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Oi Wah and PACM Group join hands to develop the international private credit investment market, their first overseas roadshow kick-off in Taiwan, with an expected fund size of up to US$300 million

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 12 June 2023 – The board of directors of Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited (HKEx stock code: 1319.HK, the “Group” or “Oi Wah”) and PACM Group (Holdings) Limited (“PACM Group”) jointly announced that, the two companies have entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”), in relation to developing the international real estate private credit institutional investment management business and establishing an investment fund. The investment strategies of the fund will include asset-backed direct lending, non-performing debt acquisition, acquisition financing, stretch senior financing, project financing, bridge financing and other debt related strategies.

As part of this strategic partnership, the two parties will participate in a series of overseas investor roadshows, with Taiwan as their first stop. Through the roadshows, the two parties will introduce the fund’s investment strategy and uniqueness to potential investors to attract more participants. The expected fund size will be up to US$300 million.

As the first listed Pawnshop group in Hong Kong, Oi Wah has nearly 50 years of industry experience and is a market leader in providing pawn loans and mortgage secured loans to customers. The natural synergies that Oi Wah can create with partnering up with PACM Group – a real estate private credit investment management firm with extensive international investment experience and professional knowledge – are apparent and will enable both parties to consolidate the market landscape and become the new leader in the real estate private credit investment sector.

According to the MOU, one of the potential cooperation models between both parties is to jointly establish a limited partnership fund with Oi Wah acting as the cornerstone investor by providing initial capital for the fund; and a company to be jointly established by both parties to act as the general partner of the fund, the specific content of the cooperation model will be set out in a formal agreement to be entered into between both parties.

Mr. Edward Chan, Chairman and CEO of Oi Wah, said, “As the global economy continues to grow, real estate private credit investing has emerged as a fast-expanding market. Our cooperation with PACM Group will help tap into this market’s potential and enhance both companies’ competitiveness internationally. We look forward to opening a new chapter for both companies in the global market and achieving better joint development.

Taiwan is an economically advanced region with a favourable investment environment and a broad investor base. The financial market and regulatory framework are also very stable. We hope to attract more Taiwanese investors to participate through roadshows in Taiwan, thereby providing a properly risk adjusted alternative investment solution in the region.”

Mr. Francis Ng, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of PACM Group, said, “We are privileged to launch a real estate private credit fund with Oi Wah. This is the second fund under the PACM Group. We believe that with the professional experience of both parties in the private credit fund and lending industries, the fund will successfully capture the market recovery opportunities and bring a properly risk adjusted returns product to investors. We target to achieve double-digit returns, with the fund investing in private debt instruments that is secured by real estates assets located in developed markets. Taiwan Investors have always been interested in fixed income commodities and real estate markets, and we have seen an enthusiastic response to the fund during our initial conversations with Taiwanese investors. We look forward to communicating with more investors in the future.”

Hashtag: #OiWah

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

Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited

Oi Wah is a financing service provider in Hong Kong, mainly providing short-term secured financing, including pawn loans and mortgage loans. The Group established its first pawnshop in 1975 and currently owns 10 pawnshops in various locations in Hong Kong. Oi Wah diversified into mortgage loan business in 2009. The Group is the first local pawn shop which successfully listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 12 March 2013.

PACM Group (Holdings) Limited

PACM Group (Holdings) Limited (“PACM Group”) is a real estate private credit investment management firm based in Hong Kong specializing in distressed investments / special situations in developed markets with projects in Hong Kong, Australia, the United Kingdom , and Canada. Pacific Aegis Capital Management (IM) Limited is a HKSFC regulated entity with a Type 9 Asset Management license.

OOm Singapore Shortlisted For 6 Categories From Marketing-Interactive’s Agency Of The Year Awards

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 June 2023 – OOm Singapore, a leading digital marketing agency, is thrilled to announce their selection as a finalist for several prestigious categories for MARKETING-INTERACTIVE’s Agency Of The Year Awards 2023 in Singapore. This recognition highlights OOm’s exceptional performance and industry-leading expertise across various disciplines.

OOm Singapore Shortlisted For 6 Categories From Marketing-Interactive’s Agency Of The Year Awards
OOm Singapore Shortlisted For 6 Categories From Marketing-Interactive’s Agency Of The Year Awards

Organised by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, these awards celebrate excellence within the marketing and advertising industry, providing agencies with a coveted platform to showcase their exceptional capabilities, stand out from their competitors and highlight their overall strength. Esteemed as Singapore’s Premier awards programme, The Agency Of The Year Awards honours agencies that have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovative strategies and remarkable achievements.

With a rich history spanning 19 years since MARKETING-INTERACTIVE published its inaugural report on the top 50 agencies in Singapore, this milestone event commemorates the 16th anniversary of the first Awards Gala. It was a momentous occasion that celebrated the very best agencies across the marketing-communications spectrum. Over the years, these initiatives have become integral pillars of the industry, recognising the exceptional contributions made by agencies in Singapore.

The award programme prides itself on a rigorous evaluation process, leveraging a distinguished panel of independent, senior client-side marketers as judges. These professionals bring together their expertise and experience to assess agencies based on their overall performance, setting the highest standards of excellence in the marketing and advertising realm.

OOm Singapore has been selected as a finalist in six categories, including:

  • Digital Agency of the Year
  • eCommerce Marketing Agency of the Year
  • Independent Agency of the Year
  • Lead Generation Agency of the Year
  • Performance Marketing Agency of the Year
  • Search Marketing Agency of the Year

This prestigious recognition showcases OOm Singapore’s exceptional business performance, remarkable client portfolio and campaigns, and steadfast dedication to pushing the limits of innovation.

As OOm Singapore eagerly anticipates the results, the agency remains resolute in delivering exceptional digital marketing services and solutions, driving business growth for their clients, and upholding their position as a trailblazer within the industry in Singapore. Reflecting on their achievement, Ian Cheow, CEO and co-founder of OOm Singapore, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Our team at OOm Singapore is honoured to be shortlisted for multiple categories at the esteemed MARKETING-INTERACTIVE Agency of the Year Awards. They reflect our unwavering commitment to perfection and our relentless pursuit of innovative digital marketing strategies. We are dedicated to helping our clients thrive in the competitive landscape and will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the industry”.

Wyvan Xu, the company’s COO and co-founder also thanked their clients for their trust and partnership in driving the agency’s success.”We are incredibly grateful to our clients for their support and collaboration. It is through their trust in our abilities that we have been able to consistently deliver outstanding results and make a significant impact in their digital marketing efforts. Being a finalist proves the strong relationship we have built with our clients, as we continue to strive for excellence and maintain our position as industry leaders in digital marketing,” said Wyvan Xu.

The winners of the MARKETING-INTERACTIVE Agency of the Year Awards will be unveiled during a highly anticipated gala event on the 14th of July, 2023, where the agency with the highest overall score will be bestowed the honourable title of Overall Agency of the Year.

Hashtag: #OOmSG #AOTYAwards #DigitalMarketingAgency #IndependentAgency #PerformanceMarketing #SearchMarketing #LeadGeneration #eCommerceMarketing





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

About OOm Singapore:

OOm Singapore, a digital marketing and , specialises in providing strategic and result-oriented digital solutions across diverse digital channels including and Social Media Marketing. With a team of highly skilled professionals and a strong focus on clients’ needs, OOm empowers businesses to optimise their online presence, generate qualified leads, and attain their growth objectives.

Leveraging their expertise in digital marketing, they implement innovative strategies tailored to each client, ensuring maximum impact and tangible outcomes. OOm’s commitment to excellence and delivering measurable results has earned them a reputation as a trusted partner in driving digital success for businesses across various industries.

From Diplomacy to Sustainability: British Ambassador John Pearson’s Remarkable Tenure in Laos

From Diplomacy to Sustainability: Ambassador Pearson’s Remarkable Tenure in Laos
British Ambassador to Laos, Mr. John Pearson.

In an exclusive interview with the Laotian Times, John Pearson, outgoing British Ambassador to Laos, reflects on his four-year diplomatic mission in Laos, sharing insights into his overall experience and shedding light on the environmental challenges faced by the country.

Beyond Limits and IQM Quantum Computers Forge Strategic Partnership to Power Quantum AI Growth in Asia Pacific

Companies to develop disruptive hybrid quantum AI algorithms, introduce a joint education and training offering, and explore quantum hardware collaboration in Singapore in this industry-first partnership.

  • Beyond Limits, a leading enterprise-grade artificial intelligence (AI) software company built for the most demanding sectors, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IQM Quantum Computers, the European leader in building quantum computers, to drive the advancement of quantum AI technology within the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
  • This collaboration, a remarkable first in the industry, will embark on a quest to unravel unprecedented technology breakthroughs and forge disruptive hybrid quantum AI algorithms. Notably, quantum computing takes center stage in Singapore’s latest Digital Connectivity Blueprint, spotlighting it as a nascent focus area for the next decade. By harnessing Singapore’s advantage in implementing quantum-secure communications, this partnership aims to revolutionise the quantum computing landscape in the APAC region.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 June 2023 – Beyond Limits, a leading enterprise-grade artificial intelligence (AI) software company built for the most demanding sectors, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IQM Quantum Computers, the European leader in building quantum computers, to drive the advancement of quantum AI technology within the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. The partnership, an industry first between quantum computing and AI, will explore technology breakthroughs and develop disruptive hybrid quantum AI algorithms, which rank among the top five technologies of the future by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA).

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(From left to right): Dr. Jan Goetz, CEO and Co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers and David Liu, Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships and Channels, Beyond Limits

As part of the MOU, Beyond Limits and IQM Quantum Computers seek to pioneer a Quantum AI education and training offering, and new product research opportunities by the end of this year. The companies will also develop industry use cases together within the next two years. In addition, the partnership will lay the groundwork for quantum hardware collaboration in Singapore, aimed at accelerating research and innovation within the regional quantum ecosystem.

“Quantum AI is a growing field of technology, and we see many cross-sector opportunities especially within heavy weight industries, from oil and gas and manufacturing to aviation, healthcare, and financial services. This strategic partnership enables us to leverage the power of quantum computers to future-proof AI algorithms, and help our customers reap the early benefits of commercial quantum computing. With our highly innovative technologies, strong research, and development capabilities, as well as presence within APAC, we are confident that together, we are able to support our customers to effectively address key challenges, such as material discovery for decarbonisation,” said David Liu, Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships and Channels, Beyond Limits.

Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are home to some of the largest data centres in the world, and the planned joint offerings will be a unique differentiator for large-scale industrial enterprises within the APAC region. Both companies will leverage the combination of talent, world-class research, and a vibrant tech ecosystem to spearhead the region as a natural centre for quantum AI development in the near future.

“This partnership with Beyond Limits reinforces our commitment to quantum technology development in APAC. In line with our recent office opening in Singapore, we aim to accelerate research, development, and education of quantum technology through strategic private-public collaborations in the value chain. This MOU is one of the several initiatives underway in the region to strengthen our position as a trusted quantum computing leader here,” said Dr. Juha Vartiainen, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers.

“The quantum ecosystem in APAC is growing rapidly. Our partnership with Beyond Limits positions us as the first mover to leverage the competitive edge that quantum AI brings. We are excited to tap into these new opportunities together. With our technical track record and world-class expertise, combined with Beyond Limits’ cutting-edge cognitive AI solutions, we will integrate our innovative experience to better serve existing and new customers in the heavy weight industries,” said Raghunath Koduvayur, Head of Asia Pacific Business at IQM Quantum Computers.

While quantum computing and AI development have traditionally occurred in silos, Beyond Limits and IQM Quantum Computers are pioneers to have joined forces, harnessing their respective domain expertise. The partnership has great synergy as both companies are growth and science-driven scaleups that are focused on ground-breaking innovation, making them well-equipped to power quantum AI growth in APAC and effectively solve problems of the future for customers.

Hashtag: #BeyondLimits #CognitiveAI #QuantumComputing #ArtificialIntelligence #IndustrialGradeArtificialIntelligence #AI



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

About Beyond Limits Asia-Pacific

Beyond Limits Asia-Pacific is an enterprise-scale AI company that optimises operations, boosts efficiency, and increases productivity for demanding industries including energy, advanced manufacturing, fintech and healthcare.

Beyond traditional artificial intelligence, Beyond Limits’ software products are powered by award-winning Cognitive AI technology, utilising a hybrid AI approach that combines data-centric techniques with embedded human knowledge to affirm trust in software-driven decisions, manage operational risk, and drive profitability.

Beyond Limits Asia Pacific is regionally headquartered in Singapore with operations in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Taipei and Tokyo. The regional headquarters drives strategic investments for joint ventures and partnerships in Asia to expand Beyond Limits’ AI in verticals including financial services, led by the Hong Kong office, advanced manufacturing, led the Taiwan office, and the energy sector led by the Singapore, Shenzhen and Tokyo offices.

Founded in 2014, Beyond Limits leverages a significant investment portfolio of advanced technology developed at Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA space missions. The company was recently honoured by Frost & Sullivan as a Company of the Year for their 2021 Best Practices Award and by CB Insights on their 2020 List of Top 100 Most Innovative Artificial Intelligence Startups.

For more information, please visit .

About IQM Quantum Computers

is the European leader in building quantum computers. IQM provides on-premises quantum computers for supercomputing centres and research labs and offers full access to its hardware. For industrial customers, IQM delivers quantum advantage through a unique application-specific, co-design approach. IQM’s commercial quantum computers include Finland’s first commercial 54-qubit quantum computer with VTT, IQM-led consortium’s (Q-Exa) HPC quantum accelerator in Germany, and IQM processors will also be used in the first quantum accelerator in Spain. IQM has over 250 employees with offices in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Singapore, and Espoo.

OPPO and Global Brand Ambassador Kaká Inspire Miracles with Unmatched Experiences at the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – Media OutReach – 12 June 2023 – OPPO, official global partner of the UEFA Champions League, today brought together audiences worldwide to join the brand and its global brand ambassador, Kaká, in witnessing the birth of a new champion at the 2023 UEFA Champions League final. As part of the celebrations, the legendary Kaká joined OPPO in Istanbul to meet with fans at the exclusive OPPO Hospitality Tent in the Champions Village and at the OPPO Booth at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, bringing elevated UEFA Champions League experiences to fans during the highly anticipated final.

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Image: OPPO Hospitality Tent

“As an official global partner of the UEFA Champions League, OPPO is committed to providing the best experience for football fans around the world,” said Elvis Zhou, OPPO Overseas CMO. “By joining forces with Kaká, we have created an unparalleled experience that allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the excitement of the UEFA Champions League and enjoy the ultimate sporting spectacle.”

“It has been an incredible experience to return to Istanbul together with OPPO to witness the crowning of a new champion at the 2023 UEFA Champions League final,” said Kaká. “Once again, we have seen miracles made both on and off the pitch here. Together with OPPO, I look forward to inspiring football fans around the world to make their own miracles too.”

OPPO Hospitality Tent at Champions Village Ignites Excitement During Intense Final

In order to deliver unparalleled experiences, the OPPO Hospitality Tent at the Champions Village brought a highly immersive and engaging experience to selected guests during the competition final.

In the experience area, guests were invited to act out inspiring moments from UEFA Champions League competitions past and present with a variety of props that included a UEFA Champions League trophy replica, jerseys of the two finalist teams, as well as a digital scoreboard inspired by the OPPO Find N2 Flip cover screen. OPPO’s leading technological innovation was also on full display across a range of interactive products. From breath-taking images shot on OPPO smartphones and displayed on OPPO Pad and OPPO Find X6 Pro devices, to the impressive Enco X2 wireless earphones and OPPO Watch 3 Pro, guests were given hands-on access to OPPO’s latest technologies.

Kaká also dropped in to greet fans at the Hospitality Tent and perform a few skills of his own as he participated in a kick-up challenge. Guests even had the chance to win a UEFA Champions League final mini replica ball signed by Kaká in a lucky draw.

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Image: Kaka at OPPO Hospitality Tent

“Inspiration Ahead” at the OPPO Booth

Taking its cues from the football fans and their role in inspiring their teams to victory each game as the irreplaceable ’12th man’ on the pitch, OPPO also brought an immersive exhibition to the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, where fans could experience the excitement and anticipation of being called up for the big game from the team bench.

The experiential exhibition also gave fans an exclusive opportunity to take photos with the legendary Kaká, using OPPO’s latest foldable flagship Find N2 Flip and the exceptional camera capabilities of OPPO Find X6 Pro. Adding to the excitement, fans were presented with the jerseys and scarves of the two 2023 UEFA Champions League finalists, Manchester City and Inter Milan, recording the exciting moments with OPPO smartphones. These photos were printed and given to fans to keep as a memento of the once-in-a-life-time event.

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Image: Kaka at OPPO Booth

In the moments before kick-off for the big game, Kaká would also regroup with his old friend Luis García several years after ‘Miracle of Istanbul’. The two players reminisced about their fated encounter on the same soil in 2005 and took photos with the OPPO Find X6 Pro to commemorate their reunion and wish their luck to the two teams competing to be crowned this year’s UEFA Champions League champions.

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Image: Kaka & Garcia Reunion, shot on OPPO Find X6 Pro

“We are delighted to complete the first season of our Global partnership with OPPO, a brand with whom we share a passion for inspiration and innovation,” said Guy-Laurent Epstein, Marketing Director at UEFA. “I am confident that our collaboration will seamlessly unite the spirit of the UEFA Champions League with OPPO’s exceptional products and cutting-edge technology and bring even more exciting experiences to fans”.

Through its partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, OPPO is delivering on its commitment to bring unique experiences to sports fans across the globe. Together with its global brand ambassador Kaká, football fans, and its worldwide userbase, OPPO has witnessed the crowning of a new champion and countless inspiring moments at the 2023 UEFA Champions League final. As the official global partner of the UEFA Champions League, OPPO will continue to capture and celebrate more remarkable moments in this renowned competition as it gets ready for the kick-off of next season’s competition this summer.

Hashtag: #OPPO

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

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find X and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 60 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

UN Agency Says Myanmar Has Suspended International Aid Deliveries To Cyclone-hit Areas

Un Agency Says Myanmar Has Suspended International Aid Deliveries To Cyclone-hit Areas
FILE - Locals ride motorbike on a road while fallen trees lie near a mosque after Cyclone Mocha in Sittwe township, Rakhine State, Myanmar. (Photo:AP)

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military government has rescinded its approval for international organizations to distribute food, shelter, and medicines to thousands of residents of cyclone-hit areas in the country’s west, a UN agency said Friday.

Lao Airlines Plane Loses Wheel During Landing, No Injuries Reported

Lao Airlines Plane Loses Wheel During Landing, No Injuries Reported
Lao Airlines' ATR 72-500 (photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Lao Airlines has issued a statement regarding its plane that lost a wheel while landing on Saturday afternoon.

Serial Jewel Thief Arrested in Joint Lao-Thai Sting Operation

Thai police handed a Lao national thief to the police in Laos.

Police in Thailand apprehended a thief from Laos on Saturday, who was suspected of robbing numerous jewelry stores in Vientiane Capital this year.