 percentage points from the final quarter last year) recognising an economic slowdown or recession in overseas markets as the top challenge to export performance over the third quarter this year.

Sustained recovery

Affected by weakened global demand, a slower-than-expected recovery in cross-border land transport capacity, coupled with a longer-than-expected downcycle in the electronics sector, Hong Kong's total exports fell 16.5% year-on-year in the first four months of this year. Among markets, the Middle East grew 11.5%, driven by the two economies' closer economic and trade ties. Stimulated by a post-pandemic spike in demand in Mainland China and Macao, Hong Kong's precious jewellery exports to the two markets surged 32% and 42% respectively.

HKTDC Director of Research Ms Irina Fan said the recovery was gathering momentum for the second half of this year which was likely to carry into next year. "However, traders remain cautious, with many concerned about the challenging external backdrop. The risk of escalating geopolitical tensions, may create uncertainties for electronics trade flows throughout the region, especially those relating to the semi-conductor industry," she said.

Taking all these factors into account, HKTDC Research has revised its forecast for Hong Kong export growth this year down from earlier estimate of 5% to between 0% and 2%.

References
– HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/
– HKTDC Export Index 2Q23: Confidence at Two-Year High https://bit.ly/3Nk5wfP
– 2023 Mid-Year Export Review: Recovery Set to Accelerate in the second half https://bit.ly/42Ay2y2
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Ce0P0A

About HKTDC

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

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

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