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Greenbriar Plans to Break Ground on Sage Ranch in April


Scottsdale, Arizona – Newsfile Corp. – March 18, 2024 – Greenbriar Sustainable Living Inc. (TSXV: GRB) (OTC Pink: GEBRF) (“Greenbriar” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the schedule to break ground on Sage Ranch will be within the month of April, 2024. The ongoing drama between the TCCWD and the city does not affect our schedule. The company owns and has access to all of the deeded water rights, and any additional sources. The WSA was accurate and complete. The city council was correct in its approval of the WSA. The TCCWD wants to be a land planning agency, and the law does not permit this role. The city was correct in its full approval of the project. During all of the settlement negotiations with the TCCWD, and in front of eight lawyers and the company, the TCCWD emphatically stated they had no issue with Sage Ranch alone. The TCCWD stated during multiple settlement talks that their issue was what the city additionally permits after Sage Ranch. That is not the business of the TCCWD to hold permitting authority over the city. The city has lots entitled since 1898. Those lots are not being permitted and therefore was not part of the WSA’s correct analysis. The TCCWD is desperate for some technical victory on a limited re-write of the WSA so they can make a claim to retrieve their legal fees. This has no impact on the schedule of building Sage Ranch nor stopping its progress. The TCCWD uses deeded water rights of all owners who do not use those rights in any given year, and sells them on a yearly basis to ag companies who lease the land from certain TCCWD directors. The TCCWD is in a full conflict of interest. In addition, the president of the TCCWD board tried to buy a portion of the original Sage Ranch from Greenbriar in 2017. Greenbriar said no, and the current TCCWD president was denied owning a piece of Sage Ranch.

About Greenbriar Capital Corp:
Greenbriar is a leading developer of sustainable real estate and renewable energy. With long-term, high impact projects and led by a successful industry-recognized operating and development team, Greenbriar targets deep valued sustainable assets directed at accretive shareholder value.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeffrey J. Ciachurski
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Ph: 949-903-5906

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Debenture and the use of gross proceeds. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “potential”, “target”, “budget”, “propose” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: general business and economic conditions. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include those described under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s most recently filed MD&A (a copy of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com). The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

2024 China Corporate Payment Survey: Payment delays continued to shorten, but corporates increasingly cautious

  • Coface’ survey shows that more firms expressed willingness to grant payment terms in 2023 but they tightened payment terms to 70 days from 81 days in 2022.
  • As credit terms shortened, more payment delays were reported in 2023. However, average payment delays decreased to 64 days from 83 days previously.
  • The downward trend in ultra-long payment delays (ULPD, above 180 days) continued.
  • Construction still experienced the longest payment delays (84 days) while textile appeared to have the highest non-payment risks
  • More than half of our respondents expected business conditions to improve in 2024, even if the demand slowdown was anticipated to be more acute this year. Fierce competition was still seen as the biggest risk to business operations in 2024, but was expected to ease from 2023.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – Junyu Tan, North Asia Economist at Coface, said: “2023 was the year when economic activities generally normalised from the pandemic. The same went for corporate business practices regarding payment terms. As market competition and practices returned to normal, more companies took the initiative to grant payment terms.

Average Payment Delay By Sectors (Days)
Average Payment Delay By Sectors (Days)

But corporates have become more cautious and offered tighter payment terms. Coface’s 2024 China Corporate Payment Survey showed that average payment terms decreased in 2023. The use of risk management tools was also more prevalent in businesses.

Tighter payment terms led to an increased incidence of payment delays. But that does not necessarily mean a worsening of companies’ cash flow position. If payment delays are added to payment terms, the total average waiting time between purchasing a product and paying an invoice – known as days sales outstanding (DSO) – decreased from 140 days in 2022 to 136 days in 2023. That may indicate an improvement in corporates’ cash flow cycle.

Looking ahead to 2024, 53% of our respondents expected the economic outlook to improve as policy support increases, market competition eases, and inventory burdens reduce. Slowing demand in 2024 should prompt more government spending to stabilise growth.”

Payment delays1: More delays reported, but duration shortened

62% of our respondents reported payment delays in 2023, up from 40% in 2022. But an increase in the frequency of payment delays may not necessarily equate to a deterioration in companies’ cash flow position. In 2023, payment delays shortened significantly, from 83 days in 2022 to 64 days.

The survey also showed a continuous downtrend of ultra-long payment delays (ULPDs, above 180 days) exceeding 2% of annual turnover, a threshold for high non-payment risk – 80% of such delays were never paid based on Coface’s experience. Only 33% of respondents reported such delays, the second-lowest level since 2014.

Construction continued to see the longest payment delays (84 days) as property developers remained under severe financial stress with persistent weakness in new home sales. Textile appeared to have the highest non-payment risks (ULPDs exceeding 2% of turnover) when overdue occurred. But the situation is unlikely to improve in 2024 as pent-up demand recedes and labour cost rises.

Intense competition was cited as a major reason for customers’ financial difficulties, which may be partly due to the excessive capacity in some industries. However, cost pressure did not appear to be a significant burden for Chinese companies, which was consistent with China’s relatively weak inflationary environment.

Economic expectations: Competition to moderate, but demand outlook unfavorable

Looking ahead, increased policy support may bring some confidence to corporates as 53% of our respondents remained optimistic about the economic prospects in 2024. Pharmaceuticals emerged as the most optimistic on the back of the structural demand arising from an ageing population. Automobile and construction also outperformed as policy support for electric vehicles and infrastructure investments should continue to roll out. Textile was most pessimistic as pent-up demand is likely to recede in 2024 and labour costs to rise.

Fierce competition was still regarded as the biggest risk facing corporate operations in 2024. But with many companies offering deep discounts to boost sales in 2023, competition should ease in 2024 as inventory burdens reduce. But slowdown in demand was expected to be more severe as reopening demand fades while household incomes and business profits have yet to provide new dry powder. In this regard, government may have to step up spending to stabilize overall demand.


[1] Payment delay refers to the period between the payment due date and the date the payment is made, as reported by our respondents on average.

Average Payment Delay By Sectors (Days)
Average Payment Delay By Sectors (Days)

Hashtag: #Coface

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

COFACE: FOR TRADE

With over 75 years of experience and the most extensive international network, Coface is a leader in trade credit insurance & risk management, and a recognized provider of Factoring, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Bonding, and Information Services. Coface’s experts work to the beat of the global economy, helping ~50,000 clients in 100 countries build successful, growing, and dynamic businesses. With Coface’s insight and advice, these companies can make informed decisions. The Group’ solutions strengthen their ability to sell by providing them with reliable information on their commercial partners and protecting them against non-payment risks, both domestically and for export. In 2023, Coface employed ~4,970 people and registered a turnover of €1.87 billion.

For more information, visit

Siam Piwat reinforces its position as the No.1 global destination developer by expanding its global ecosystem to draw high-quality visitors and drive Thailand’s economy


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 – Siam Piwat – a leading real estate and retail developer and the owner and operator of world-renowned destinations – is bolstering its leadership in developing world-class destinations by further expanding its entire global ecosystem, with emphasis on quality tourists. The company is currently in negotiations with 16 leading airline partners to deliver the ultimate experience.

01 Siam Piwat Global Ecosystem Tourist

(Front row, 5th from right) Mrs. Mayuree Chaipromprasith (President – Corporate Affairs and Communications, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd.) and leading airline partners.


Mrs.Mayuree Chaipromprasith, President – Corporate Affairs and Communications, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., said, “Siam Piwat is Thailand’s No.1 developer of world-class destinations. Today, we’re joining forces with partners at home and abroad to further solidify our leadership position and put Thailand on the map as the ultimate global destination. We’re seeking strategic partners to deliver extraordinary experiences from pre-trip, during-trip, to post-trip, placing emphasis on high-spending travelers to propel the tourism industry, which is a major contributor to Thailand’s economy.”

Siam Piwat Global Ecosystem Tourist EN infographic

The No.1 global destination strategy is part of the ONESIAM Experience, which showcases the collective strengths of top global destinations: Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, ICS, Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, and ONESIAM SuperApp. The key strategies are:

1. Expand Reach

    1.1 Collaborate with partners catering to free individual travelers (FITs): Siam Piwat seeks to meet visitors’ travel needs from the start of their journey to the time they arrive in Thailand through strategic partnerships with 16 world-class airlines, namely Air Asia, Air Canada, Air Charter Service (Thailand), Bangkok Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, Thai Airways , VietJet Air, to explore collaborative avenues and expand benefits for passengers. Siam Piwat is also in talks with online travel agents (OTAs), telecommunication operators, as well as TagThai, the innovative tourism service platform.
    1.2 Collaborate with partners serving highnetworthindividuals (HNWIs): Siam Piwat will offer exclusive privileges for customers, such as hotels, private jet and helicopter services, Thailand Privilege Card, and Thailand Long Stay.
    1.3 Collaborate with MICE operators: Siam Piwat is focusing on business travelers, particularly in relation to the burgeoning MICE market. Exclusive privileges will be offered to customers through partner MICE destination management companies.
    1.4 Collaborate with travel agents: Siam Piwat will partner with operators of major tourist attractions located within its shopping centers. It will also offer special services for tour groups and a wide range of exclusive privileges through the Tourist Card, distributed to over 100 top travel agent partners worldwide.


2
. Elevate Experience

    2.1 Inmall privileges: Customers can avail themselves of exclusive privileges through the Tourist Card, which has over 500 participating stores as well as year-round promotions. The Tourist Card also offer privileges for traveling in Bangkok such as shuttle buses from Siam Paragon to Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok as well as City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off buses.
    2.2 Out-of-mall privileges: Siam Piwat is joining hands with 8 world-class shopping centers in 8 countries to offer global privileges to members of its partner malls, namely Hong Kong Time Square, ION Orchard, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Parco, Plaza Indonesia, and Taipei 101, through ONESIAM SuperApp. Siam Piwat is also partnering with premier hospitals to provide exclusive experiences for international customers. Additionally, it has planned to further strengthen the Tourist Card membership, enabling cardholders to enjoy privileges and discounts at selected partners outside its shopping centers, such as Rajdamnern Stadium, hotels, logistics and much more.
    Siam Piwat has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hyundai Department Store in South Korea to offer exclusive privileges to both ONESIAM and Hyundai Members.

In addition, Siam Piwat has developed the Tourist Webapp, enabling visitors to register for Tourist Card with greater convenience and allowing them to enjoy the full range of benefits. Frequent visitors can also become ONESIAM Members and take full advantage of the privileges. Every purchase at participating stores including international luxury fashion brands within shopping centers will earn redeemable ONESIAM Coins.

3. Excite Market

Siam Piwat will join forces with various partners to organize iconic events that will serve as major highlights for the country and the world, such as Chinese New Year, Songkran Water Festival, Fashion Weeks, and New Year’s countdowns. It is also working with global partners to curate exclusive events and activities across its shopping centers, including Pride Month. Eco-conscious visitors can also take part in a wide range of workshops and activities at ECOTOPIA, an innovative eco-specialty store for eco-conscious visitors.

Siam Piwat is fully equipped and ready to drive the economy and tourism industry, establish Thailand as a top must-visit destination, and create unforgettable impressions and memories for Thai people and visitors from around the world.

Hashtag: #SiamPiwat #ONESIAMexperience #GlobalDestination #GlobalEcosystem

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

AsiaInfo Technologies Announces 2023 Annual Results

Steady growth in overall business Maintained a double-digit growth in Three New business


Results Highlights:

  • Revenue amounted to approximately RMB7,891 million, an increase of 2.0%.
  • Revenue from the Three New business[1] amounted to approximately RMB2,899 million, an increase of 12.7%, accounting for approximately 36.7% of total revenue.
  • Adjusted net profit[2] for the Year was approximately RMB851 million and adjusted net profit margin was 10.8%.
  • Operating cash flow was RMB582 million, an increase of 5.9%.
  • Proposed a final dividend of HK$0.412 per Share, representing a dividend payout ratio equivalent to 40% of the adjusted net profit for the Year. Including the special dividend of HK$0.6 per Share declared in December 2023, the total dividend for the Year will be HK$1.012 per Share.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2024 AsiaInfo Technologies Limited (“AsiaInfo Technologies” or the “Company”, which together with its subsidiaries, is referred to as the “Group”; HKEX stock code: 1675), is pleased to announce its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2023 (the “Year”).

Overall results

In 2023, AsiaInfo Technologies achieved a steady growth in revenue to RMB7,891 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.0%. Though the BSS and digital intelligence-driven operation businesses were under pressure, benefiting from the rapid growth of the OSS and vertical industry digitisation businesses, the overall revenue remained stable. The Three New business recorded a faster year-on-year growth of 12.7%, with its revenue amounting to RMB2,899 million, enlarging its proportion of the total revenue to 36.7%. Meanwhile, the Company stepped up its efforts in cost reduction and efficiency enhancement, maintaining a stable gross profit margin of 37.7%. Impacted by the non-operating items such as the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, the net profit for the Year fell by 37.9% to RMB512 million. However, excluding the impact of the said non-operating items, the Company’s adjusted net profit for the Year was RMB851 million, and the adjusted net profit margin sustained a double-digit figure of 10.8%, maintaining a sound profitability. Operating cash flow was RMB582 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.9%.

Commenting on the Group’s results in 2023, Dr. TIAN Suning, Chairman and Executive Director of the Group, said, “In the past year, the external economic situation was severe and complex, with ongoing uncertainties during the economic recovery. Meanwhile, customers in the telecommunications industry continued to ramp up efforts to reduce costs, boost efficiency and enhance their proprietary research and development (“R&D”) capabilities. Against this backdrop, the Company’s traditional business faced a real challenge. Therefore, the Company kept on developing new businesses on the one hand, and innovatively upgraded its traditional business using new technologies such as AIGC/ GPT on the other hand, to offset the pressure brought by the traditional business and maintain a healthy and stable business development. In 2023, the Company attached a higher importance to cash flow health and strengthened its refined cost management to ensure the Company’s long-term sustainable development. Excluding the non-operating items, the Company’s profit for the Year continued to grow, and its operating cash flow also improved as compared to the previous year, continuously creating value for shareholders, customers and society.”

The Board, after taking into consideration of various factors, particularly the cash returns of shareholders and the non-cash impact of the asset impairments, has decided to propose the distribution of a final dividend of HK$0.412 per Share for 2023 at the annual general meeting, representing a dividend payout ratio equivalent to 40.0% of the adjusted net profit for the Year. Including the special dividend of HK$0.6 per Share declared in December 2023, the total dividend for 2023 will be HK$1.012 per Share.

OSS business maintained a rapid growth, BSS business faced a real challenge

In the OSS business, the Company continued to seize market opportunities in areas such as computing power network, autonomous network, and ToB 5G networks with industry leading technology and products to promote rapid business growth. AsiaInfo’s AN CoPilot efficiently supports telecommunication operators to advance to L4/ L5 high-level autonomous networks by building a model specific for autonomous network, network augmented cognition services and the toolkits. In 2023, the revenue from the OSS business reached RMB832 million, up by 24.9% year on year.

In the BSS business, facing challenges from its customers’ intensifying efforts to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and enhance proprietary R&D capabilities, the downward pressure on the traditional BSS business is increasing. The Company capitalised on the trend and actively deployed innovative technologies such as AIGC/ GPT, edge AI, metaverse, and digital twins to develop products that meet customers’ demand on innovation, easing the downward pressure on the BSS business. The Company actively infused intelligence into its business, leveraging AIGC to develop products such as intelligent customer service multimodal interaction operations, intelligent marketing services, and ChatBI. In terms of market expansion, the Company continued to grow its customer portfolio and successfully replaced the business support systems of government and enterprise customers in several provinces and win projects such as the Billing System Reconstruction Project at China Telecom Shanghai Branch. In 2023, the revenue from the BSS business was down by 0.9% year on year, amounting to RMB4,881 million.

Deepened the high-quality development model of “Standardised Product + Solution” in the vertical industries

With the deep integration of digital technology and the real economy, various industries are striving to accelerate digital and intelligent transformation. Against this backdrop, the Company continued to focus on key industries such as energy, transportation, government affairs, etc., and further deepened the high-quality development model of “Standardised Product + Solution”, at the same time appropriately controlled the pace of development. In 2023, the revenue from the vertical industry digitalisation business was RMB965 million, up by 27.5% year on year. In which, the revenue from the transportation industry amounted to RMB316 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 458.5%, while the revenue from the energy industry amounted to RMB269 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 136.5%.

In the transportation industry, the Company deepened its efforts in intelligent highways and promoted an innovative development in intelligent transportation hubs and digital intelligent logistics. In the area of intelligent highways, the Company developed digital intelligent products and solutions such as 5G+ Beidou inter-flow billing, traffic digital twin, and transportation big data governance and application. In the area of intelligent transportation hubs, the Company participated in the building of Chongqing East Railway Station smart hub project with the business model of “Standardised Product + Solution + System Integration”. In the area of digital intelligent logistics, the Company integrated the data of railway, aviation, highway and sea transport, as well as customers’ own data, to provide freight data, logistics visualisation, multimodal transport optimisation and other services, and achieved a rapid growth in orders during the Year with customers including Shougang, Baogang, Jiangsu Trans Union, Shandong Zhongze Energy and Environmental Protection and Qingdao SCO Demonstration Area.

In the energy industry, the Company strengthened its market leadership in nuclear power plant 5G private network while expanding into wind power, photovoltaic power and mining sites. The Company has signed a total of 23 nuclear power units for nuclear power plant 5G private network projects, covering nearly 30% of the nuclear power units under construction and in operation in mainland China. In the area of wind power, the Company’s 5G private network projects have covered more than 100 wind farms and cooperated with China Broadcasting Network and CGN New Energy, successfully deploying 700MHz proprietary base stations in the construction of wind power 5G private network. In the area of photovoltaic power, the Company built a cloud-network integrated comprehensive energy management platform “Xihe Energy”, and successfully completed benchmark projects such as CNH Energy Hainan distributed photovoltaic power project and Hainan Jiaotou zero-carbon service area. In the area of mining, the Company leveraged 5G private network, edge AI, big data and other products and solutions to break through the smart mining market. The Company sees huge market potential in the energy industry. In addition to the nuclear power units that had not yet been covered, there are still thousands of wind power farms, photovoltaic power sites and coal mines that have the demand for digital transformation.

Short-term pressure on digital intelligence-driven operation business with negative impacts diminishing

In 2023, iDigital experienced a short-term impact of its in-depth organisational reform and its industry research business was greatly affected by the sluggish capital markets and tight budget control of customers in Internet and consumption sectors, resulting a year-on-year decline in its revenue. However, the decline in revenue narrowed in the second half of the Year as compared with the first half of the Year. The Company believes that there is still enormous market demand for digital intelligence-driven operation business. Coupled with the easing of the above-mentioned negative impacts, it is expected that the digital intelligence-driven operation business will resume growth in 2024.

In DSaaS business, the Company continued to focus on industries such as telecommunications, government and enterprise, automotive and consumption. In the area of digital intelligence TMT, the Company continued to optimise its business model. In 2023, the Company added seven provincial customers in the models such as Internet “franchise zones” operations and results-based charging, reaching a total of 23 provinces. Meanwhile, the Group’s client base of the DSaaS business expanded from provincial branches of within client groups to more specialised companies, such as China Moblie Financial Technology, China Mobile Internet, etc. In the area of digital intelligence internet of vehicles, the Company leveraged on telecommunications big data combined with AI, privacy computing, and other technologies to develop digital marketing solutions for the automotive industry, driving expansion of its client base, making breakthroughs in joint venture brands, commercial vehicles, and emerging brands and winning multiple projects from automotive companies such as Deepal, GAC Toyota and Dongfeng Motor. In the area of digital intelligence consumption, the Company focused on brand customers, providing services such as digital membership engagement and management and private domain marketing. It obtained Jingpai’s membership digital marketing project and provided Nike with store insights and analytics, among others. In the area of intelligent decision-making, iDigital published couple of research papers on AIGC and digital transformation, etc., gradually becoming more influential in the digital consulting industry and winning multiple top-level digital consulting and planning projects from China Mobile Financial Technology, China Mobile’s Migu and China Broadcasting Network, etc. In 2023, the digital intelligence-driven operation business recorded a revenue of RMB1,102 million, a year-on-year decrease of 4.2%, accounting for 14.0% of the Company’s total revenue, with revenue from results-based and commission-based charging models accounting for 24.0% of the digital intelligence-driven operation business revenue.

Prospects

Talking about the future strategies, Dr. TIAN said, “Looking ahead to 2024, there are uncertainties in the external economic development. AsiaInfo Technologies will continue to navigate through the challenging environment, seeking opportunities and breakthroughs. Building upon the foundation of the strategy of ‘One consolidation, Three Developments’, the Company will further advance ‘Four Shifts’ strategy to drive development in non-telecommunication industries, standardised products, software and hardware integrated products and international markets.”

“In terms of BSS business, the Company will proactively innovate its traditional business through technological and product innovations, mitigating downward pressure on the BSS business, while maintaining our leadership position in the BSS market. In addition, the Company will expand our OSS business boundary and put efforts into penetrating ToB 5G network equipment market. In the non-communications industry, we will continue to focus on key vertical industries such as energy, government affairs and transportation. We will seize favourable policy opportunities, strengthen our professional teams, and create benchmark cases with deepened adoption of the ‘Standardised Product + Solution’ model, to drive business growth with guaranteed quality.”

“Integration has become the main theme of the ICT industry development, and the boundary between products and services is constantly being blurred. The Company will focus on five strategic products, namely 5G/6G networks, edge AI, database, xGPT, big data and trusted data circulation and intensify its efforts to promote the products in key vertical industries such as telecommunications, energy, government affairs, and transportation. As for international markets, with our capabilities in standardised products getting mature, the Company actively integrates into the global ecosystem and strive to expand into markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia through overseas channels and partnerships, bringing the Company’s software and hardware integrated standardised products such as 5G private networks, O-RAN, and edge AI to international markets.”


[1] Three New business represents the digital intelligence-driven operation, the vertical industries digitisation, and the Operation Support Systems (“OSS”) business.

[2] Adjusted net profit represents the net profit excluding the impact of non-operating items, namely, the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and the dividend tax arising from the special dividend declared in 2023.

Hashtag: #AsiaInfoTechnologies

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

AsiaInfo Technologies Limited

AsiaInfo Technologies Limited (“AsiaInfo” or “the Company”; Stock code: 01675. HK), founded in 1993, is a leading software product, solution and service provider, as well as a leading provider of full-stack digital and intelligent capabilities. Capitalising on consulting and planning, product R&D, implementation and delivery, system integration, decision intelligence, data operation, customer service and other digital and intelligent core capabilities, AsiaInfo provides enterprise customers in industries such as telecommunications, government affairs, energy, transportation, cable and postal services with end-to-end close loop digital and intelligent transformation service.

AsiaInfo adheres to the strategy of “One consolidation, Three development”, maintains BSS market leadership with high quality and develops new businesses such as 5G OSS network intelligentisation, digital intelligence-driven operation, vertical industries and enterprise cloudification. The Company actively embraces advanced technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, big data, AI, and Internet of Things, forming three major product systems: cloud network, digital intelligence and IT.

HKSTP Unveils Top 74 Global Startups Confirmed for EPiC 2024 Grand Finale

  • EPiC 2024 Grand Finale on 26 April 2024 features US$45 million investment to be arranged, up to US$5 million in HKSTP venture funding, US$240,000 in cash prizes, plus partnership opportunities
  • This year’s finale features 80% of semi-finalists coming from 16 overseas markets
  • All semi-finalists will have access to unrivalled benefits and opportunities provided by HKSTP’s innovation ecosystem

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2024 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has revealed the top 74 startups from over 600 contestants for its eighth and biggest ever global Elevator Pitch Competition 2024 (EPiC 2024) Grand Finale, taking place in Hong Kong on 26 April 2024. The semi-finalists were selected from the first-ever four-city series of global semi-finals held in the innovative hubs of Hong Kong, Silicon Valley, Stuttgart and Singapore.

HKSTP Unveils Top 74 Global Startups Confirmed for EPiC 2024 Grand Finale

This year, 80% of semi-finalists are overseas competitors from 16 economies, making this contest the most international iteration of EPiC to date. EPiC’s global growth stands testament to Hong Kong’s status as a leading international I&T hub that attracts top-tier startups from around the world.

EPiC 2024 is a HKSTP’s annual flagship startup event and one of Hong Kong’s mega events, becoming one of the most highly anticipated events for the I&T community. This year’s Grand Finale will take place on 26 April 2024, at the sky100 venue atop Hong Kong’s tallest building, International Commerce Centre. The participating startups will compete across the three competition tracks of FinTech, PropTech and MobilityTech.

Startups will have exactly 60 seconds to amaze the judges with their disruptive innovation, in a genuine elevator pitch experience for all participants. All applicants will target US$45 million investment to be arranged[1], have the opportunity to compete for up to US$5 million in investment from HKSTP Corporate Venture Fund (“CVF”), as well as US$240,000 in cash prizes, plus partnership opportunities. By participating in EPiC, startups can leverage Hong Kong’s largest innovation ecosystem at HKSTP as a springboard to huge market opportunities in Mainland China, across Asia and beyond.

The full list of semi-finalists below:

MobilityTech
Company Name (in alphabetical order) Headquarter
1 ABAKA AI Mainland China
2 ACCURE Battery Intelligence United States
3 AUTOCRYPT South Korea
4 Certivity Germany
5 Coordle United States
6 EVA Germany
7 FlyX Technologies Inc. United States
8 ivilion Germany
9 KONVERY DATA TECH CO.LTD Mainland China
10 Libpet Tech Limited Hong Kong
11 Meep Spain
12 MotoNerv Limited Hong Kong
13 Mushroom Material Singapore
14 Novac Italy
15 Ohoskin Italy
16 OpalAI Inc United States
17 PIX Moving Mainland China
18 SCRAMBLUX GMBH Germany
19 Shanghai Qiongche Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd Mainland China
20 Smart Audio Technologies United Kingdom
21 Soter AI United States
22 tozero GmbH Germany
23 Vidi Labs Limited Hong Kong
24 Waveye Inc Germany
25 wheel.me Norway
26 XYZ Robotics Mainland China
PropTech
Company Name (in alphabetical order) Headquarter
1 Agora World United States
2 Ailytics Limited Hong Kong
3 Albacastor Technology Limited Hong Kong
4 Allye Energy United Kingdom
5 AZURE PRINTED HOMES United States
6 Blue Wall Technology Mainland China
7 Carnot Innovations Limited Hong Kong
8 Civils.ai Singapore
9 Collov Inc United States
10 Green Independence Italy
11 GreenCoat Pty Ltd Australia
12 Hyele Limited Hong Kong
13 inHovate Solutions UAE
14 Kodifly Limited Hong Kong
15 LifeSparrow Solutions Limited Hong Kong
16 Pando Electric United States
17 ProGreen Innovations Kenya
18 Syzl Canada
19 TANGObuilder United States
20 Ultrack Technology Sdn. Bhd. Malaysia
21 WaveScan Technologies Pte Ltd Singapore
22 XKool Technology Mainland China
23 Yueshi Robot Mainland China
24 Zhuling Technology Mainland China
FinTech
Company Name (in alphabetical order) Headquarter
1 Aurionpro Payment Solutions Ltd Hong Kong
2 Bizbaz Pte. Ltd. Singapore
3 Boopos United States
4 Boost Capital Singapore
5 Connect Earth United Kingdom
6 D-Engraver Limited Hong Kong
7 e-States United States
8 exaBITS United States
9 imBee Hong Kong
10 iVE.ONE Limited Hong Kong
11 Kaiku United Kingdom
12 KORZO INC. United States
13 KYP United Kingdom
14 Meson Singapore
15 MoneyMatch Sdn Bhd Malaysia
16 Physis Investment United States
17 Helios Life Enterprises United States
18 RealKey United States
19 Rey Indonesia
20 Shenzhen Magic Engine Artificial Intelligence (ME) Co., Ltd. Mainland China
21 Smile API Singapore
22 TFS Hong Kong
23 Transparently.AI Singapore
24 UNCLE2 FINTECH LIMITED Hong Kong


[1] Target to arrange USD45 Million investment: Investors (including funds managed by HKSTP CVF, Beyond Ventures, BitRock Capital, Gaw Capital, HKX, InnoAngel, Jafco Asia, Mindworks Capital and Radiant Tech Ventures) will consider investing in applicants (subject to terms and conditions to be agreed between the parties)

Hashtag: #HKSTP

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 with a mission to position Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. HKSTP has created a thriving I&T ecosystem supporting over 10 unicorns with more than 13,000 research professionals and around 1,700 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies.

We offer comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures on their I&T journey. Our growing innovation ecosystem is built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Shatin, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long. The three InnoParks are realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen, opened in September 2023 to support Hong Kong’s future development and its growing demands of the I&T industry and to strengthen cross-border exchange, attract technology companies as well as talent from around the world, helping them go global. It has both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition spaces, and more. We will focus on attracting enterprises in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability.

Through our infrastructure, services, expertise, and network of partnerships, HKSTP will help establish I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

Blue Cross Partners with AlipayHK on Easter Promotion Travel Smart 5-day Single-trip Cover for Only HK$1


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2024 – Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited (“Blue Cross”) has joined hands with various partners and digital platforms to provide customers with protection tailored to their different needs in life. Its latest strategic partnership with AlipayHK offers customers 5-day travel insurance for only HK$1 and a host of HK$20 premium vouchers for a limited-time Easter promotion.

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Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, said, “Upholding its customer-first philosophy, Blue Cross is committed to providing customers with a service experience that accentuates exceptional quality and utmost convenience. We seek to expand customer touchpoints to different facets of their daily lives through collaboration with a multitude of strategic partners and digital platforms. We are pleased to collaborate with AlipayHK on these exciting offers, allowing customers to cover their protection needs with ease through the popular platform’s seamless mobile payment experience.”

Blue Cross x AlipayHK: Limited-time Easter Promotion^

From 18 March to 17 April 2024, AlipayHK users can get a HK$135 travel insurance premium voucher on the platform which enables them to purchase Blue Cross’s Travel Smart 5-day single-trip cover at only HK$1 (original price HK$136). Users may choose to grab a HK$20 premium voucher which can be used for purchases of any Blue Cross insurance plan with a premium amount of HK$100 or above. Premium vouchers are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis while stock lasts.

From now on, customers who enrol in Travel Smart Single-trip Cover or Multi-trip Cover through Blue Cross website www.bluecross.com.hk or Blue Cross HK App can use AlipayHK to settle payment. Blue Cross and AlipayHK will continue to work together to bring customers more delightful surprises.

Ms. Tse added, “Blue Cross has been partnering with different membership programmes, such as ‘Asia Miles’ by Cathay Pacific, which bring an array of exclusive offers and rewards to members, a win-win for everyone indeed. Going forward, we will continue our drive to develop diverse and innovative products that will delight our customers while addressing their protection needs. We will also continue to strengthen our distribution network – both online and offline – to foster a one-stop, seamless customer experience.”

SmartPoints for Asia Miles or e-voucher redemption

Established for a decade, Blue Cross SmartClub has been offering its members an array of exciting privileges in collaboration with different merchants. Members earn 1 SmartPoint for every HK$1 net premium spent upon successful enrolment via SmartClub website. With an accumulated 1,000 SmartPoints, they can redeem 200 Asia Miles or a HK$50 e-voucher from Towngas Fun, Deliveroo, AIRSIM, or Francfranc.

^ The offers are subject to relevant terms & conditions.

Disclaimers:

  • This press release is for distribution in Hong Kong only. The distribution of this press release is not and shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or a provision of any insurance product outside Hong Kong.
  • Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. It is not affiliated with or related in any way to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association or any of its affiliates or licensees.

Hashtag: #BlueCross #藍十字

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited (“Blue Cross”) is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. With over 50 years of operational experience in the insurance industry, Blue Cross provides a comprehensive range of products and services including medical, travel and general insurance, which cater to the needs of both individual and corporate customers. Blue Cross distributes its products through various channels, including AIA agency force, online platform, direct sales, BEA network, insurance agents and brokers, as well as travel agencies.

In 2023, Blue Cross was assigned a financial strength rating of A+ (stable outlook) and an issuer credit rating of A+ (stable outlook) by S&P Global Ratings.

VinFast Founder launches Global EV Charging Stations Company V-Green


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2024 – In Hanoi, Vietnam, March 18th – Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, Chairman of Vingroup Corporation and founder of VinFast, announced the establishment of V-Green Global Charging Station Development Company (V-Green). V-Green’s mission is twofold: investing in the development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure system that prioritizes supporting VinFast vehicles, and propelling Vietnam towards becoming one of the world’s leaders in electric vehicle charging station density.

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Spun off from VinFast’s charging station development division, V-Green, majority-owned by Mr. Pham with a 90% stake, will operate as a global partner, spearheading the creation of a comprehensive charging network. This strategic move will allow V-Green to focus solely on infrastructure investment independently from VinFast, and enable the Vietnamese electric manufacturer to prioritize market expansion and sustainable development.

To achieve its goal of developing a green ecosystem and contributing to the electric vehicle transition, V-Green will seek better access to and mobilize capital with preferential interest rates. This capital will fuel VinFast’s rapid expansion into international markets.

In the initial phase, V-Green will directly search for land and partners to establish and expand its charging network in key markets around the world. It will also cooperate with other charging companies to provide charging services to VinFast electric vehicle owners.

In Vietnam, V-Green will be responsible for operating and managing VinFast’s existing charging network. V-Green will additionally invest 10 trillion VND (approximately $404 million) over the next two years to build new stations, upgrade and complete its existing network. With this threefold increase in infrastructure investment compared to VinFast’s initial plan, V-Green aims to establish charging stations nationwide and make Vietnam one of the world’s leading countries in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

After about five years of operation, depending on each market and actual fundraising capacity, V-Green may consider expanding charging services to other EV manufacturers in addition to VinFast.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Thanh, CEO of V-Green, stated: “The decision by VinFast’s Founder to establish V-Green is a strategic step to globally support and promote VinFast’s sustainable development. Chairman Pham Nhat Vuong’s willingness to use his personal assets to support V-Green demonstrates this commitment. It reduces VinFast’s infrastructure investment needs and provides maximum support for the EV manufacturer’s rapid development. This affirms a strong determination to promote green transportation in Vietnam and worldwide.”

As previously announced, VinFast will expand to at least 50 countries around the world in 2024. In addition to key markets like the US, Canada, and Europe, VinFast is expanding fast into neighboring Asian countries such as India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The company is also entering new markets in the Middle East and Africa, with Oman, Nigeria and Ghana being the first ones.

In addition to Vietnam, VinFast is currently building electric vehicle manufacturing plants in the US and India. The company also plans to establish a factory in Indonesia.

Hashtag: #VinFast

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Laos Records 630 Road Accidents in February, with 101 Deaths

Laos Records 630 Road Accidents in February, with 101 Deaths
[FILE] This image is used only for representational purpose (photo: Vientiane Mai)

Laos saw a decrease in road accidents, with a total of 630 incidents recorded in February, marking a drop of 143 compared to the previous month.