MUMBAI, INDIA – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement, subject to regulatory approval, to acquire Global Insurance Brokers enhancing its risk capital capability offering in India.
Founded in 1973, Global Insurance Brokers is a well-respected composite broking firm in India delivering risk management, insurance and reinsurance broking services across 17 offices.
The transaction will expand Aon’s existing capabilities across the commercial risk, health and reinsurance markets and will further position Aon as a leading risk advisor in India.
Upon completion, Global Insurance Brokers will transition to Aon’s brand and operating model, under the leadership of Jon Pipe, chief executive officer of Aon India Insurance Brokers Pvt Ltd., bringing together a combined team of more than 850 colleagues.
Sandeep Malik, executive chairman for Aon’s Asia-Pacific region, commented: “The Indian insurance market is developing rapidly, and this acquisition reflects our commitment to the Indian market as well as to helping our clients navigate volatility and make better decisions in a fast-changing environment.”
Jon Pipe added: “Our clients are facing increasingly complex risks and evolving regulatory requirements. The combined capabilities of Global Insurance Brokers and Aon will allow us to better serve our clients across India in new geographies and industries.”
Prabodh Thakker, founder and chairman of Global Insurance Brokers said: “We are excited about the opportunity to bring together the talent and capability of our two firms. Global Insurance Brokers shares common values with Aon and by joining together we will be better placed to drive innovation, develop talent and deliver enhanced solutions to help companies in India grow and protect their businesses.”
Aon and Global Insurance Brokers will continue to operate independently until the transaction is completed, which is expected in the coming months.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Our colleagues provide our clients in over 120 countries and sovereignties with advice and solutions that give them the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect and grow their business.
Disclaimer The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
Breathing new life into traditional pawnshop business Launching New App for Digital Loan Applications
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited (HKEx stock code: 1319.HK, the “Group” or “Oi Wah”) is delighted to announce the grand opening of its premier service center located at the MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station today, which makes it the Group’s first location in MTR station. The Board of Directors of the Group, along with our brand ambassador, Ms. Toby Chan, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The newly unveiled service center, characterized by its fresh design, marries modern aesthetics with the essence of traditional pawnshops. Complemented by the Group’s new mobile APP, we are poised to provide customers with a streamlined one-stop loan solution, signifying a groundbreaking shift in the conventional pawnbroking landscape.
The service center has adopted a contemporary interior design to breathe new life into the traditional business. The typical screen at the main entrance commonly known as the “Ze Cau Baan (遮羞板)”, has been replaced with a long corridor that guides customers to the back of the shop for pawn services. The thoughtful touch has abolished the old design while still ensuring the privacy of customers and avoiding gazes from onlookers. Instead of high counters, the pawn area now features elegant seating areas and offers a private one-on-one consultation room, enhancing the overall customer experience. In terms of security, the shop retains the “double-lock doors” design from traditional pawnshops -the first door it must be fully closed before the second door can be opened, preventing outsiders from viewing the interior and ensuring security.
Having a strong foothold in the pawnbroking industry for nearly half a century, Oi Wah Pawnshop is proud to be the first local pawnshop to be publicly listed. The Group has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in order to maintain its leadership position in the industry. A testament to this commitment is the Group’s upcoming mobile APP. Within the APP, customers can obtain preliminary collateral evaluation, loan valuation and application of loan, etc. By digitizing the entire pawn loan application process, we offer an efficient and streamlined one-stop loan solution, catering to the evolving needs of our clients.
Mr. Edward Chan, Chairman, CEO and Executive Director of Oi Wah, said, “I am optimistic about the long-term growth of loan demand in Hong Kong. I believe that establishing a modernly designed premium service center in bustling MTR stations will help expand our customer base and revenue streams. In addition, the digitization of loan applications and approvals not only accelerates the entire loan process for customers but also enhances their experience. This aligns with the expectations of the new generation for innovative fintech services, ushering in a transformative era for the industry.”
Hashtag: #OiWah
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited
Oi Wah is a financing service provider in Hong Kong, mainly providing short-term secured financing, including pawn loans and mortgage loans. The Group established its first pawnshop in 1975 and currently owns 10 Pawnshops, a property mortgage center, and a MTR premium service centre in various locations in Hong Kong. Oi Wah diversified into mortgage loan business in 2009. The Group is the first local pawn shop which successfully listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 12 March 2013.
Big Heart. Big Rewards. Earn Points through Spending and Acts of Kindness
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – Chinachem Group (the Group) held a kick-off ceremony today for its new membership rewards programme, “CCG Hearts” at Central Market. The event was attended by Dr. Bernard Chan Pak-li, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Mr. Chua Hoi Wai, Chief Executive of The HK Council of Social Service, together with Mr. Donald Choi, Executive Director and CEO of Chinachem Group. The “CCG Hearts” membership rewards programme covers Chinachem Group’s six participating hotels and serviced apartments, nine major shopping malls, the Central Market, and cinema. In addition to earning points through spending, members can also earn more points by participating in diverse acts of kindness, “Quests” which fosters community service and volunteerism. Members can redeem a wide range of rewards and interesting activities for meaningful life experiences, and encourage others to join in good deeds and share joyful moments as a ripple effect.
The kick-off ceremony of the CCG Hearts All New Membership Rewards Programme was hosted by Dr. Bernard Chan Pak-li, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Mr. Chua Hoi Wai, Chief Executive of The HK Council of Social Service, together with Mr. Donald Choi, Executive Director and CEO of Chinachem Group, to promote the ‘CCG Hearts’ programme and advocate for the practice of “Big Heart. Big Rewards” among the public.
Mr. Donald Choi, Executive Director and CEO of Chinachem Group, stated during the kick-off ceremony, “Since the rebranding of our group in 2020, we have been committed to maintaining a balance among ‘People, Prosperity, and Planet’ in all our business endeavors, with a strong dedication to creating positive impacts on society. With the pioneering ‘CCG Hearts’ membership rewards programme in Hong Kong, our members not only earn points through their spending but also have the opportunity to participate in various community services, experiencing the joy that comes with it, while benefiting others. Furthermore, this programme stimulates consumption, helps generating more business for our retail tenants, and contributes Hong Kong economy. Our team has also collaborated with social welfare organizations to organize member activities such as kayaking to clean beaches and hiking to clear trail litter, making contributions to the environment. This fully embodies the balanced development of ‘People, Prosperity, and Planet’.”
The Most Unique Membership Rewards Programme
During the launch ceremony, the management team of Chinachem Group urged citizens to join the “CCG Hearts” membership rewards programme and promote the concept of “Big Heart. Big Rewards”. Participants can earn points by performing acts of kindness and making purchases, which can be redeemed for rewards.
Unlike other conventional membership rewards programmes, “CCG Hearts” takes “Big Heart. Big Rewards” as its core concept, providing an innovative volunteer service platform that encourages members to actively participate in community activities and spread positivity. The programme will collaborate with various charitable organizations and social service institutions under The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, to launch a wide range of “Quests”, including spending time with the elderly, nurturing positive development in the younger generation, connecting with nature, and appreciating art and culture. Through these initiatives, the programme aims to establish a more supportive and interactive community, contributing to a better living environment in Hong Kong. It is worth noting that since the introduction of several volunteer service activities under “CCG Hearts”, the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with many Quests quickly reaching full capacity.
In addition, members can also earn rewards through their purchases. “CCG Hearts” members can earn points by making electronic payments for their spending at Chinachem Group’s nine major shopping malls*, Central Market, six participating hotels and serviced apartments, and cinema. For every HK$1 spent with a single receipt totaling HK$100 or above, members can earn 1 point. This programme not only benefits the members but also contributes to the business development of merchants, revitalizing the retail industry in Hong Kong.
*Nina Mall 1 & 2 (Tsuen Wan), Papillons Square (Tseung Kwan O), Lucky Plaza (Sha Tin), Hilton Plaza (Sha Tin), Shun Fook Barn (Yuen Long), Sheung Shui Town Centre, Fanling Town Centre, Paris London New York Cinema Shopping Centre (Tuen Mun)
Exciting Mall Tour – Prize for Everyone
From now until October 31, the “CCG Hearts” Promotion will be held at Central Market (Central), Nina Mall (Tsuen Wan), Lucky Plaza (Shatin) and Papillons Square (Tsuen Kwan O). Members can participate in the “Big Heart. Big Rewards” Lucky Draw**, with up to 18,000 prizes available, ensuring that everyone is a winner and no one leaves empty-handed. Members can also try their hand at the “Big Heart. Big Rewards” Boom, Boom, Boom! drumming game and experience the joy of hitting the drums on a large screen. Please refer to Appendix attached for detailed promotion venue locations and opening hours.
**Please refer to the terms and conditions of the event for the method of prize distribution.
Participating in the “CCG Hearts” is completely free. Simply download the “CCG Hearts” APP and register as a member to enjoy various exclusive benefits and privileges. These include welcome points, birthday treats, shopping discounts, dining offers, and free participation in various “Quests” volunteer services. Once members earn points, they can redeem them for over a hundred rewards and exclusive member experiences such as guided nature tours, historical and cultural conservation activities, and cooking parties, allowing members to enrich their life experiences. Other rewards include shopping and dining vouchers, accommodation and dining vouchers at Nina Hotel, Nina Patisserie cakes and Nina Palmier, home appliances, personal care products, lifestyle goods, and parking discounts. From now until October 31, all members can also earn double points on eligible spending.
Charity Sale: Chinachem Group Makes One-to-One Matching Donations
The promotion also collaborates with dayday 330 of The New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. During the “CCG Hearts” Promotion, a dayday 330 charity sale booth will be set up at the four “CCG Hearts Promotion” venues in the following sequence: Central Market (Central), Nina Mall (Tsuen Wan), Lucky Plaza (Shatin) and Papillons Square (Tseung Kwan O). “CCG Hearts” members can enjoy shopping discounts, and Chinachem Group will make one-to-one matching donations from all proceeds of this charity sale to support the promotion of mental health education and encourage more citizens to pay attention to their holistic well-being.
Appendix:
“CCG Hearts Promotion” Event Details
Date*
Location
Address
October 4 to 10
Central Market
93 Queen’s Road Central, Central
October 12 to 17
Nina Mall
8 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan
October 19 to 24
Lucky Plaza
1 – 15 Wang Pok Street, Sha Tin
October 26 to 31
Papillons Square
21 Tong Chun Street, Tseung Kwan O
*Except for October 4, where the event starts at 3:30PM, the activities on other days will begin at 12:00PM and end at 8:00PM.
“Big Heart. Big Rewards Lucky Draw” – Prize List
Prize
Quantity
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB
1
iPhone 15 Pro 256GB
1
Dyson Supersonic™ HD15
5
iPad 10th Gen (Wifi), 64GB
2
FWD Wellness Pass 3-month (Trial Pass)
5,000
1-night of Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
10
A bottle of White Chrysanthemum Peony at ZeroToOne
50
A bottle of Vistana Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (750ml)
96
$500 Nina Hospitality Group dining or shopping voucher
10
$100 Nina Hospitality Group dining or shopping voucher
20
CCG Hearts 2,000 Points
4,000
CCG Hearts 1,000 Points
3,805
Nina palmier
5,000
Total
18,000
Hashtag: #Chinachem
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Chinachem Group
Since 1960, Chinachem Group has been a leading property developer in Hong Kong, with a portfolio covering residential, commercial, retail and industrial buildings for sales and investment, in addition to operating hotels, property management as well as healthcare and elderly services. The Group actively seeks to make a positive contribution to society through its adherence to the ‘Triple Bottom Line’, a commitment that its activities will benefit People, bring Prosperity to the community and preserve the Planet. Please visit www.chinachemgroup.com/en.
Themed Combating Climate-risks and Achieving a Sustainable Future Assemble international experts to navigate transition finance, social impact investments and decarbonization technologies Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong gives keynote speech
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – More than 200 business leaders and ESG experts from different industries came together today at the ‘2023 ESG and Green Finance Opportunities Forum’ to discuss the theme of “Combating Climate-risks and Achieving a Sustainable Future: Transition Finance and Innovative Technology”. Organised by The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies (‘CHKLC’) and title sponsored by Hang Seng Bank for three consecutive years, the Forum was officiated by Deputy Financial Secretary Mr Michael Wong, who delivered the opening address. CHKLC’s Chairperson Ms Catherine Leung and Hang Seng’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Ms Diana Cesar also spoke at the opening session.
‘2023 ESG and Green Finance Opportunities Forum’ discussed combating climate-risks and achieving a sustainable future. Guests including HKSAR’s Deputy Financial Secretary Mr Michael Wong (front row, middle); Chairperson of The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies Ms Catherine Leung (front row, left 4), and Ms Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank (front row, right 4).
Four themed discussion panels are scheduled to address regulatory update in response to more stringent climate-related disclosure requirements as well as exploring emerging issues of transition finance, social impact investments and decarbonization technologies to assist the attendees stay ahead of the game with their ESG plans in the abovementioned areas of discussion. Near 30 senior business executives and ESG experts spoke and shared experiences at the four discussion panels.
CHKLC encourages listed companies to transition to low-carbon business mode utilizing technology
CHKLC Chairperson Catherine Leung remarked, “The theme of today’s Forum is the use of green finance and technology to overcome Climate Risks and strive for sustainable development. Technology is an important catalyst in many aspects of our modern world, and a great number of mainland and Hong Kong enterprises have built a solid technology foundation, enabling them to produce products and services that meet international standards and are in demand. This not only generates revenue, and when applied to environmental industry sectors, will also make great contribution to the decarbonisaton efforts globally. I encourage listed companies to study the utilisation of technology in transitioning their business to low-carbon mode, or in venturing into new business areas, to further protect our climate and environment and explore new opportunities for shareholders and create more value.”
Hang Seng Champions Businesses in Transition Toward a Low-Carbon and Sustainable Development Model
In her opening remarks, Hang Seng Bank’s Executive Director and Chief Executive, Ms Diana Cesar, affirmed: “Hong Kong has a unique opportunity to play a major role in green finance. At Hang Seng, we’re leveraging our financial expertise to support sustainable growth. Through green loans and low-carbon investments, we’re partnering with our clients to usher in a new era of sustainable business practices.”
Transition Finance and Innovation Technology to support low-carbon transition
Managing climate risks is one of the most important challenges to businesses in recent years due to mitigation costs and tightening disclosures requirements. By January 2024, climate-related disclosures are proposed to be mandatory in listed firms’ ESG reports. Many traditional businesses with higher GHG emissions are getting eager to transition to low carbon, low emission operation through business transformation. Transition Finance is pivotal in the shift towards a low-carbon economy.
Social Impact Investments to connect with communities
As good corporate citizens, engaging with social needs and connecting with the community are also considered as alignments to ESG requirements. There has been growing advocacy among corporates to address social concerns on top of environmental needs, some even taking the lead in social impact investments. Decarbonization technologies have also been developed in response to climate risks and can be of great help to corporates in achieving low-carbon operations.
4 discussion panels to address hot ESG topics
All these compelling issues are thus the focus of discussions in todays’ ESG and Green Finance Opportunities Forum 2023 to be addressed in the following 4 panel discussions.
(1) Panel 1: Transition Finance – Trends, Opportunities and Challenges
Transition finance is to offer financial support which helps high-carbon companies to start implementing long-term changes to become greener. The characteristics and practices of transition finance, as well as how corporates in Hong Kong and GBA can best utilize it in their climate change endeavours were discussed.
(2) Panel 2: Social Impact Investments for Sustainable Growth
Going beyond decarbonization, financing should also be channeled to projects with positive social impact. This session introduced social impact investments as means to advance sustainable development goals and evaluate current endeavours in Hong Kong and GBA.
(3) Panel 3: Regulatory Updates on ESG Reporting and Climate Risks Disclosures
Representatives from regulators HKEX and SFC are invited to share updates on the latest climate-related rules and regulations to prepare local businesses for better compliance and reporting.
(4) Panel 4: Decarbonization Strategy and Technology Application
Experts shared innovative technologies and forward-looking strategies to help listed companies to attain low carbon low emission operations and meet their carbon neutrality targets.
Financial and ESG experts as panel speakers
Financial heavyweights, regulators and ESG veterans have been invited to speak at the 4 panels and share their valuable experiences. The list includes but is not limited to: Mr Paul MALAM, Head of Policy and Secretariat Services, Listing of HKEX; Ms Jennifer LEE, Director, Corporate Finance Division, SFC; Professor Simon HO, President of the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; Mr Frank HEUNG, Head of Structured Finance, Commercial Real Estate & Corporate Advisory of Hang Seng Bank; Mr Anthony CHEUNG, Supervisory Board Member, World Benchmarking Alliance; Mr Ricco ZHANG, Senior Director, Asia Pacific of International Capital Market Association; Ms Katherine KOH, Global Climate Lead for IFC Infrastructure; Mr Peter YAN, CEO, Cyberport, as well as senior ESG executives from listed companies.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies (CHKLC)
Incorporated in September 2002, CHKLC is a non-profit organisation serving listed companies and other industry bodies in Hong Kong. The Chamber strives to promote sound corporate governance; function as an effective communication channel between listed companies and regulatory authorities; strengthen the linkage and foster cooperation among listed companies from Hong Kong and China and uphold Hong Kong’s position as an international financial and capital formation centre. Since 2007, the Chamber organises the annual “Hong Kong Corporate Governance and ESG Excellence Awards” jointly with the Hong Kong Baptist University to advocate best practices of corporate governance, ESG and recognize excellence. (https://chklc.org/en-us/)
MUNICH, GERMANY & ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) today announced that Infineon has acquired the Zurich-based startup 3db Access AG (3db), a pioneer in secured low power Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology and already today a preferred IP provider for major automotive brands. The acquisition further strengthens Infineon’s portfolio for secured smart access, precise localization and enhanced sensing. Infineon now adds UWB to its connectivity range including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®/Bluetooth® Low Energy and NFC solutions. The first set of IoT use cases include secured access and authentication, accurate location tracking and indoor navigation, as well as presence detection utilizing UWB radar implementations. Infineon is acquiring 100 percent of the company’s shares. The parties have agreed not to disclose the amount of the transaction. ABI Research expects the UWB chipset market to grow at an annual 13 percent, amounting to approximately US$3.1 billion by 2028[1].
Demand for UWB-capable devices is expected to grow significantly with Smartphone manufacturers adding UWB capability in the latest and future generations of their products. As part of Infineon, 3db evolves from an IP provider to a team of experts selling solutions opening up the best of this technology to smartphones as well as cars and enabling standalone integration in low-power IoT devices.
In the dynamic UWB market and with rapidly increasing demand from numerous manufacturers, suppliers are also differentiating themselves through their research activities. With their combined expertise, Infineon and 3db will now offer additional benefits to their customers: Originally an ETH Zurich spinoff, 3db maintains a strategic partnership with ETH. Infineon is poised to develop this relationship even further, in addition to intensified collaboration in the relevant standardization bodies for secured localization and sensing. Moreover, Infineon’s broad market access is backed by extensive R&D activities. With 59 R&D sites worldwide, Infineon currently holds more than 31,000 patents and invests an annual 13 percent of its revenues in R&D.
[1] Source: ABI Research – Wireless Technology Segmentation and Addressable Markets, September 2023
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About 3db Access AG
3db delivers secured, ultra-low power and high-precision integrated UWB ranging and sensing solutions. 3db’s integrated products enable a broad range of applications including provable secured access to valuable assets (vehicles, buildings), secured proof of proximity for seamless mobile payments and real-time high accuracy and precision localization of connected, intelligent devices.
About Infineon
Infineon Technologies AG is a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT. Infineon drives decarbonization and digitalization with its products and solutions. The company has around 56,200 employees worldwide and generated revenue of about €14.2 billion in the 2022 fiscal year (ending 30 September). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the OTCQX International over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: IFNNY).
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – Ink Asia 2023 opening ceremony was successfully completed on 4 October 2023. We were fortunate to invite Mr YEUNG Yun-hung, Kevin, GBS, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism as the guest of honor for the opening ceremony. Mr WONG Chi-cho, Joe, JP.
Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mrs Vicki KWOK WONG Wing-ki, JP, Deputy Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Vincent LIU Ming-kwong, JP, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Helen CHAN, SBS, Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund Vice Chairman, Mr YEUNG Kwok-leung, Paul, Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund Committee, Ms NG Yuen-ting, Yolanda, MH, Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund Committee attended to offer their congratulations.
With support from the “Mega Arts and Cultural Event Fund,” INK ASIA returns to the public eye this autumn after a three-year hiatus. As the pioneering art fair dedicated to ink art, INK ASIA 2023 will present the city with a world-renowned initiative that celebrates niche and exquisite ink art. The event will feature a series of captivating exhibitions, public installations, ink art events, and educational activities, taking viewers on a journey through the evolution of ink art from its ancient roots to its contemporary expressions. INK ASIA 2023 will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday 5 October to Sunday 8 October 2023.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About INK ASIA
INK ASIA, the first-ever art fair specialising in ink art, was successfully inaugurated in 2015. INK ASIA aims to promote ink art at an international level through an art fair platform. The fair presents galleries and artists from Hong Kong and other Asian countries, featuring ink works in a wide variety of different forms. INK ASIA explores the limitless possibilities of ink art and fosters a dialogue between traditional aesthetics and contemporary interpretations of ink, with the goal of promoting this traditional ink art to an international audience in an innovative way, particularly among young viewers.