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SSY announces 2023 interim results Net profit HK$639 million; Interim dividend HK$0.07/share Determined to seize opportunities; Maintain stable & healthy development

Result summary of first half of the year:

  • Revenue HK$3,333 million, representing a drop of 2.1% (in terms of RMB, growth of 4.7%);
  • Net profit HK$639 million, representing a growth of 12%;
  • The Board resolved to pay interim dividend of HK$0.07 /share

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 29 August 2023 – SSY Group Limited (“SSY” or the “Company”; Stock Code: 2005.HK) and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) presents the interim results of the Company for the six months ended 30 June 2023 (“first half of 2023” or “first half of the year”).

During the first half of 2023, the Group achieved a revenue of approximately Renminbi (“RMB”) 2,962 million, representing an increase of approximately 4.7% as compared to the corresponding period of last year. However, due to depreciation of Renminbi against Hong Kong dollars by approximately 6.5% as compared to the same period last year, in terms of Hong Kong dollars, the Group’s revenue was approximately HK$3,333 million in the first half of this year, representing a decrease of 2.1% as compared to corresponding period of last year. The Group achieved a net profit of approximately HK$639 million, representing an increase of approximately 12% as compared to the corresponding period of last year. Confronted with the tough challenges in the domestic and international pharmaceutical markets, the Group was determined to be ambitious, seize the opportunities and overcome the difficulties. Through a series of operational measures such as accelerating research and development and innovation, integrating market resources and actively exploring potentials, the Group continued to maintain a favourable trend of stable and healthy development.

The Board of directors resolved to pay an interim dividend of HK$0.07 per share for year 2023, which increased by 16.7% as compared to corresponding period of last year. The total amount to be paid is approximately HK$208 million.

During the first half of the year, the cumulative sales volume of intravenous infusion solutions reached approximately 936 million bottles (bags), with a revenue of HK$2,069 million, representing an increase of approximately 24.1% and 12.8% respectively as compared to corresponding period of last year. Among which, production and sales of therapeutic infusion solutions progressed steadily with revenue amounted to HK$566 million, representing an increase of 24.7% as compared to corresponding period of last year. Exports of preparations to foreign countries rose against the trend, infusion solutions export revenue amounted to approximately HK$80.08 million, representing a growth of approximately 25% as compared to corresponding period of last year. Ampoule products recorded continuous growth in sales volume. In the first half of the year, sales volume reached approximately 131 million, representing a growth of approximately 92% as compared to corresponding period of last year. Oral preparations business segment accelerated its expansion and development. In the first half of the year, revenue reaching HK$244 million, representing a growth of approximately 68% as compared to corresponding period of last year. Due to the impacts of softer market demands and dropping market prices of bulk pharmaceuticals in the first half of the year, revenue was approximately HK$454 million, representing a decrease of approximately 42% as compared to corresponding period last year. External sales of medical materials in terms of Hong Kong dollar roughly at same level as corresponding period of last year.

The Group has taken the innovation drive as the lead to integrate the Group’s own advantages, and coordinated the progress to push forward the research and development of featured generic drugs, bulk pharmaceuticals, innovative drugs, medical materials as well as product types under consistency evaluation, in an effort to establish a new course and a new advantage in the development of featured generic drugs and high-end complex preparation. In the first half of the year, the Group was at the forefront of all pharmaceutical enterprises in China in terms of the number of preparations being submitted for approvals and passed the consistency evaluations, and obtained a total of 34 production approvals for different types, including 8 for bulk pharmaceuticals and 26 for preparations. As of the first half of the year, the number of the Group’s products that have passed the consistency evaluation or been regarded as passing the consistency evaluation reached 51 product types with 67 specifications, which has seized opportunities for enhancing market competitiveness for the products. Positive progress has been made in the research of innovative drugs. Phase I clinical trial of type I chemical innovative anti-tumor drug NP-01 project had positive progress. Communication with CDE prior to application of the Phase I clinical trial regarding anti-liver fibrosis innovative drug ADN-9 has been established. Pre-clinical research of anti-pulmonary hypertension drug SYN-045 has been fully commenced.

The Group has accelerated the construction of infrastructure projects. The 3-in-1 plastic ampoule production lines project has been completed and is in the stage of pilot production and verification. Guangxiang Pharmaceutical’s featured bulk pharmaceuticals production lines project has been completed and entered the stage of equipment commissioning in the middle of July. The PP upright soft bag injections production lines project is expected to be completed and put into pilot production at the end of September.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2023, facing new trends and environment of the pharmaceutical industry, the Group will continue to promote in-depth integration of innovative chain, industrial chain and value chain, maintain a relatively robust and fast development momentum, and strive for better and more solid business results. In the second half of the year, the Group will conduct in-depth and systematic research and analysis of the national and local procurement policies to ensure precise market access, and will capitalize on the influence and driving effects of the Group Purchasing Organisation Programme. The Group will focus on increasing sales volume of major types of therapeutic infusion products to ensure the sustainable growth in production and sales of infusion products. The Group will step up effort to increase sales of new ampoule products, explore the market potential of dominant products and develop types that may have revenue of RMB100 million. On the bulk pharmaceuticals business, while stabilising its overseas customer base, the Group will accelerate domestic sales of products with distinctive strengths. Meanwhile, the Group will continue to improve the product mix. In terms of development of specialised generic drug, high-end complex preparations and innovative drugs, the Group will leverage on the cooperation mechanism and talent recruitment mechanism with universities and scientific research institutes to organise the product types in its pipeline and plan, and will explore more high-quality research projects. In the second half of the year, the Group will coordinate to push forward projects with new construction and construction-in-progress, and accelerate advancement of Jiangsu Best New Medical Material to the A-share market of the Beijing Stock Exchange. On the other hand, the Group will actively identify opportunities for merger and acquisition as well as investment in the pharmaceutical industry, which will strengthen the Group’s position in the market and products, and enhance the return on investment.

Mr. Qu Jiguang, Chairman and CEO of SSY said, “The Group will take on the initiatives in its development, maintain the resilience and dynamism of innovation and development, and facilitate the high-quality development of the Group with concrete actions and solid results. We truly believe that with our advantages in scale, quality, management and branding built up in the industry over the years, and with our continous the innovative momentum, we will bring satisfactory returns to our investors with stronger development results.”

Hashtag: #SSY

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

About SSY Group Limited

SSY Group Limited is one of the leading pharmaceutical manufacturers in China with nearly 7 decades of operation history and a well-established brand name. The Group went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in December 2005 with stock code 2005. The Group is principally engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and selling of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including finished medicines of mainly intravenous infusion solution and ampoule injection to hospitals and distributors, bulk pharmaceuticals and medical materials. The manufacturing plants of the Group locates in Hebei Province and Jiangsu Province in China, and its pharmaceutical products has leading position in the high-end hospital market in China.

Lao PM Congratulates Newly-Elected Thai PM, Discusses Ways to Strengthen Ties

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone called newly elected Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Monday, 28 August 2023 to congratulate him as the new prime minister of Thailand. (Photo: Pasaxon)

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone called his newly-elected Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin on Monday to congratulate him for becoming the new Prime Minister of Thailand.

Kellogg School of Management’s John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises Highlights Importance of ‘Transformative Learning’ for Family Businesses

  • Need for long term planning flagged at Global Family Business Summit in Singapore
  • John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises collaborates with partners in Asia, such as Tanoto Foundation, to develop research to support future of family businesses

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 29 August 2023 – The Kellogg School of Management’s John L. Ward Center (‘the Ward Center’) for Family Enterprises has highlighted the value of ‘transformative learning’ as a means of supporting long term succession planning for family businesses and managing the transition between generations.

At the Global Family Business Summit, held today in Singapore by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, one of the leading research and teaching universities in the U.S., experts from the Ward Center shared research on family business trends and outlined specific learning approaches to help family businesses protect and enhance the value of their operations and build capacity over time.

As part of its commitment to continuously developing its teaching capacity, the Ward Center collaborates with external partners, such as Tanoto Foundation, who share insights gleaned from decades of business which in turn contribute to the research carried out by the Center.

Francesca Cornelli, dean of the Kellogg School of Management, said: “When family businesses grow, they face challenges which are different than other types of businesses. Families have to adapt to expansions and new challenges, sometimes in a short time span. It is therefore important to consider new approaches to build capacity and ensure an effective transition between generations”.

“The Ward Center’s educational programming and groundbreaking research is an asset to family businesses across Asia and around the world, and I’m thrilled we were able to convene so many prominent family business leaders in Singapore for these important conversations,” she added.

Dr. Matt Allen, Executive Director of the Ward Center for Family Enterprises, said: “In many cases, the next generation of family businesses will have witnessed their companies evolve from a nascent stage to a vast and intricate present. This is why we have introduced what we call ‘transformative learning’, in which we use innovative teaching methodologies to help students and their families to rethink how they can work together for the future of their businesses”.

The Global Family Business Summit takes place against a backdrop of the steady growth in family businesses, both globally and in Asia. Research from PwC published last March showed that 71% of family businesses reported growth in their last financial year, while the number of family offices based in Singapore has increased exponentially in recent years.

Dr. J. Satrijo Tanudjojo, Global CEO of Tanoto Foundation, said: “This dramatic growth in family businesses highlights the need for continuing scholarship and research in this area. There’s an increasing need for education focused on family business strategies, governance, and succession to ensure the sustainable expansion of family businesses for future generations”.

In 2021, Tanoto Foundation made a donation of USD10 million to Northwestern University, renaming the Kellogg School of Management’s Center for Family Enterprises to the John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises, in honour of Clinical Professor Emeritus John L. Ward, who served as co-director of the center for nearly two decades and was one of the first scholars to put science behind the field of family enterprise.

Hashtag: #TanotoFoundation

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

About Tanoto Foundation

Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organisation founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto based on the belief that every person should have the opportunity to realise his or her full potential. Tanoto Foundation programmes stem from the belief that quality education accelerates equal opportunity. We harness the transformative strength of education to realise people’s full potential and improve lives. Tanoto Foundation focuses on making an impact in three main areas: improving learning environments, future leader’s development, as well as medical research and sciences.

More information is available at .

About the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University is a premier global business school committed to its mission to educate, equip and inspire leaders who leverage creativity and innovation and bring empathy to every decision. Based just outside of Chicago, our vibrant, global community of faculty, staff, students and alumni shapes the practice of business and organizations around the world. Kellogg offers an innovative portfolio of programs: six Full-Time MBA programs including the accelerated One-Year MBA and Two-Year MBA options, and joint degree programs with the engineering, medical and law schools; an Evening & Weekend Program; the Executive MBA global network; a Master of Science in Management Studies; the PhD program; and extensive non-degree Executive Education programs.

International Charity World Vision Partners Local Social Service Agencies to Support Vulnerable Children in Singapore

Targets to enable 50 children in out-of-home care with special learning needs to have access to learning support programmes

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 29 August 2023 – World Vision Singapore has announced that it is extending its outreach to vulnerable children with special learning needs in Singapore through its One Life Fund. As an international humanitarian organisation dedicated to enabling vulnerable children around the world to live life in its fullness, World Vision Singapore established the One Life Fund to support vulnerable children in Singapore. Since 2023, the One Life Fund has enabled children in out-of-home care with special learning needs to have access to specialised learning support.

Caption

Working hand in hand with the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) and Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home (CSLMCH), World Vision has identified the first cohort of 15 children. These children are diagnosed with dyslexia and exhibit a range of learning and developmental delays. Many of them are also burdened with the scars of past trauma from a history of domestic abuse or other family circumstances. The impact of the trauma further impairs their learning. These children thus require specialised learning support to cope with the demands of formal education in a manner that is sensitive to their learning and behavioural difficulties.

In this unique tripartite partnership, World Vision Singapore, DAS, and CSLMCH have jointly looked into arrangements and resources that are needed for these children to attend literacy sessions on-site at the children’s home in very small groups. The benefit from the on-site teaching arrangement is that CSLMCH’s case workers can be present to support educational therapists from DAS by calming the children when they display disruptive behaviour during the lessons.

“At World Vision, our vision is to enable every child to live life in all its fullness, where they are given the opportunity to develop their potential. By combining the expertise and resources of Dyslexia Association of Singapore, Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home, and World Vision Singapore in this partnership, children with special learning needs are able to receive robust and targeted educational intervention within the safe environment of the children’s home. Lessons conducted in a familiar and conducive environment also help these children learn more effectively, lowering the risk of external behavioural triggers. World Vision has begun providing support for 15 children at CSLMCH. We aim to extend our support to 35 more children in out-of-home care with special learning needs. Our aspiration is to be able to do even more to address the needs of vulnerable children in Singapore in the future,” said Benjamin Tan, CEO of World Vision Singapore.

According to DAS, every year, one-third of the students assessed by DAS will not be diagnosed with dyslexia, but they struggle to learn because of overlapping learning difficulties.

Lee Siang, CEO of Dyslexia Association of Singapore, said, “Students with overlapping difficulties have increasingly come to our attention as they do not qualify for a diagnosis of dyslexia and are not able to access programmes and funding support to remediate their learning difficulties. It is our belief that every child with literacy challenges regardless of their background and circumstances should have access to specialist intervention and resources to bridge their learning gaps and unleash their potential. This collaboration with Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home and World Vision Singapore has thus enabled these children to receive the necessary remediation to overcome their literacy challenges. It also provides opportunities to expand DAS’s repertoire of strategies to better support these students in their educational journey.”

“We have quite a number of children with special learning needs who require the specialised learning support that is provided by DAS and funded by World Vision Singapore’s One Life Fund. Many of these children are still going through a journey of healing from past traumas. The provision of appropriate educational interventions supports them in this restorative process. The educational therapists’ enthusiasm, emotional support and stimulating interactions have been important motivators for learning. Children who have begun receiving the support now show an interest in reading and writing and also demonstrate better reading fluency,” shared Low Kee Hong, Executive Director of Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home.

James[1], who is 12 years old this year, is part of the first cohort of 15 children who have benefitted from this tripartite partnership. He has been residing in CSLMCH since 2021. His parents were unable to care for him, and he experienced multiple disruptions under his relatives’ care. Apart from being diagnosed with dyslexia, he presents moderate receptive and moderate-severe expressive developmental language disorder[2]. This makes it hard for him to learn in regular classes. He also exhibited self-harm behaviour. His family background and negative early childhood experiences may have also affected his academic performance.

With the support from World Vision Singapore’s One Life Fund, James is now able to receive dyslexia-specific remediation in the children’s home to improve his reading and spelling abilities. Since he began in May this year, he has gained more confidence in expressing himself in English and now enjoys engaging in social interactions. He has also shown a growing interest in basic reading activities independently.

“Education is the bedrock of a child’s development to a brighter future. World Vision remains committed to removing barriers so that vulnerable children can fulfil their potential. We want to help pave a future where children are protected, cared for, and given the opportunities to become all they can be,” added Benjamin Tan.

World Vision Singapore’s One Life Fund covers the fees of learning support programmes for children in out-of-home care with special learning needs, and, where needed, the cost of learning needs assessment prior to enrolment and related transport costs for children in residential care.

Members of the public in Singapore can visit World Vision Singapore’s website or Giving.SG to contribute to the One Life Fund:


[1] Name changed to protect the child’s identity.
[2] Moderate receptive and moderate-severe expressive developmental language disorder means that the child’s reading and writing age is below his biological age.

Hashtag: #WorldVisionSG #ForChildrenForChangeForLife



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

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. Working in nearly 100 countries around the world, we serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Laos Gears Up to Host ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting & Tourism Forum 2024

Laos is making comprehensive preparations to host the 27th ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Meeting and the 42nd ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Vientiane between January 22 and 27, 2024. (Photo: Tourism Laos)

Laos is currently making comprehensive preparations to host the 27th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the 42nd ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Vientiane between 22 and 27 January 2024.

Mr. Khom Douangchantha, Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department, revealed recently that the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) has established a 13-member preparatory committee, which will be responsible for a host of duties, including venue selection and preparing invitation cards.

For venue selection, the committee is currently focusing on six hotels that have been designated as official venue partners for the event. The Landmark Hotel will be the venue for the official meeting, while the 20 other hotels will accommodate delegates attending the meetings and exhibitions.

Meanwhile, the committee has completed drafting an invitation card and is now coordinating with the ASEAN Secretariat to review the list of tourism ministers and other invitees, such as ASEAN plus 3 tourism ministers, delegates from ASEAN-India, ASEAN-Russia, and other international organizations.

Alongside, Mr. Khom said that the committee is working on a tourism program for delegates to enjoy during their time in Vientiane Capital. This is being arranged in coordination with the Department of Tourism Business Management, and the Department of Tourism in Vientiane Capital, which are part of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

While the security arrangements are still being finalized, the committee is also working with travel companies to create itineraries for delegates so that they can travel to other provinces in Laos as well. These tours will be available for purchase at designated hotels, where delegates can easily access information and book their trips.

Additionally, the transport arrangements are being made collaboratively with tour operators, and they will include government-provided vehicles and for-rent vehicles.

Mr. Khom said that the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the ATF are important events that will promote tourism in Laos and the ASEAN region. The Lao government is committed to making the event memorable and successful for all participants.

It is estimated that more than 800–1,000 people will attend the meeting. The committee is working on the budget allocation for the meeting and will soon submit it to the government for approval.

Preparations are also in full swing for Visit Laos Year 2024, during which the country is projected to welcome more than 2.7 million tourists to stimulate post-pandemic economic growth.

Uni-Bio Science Group Announces 2023 Interim Results

Achieved Record High Profit of HK$39.4M
Driven by Scale-Up Operations and Remarkable Growth in Marketed Drugs
Expanding Multiple Channels and Diverse Commercialization for New Products

HONG KONG SAR – EQS Newswire – 28 August 2023 – A fully integrated biopharmaceutical company – Uni-Bio Science Group Limited (“Uni-Bio Science”, together with its subsidiaries referred to as the “Group”, stock code: 0690.HK), is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023 (the “Period”).

Key Accomplishments in the First Half of 2023

During the Period, the Group achieved a spectrum of accomplishments, for both of its marketed products and innovative biologics. The key highlights include:

  1. The Group’s revenue achieved a remarkable increase of 27.8% year-on-year (“YoY”) to approximately HK$249.9 million. Pinup® and GeneTime® generated remarkable turnover, sales of Pinup® and GeneTime® registered significant increase of 26.6% YoY and 31.8% YoY respectively.
  2. The Group recorded a profit of approximately HK$39.4 million for the Period, representing a dramatic increase of 169.2% YoY. The profit was primarily driven by its core scale-up operations and remarkable organic growth in marketed drugs.
  3. The rigorous registration site verification for Bogutai® by the China Center for Food and Drug Inspections (“CFDI”) was successfully completed. With the final round of documents submitted in late May 2023, the Group expected Bogutai® to be approved for marketing in the second half of this year. Bogutai® is the first domestically manufacturing PTH liquid in China to use a disposable injection pen, which will be the fifth marketed and self-developed drug of the Group.
  4. In May 2023, the Group achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the successful launch of Fibronectin, the first product of the Group’s advanced skincare raw material. This small-molecule high-activity recombinant human fibronectin is a result of a joint development effort between the Group and Global Cosmetics. Furthermore, the Group is diligently exploring diverse commercialization opportunities for Fibronectin, aiming to unlock its full market potential.
  5. The Group established the “Biopeptides Innovative Medicine and Advanced Technology R&D Center” in Beijing, which brings together the latest advancements in bioinformatics technology, genetic engineering, and oral formulation techniques, heralding a new era in the biosynthetic polypeptide drug industry.
  6. The Group completed the production process validation of Diquafosol Sodium Eye Drops and planned to conduct stability studies as well as submit the registration application in the second half of 2023.
  7. The formulation development of oral form Uni-GLP-1 was successfully completed, and the results showed that its bioavailability was superior to the positive control oral semaglutide. Currently, formal animal studies in BaMa Miniature Pig are under preparation to further validate the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of the oral form Uni-GLP-1 in animals.

Interim Results

For the Period, the Group recorded a revenue of approximately HK$249.9 million, representing a significant increase of 27.8% YoY. The increase in revenue was mainly attributable to the remarkable sales growth of its marketed drugs, namely Pinup®, GeneTime® and GeneSoft®. Pinup® recorded a noticeable increase of 26.6% in revenue from approximately HK$98.5 million to approximately HK$124.7 million during the Period. The increase was attributable to the sustained sales momentum of hospital orders after the last national centralized procurement ended in April 2023, as well as with its targeted ongoing academic promotions within the medical community. During the Period, revenue generated from GeneTime® was approximately HK$95.9 million, representing an increase of 31.8% YoY. This increase was attributable to the expanded hospital network and the upgraded production capacity last year, resulting in improved efficiency and output. The Group also strengthened its marketing system with a strategic focus on academic promotions targeting healthcare professionals. GeneSoft® recorded an increase in revenue from approximately HK$17.8 million to approximately HK$22.3 million, representing an increase of 25.7%. The remarkable revenue growth was mainly attributable to the efforts of the Group’s direct sales team to expand both its hospital network and academic promotion channels.

Gross profit was approximately HK$198.9 million, representing an increase of 37.6% as compared with the first half of 2022. Gross profit margin increased by 5.7 percentage points YoY to 79.6%, which was due to the enhanced economy of scale and supplier optimization strategies. The Group maintained stringent control of general and administrative expenses, which only accounted for 9.4% of revenue for the Period as compared with 12.1% for the same period last year. The selling and distribution expenses for the Period increased to 50.5% of revenue from 43.5% that of the same period last year mainly due to the marketing promotional expenses of Pinup® increased this year and the strengthened sales team recruited for the launch of Bogutai®. The R&D expenses decreased by 51.7% YoY to approximately HK$11.7 million due to the completion of several clinical tests and the capitalization of development expenses.

The Group’s profit for the Period experienced an extraordinary surge, soaring from approximately HK$14.6 million in the first half of 2022 to approximately HK$39.4 million in the first half of 2023, reflecting an impressive increase of 169.2%. This record-breaking profit was primarily driven by the Group’s core scale-up operations and remarkable organic growth in marketed drugs, showcasing the Group’s progress in achieving profitable growth.

Prospects

With the recent moderation of the centralized procurement of drugs, the biopharmaceutical industry will show marginal improvement, and in the long run, rising income levels, an ageing population, and increased healthcare awareness will continue to support the growth of the biopharmaceutical industry. The Chinese government has also prioritized healthcare benefits, focusing on implementing policies like Healthcare China 2030. This initiative aims to strengthen health technology innovation and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services across the country. According to Statista, the healthcare market in China is expected to maintain robust growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2023 to 2027, reaching a substantial US$26.8 billion in 2027. User penetration in the healthcare industry is anticipated to rise from 22.3% in 2023 to 31.0% in 2027, with an estimated 442.8 million users by 2027. These figures underscore the enormous market potential that the healthcare sector offers.

Looking forward, Mr. Kingsley Leung, Chairman of Uni-Bio Science said, “We are well-positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities in the healthcare market and strive to develop cutting-edge treatments and solutions that improve the lives of patients while aiming to secure a larger market share. Currently, we are eagerly preparing for the launch of Bogutai®, our fifth marketed and self-developed drug, in the second half of 2023. We believe that this represents a pioneering breakthrough in the pharmaceutical landscape. To ensure the successful market entry of Bogutai ®, we have launched a series of strategic marketing events, including salon meetings and academic conferences. A national press conference is also scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023. These events will elevate awareness and generate interest among potential customers. On the other hand, we have also proactively recruited and provided intensive training for its experts. We aim to solidify Bogutai®’s position as a leading product in its category and establish a robust market presence upon its launch.

We have been actively expanding our footprint to encompass public and private hospitals, as well as local pharmacies. The extension of network will significantly enhance our product distribution capabilities, enabling us to capture the highest levels of traditional market traffic and demand. Recognizing the significance of digital transformation, the Group has established a dedicated marketing division that spans across all digital channels, including e-commerce platforms, online hospitals and pharmacies. This will act as a powerful tool to reach a wider audience at a lower cost, facilitating a broader market presence.

We continue to make efforts to cater the growing demand for the highly sought-after EGF products, GeneTime® and GeneSoft®, by constructing a new production site in Dongguan, targeted for completion by the end of 2023 and formally operational in 2025. The site is poised to achieve a production innovation with Industrial 4.0 principles at its core. By integrating digitalization and elevating automation levels, the Group is embracing a transformative era of manufacturing excellence to streamline operations and effectively curb labor and production costs. Leveraging the above strategies, we are committed to providing customers the best-of-class products while lowering our cost and enhancing efficiencies in the long run.”

Hashtag: #UniBio

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

About Uni-Bio Science Group Limited

Uni-Bio Science Group Limited is principally engaged in the research and development, manufacture and distribution of pharmaceutical products. The research and development centre is fully equipped with a complete system for the development of genetically-engineered products with a pilot plant test base which is in line with NMPA requirements. The Group also has two GMP manufacturing bases in Beijing and Shenzhen. The Group also has a highly efficient commercialization platform and marketing network. The Group focuses on the development of novel treatments and innovative drugs addressing the therapeutic areas of endocrine such as diabetes and osteoporosis, ophthalmology and dermatology.

Uni-Bio Science Group Limited was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on November 12, 2001. Stock code: 0690.

NIA launches the profile of Thailand for 2023 with strengths in establishing startup businesses “Key Destinations” announce Thai-foreign startups with growth opportunities

ANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 28 August 2023 – For several years now, “startups” have been designated as a national-level economic growth strategy. Legal frameworks and benefits have been promoted to support business entrepreneurs and innovations stemming from startups with diverse capabilities have been witnessed. Of particular interest in another dimension is the soaring rise of unicorn groups, whether it’s Flash Express, LINE MAN Wongnai, or the Ascend Group that can raise billions of baht in funding. Moreover, Thailand remains a significant landmark suitable for establishing startups, with strengths that facilitate and align with new global investment directions. It has a location in the heart of the region, close to big markets such as ASEAN, China, and India and this enables startups operating in Thailand to connect with a variety of countries. At the same time, it has one of the best infrastructures with a cost of living, lifestyle, and government support in various dimensions, all of which will help drive the emergence of new startup businesses. Here are some of the intriguing highlights:

CASEST~1.JPG

Thailand’s global ranking for startups

The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA), has revealed Thailand’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index ranking for 2023 by StartupBlink, a comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center. The index ranked 100 countries and 1,000 cities with the best startup ecosystems worldwide and Thailand is ranked 52nd globally, rising by one ranking over the previous year. Meanwhile, Bangkok has surged to 74th place globally among the top 1,000 cities with the best startup ecosystems, making an impressive leap of 25 places and surpassing neighboring cities like Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, which is ranked 3rd in ASEAN. Additionally, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya are among the top 1,000 cities with the best startup ecosystems. Notably, they are highlighted by their remarkable performance in the transportation industry, securing the 43rd global ranking. This underscores the growth of Thailand’s startup ecosystem.

Non-stop growth with giants that are ready to provide support

Another important factor for startup businesses that is indispensable is capital. Thailand has many large companies ready to serve as Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) providers that focus on investing in startups with interesting technologies and innovations. It is also another way to strengthen the strategy and competitiveness of parent companies, such as SCB 10X, one of the first banking groups that adapt to situations where innovation and technology is constantly changing.

With the goal of becoming a leading VC in the country and in the Southeast Asian region ready to drive the creation of new startup businesses and to push them to the unicorn level, AddVentures by SCG aims to find innovation from startups around the world. This is in order to enhance SCG’s efficiency through the search for innovation and the development of new businesses. In addition, Krungsri Finnovate, that is moving ahead to support fintech startups and technology that involves banking in Thailand and the Southeast Asian region, aims to make as many startups become unicorns as possible and is aiming to build a sustainable economic ecosystem in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

There is also a Technology and Innovation-Based Enterprise Development Fund (TED Fund) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) that supports and promotes technology and innovation entrepreneurs, especially new entrepreneurs, to be able to conduct business on the basis of the knowledge of technology and innovation. It is also a catalyst to increase the amount of research and innovation for commercial use which will create value for investment and create a progressive and sustainable economic value.

Government policy is ready to accelerate startups to be strong

Many government agencies are ready to support Thai startups to grow and compete in both domestic and international markets, such as the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA as a “Focal Conductor” and to facilitate the innovation ecosystem to be conducive to work potential through the promotion of both capital and knowledge to create innovative businesses that focus on 5 fields. These include food-agriculture, healthcare, tourism, climate, and soft power. It also plays an important role in being a bridge to link various agencies, both public and private, to drive Thailand towards becoming a country of innovation. This is by working with a network of partners both under the Ministry of Higher Education and external agencies such as the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI), the Office of the Science Research and Innovation Board (TSRI), and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency or depa, etc.

Big Campaign Emphasizes Thailand as an Investment Area

Thailand has an economic strategy that continuously promotes the Thai startup ecosystem. There are mega projects that support the growth and investment in innovative startup businesses. This includes the BCG Model that the government uses as a guideline to drive the economy in 3 aspects: Bioeconomy, Circular Economy, and Green Economy.

The goal is to create the sustainability of nature and the environment, to increase the rate of economic growth, to reduce social inequalities and to increase the potential for self-reliance. In addition, it also focuses on developments in two industry groups: 1) innovation development in existing industries (First S-Curve) that already exist in the country to create short-term and medium-term growth, comprising the modern automotive industry, smart electronics, quality tourism, agriculture and biotechnology and high value-added food and 2) innovation development in new industries (New S-Curve) that supports advanced technologies by aiming to be an important mechanism to drive the economy, including the robot industry, aviation, digital, integrated medicine and quality fuels and biochemistry. There is also the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which invests in infrastructure and modern industries in 3 provinces: Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao. which has many business and industrial sectors to support startups.

It can be said that the emergence and growth of startups in Thailand continues to have opportunities. There are many factors, both from the public and private sectors that are willing to upgrade the ecosystem and infrastructure to support business models that could grow quickly, as well as cities with outstanding lifestyles and geography that are waiting to welcome both Thai and foreign investors.

Hashtag: #NationalInnovationAgency #NIA

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Asia Pacific Primary Data Center Markets Continue Growth Despite Tighter Land and Power Availability

  • Mainland China retains largest operational capacity in Asia Pacific at 3.8GW
  • Beijing and Shanghai the only cities in the region with >1GW operational capacities
  • Hong Kong data center space expected to grow 34% in coming three years

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 August 2023 – Data centers across Asia Pacific are growing in scale and new markets are being evaluated for expansion as operators anticipate increased demand from continued digitization and wider adoption of artificial intelligence.

According to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest Asia Pacific Data Centre Update, mainland China retains its position as the dominant data center market in Asia Pacific, with the largest operational capacity at 3.8 gigawatts (GW), almost 40% of the regional total, followed by Japan at 1.1GW and Australia at 1.1GW.

Five cities — Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo — account for 62% of the operational data center capacity in Asia Pacific, with Sydney and Tokyo expected to join Beijing and Shanghai in the next one to two years as cities exceeding 1GW of operational capacity.

The region’s primary markets, including Hong Kong, continue to experience growth despite challenges originating from a limited supply of land parcels and power availability. To help support the industry, the Hong Kong government has implemented initiatives such as the Data Centre Facilitation Unit (DCFU), which aims to attract significant investment, enhance infrastructure, facilitate industry collaboration, and ensure a conducive environment for data center operations.

John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Hong Kong is a robust data center market offering excellent regional and global connectivity, and availability of all major cloud networks. As a global financial and business capital, strategic location as a gateway to mainland China and for its globally lowest taxed data center jurisdiction, there has been strong demand from data center investors and operators that have triggered a high volume of transactions over the last few years.

“The tight land supply and waiting times for power supply are challenges to industry expansion. However, we forecast that more than 3 million sq ft of new data center space will be completed in the next three years, representing growth of 34% on current stock. We can expect this supply boost to further attract related technology companies and operators from both the mainland and from overseas to expand in Hong Kong.”

As a result of the supply challenges in primary markets, ancillary locations are also being evaluated as part of expansion strategies. Such emerging markets are now growing rapidly, with Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand all on track to more than double [>200% increase] their operational capacity over the next five to seven years.

Pritesh Swamy, Director, Data Centers Research & Advisory for APAC and EMEA at Cushman & Wakefield, said that significant land banking in mature markets, coupled with growing data consumption, was leading operators to explore secondary markets.

“The potential capacity of land banks in some mature markets is more than the combined under-construction and planned pipelines. While it could take more than 10 years to develop these land banks, operators have started to explore other locations.”

He said cities with populations of over 1 million were often seen as strategic locations for smaller data centers.

“Smaller data centers can be used to cater for the local population or for operators to show their enterprise clients that they have a presence in strategic markets and growth corridors.”

The report also shows that the scale of individual data centers is increasing. Within the top five markets, the average size of data centers under construction is up 32% to 20MW, from an average size of 15MW for data centers currently in operation. Across the broader Asia Pacific region, the percentage difference is even higher, with the average size of data centers under construction (14.5MW) 57% higher than the average size of operational data centers (9.2MW).

Maturity Index Extrapolates Growth Trajectories to Provide Future Insights

Supplementing the company’s global annual ranking of data center markets, which assesses data center markets on their current status, the latest Asia Pacific Data Centre Update also includes a Markets Maturity Index, which classifies 29 data center cities across four categories (Emerging, Developing, Established and Powerhouse), based on their anticipated evolution over the next five to seven years.

As an example of its application, the Maturity Index classifies Mumbai (which currently has 462MW in operation) ahead of Sydney (724MW) within the Powerhouse category after taking into account, among other factors, its under-construction pipeline of 342MW, which is the highest in APAC.

Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo also make the Powerhouse category, with each of the five markets having the development pipeline to surpass 2GW in operational capacity over the next five to seven years.

Figure 1: Asia Pacific Markets Maturity Index

Cushman & Wakefield’s Asia Pacific Markets Maturity Index charts the evolution of 29 data center markets based on parameters including the operational, under construction, planned and land banked IT MW capacity. Note that Northern Virginia is not to scale.

Please click here to download the full report.

Note to Editors
The Maturity Index is a statistical comparison evaluating markets on 21 parameters, including the IT MW capacities of each market’s operational, under construction, planned and land banked stages of development, as well as vacancy rates, the number and average size of data centers based on their status, the number of operators that have operational data centers in each market, and the number of new operators planning to enter the market. These data points are stacked into a parameter matrix and weighted to derive their overall growth score – the higher the growth score, the more evolved the market.

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About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in approximately 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2022, the firm reported global revenue of US$10.1 billion across its core services of valuation, consulting, project & development services, capital markets, project & occupier services, industrial & logistics, retail, and others. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and more. To learn more, visit or follow on Twitter.