SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach – 10 August 2022 – OPPO ColorOS 12 wins four design awards at the Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design Awards for 2022, recognizing the pioneering designs on its operations system ColorOS12 with OPPO SANS Fonts, O Relax app, OMOJI, and the Two-Finger Split Screen function.
OPPOSans -2022 RedDotWinner
OPPO SANS is a universal typeface designed by OPPO. The visual optimization ranges from the font’s structure to its glyphs. Optimization like the simplification of strokes also allows the overall shape of the font to appear more concise and elegant. These updates present an upgraded sense of technology and strengthen the font’s legibility on a variety of screen displays in different products.
ORelax–Cities -2022 RedDotWinner
O Relax is OPPO’s digital wellbeing application that provides users with soothing music tracks and ambient sounds of nature and city to relax your mind. Its key feature – Sounds of the City – inspired by locations all around the world, offers users with high-quality ambiance sounds recorded from locations around the globe including Reykjavik, Beijing, and Tokyo. Each presented in the distinctive sounds ranging from vibrant sound such as a fast-approaching train, to the calming sound of a pavement in a neighbourhood, to soothing sounds of nature from gentle breeze and heavy rain. Such an audible exploration of the world enables users to immerse themselves into their own experience of serenity and meditation.
OMOJI – 2022 Red Dot Winner
OMOJI from ColorOS 12 is supported by OPPO’s industry-leading Face Capture algorithm. With the high-precision models of virtual expression that is built upon 52 core human facial expression together with 200+ stylistic elements, users are able to customize unique emoji that represents their own style, and to send messages with a personal touch.
Two-Finger Split Screen – 2022 Red Dot Winner
ColorOS 12 introduce the new “Two-Finger Split Screen” function is tailored to the 7.1-inch large screen of OPPO’s first folding screen mobile phone, Find N, optimising user experience through providing efficiency and multi-tasking flexibility. Users can easily swipe down the middle of the foldable screen with two fingers, the screen display will then be split into two to aid with multi-tasking demands. Such design is aimed to be both intuitive and self-explanatory to users.
The Red Dot Design Award is amongst the most prestigious of professional design competitions globally. The accolades are direct recognition to OPPO’s world-class design capabilities. In the future, OPPO will continue to endeavours on delivering users with more comprehensibile and comfortable experience through ColorOS. OPPO recently announced the date of the global online launch event for its latest mobile operating system, ColorOS 13. It will be one of the first OEM operating systems based on Android 13 to be launched. For more information about ColorOS 13, please join the ColorOS Official Launch Event on YouTube and Twitter at 7:00 PM GMT+8 on August 18th, 2022.
Hashtag: #OPPO
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.
About ColorOS
ColorOS is a highly customized, efficient, intelligent, and richly designed Android-based mobile OS from OPPO. With over 500 million global monthly active users, ColorOS supports 67 languages, including English, Hindi, Thai, and Indonesian.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 10 August 2022 – Ascensio System, a company behind ONLYOFFICE, opens a branch in Singapore to grow the regional sales team and discover a brand new path towards the Asia Pacific markets – Ascensio System Pte. Ltd..
With company offices in Latvia, USA, UK, Armenia, and Uzbekistan, and a community of partners, contributors, and resellers, ONLYOFFICE has become a trusted choice for over 10 million users worldwide.
“We take a certain pride in enabling transparent, open-source solutions that are very much in contrast to those offered by the tech giants of this world,” commented Galina Godukhina, Head of Sales at ONLYOFFICE. “ONLYOFFICE originated in Latvia. We intended the project to be international in flavor, and we see that reflected in our diverse user base. That’s why we seek new talents and opportunities in every part of the world to become a part of our big family.”
With a new branch in Singapore, ONLYOFFICE aims at establishing closer relationships with existing and perspective clients in the region, ensuring shorter travel distances and mutually comfortable business hours for communication.
The company also welcomes local talent in sales and technical support who seek to pursue a career in open-source software, to become a part of the big family.
Open for partnerships
Sustainable growth of ONLYOFFICE worldwide would be impossible without its network of partners and resellers who help integrate, customize, localize, and distribute collaborative solutions in every corner of the world.
In Singapore, a part of It solution providers are already on board with ONLYOFFICE: Cloudamo, Cogito software Co., Ltd., Cogito Solutions Ltd., Hi-Link Company Ltd., and NKH Solution.
Ascensio System is open for partnership in both developments and solution provider sectors, offering collaboration on fair grounds with companies who are ready to customize, integrate, implement, resell, and provide technical assistance with ONLYOFFICE.
Hashtag: #AscensioSystem #ONLYOFFICE
About ONLYOFFICE
Ascensio System SIA is a company behind ONLYOFFICE, an open-source office suite that turned 12 on July 7, 2022. During those 12 years, the project grew from an internal collaboration tool for a single team to a family of office apps used by millions on their personal computers, mobile devices, local networks, and in the cloud.
ONLYOFFICE features collaborative online editing tools for text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and online forms. As of today, is integrated in over 30 popular platforms including Nextcloud, ownCloud, Jira, Redmine, and SharePoint, and used as a component in hundreds of enterprise services and web applications.
The ONLYOFFICE Workspace collaboration platform supplies users with all the tools for their daily business tasks — these include managing documents, project planning and scheduling, client relations, and email. This versatile platform can be used in the public cloud as well as launched on a private network.
ONLYOFFICE customers include big names in manufacturing, education, finance, and law sectors, as well as government offices in Europe, APAC, and other regions: ORACLE, Fujitsu, Suzuki, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, Academy of Lille, University of Bremen, Ministry of the Interior of France, Thomson Reuters, Deloitte, and more.
Performance highlights for the continuing business1 on a constant (and actual) exchange rate basis2
APE sales3 up 9 per cent (6 per cent) to $2,213 million reflecting diversified geographic footprint, product mix and distribution channels
New business profit4 fell by (5) per cent ((7) per cent) to $1,098 million following the impact of higher interest rates and differences in geographical and channel mix
Adjusted operating profit5 up 8 per cent (6 per cent) to $1,661 million
Shareholder GWS capital surplus over GMCR, following Hong Kong and China regulatory changes, remains strong and resilient with a coverage ratio of 548 per cent6. Shareholder GWS capital surplus over GPCR was $16.2 billion7, equivalent to a coverage ratio of 317 per cent8
Mark FitzPatrick, Group Chief Executive, said: “Our resilient operational performance demonstrates the strength of our well positioned and well diversified franchise across the Asia region, driven by our multi-channel, digitally enhanced distribution platform. This enabled us to maintain APE sales growth over the first quarter, despite considerable Covid-19-related disruption in many markets. We achieved stronger APE sales growth in the second quarter as conditions started to normalise in most markets. New business profit was (5) per cent9 lower as the benefit of higher APE sales was offset by the impact of higher interest rates under our EEV methodology, lower sales in Hong Kong, where margins have traditionally been higher, and an increase in bancassurance sales. Excluding the effects of interest rates and other economic changes, new business profit was broadly flat when compared with the corresponding period in 2021.
“The Group’s adjusted operating profit was up 8 per cent9, driven by a 6 per cent9 increase in life and asset management adjusted operating profit combined with a 32 per cent9 reduction in central costs, as interest costs fell following our $2.25 billion debt redemption programme that completed in January 2022. We are on track to deliver a $70 million10 reduction in head office costs by the start of 2023 in addition to the $180 million saving achieved following the demerger of the UK business. The first 2022 interim dividend is 5.74 cents per share, up 7 per cent11, equating to one third of the prior year full-year dividend of 17.23 cents per share.
“We continue to invest in the business including extending Pulse beyond a consumer app so that it covers Prudential’s key business processes, from enabling agents by using tools designed to enhance productivity, to fulfilment of policy sales and servicing. Ultimately we believe this will help drive greater customer centricity and efficiency. In addition, via the Pulse platform, we are able to add additional distribution capability, allowing access to new channels and new customer segments which extend beyond our existing distribution footprint.
“Our Group-wide Supervision Framework (GWS) capital position is strong and resilient. The Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) approved our application to early adopt the RBC framework in Hong Kong, and this is incorporated within our GWS position at 30 June 2022. The Group’s shareholder surplus above the Group Minimum Capital Requirement (GMCR) was $19.4 billion12, representing a cover ratio of 548 per cent6. The Group aligns its established EEV and free surplus framework with the Group’s Prescribed Capital Requirement (GPCR). At 30 June 2022, our shareholder surplus above the GPCR was $16.2 billion7 and results in a coverage ratio of 317 per cent8.
“The first half of the year saw considerable macroeconomic volatility, characterised in many markets by lower equity index levels, material increases in government bond yields and widening corporate bond spreads. The combined impact of these factors on our balance sheet, with the fall in investments exceeding the reduction in liabilities, led to a significant fall in IFRS profit after tax for continuing operations from $1,070 million11 in the first half of 2021 to $106 million in the first half of 2022 and also led to a reduction in EEV under our active economic methodology.
“Our Moody’s total leverage ratio at 30 June 2022 was estimated to be 22 per cent, well within our target range of 20-25 per cent, demonstrating our financial flexibility following recent actions.
“From a leadership perspective, as previously announced, we are delighted that Anil Wadhwani will join Prudential as Group CEO in February 2023. He will join a growth business, with a multi-channel distribution model and a distinctive geographic footprint, combined with the agility to grow and serve its customers even against the backdrop of the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although there are signs that Covid-19-related impacts in many of our markets are stabilising, over the remainder of the year we expect that operating conditions may continue to be challenging. We remain confident that Prudential has the financial resilience, capital strength and capability to meet the growing health and savings needs of our customers in Asia and Africa. By doing so, we believe we will deliver on our purpose to help people get the most out of life and also build value for our shareholders over the long-term.”
Summary financials
Half year 2022 $m
Half year 2021 $m
Change on AER basis2
Change on CER basis2
New business profit from continuing operations1,4
1,098
1,176
(7)%
(5)%
Operating free surplus generated from continuing operations1,13
1,224
1,112
10%
12%
Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations1,5
1,661
1,571
6%
8%
IFRS profit after tax from continuing operations1
106
1,070
(90)%
(90)%
30 Jun 2022
31 Dec 2021
Total
Per share
Total
Per share
EEV shareholders’ equity
$42.3bn
1,539¢
$47.4bn
1,725¢
IFRS shareholders’ equity
$16.1bn
586¢
$17.1bn
622¢
Notes
1 Continuing operations represents the Asia, Africa and head office functions of the Group following the demerger of Jackson.
2 Further information on actual and constant exchange rate bases is set out in note A1 of the IFRS financial results.
3 APE sales is a measure of new business activity that comprises the aggregate of annualised regular premiums and one-tenth of single premiums on new business written during the period for all insurance products, including premiums for contracts designated as investment contracts under IFRS 4. It is not representative of premium income recorded in the IFRS financial statements. See note II of the Additional financial information for further explanation.
4 New business profit, on a post-tax basis, on business sold in the period, calculated in accordance with EEV Principles.
5 In this press release ‘adjusted operating profit’ refers to adjusted IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns from continuing operations. This alternative performance measure is reconciled to IFRS profit for the period in note B1.1 of the IFRS financial results.
6 GWS coverage ratio of capital resources over Group minimum capital requirement attributable to the shareholder business.
7 GWS capital resources in excess of the Group prescribed capital requirement attributable to the shareholder business, before allowing for the 2022 first cash interim dividend. The shareholder position excludes the contribution to Group eligible capital resources and the Group prescribed capital requirements from participating business in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Under the GWS Framework, all debt instruments (senior and subordinated) issued by Prudential plc at 30 June 2022, except the $350 million senior debt issued in the first half of 2022, are included as GWS eligible group capital resources.
8 GWS coverage ratio of capital resources over Group prescribed capital requirement attributable to the shareholder business. Prescribed capital requirements are set at the level at which the local regulator of a given entity can impose penalties, sanctions or intervention measures. The GWS group capital adequacy requirements require that total eligible group capital resources are not less than the Group Prescribed Capital Requirements (GPCR) and that GWS Tier 1 group capital resources are not less than the Group Minimum Capital Requirements (GMCR).
9 On a constant exchange rate basis.
10 Annual saving from full year 2021 costs, based on full year 2021 exchange rates.
11 On an actual exchange rate basis.
12 GWS capital resources in excess of the Group minimum capital requirement attributable to the shareholder business, before allowing for the 2022 first cash interim dividend. The shareholder position excludes the contribution to Group eligible capital resources and Group minimum capital requirement of participating business in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Under the GWS Framework, all debt instruments (senior and subordinated) issued by Prudential plc at 30 June 2022, except the $350 million senior debt issued in the first half of 2022, are included as GWS eligible group capital resources.
13 Operating free surplus generated from insurance and asset management operations before restructuring costs. For insurance operations, operating free surplus generated represents amounts emerging from the in-force business during the period net of amounts reinvested in writing new business and excludes non-operating items. For asset management businesses, it equates to post-tax operating profit for the period. Restructuring costs are presented separately from the business unit amount. Further information is set out in ‘movement in Group free surplus’ of the EEV financial results.
Notes to editors:
a. The results in this announcement are prepared on two bases: International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and European Embedded Value (EEV). The results prepared under IFRS form the basis of the Group’s statutory financial statements. The supplementary EEV financial results have been prepared in accordance with the amended European Embedded Value Principles issued by the European Insurance CFO Forum in 2016. The Group’s EEV financial results are stated on a post-tax basis and include the post-tax IFRS financial results of the Group’s asset management and other operations. The IFRS and EEV results are presented in US dollars and the basis of translation is discussed in note A1 of the IFRS financial statements. Period-on-period percentage increases are stated on a constant exchange rate basis unless otherwise stated. Constant exchange rates are calculated by translating prior period results using the current period foreign exchange rate ie current period average rates for the income statement and current period closing rates for the balance sheet.
b. EEV and adjusted IFRS operating profit for continuing operations is based on longer-term investment returns and is stated after excluding the effect of short-term fluctuations in investment returns against long-term assumptions and other corporate transactions. Furthermore, for EEV financial results, operating profit based on longer-term investment returns excludes the effect of changes in economic assumptions and the mark-to-market value movement on core borrowings. Separately on the IFRS basis, adjusted operating profit also excludes amortisation of acquisition accounting adjustments.
c. Total number of Prudential plc shares in issue as at 30 June 2022 was 2,749,314,856.
d. We are expected to announce our Half Year 2022 Results to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and to the UK Financial Media at 12.00pm HKT – 5.00am UKT – 12.00am ET on Wednesday, 10 August 2022.
The announcement will be released on the London Stock Exchange at 2.00pm HKT – 7.00am UKT – 2.00am ET on Wednesday, 10 August.
A pre-recorded presentation for analysts and investors will be available on-demand from 12.00pm HKT – 5.00am UKT – 12.00am ET on Wednesday, 10 August 2022 using the following link: https://www.investis-live.com/prudential/62d51c1fd9438014009aa544/hebae. A copy of the script used in the recorded video will also be available from 12.00pm HKT – 5.00am UKT – 12.00am ET on Wednesday, 10 August 2022 on Prudential plc’s website.
A Q&A video conference for analysts and investors will be held at 1.00pm HKT – 6.00am UKT – 1.00am ET on Wednesday, 10 August.
Dial-in details A dial-in facility will be available to listen to the call and ask questions: please allow 15 minutes ahead of the start time to join the call (lines open half an hour before the call is due to start, i.e. from 12.30pm HKT – 5.30am UKT – 12.30am ET).
Dial-in: 580 33 413 (HK) / +44 (0) 20 3936 2999 (UK and international) / 010 5387 5828 (China), Toll free: 800 908 350 (HK) / 0800 640 6441 (UK), Participant access code: 570192. Once participants have entered this code their name and company details will be taken.
Transcript Following the call a transcript will be published on the results centre page of the Prudential plc’s website on Friday 12 August 2022.
Playback facility Please use the following for a playback facility: +44 (0) 20 3936 3001 (UK and international), replay code 744029. This will be available from approximately 10.00pm HKT – 3.00pm UKT – 10.00am ET on 10 August until 6.59am HK time on 25 August 2022 – 11.59pm UKT – 6.59pm ET on 24 August.
e. 2022 First interim ordinary dividend
Ex-dividend date
18 August 2022 (Hong Kong, UK and Singapore)
Record date
19 August 2022
Payment of dividend
27 September 2022 (Hong Kong, UK and ADR holders)
On or around 4 October 2022 (Singapore)
f. About Prudential plc
Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in Asia and Africa. The business helps people get the most out of life, by making healthcare affordable and accessible and by promoting financial inclusion. Prudential protects people’s wealth, helps them grow their assets, and empowers them to save for their goals. The business has more than 19 million life customers and is listed on stock exchanges in London (PRU), Hong Kong (2378), Singapore (K6S) and New York (PUK). Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. https://www.prudentialplc.com/.
g. Discontinued operations
Throughout this results announcement ‘discontinued operations’ refers to the US operations (Jackson). All amounts presented refer to continuing operations unless otherwise stated, which reflect the Group following the completed demerger of Jackson.
h. Prudential will file an Interim Report on Form 6-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission shortly and it will be available in due course on the Prudential plc website.
i. Forward-looking statements
Thisdocument may contain ‘forward-looking statements’ with respect to certain of Prudential’s (and its wholly and jointly owned businesses’) plans and its goals and expectations relating to its future financial condition, performance, results, strategy and objectives. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Prudential’s (and its wholly and jointly owned businesses’) beliefs and expectations and including, without limitation, statements containing the words ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘continue’, ‘aims’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘expects’, ‘plans’, ‘seeks’ and ‘anticipates’, and words of similar meaning, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on plans, estimates and projections as at the time they are made, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty.
A number of important factors could cause Prudential’s actual future financial condition or performance or other indicated results of the entity referred to in any forward-looking statement to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to, current and future market conditions including fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates, inflation (including interest rate rises as a response), sustained high or low interest rate environments, the performance of financial and credit markets generally and the impact of economic uncertainty, slowdown or contraction, (including as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and related or other geopolitical tensions and conflicts) which may also impact policyholder behaviour and reduce product affordability, asset valuation impacts from the transition to a lower carbon economy, derivative instruments not effectively mitigating any exposures; global political uncertainties, including the potential for increased friction in cross-border trade and the exercise of laws, regulations and executive powers to restrict trade, financial transactions, capital movements and/or investment; the impact of Covid-19 outbreaks, including adverse financial market and liquidity impacts, responses and actions taken by governments, regulators and supervisors, the impact on sales, claims and assumptions and increased product lapses, disruption to Prudential’s operations (and those of its suppliers and partners), risks associated with new sales processes and technological and information security risks; the policies and actions of regulatory authorities, including, in particular, the policies and actions of the Hong Kong Insurance Authority, as Prudential’s Group-wide supervisor, as well as the degree and pace of regulatory changes and new government initiatives generally; given its designation as an Internationally Active Insurance Group, the impact on Prudential of systemic risk and other group supervision policy standards adopted by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors; the physical, social and financial impacts of climate change and global health crises on Prudential’s business and operations; the impact of not adequately responding to environmental, social and governance issues (including not properly considering the interests of Prudential’s stakeholders or failing to maintain high standards of corporate governance); the impact of competition and fast-paced technological change; the effect on Prudential’s business and results from, in particular, mortality and morbidity trends, lapse rates and policy renewal rates; the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or combinations within relevant industries; the impact of internal transformation projects and other strategic actions failing to meet their objectives or adversely impacting the Group’s employees; the availability and effectiveness of reinsurance for Prudential’s businesses; the risk that Prudential’s operational resilience (or that of its suppliers and partners) may prove to be inadequate, including in relation to operational disruption due to external events; disruption to the availability, confidentiality or integrity of Prudential’s information technology, digital systems and data (or those of its suppliers and partners) including the Pulse platform; any ongoing impact on Prudential of the demerger of Jackson Financial Inc.; the increased operational and financial risks and uncertainties associated with operating joint ventures with independent partners, particularly where joint ventures are not controlled by Prudential; the impact of changes in capital, solvency standards, accounting standards or relevant regulatory frameworks, and tax and other legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions in which Prudential and its affiliates operate; and the impact of legal and regulatory actions, investigations and disputes. These and other important factors may, for example, result in changes to assumptions used for determining results of operations or re-estimations of reserves for future policy benefits. Further discussion of these and other important factors that could cause actual future financial condition or performance to differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in Prudential’s forward-looking statements can be found under the ‘Risk Factors’ heading of this document and the ‘Risk Factors’ heading in Prudential’s 2021 Annual Report. Prudential’s 2021 Annual Report is available on its website at www.prudentialplc.com.
These factors are not exhaustive as Prudential operates in a continually changing business environment with new risks emerging from time to time that it may be unable to predict or that it currently does not expect to have a material adverse effect on its business.
Any forward-looking statements contained in thisdocument speak only as of the date on which they are made. Prudential expressly disclaims any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in thisdocumentor any other forward-looking statements it may make, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise except as required pursuant to the UK Prospectus Rules, the UK Listing Rules, the UK Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the SGX-ST Listing Rules or other applicable laws and regulations.
j. Cautionary statements
Thisdocumentdoes not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell, dispose of or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell or dispose of, any securities in any jurisdiction nor shall it (or any part of it) or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefor.
Hashtag: #Prudential
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Mayor of Vientiane Capital, Mr. Atsaphangthong Siphandone, speaks to local authorities in areas affected by floods.
Mayor of Vientiane Capital, Mr. Atsaphangthong Siphandone, visited flood-affected communities in Sikhottabong District on Monday, ordering local authorities to try to resolve the problem.
Brush-tailed porcupine at a zoo in Hanoi, Vietnam (Wolfgang Dreier)
Although the consumption of wildlife is a time-honored tradition in Laos, as well as many other parts of the world, in an era of globalization marked by pandemic disease and species loss, it is a habit that humanity can no longer afford, writes Evan Dixon.
Cambodia’s health ministry has said it will not be commencing a vaccination campaign against the monkeypox virus unless World Health Organization (WHO) guidance deems vaccinations necessary.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 10 August 2022 – The 2022 iSee Gastronomy Forum, organized by the iSee Taiwan Foundation that commits itself to acquainting the world with Taiwan’s beauty and value, unveils today at Kaohsiung Exhibition Center. At the invitation of the Ministry of Culture, the Foundation is building on the previous year’s great success and once again hosting a summit dialogue, leveraging the expertise of gastronomic masters from around the world to explore the sustainability of terroir and cultural strength. The Forum brings to life an exquisite experience that highlights the extraordinary value of Taiwan’s culture and cuisine.
Masters at the 2022 iSee Gastronomy Forum (clockwise from top): Thomas Bühner, Gilles Compañy, Florian Guillemenot, Wu Chien Hao, Daniel Negreira, Thomas Chien,and Don Chen.
In the spotlight are seven gastronomic heavyweights. German 3 Michelin Star Chef Thomas Bühner and Don Chen, Chief Executive of the iSee Taiwan Foundation, kick the Forum off with in-depth discussion on “Creating Value through Terroir.” Followed by Gilles Compañy, Executive Chef & Culinary Academic Director Le Cordon Bleu Japan, who sheds light on the importance of global gastronomy. Florian Guillemenot, Patisserie Teaching Master Chef of Le Cordon Bleu Taiwan-NKUHT, presents French pastries blended with a flavor unique to Taiwan. Local chef Thomas Chien, 2021 Green Dining Guide Champion Award winner, and Spanish chef Daniel Negreira, a recurrent name on the MICHELIN Guide recommendation list, join hands for a demonstration of fine dining only fitting to the elegance of Taiwan’s distinctive terroir and cuisine. Newly added to this year’s agenda is “iSee Gastronomy Stage”, an event specially made accessible to the public. Wu Chien Hao, chef of the beloved Taiwanese eatery A SHA Restaurant, interprets how cuisine distinctive of this land attests to the beauty of its terroir. Separately, industry-academia collaboration among Kaohsiung Farmers League, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, and others is set to further flavor this exciting event that has so much to offer.
Hashtag: #iSeeTaiwanFoundation
The iSee Taiwan Foundation
The Foundation’s vision is to become an essential portal for the world to see Taiwan via cultural tourism. www.iseetaiwan.org/en/
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 10 August 2022 – For Fall 2022, TUMI explores the concept of “Future Earth.” Looking towards the new world, TUMI reexamined its innovations to help better every journey – and the planet. Technical and material innovations are only the beginning. TUMI’s goal is to reduce the ecological footprint it leaves behind while increasing the impact it has on its clients’ lives. TUMI achieves this through timeless designs that run parallel to its mission of creating built-to-last products that remain in the world for generations to come.
19 Degree Aluminum International Carry-on in Truffle/Saffron
“It is more important than ever for us to understand the world we live in and take responsibility for what we create to coexist within it,” says TUMI Creative Director, Victor Sanz. “We will continue fortifying our core strengths by marrying technology and the digital space with sustainable innovations. We’ve also examined the natural landscape for inspiration on color and texture. We are creating our future Earth.”
Exemplifying this commitment is TUMI’s assortment of hardside carry-ons and packing cases, including their iconic 19 Degree collection. In aluminum, TUMI introduces a new ombre colorway that is both contemporary and classic.
A special sustainable edition of 19 Degree polycarbonate travel collection launches, with shells and linings made with recycled materials. Matte finish with speckling throughout is a first for the collection.
Tegra-Lite Collection in Sky Blue
Travel is a key focus for the brand as it knows the world is ready to travel again. The new Tegra-Lite travel collection is sleeker than ever and will be available in carry-on, short trip and extended trip sizes. Each will have the option of an included front pocket to streamline travel even more. What truly sets this collection apart, while also tying it into TUMI’s commitment to sustainability, is the introduction of components made from recycled materials with enhanced durability, and TUMI+ accessory compatibility.
TUMI+ is an ecosystem of add-ons that enhance the carrying capacity and function of select styles. It grows this season with even more additions that will help uncomplicate any journey.
Alpha Bravo Collection in Grey/Quilting
TUMI expands upon its Alpha Bravo collection with new colors and fabrications. The collection channels its signature go-anywhere, do-anything energy with a lightweight, minimalist collection featuring core styles reimagined in neutral, textured nylon fabric. Its design language is distilled from classic puffer styling and the idea of adding even more protection for your belongings with visible cushioning.
For the business and commute-oriented, TUMI debuts its most compact backpack yet, the Harrison William. Similarly versatile is the Port Weekend Duffel that has its place in the gym and on the road. TUMI also launches Harrison bestsellers in upcycled leather, holding true to their commitment to sustainability.
TUMI and longstanding partner McLaren take their collection one step further creating pieces that reflect their shared value of high-performance design. The core pieces of the collection will be launched in CX6 carbon fiber. Known for its exceptional strength, carbon fiber enhances the strength of each silhouette and elevates modern appeal.
TUMI continues its foray into the world of women’s bags with delicate prints, palettes and silhouettes. Pink Metallic, Zinc and Beetroot are some of the colorways coming in for Fall.
Voyageur Carson Backpack in Beetroot/Emboss
19 Degree International Expandable Carry-On in Beetroot
Voyageur shows off its sophisticated side with three new leather bags. The Liv Backpack can either be worn as a backpack or carried as a tote, making it the quintessential everyday bag. The spacious Adrian Carryall brings a stylish new attitude to Voyageur Leather. The Helena Crossbody comes with a delicate gold chain strap that is removable, so the bag can also be worn as a clutch or a wristlet.
With a focus on wellness and adaptability, TUMI brings another innovative yoga bag to their lineup. The Yoga Sling Tote effortlessly converts from a crossbody sling that’s sized to hold a yoga mat, into a modern, oversized tote.
Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel lifestyle, and performance luxury essentials designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. The brand is sold globally in over 75 countries with upwards of 2,000 points of sale.