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Viet Nam – US Agricultural cooperation: reliability and mutual benefit

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA – Media OutReach – 17 May 2022From May 11 to 17, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made a working trip to the United States and the United Nations. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of ASEAN countries attended a Special Summit to celebrate the 45th anniversary of ASEAN – US Dialogue Relations on May 12 and 13 in Washington, D.C. at the invitation of US President Joe Biden.

Minister Le Minh Hoan and the delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development worked with the US Department of Agriculture. Photo: Le Trung Quan.

Minister Le Minh Hoan and the delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development worked with the US Department of Agriculture. Photo: Le Trung Quan.

Vietnamese Prime Minister – Pham Minh Chinh met and worked with high-ranking officials and large US corporations during the trip. In addition, the Prime Minister attended commercial, tourism, and investment promotion activities and met the members of the Vietnamese community in the US.

The trip left a strong impression, opening up new cooperation opportunities, gaining understanding between the parties, and promoting trade and international cooperation relations.

On the sidelines of the Prime Minister’s working trip to the US, the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development worked with the US Department of Agriculture and cooperated with partners to hold a seminar to connect Viet Nam – United States agricultural enterprises.

Meeting between the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the US Department of Agriculture

At the meeting with the US Department of Agriculture on May 11, 2022, Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasised that Viet Nam has considered the US an essential agriculture partner for many years. Along with 27 years of normalising Viet Nam-US relations, the two ministries have implemented many substantive and practical cooperation activities.

The minister said that the Government of Viet Nam has approved and been promptly deploying the Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development and orienting Viet Nam to become a country responsible for food security and the global environment.

To contribute to the performance of Viet Nam’s commitments at COP26, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has led to carrying out a range of activities. Viet Nam’s agricultural industry has been transforming towards green agriculture.

Viet Nam has contributed to many initiatives with the United States, other countries, and international organisations, such as the Initiative “Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate” (AIM4C); Action Alliance “Promoting sustainable productivity growth for food security and resource conservation” (SPG); “Center for Innovation in Food Technology”; and the Initiative “100 million farmers: transition to net-zero, nature-positive food systems.”

The minister suggested the US continue to support Viet Nam in financial and technical resources through specific actions so that Viet Nam can enhance its capacity and successfully implement global initiatives, transformation to green, environmentally friendly, and low emission agriculture.

Moreover, the minister suggested the US keep on paying attention and offer specific technical support packages for Viet Nam to more efficiently carry out the commitments in the Agreement between the two parties, such as (i) Strengthening the capacity of law enforcement in timber and timber products trade, forest resource survey for Vietnamese agencies; (ii) Developing the capacity on the management of Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) to fulfil the commitments on sustainable forest development better, creating livelihoods for people.

On behalf of the US Department of Agriculture, Deputy Minister Jason Hafemeiser thanked the Minister Le Minh Hoan for providing an overview of the cooperation relationship between Viet Nam and the US in agriculture and affirmed that the US considers Viet Nam as one of its leading agricultural partners and that the agriculture of both countries is complementary to each other for mutual development.

Deputy Minister Jason Hafemeiser announced that the opening of Viet Nam’s pomelos is being actively promoted. Besides, he emphasised that cooperation to strengthen the capacity of sustainable development and climate change is the top priority of the US Government today. Furthermore, the US has been making a plan for COP27 to continue promoting the initiatives which have been already underway.

To realise the cooperation above opportunities, both parties agreed to direct the specialised agencies of both ministries to cooperate actively and more deeply discuss to reach the best solutions in promoting the opening of the markets, scientific and technological cooperation, boosting sustainable development, responding to climate change.

Seminar to connect Viet Nam – US agricultural enterprises

On May 13, 2022, in Washington D.C., the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan and the Senior Vice President for Policy at the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), Marc Mealy, co-hosted a seminar to connect Viet Nam – US agricultural enterprises.

The seminar featured representatives of agencies, enterprises, and associations in the agriculture sector and banks and investment funds of the two countries. The US’s major commodity associations, such as the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the US Grains Council, the National Pork Producers Council, and some multi-national agricultural corporations, also participated in the seminar.

At the seminar, the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development representative informed us about the priority orientation of the Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development to 2030 and a vision for 2050, which the Prime Minister approved on January 28, 2022.

“Eco-agriculture – Modern countryside – Innovative farmers” are the three pillars of this Strategy. To achieve this, Viet Nam’s agriculture must transition from output-driven to economic thinking, build multi-integrated values ​​of agro-forestry-fishery products, link value chains of farming households with local enterprises and global corporations, create industry clusters, develop the systems of storage, preservation, processing, logistics, and distribution, enhance innovation, digitalisation, green transformation in agriculture.

To implement this strategy, it is crucial to building a reliable partnership between the agribusinesses of the two countries. Vietnam and the US are two countries with strengths in agriculture. However, the agro-forestry-fishery products of the two countries are complementary, not competitive, or substitute for each other.

Moreover, with the accompaniment of the two countries’ governments to facilitate market opening, the import and export turnover of Viet Nam – US agro-forestry-fishery products has more than doubled from 7.4 billion USD in 2015 to 17 billion USD in 2021.

Viet Nam has strengths in tropical industrial crops, tropical vegetables, aquaculture, timber and wooden products. Meanwhile, the US is a strong country regarding animal feed, meat and fishery products, and biotechnology.

The two countries’ businesses discussed their strengths and needs for commercial cooperation and agricultural investment between Viet Nam and the US at the seminar. The US enterprises are especially interested in exporting and investing in next-generation inputs for agricultural production, sustainable, circular, low-emission farming models, taking advantage of opportunities of farm markets in not only Viet Nam but also ASEAN with 650 million people, of which Viet Nam is the central gateway to access the need of this bloc.

At the seminar, Minister Le Minh Hoan said that the US had become the leading import partner of Viet Nam’s agro-forestry-fishery products. The minister oriented the two countries’ businesses to build a reliable, stable and long-term partnership in the context of world fluctuations.

It is the basis for making the best use of the new opportunities created by global events. The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is willing to listen to and accompany the two countries’ businesses to solve difficulties and obstacles and create a favourable production, business, and investment environment for the international business community.

Also, the ministry is ready to prepare the forums for businesses and localities to exchange and make the best use of new opportunities in technology and markets. The minister appealed to the significant commodity associations and large corporations of the US to coordinate with the ministry to provide information and guidance to Vietnamese localities and enterprises on the requirements and standards of the US agricultural, agro-forestry-fishery market.

In the seminar, four cooperation agreements were signed between the parties, including: (1) Cooperation Agreement (MOU) between Sustainable Agriculture Development Partnership with Pepsico and Care International on strengthening cooperation in inclusive and sustainable food production in Viet Nam; (2) an MOU between Bac Giang province and ERG group on promoting the trading of local agricultural products; (3) an MOU between Moc Thinh Phat Furniture Production Joint Stock Company and Grasslands Farms company on promoting trade in agricultural products; and (4) an MOU between Nevist Vietnam International Import-Export Company and AGP on trade and investment promotion in the agricultural sector.

Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), said: “Since 2020, the United States has become the largest partner in agro-forestry-fishery (AFF) trade with Viet Nam. The good news is that despite the COVID pandemic, economic recession, and supply chain disruptions, both AFF exports and imports have increased at double-digit rates recently.

“This proves the complementarity of each other rather than the direct competition of the AFF products between Viet Nam and the US. Our common policy is to develop a reliable partnership and ensure mutual benefits in agricultural cooperation with the United States”.

Hang Lung Publishes Sustainability Reports 2021

Advancing Our Sustainability Agenda to Achieve Sustainability Leadership

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 May 2022 – Hang Lung Group Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00010) and Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) (collectively known as “the Companies” or “Hang Lung”) today published their online Sustainability Reports 2021, the 10th year that the Companies have published sustainability reports. The Reports provide highlights of our sustainability initiatives, achievements and progress made during the year along with an overview of plans across our four priorities of Climate Resilience, Resource Management, Wellbeing, and Sustainable Transactions, all in support of our overarching ambition of becoming one of the most sustainable real estate companies in the world.

Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties Sustainability Reports 2021

Notable highlights from the Reports include:

  • The development of 25 sustainability targets to be achieved by the end of 2025 (“25 x 25 Sustainability Targets” or “25 x 25”);
  • Disclosing 28 Strategic Environmental, Social, and Governance Key Performance Indicators (“Strategic ESG KPIs”) to be achieved in 2022 towards our 25 x 25 Sustainability Targets;
  • Becoming one of the first real estate companies in Asia to commit to setting both near- and long-term targets to reach net-zero value chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in alignment with Science-Based Target initiative’s Net Zero Standard;
  • The completion of a 100% renewable energy transaction at Spring City 66, Kunming, now our first development, and the first commercial complex in Yunnan Province, to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in annual electricity consumption for both landlord and tenant operations;
  • The launching of initiatives worth HK$27 million in support of Hong Kong’s COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Other highlights under our four priorities in 2021 include:

Climate Resilience

  • For our Scope 1 and 2 emissions: Achieved a cumulative 28.9% GHG emission intensity reduction compared to our 2018 baseline;
  • For our Scope 3 emissions: The first calculation of Scope 3 emissions, and the formulation of reduction initiatives and targets (for embodied carbon and tenants’ emissions);
  • Detailed mapping of our approach to addressing climate-related issues in support of the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Resource Management

  • Electricity intensity in 2021 was 10.7% below our 2018 baseline;
  • Reviewed our water consumption practices across our portfolio, and set a 10% water intensity reduction target for 2025;
  • Upcycled or reused about 24 tons of frontline staff uniforms.

Wellbeing

  • Conducted our first comprehensive, third-party employee engagement survey with a 97.4% participation rate;
  • Applied for the WELL Health and Safety Rating for 19 buildings covering all Mainland properties and the Standard Chartered Bank Building in Hong Kong;
  • Over 1,800 volunteers completed 138 volunteering activities and contributed more than 14,500 service hours despite the pandemic.

Sustainable Transactions

  • Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties respectively secured 28% and 30% of debt and available facilities from green bonds, green loan facilities, and sustainability-linked loan facilities;
  • Developed a sustainable procurement strategy for our existing operations, and defined 16 ideas to improve sustainability in our projects under development;
  • Collaborated with tenants on multiple community sustainability initiatives, and introduced amendments to tenant and fitout guides to incorporate more sustainability provisions.

Recognition Earned

In 2021, recognition for Hang Lung’s strong commitment to sustainability as an industry leader has included:

  • An upgrade to 4-Star performance rating and retention of A-grade disclosure rating under GRESB;
  • An upgrade to an ‘A’ rating under the MSCI ESG Ratings;
  • Listing as a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series; and
  • An update to ‘AA’ rating under Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index.

For four years, since 2017, Hang Lung has also been listed as an Index Component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices in the Asia Pacific Index. We have also received a low ESG risk rating by Sustainalytics since July 2020.

Hang Lung Sustainability Reports 2021 are now available for download at the links below:

Hang Lung Group
https://www.hanglung.com/en-us/group/media-center/publications/sustainability

Hang Lung Properties
https://www.hanglung.com/en-us/media-center/publications/sustainability

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City.” Hang Lung Properties is recognized for leading the way through enhanced sustainability initiatives in real estate as it pursues sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit .

#HangLungProperties

USAID Deepens Partnership with Lao PDR

At the $2.6 million Education Grant Announcement Ceremony, USAID Deputy Administrator Coleman joined Students at Nahaidiew in a Dance Performance.

Isobel Coleman, Deputy Administrator (DA) for Policy and Programming for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), visited Laos on 13-14 May 2022.

Vice Minister of Energy and Mines Opens LXML Sepon Underground Mine

Some engineers discover gold pour.

Community and government stakeholders yesterday visited Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) Sepon mine opened the first modern underground mine in Lao PDR.

adidas Originals and Mars Reunite for Six Brand New Color Updates to the Forum Lo 84 Sneaker Inspired by M&M’S® Brand

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 May 2022 – Fresh off the heels of the successful launch of their collaborative endeavor, adidas Originals and Mars have returned with six distinctly playful color updates to the classic Forum Lo 84 silhouette, inspired by the colorful fun only M&M’S® from Mars can deliver.

RED-adidas-Originals.jpg

For the second product drop in the long-awaited series, the sportswear brand and the iconic Mars candy brand, M&M’S®, present a suite of Red, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, and Brown sneakers, with each pair in the collection celebrating the unique personality of the M&M’S® characters.

Elevated yet undeniably fun, each pair features a tumbled leather upper matched with bounded TPU three stripes with groove lines and cut out tongue details – all inspired by the M&M’S® Mars iconic branding. Meanwhile, “M” perforations on both toe boxes as well as peanut-shade lining serves as a subtle homage to one of the Mars chocolate candy’s most celebrated flavors, Peanut M&M’S®.

“Mars is thrilled to partner with adidas on the second drop of the adidas Originals Forum Lo 84 M&M’S® sneaker, featuring six new and distinct colors for fans to choose from inspired by our beloved and world-famous M&M’S® characters,” said Jane Hwang, Global Marketing Vice President, Mars Wrigley. “M&M’S® is proud to offer fans more moments of fun through this collaboration with adidas, as we seek to continue creating colorful fun for all, as part of our mission to create a word where everyone feels they belong.”

Rounding out the look in quintessential fashion, each pair comes replete with printed sock liners adorned with graphics of respective M&M’S® characters and arrives packaged in a custom yellow box inspired by the instantly recognizable M&M’S® Mars peanut variant packaging and branding.

The latest selection of adidas Originals Forum Lo 84 M&M’S® sneakers launches on May 20th in Hong Kong. The Red, Blue, and Green sneakers are available through adidas.com.hk, and selected retailers.

For more high resolution press images, please download here.

About Mars, Incorporated

For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us.

Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, food, and pet care products and services, we employ 133,000 dedicated Associates who are all moving in the same direction: forward. With $40 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, MILKY WAY®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, ORBIT®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL™, WHISKAS®, COCOAVIA®, and 5™; and take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses, including AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals®, BluePearl™, Linnaeus, and VCA™.

We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the communities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive. , inspired by the Economics of Mutuality, is used to measure the company’s progress in service of its purpose; The world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today.

For more information about Mars, please visit mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

#Mars,Incorporated

Syfe, Singapore’s Leading Digital Investment Platform Launches in Hong Kong

  • Licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for Types 1, 4 and 9
  • Introduces Direct Indexing Global Portfolios for Retail Investors

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 May 2022 – Syfe, a digital investment platform headquartered in Singapore, today announces its entry into Hong Kong. This marks the company’s first market expansion since its launch in 2019. Syfe has gained tremendous success in Singapore, and is a trusted and leading brand in Singapore’s growing wealthtech industry.

Syfe's seamless interface provides an effortless experience to users.

Syfe’s seamless interface provides an effortless experience to users.

“There is a critical gap in the Hong Kong market for a trusted wealth partner that will transform the way people manage their money. Syfe combines proven investing strategies, technology and continuous innovation to deliver financial solutions at a fraction of the cost when compared to traditional institutions. We are very excited to bring our successful offering with a strong track record in Singapore to Hong Kong as our first market for expansion. Syfe looks forward to partnering Hong Kongers in shaping better outcomes in life through better investing,” said Dhruv Arora, Founder & CEO.

“Culturally, people in Hong Kong have a high tendency to save. However, due to rising inflation and a low interest rate environment, savings in the bank may no longer live up to their expectations. With a focus on long-term wealth building, Syfe is now bringing high quality financial services made affordable and accessible for investors, helping Hong Kongers reach their important financial goals,” said Yenson She, Head of Business Development of Syfe.

Licensed in Hong Kong under Types 1 (Dealing in Securities), 4 (Advising on Securities), and 9 (Asset Management), and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Syfe provides investors access to institutional-level investment strategies and advisory services previously only available for the top level of high-net-worth individuals. Its leading technology also allows Syfe to deliver its high-end and personalised advisory simply through an app – all without any minimum investment balance required. Syfe’s wealth experts are just a call away for any investor who requires personal guidance in planning for their financial goals.

Direct Indexing Global Portfolios for Retail Investors, Exclusively for Hong Kong

Syfe creates its own portfolios based on a passive, long-term investment strategy that minimises costs. The following portfolios are currently offered in Hong Kong:

Core
(4 portfolios)
Built for one’s essential financial goals. Core portfolios maximise risk-adjusted returns by holding equities, bonds and gold in varying allocations. Each core portfolio is broadly diversified across asset classes, sectors and geographies.
Themes
(5 portfolios)
Thematic portfolios function as satellite portfolios to complement the Core, allowing investors to have added exposure to opportunities in Disruptive Technology, Healthcare Innovation, China Growth, Global Income and ESG & Clean Energy.

Over the last few decades, passive investing has gained massive popularity through the proliferation of index funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). As technology advances, the next evolution of passive investing has now been made possible.

Exclusively in Hong Kong, Syfe’s Core portfolios leverage the direct indexing strategy for its US equity component, in place of US ETFs. The weights of individual stocks will vary according to the portfolio selected.

Through direct indexing, an investor directly owns the underlying individual stocks in their portfolio, and gains the same broad market exposure at low cost that an ETF or index fund can offer. The key benefits of direct indexing include greater transparency for investors who will be able to know exactly what they own, cost savings of up to 90% of fund fees (excluding Syfe platform fees), and reduction in the overlap of stocks. Through direct indexing, overlaps of stocks among ETFs can be reduced in a portfolio. Syfe’s innovation in direct indexing is part of its commitment to finding the most efficient investment instruments to reduce costs and improve returns.

Personalised, Effortless and Affordable Investing

Syfe’s fully-managed, curated portfolios enable investors to grow wealth with ease and own a portfolio with minimal upkeep. With Syfe, a person investing $10,000 or even $10,000,000 will have access to the same portfolios. Signing up and building portfolios requires no minimum investment balance, no lock-ups, and low fees starting at 0.35%-0.65% per annum. Withdrawals or inter-portfolio transfers can also be done speedily with a few taps on the app.

Clients can connect to locally-based, English and Cantonese-speaking Wealth Experts for a free initial consultation, where portfolio options can be explained in detail and questions answered. Syfe’s WhatsApp and live chat function is also always available for investors’ enquiries.

Safe and Secure, a Strong Track Record in Singapore

The fast-growing fintech saw a significant four-fold increase of its assets under management in the first half of 2021. Syfe’s platform and its features are protected with bank-grade security, coupled with two-factor authentication through phone or email for all users. Monies and assets in investors’ portfolios are held in a custodian account through an SFC licensed broker, and any uninvested cash is held in a client account at HSBC Hong Kong, regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

“Starting today, Hong Kongers can participate in investing opportunities available in global markets and leverage Syfe’s curated portfolios to grow their wealth. Having a simple, smart yet powerful digital wealth platform enabling investing at your fingertips will be a true game changer for Hong Kongers, who desire an effortless way to make their money work even harder than before. We look forward to partnering with users on their wealth journey ahead,” concluded Yenson.

In Singapore, Syfe is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Syfe has a team of over 150 people in the region and has raised a total of US$52.4 million since its launch in 2019, led by the New York-based Valar Ventures. In December 2021, Syfe launched its brokerage offering in Singapore – Syfe Trade, offering direct access to US stocks and ETFs offering free trades, fractional trading, with an easy-to-use interface.

About Syfe

Syfe is an MAS and SFC licensed digital investment platform that is building the next generation of financial solutions for individuals across Asia. Launched in July 2019 in Singapore, Syfe’s mission is to transform the way people manage their money and make high quality financial services affordable and accessible to all. Syfe is the all-in-one platform where everyday investors can access simple, smart and affordable investing, to grow wealth their way.

Syfe Wealth offers personalised and custom portfolios, enabling users to fulfil their long-term financial goals. Grounded in the deep expertise of our financial research team, Syfe Wealth offers investment strategies for the most important goals in life, as well as access to Syfe’s wealth advisors and an intuitive investing experience that is low cost and hassle-free. The platform has no minimum investment amounts and maintains a low annual fee, starting at 0.35 percent per annum of the total amount invested.

For more information on Syfe, please visit: , and

#Syfe

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

Spackman Media Group Artist Son Suk-Ku’s K-Drama, MY LIBERATION NOTES, #1 In Korean TV Drama Rankings For Two Consecutive Weeks

  • MY LIBERATION NOTES, the Korean drama series starring Spackman Media Group artist Son Suk-ku, maintained its top spot in TV drama rankings in Korea for two consecutive weeks, according to Good Data TV Popularity Research
  • Son Suk-ku, who is represented by SBD Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spackman Media Group, is the most popular actor in Korea for three weeks in a row, based on Good Data TV Popularity Research
  • Son Suk-ku stars along with Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) in upcoming film THE ROUNDUP, a sequel film to the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS, which is expected to be released on May 18

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 17 May 2022 Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that the Korean drama series MY LIBERATION NOTES, headlined by Son Suk-ku of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), was ranked as the number one TV drama in Korea for two consecutive weeks as of May 16, according to Good Data TV Popularity Research.

Based on the same data by Good Data Corporation, Son Suk-ku of Spackman Media Group topped the most popular actor rankings in Korea for three weeks in a row. His co-star in MY LIBERATION NOTES, Kim Ji-won who previously starred in DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN (2016), took the second place in Korea’s actor popularity rankings for the same period.

MY LIBERATION NOTES surpassed its own highest viewership record in Korea with an audience rating of 5% as of May 15, according to Nielson Korea, an audience rating research company.

MY LIBERATION NOTES has been on the rise for five consecutive weeks, starting from the first week of its broadcasting, before taking the top spot in the TV drama rankings in Korea. The K-drama surpassed OUR BLUES to claim the first place.

Son Suk-ku’s K-drama MY LIBERATION NOTES airs every Saturday and Sunday at 22:30 on JTBC, and is also available on Netflix. MY LIBERATION NOTES tells the story of a secretive stranger (Son Suk-ku) and three siblings (Kim Ji-won, Lee Min-ki and Lee El), who long to escape from their dead-end lives. The Korean drama is produced by Chorokbaem Media and JTBC Studios.

Alongside Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) of Marvel Studios’ ETERNALS (2021), Son Suk-ku stars in THE ROUNDUP, a sequel to the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS, which is scheduled to premiere on May 18. THE ROUNDUP was pre-sold to 132 countries around the world, including Singapore, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and France, as well as the regions of North America and Eastern Europe. Previously, the Group’s subsidiary, Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd., co-presented and distributed the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS. THE OUTLAWS broke the all-time highest Video On Demand sales record in Korea in 2018.

Son Suk-ku of SBD Entertainment also starred in the romance comedy film, NOTHING SERIOUS (2021), which reached #1 at the box office in Korea last year, and K-dramas, Netflix’s D.P. (2021), DESIGNATED SURVIVOR: 60 DAYS (2019) and MATRIMONIAL CHAOS (2018). He also starred in the American Netflix drama series SENSE8, which was written and produced by the Wachowski sisters.

Other than Son Suk-ku, SBD Entertainment also represents one of Korea’s rapidly rising young actors, Han Ji-hyun of popular K-drama THE PENTHOUSE 3, who won the Best Rookie Female Actor in the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards in Korea and endorsed luxury brand Gucci in April 2021.

About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited

Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea.

The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology investor Charles Spackman who served as the Company’s Executive Chairman until 2017. For the past two decades, Mr. Charles Spackman has been a powerhouse in the Korean entertainment industry starting in the early 2000’s with the pioneering success of Sidus Pictures, the largest movie production company at the time and the first to be listed in Korea. Mr. Spackman is also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm, Spackman Group. For more information, please visit and .

Since its founding, SEGL had produced more than 30 major motion pictures including a number of the highest grossing and award-winning films in Korea, namely #ALIVE (2020), CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), SNOWPIERCER (2013), COLD EYES (2013) and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012).

Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. Generally, we release our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.

The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.

Production Labels

SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 79 films (58 Korean and 21 foreign) including ROSE OF BETRAYAL, THE OUTLAWS and SECRETLY, GREATLY, which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS, as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY. In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE, a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD“) sales records in Korea. For more information, please visit

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films“) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Take Pictures Pte. Ltd. (“Take Pictures“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021), and shall release THE GUEST in the second half of 2022 and A MAN OF REASON, with the previous working title GUARDIAN in 2022 tentatively.

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content“) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.

The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.

Talent Representation

The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee), SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-hyun, Lee Cho-hee, Park Keun-rok), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Hye-ri, Kim Ji-young, Wang Ji-won), Play Content Co., Ltd. (Kang Min-ji, Hwang-hwi) and Kook Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Baek Si-won, Shin Ji-woong). Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company. For more information, please visit

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.

Strategic Businesses

The Company also operates a café-restaurant, Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.

For more details, please visit

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Bank of Laos Blames Currency Manipulation for Crisis

Lao kip
Lao kip

The Bank of the Lao PDR has called out currency manipulators and blamed the importation of unnecessary luxury items as reasons for the current financial crisis.