The Mister Model International Laos 2021 public relations team has released teaser photos of the national costume design to be worn by Mr. Viengkham Chanthavongsa as he competes in the international Mister Model international Pageant 2021 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in October.
PolyU signs MoU with three strategic partners in support of “GBA PolyVentures 2025”
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 September 2021 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with three strategic partners to further propel the “GBA PolyVentures 2025” blueprint laid down by the University to leverage PolyU’s experience in innovation and entrepreneurship education to provide the necessary support for nurturing deep tech ventures and accelerating their growth. The collaboration also aims to translate research excellence into societal impact to contribute to the development of innovation and technology in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The MoU were signed between PolyU and its strategic partners, namely Everbright Limited, StartupHK Fund and Hai Robotics.
In his welcoming remarks at the signing ceremony, Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-chang, PolyU’s Deputy Council Chairman, said, “The signing of the MoU between PolyU and its strategic partners echoes with the needs of our Nation and leverages the strengths of PolyU and other parties in working together for the development of innovation and technology in the GBA. Hai Robotics, one of our strategic partners today, was nurtured under PolyU’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and has recently become a unicorn.”
Hai Robotics is a start-up that provides autonomous case-handling robotic systems. It was founded in 2016 by 2012 graduate Mr Richie Chen and 2014 graduate Mr Bing Fang of PolyU’s Department of Electronic and Information Engineering. The start-up witnessed rapid growth by making use of the manufacturing advantages of the GBA and benefitting from the enormous opportunities of the Mainland China market. Hai Robotics announced last week that it has completed two rounds of financing garnering US$200 million in total, and its valuation has exceeded US$1 billion.
The Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, Mr Alfred Sit, commended the GBA PolyVentures 2025. He said that the National 14th Five-year Plan indicates clear support for Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub and integration into the overall development of the country. The deepening collaboration with the Mainland, active participation in the development of the GBA and the integration into the nation’s development are pivotal to the future innovation and technology development in Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government has all along attached great importance to university-industry-research collaboration. It is hoped that the synergies generated can enhance the innovation power in Hong Kong, drive the innovation and technology development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and contribute to national innovation and achieve high-quality technological self-reliance.
PolyU’s President, Professor Jin-Guang Teng, said, “In order to further promote the development of research and entrepreneurship in the GBA and to nurture future research talents to address the market needs, PolyU continues to collaborate closely with industry partners through ‘GBA PolyVentures 2025’, providing comprehensive support for start-ups in different stages from education and incubation, to accelerating and strengthening their development. The goal is to distil more than 300 seed stage innovation start-ups into at least 20 deep tech ventures each year and to nurture 25 impactful scale-ups in the GBA in the next few years through collaboration with strategic partners and various supporting initiatives.”
According to the MoU, PolyU and Hai Robotics will explore establishing a joint innovation centre to promote PolyU’s education in innovation and entrepreneurship, nurture talents in “New Engineering”, and conduct applied research in robotics-related topics. PolyU and Everbright Limited will invest resources to help start-ups develop through collaboration between technology and industry, provide support to promising research projects, and roll out an internship programme for nurturing innovation talents. PolyU and StartupHK Fund will co-invest in PolyU’s start-ups and help them enter the GBA market as well as launch initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurship education.
PolyU is also committed to providing high-quality education that keeps pace with the times and meets societal needs. The University will implement departmental scheme-based admissions from the 2022/23 academic year onwards, introducing two new elements of “Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis” and “Innovation and Entrepreneurship”. In addition, PolyU established the College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators and Residential College to encourage undergraduate students to conduct scientific research under the guidance of PolyU’s professors. These initiatives are all designed to inspire students’ scientific curiosity and enhance their innovation capabilities.
PolyU places high importance on nurturing technology ventures. PolyU recently signed an MoU with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to kick off pre-incubation at university through the PolyU Micro Fund Scheme 2.0, which provides six months of entrepreneurship training to help entrepreneurial projects enter HKSTP’s start-up incubation programme directly.
In addition, PolyU has launched two key programmes that leverage on the unique advantages of the technology and innovation ecosystem in the GBA. The first is PolyU’s GBA Startup Postdoc Programme targeted at PhD graduates who are determined to start their own businesses. Under dual academic and industrial mentorship, participants can simultaneously continue with their research and start their own business for commercialisation of their research outputs. Since the launch of the programme over a year ago, six PhD students have won nine awards in total. Six start-ups have been established to receive post-incubation support; some of them have even received angel investment. PolyU will extend the programme to both Shenzhen and Hong Kong to attract more technology and innovation talents to develop in the GBA.
The second key programme is the GBA Maker Programme for hardware start-ups. PolyU makes full use of its unique advantages and facilities in manufacturing engineering, such as PolyU’s Industrial Centre, to combine Hong Kong’s edge in innovation technology and the manufacturing capabilities of the GBA to nurture top-notch hardware start-ups.
Through “GBA PolyVentures 2025”, PolyU aims to systematically accelerate the growth of start-ups through education and incubation and ultimately contribute to the development of innovation and technology in the GBA by deepening the collaboration with strategic partners and leveraging their resources, experience and network, with the support of PolyU’s new “Entrepreneurship Investment Fund”.
Laos Extends Covid-19 Restriction Measures for 11th Time
The Government of Laos has announced an extension of Covid-19 restriction measures for a further two weeks.
Tan Chong Motor Lao Soon To Introduce Exciting Vehicles Into Laos
Tan Chong Motor (Lao) Co. Ltd. (“TCML”), Sole and Exclusive Distributor of Nissan vehicles in Laos P.D.R. and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (Malaysia), has brought many exciting choices of vehicles since it set foot in Laos more than 7-years ago.
When Red Meets Purple: Samsonite Red Launches “BTS x Samsonite Red” Collection
Collection features 11 products that reflects the retro pop mood of BTS’s “Dynamite” Concept
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 September 2021 – Samsonite RED, the global contemporary business casual bag brand launches ‘BTS X Samsonite Red’ collection, combining the musical theme of BTS’ song ‘Dynamite’ and the ‘From Red to Purple’ campaign together.
Inspired by their hit song ‘Dynamite’, this collection features a total of 11 products including suitcases, backpacks, crossbody bags and travel accessories, reflecting the retro pop music theme showcased from the song and music video. ‘Dynamite’, BTS’ first No.1 song on Billboard ‘Hot 100’ songs chart, received worldwide attention by delivering a message of hope to global fans in the pandemic with energetic rhythm and lively performance. The song also made it on the list of the ‘500 Greatest Songs of All Time’ by prestigious U.S. magazine Rolling Stone.
As purple become the symbolic color of BTS, the BTS X Samsonite Red collection also features the alike Sheer Violet as key theme color. The luggage, which are launched in 18-inch and 22-inch sizes respectively, come with a sliver plate in the front and are engraved with both the ‘Dynamite’ logo and silhouettes of the seven members dancing. Each suitcase comes equipped with graphic-inspired luggage stickers featuring lyrics of ‘Dynamite’ such as ‘Tonight’, ‘Ping Pong’, and ‘Stars’, allowing fans to customize the cover of the luggage. The interior features a pastel-toned sky-blue color that echoes with the ‘Dynamite’ artwork.
The collection also features a mini carry-on bag that can either be hand-carried or attached to the carry handle of luggage, and a mini case that can be hooked onto a bag or luggage. The mini carry-on bag comes with a strap embroidered with ‘Dynamite’ logo and can be transformed into a crossbody bag. The spacious storage makes it an ideal companion for occasions such as short-haul trips and camping!
Available in limited quantities only in Korea, the more special backpacks and crossbody bags are embroidered with ‘Dynamite’-inspired artwork. The backpack consists of a dedicated laptop compartment that fits 15.6-inch laptop model, and a smart sleeve that can fit onto the luggage trolley handle, making it more convenient. Various travel accessories such as card holders, pouches, name tags, passport covers and neck pillows that drew on the ‘Dynamic’ concept, are also launched to suit individual tastes and needs of consumers. In addition, the entire interior lining of the product (except neck pillow and name tag) is equipped with antimicrobial technology by Microban®.
Paul Melkebeke, President, Asia Pacific & Middle East, Samsonite said, “The red of Samsonite Red and the purple of BTS are the first and last colors of the rainbow. This ‘BTS X Samsonite Red’ collection consists of a wide range of products too, aiming to satisfy the tastes of the generation Z which is diverse like rainbow. In the ‘From Red to Purple’ campaign video, the light beam shows both red and purple along with disco pop background music. It represents the beautiful encounter between Samsonite Red and BTS.”
The ‘BTS X Samsonite Red’ collection will debut in Korea on Sep 30, 2021, with a special pop-up store at Hyundai Department Store’s Sinchon branch until the end of October. In addition to the pop-up store, the collection can be purchased at the official online mall and Hyundai H-Mall on the same day and can also be purchased at the Samsonite Red stores from October 8 (Fri).
The collection will be launching officially in November in Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.
About Samsonite Red
Samsonite Red was launched in 2010 targeting young consumers of Millennials and Generation Z. With a variety of product offerings for men’s, women’s and unisex, from backpacks to cross-body bags, tote bags, and suitcases, it has established itself as an urban casual brand for college students and young professionals, by providing bags and luggage with stylish design and excellent quality that can be used in both daily life and business activities. With its popularity, Samsonite Red has successfully established strong presence in more than 20 countries around the world and is continuously growing.
#SamsoniteRed
MBH Corporation PLC builds significantly on 2020 with growth in revenue of 81% in first half of 2021
- Revenues up by 81% to £49.6 million in first half of 2021
- EBIT increase by 271% to £3.0 million vs first half of 2020
- MBH Corporation now comprises 25 companies across 8 verticals
LONDON, UK – EQS Newswire – 30 September 2021 – (OTCQX:MBHCF)(FRA:M8H) The Directors of MBH Corporation PLC (“MBH”), a diversified investment holding company, are pleased to release the results for the half year ended 30 June 2021, highlighting the continued success of the Company’s growth and diversification strategy.
For the half-year period, the Company achieved revenue growth of 81% to £49.6 million (1H 2020: £27.4million) and a net profit after tax of £1.9 million. Earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) increased by 271% to £3.0 million (1H 2020: £0.8 million). The financial figures include the results of 4 companies acquired in 1H 2021, 3k Engineering, Boulder Sausage, 4X Taxis and Intercity Taxis.
Callum Laing, CEO, MBH Corporation PLC: “We are pleased to deliver this strong half-year report and solid growth in both revenue and EBIT. Although various pandemic related lockdowns and restrictions are still in place for the Group’s Antipodean and Asian companies, it is worth noting that more than 60% of the revenue and 90% of the EBIT of the Group occurred from April onwards. A telling example of the power of the Group to generate revenue and profits as we slowly emerge from the global pandemic situation”
Solid financial position
The balance sheet of the Group remains strong with a net asset position of £62.7 million as of 30 June 2021. By comparison, as of 31 December 2020 the net asset position was £59.8 million. The net cash position (which includes bank overdrafts) for the first 6 months of 2021 was £6.3 million, an increase of £0.5 million from 31 December 2020. Cash generated from operating activities for 1H2021 was £3.8 million. The total number of shares outstanding as at 30 June 2021 was 73,681,548.
Callum Laing adds: “Year to date we have announced 5 further acquisitions for the Group: 3Ks Engineering, Boulder Sausage, 4X Limited Taxis, InterCity Taxis and VistaCare. We are cautiously optimistic that our businesses have regained some momentum and believe that despite ongoing challenges our companies are well equipped to keep delivering services to their clients and positive results to all our shareholders”
The complete 2021 half-year report is available on the Group’s website at www.mbhcorporation.com/financial-half-year-report-2021
Webinar ‘Meet the Principals’:
Join all our Principals on 21st October 2021, 3.00pm GMT [UK], to hear how they have performed over the last six months. Please register in advance for this webinar here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/live-principals-event-tickets-175846711247
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About MBH
MBH Corporation plc (M8H:GR) is a diversified investment holding company, listed on the Frankfurt and Dusseldorf Stock Exchanges and the OTCQX in New York (MBHCF). The company acquires small to medium enterprises across multiple geographies and sectors that are well established, profitable and looking to scale. By leveraging the Agglomeration strategy, MBH Corporation plc is able to create substantial shareholder value through the consistent and accretive acquisition of excellent companies.
#MBH
UD Trucks kicks off global launch of new Euro 5 truck range
Drive for better with the new Euro 5 Quester and Croner trucks, with feature enhancements that boost profitability by doing more with less to overcome critical resource constraints.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 30 September 2021 – UD Trucks today unveiled a new Euro 5 range for the well-established Quester (heavy-duty) and Croner (medium-duty) trucks. The upgrade also boasts enhanced features that will improve uptime, enhance efficiency, and optimize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), all while lowering the vehicle’s environmental impact and retaining benefits from previous models.
The new Euro 5 range will be introduced in fast-growing and emerging regions around the world that are moving to adopt more stringent international emission standards in a bid to cut pollution and improve air quality. In most markets, UD Trucks’ new Euro 5 range will be introduced ahead of these regulations to better prepare businesses for the switch to a cleaner fleet.
This latest launch bolsters UD Trucks’ Better Life purpose – to be better for logistics, the planet, people, and business. Better Life drives the integration of sustainability across all of the company’s operations and processes to realize lower environmental impact, higher customer satisfaction, higher profitability, and a better place for people to work and live.
Jacques Michel, UD Trucks International Sales, Senior Vice President, said “In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever. COVID-19 is also placing more emphasis on a more sustainable approach to driving a post-pandemic recovery. Modern and efficient logistics is vital to keep the world moving in these fast-evolving times, and our latest launch will ensure greater resilience for businesses while ensuring environmental impacts are minimized.”
Ensuring businesses stay competitive in a rapidly changing world with Euro 5
Air pollution is one of the largest health threats facing the world today[1]. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) global energy review 2021[2], global energy carbon emissions are projected to rebound in the post-COVID era to grow by 4.8%. This would represent the largest single increase in over a decade. Emissions from transportation alone are at risk of increasing global emission levels by over 1.5%.
Moving towards cleaner fleets is imperative. Euro 5 reduces NOx emissions by about 43% compared to Euro 4 and significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the vehicle through cleaner emissions.
As the first truck manufacturer to introduce Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology in 2004, UD Trucks’ new Euro 5 range features SCR technology to significantly boost environmental protection and fuel economy. With these benefits, SCR technology is proven to be more reliable when compared to other emission control technologies for reducing NOx emissions.
Themes |
Benefits of SCR Technology |
Better efficiency and optimized TCO |
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Better uptime |
*AdBlue is available at all authorized UD Trucks dealerships. AdBlue may also be available at fuel stations, workshops and online |
Better for the environment |
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Aside from featuring a Euro 5 system with SCR technology, the new range of Quester and Croner also features a new instrument cluster with real-time fuel coaching. This enhancement provides drivers with immediate and specific feedback on driving techniques that are more fuel efficient.
New instrument cluster with real-time fuel coaching
Quester has evolved with the times
Quester, a heavy-duty truck that combines excellent fuel efficiency with durability, has evolved further to meet today’s transport and environmental challenges. The latest Euro 5 upgrade and new instrument cluster add to Quester’s other standout features:
- Smart: Connected and business-ready with innovative UD Telematics – a high-tech wireless communications system – allows transportation companies to maximize efficiency with real-time vehicle tracking and geofencing.
- Sustainable: Increased fuel efficiency with numerous features including ESCOT automated manual transmission. Combined with lighter tare weight and optimized driveline, fuel economy can improve by up to 10% compared to the previous Quester model.
- Safe: Quester with ESCOT takes away the drivers’ need to shift an average of 1,000-1,500 times a day by automatically selecting the right gear at any given time. This leads to less stress and improves safety by allowing the driver to focus more on the road.
Croner, ahead of its time
A reliable and versatile medium-duty truck, Croner has been designed to make every moment count. The latest Euro 5 upgrade and new instrument cluster add to Croner’s other tried-and-tested features:
- Wide and customizable model offering – Croner can be configured to suit specific applications and optimized for better productivity.
- Fuel efficiency – Aerodynamic cab design reduces the drag coefficient by 5% compared to previous models.
- Drivability – Allison automatic transmission and superior ergonomics provide more comfort for the driver, resulting in less fatigue and higher productivity.
- More space, comfort, convenience – Croner’s cabin has been designed to put driver comfort first. It also comes with numerous active and passive safety features to protect the driver, cargo, and surrounding traffic.
Michel concludes, “For 86 years, we have grown UD Trucks to be a truck brand of choice for our customers. We are committed to continuing our endless pursuit of bettering lives in the spirit of our ‘Gemba’ philosophy, leveraging smart and sustainable logistics solutions to provide ultimate dependability for our customers, business partners, colleagues and society at large.”
The new Euro 5 range of heavy-duty Quester and medium-duty Croner will be rolled out in key growth markets – across Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America – from October 2021 onwards.
For more information on the new Euro 5 range, visit https://www.udtrucks.com and watch the digital reveal film at https://www.udtrucksdriveforbetter.com.
Join the conversation on social media at https://www.facebook.com/UDTrucksJP and https://www.linkedin.com/company/ud-trucks-corporation.
[1] United Nations Economic Commission for Europe: Air pollution and health https://unece.org/air-pollution-and-health
[2] International Energy Agency (IEA) Global Energy Review 2021: https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2021/co2-emissions
[3] Automotive Fleet: Asset & Driver Strategies to Reduce Fuel Spend https://www.automotive-fleet.com/10139856/asset-driver-strategies-to-reduce-fuel-spend
About UD Trucks
UD Trucks is a leading Japanese commercial vehicle solutions provider, active in more than 60 countries on all continents. Since its inception in 1935, the company has been an innovation leader with a clear vision to provide the trucks and services the world needs today.
The company is committed to go the extra mile for smart logistics with the most dependable solutions for demanding customers. To best support across applications and geographies, UD Trucks offers a full range of heavy duty trucks – Quon and Quester, medium duty trucks – Condor and Croner, and light duty trucks – Kazet and Kuzer, as well as associated operational and financial services.
For more information from the UD Trucks, please visit http://www.udtrucks.com/en-int/home
#UDTrucks
Hairy Crab Season Has Arrived and Brilliant Fresh Direct Launched Hairy Crab Packages Hairy Crab Lovers
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 September 2021 – Autumn days may be too long for hairy crab lovers, for they have longed for the seasonal delicacy day and night. To meet the desire of hairy crab lovers for the first time, Brilliant Fresh Direct launched a series of high-quality hairy crab packages, and they are packed in an initiative plastic box, you can taste the seasonal delicacy and have a good time.
Hairy Crab Packages are Available on September 30
Autumn is the best season for hairy crabs. On September 30 this year, the high-quality hairy crabs of Brilliant Fresh Direct will be put on sale at affordable prices, so that you can purchase more hairy crabs and taste different cuisines every day. Each hairy crab weighs about 131 grams, 150 grams, or 187 grams, and they are as stupendously fatty and tasty as they were supposed to be for they are picked by experienced workers. You can choose the package you like and satisfy your culinary desire.
Instant Delivery of High-Quality Hairy Crabs
As a wonderful delicacy of low-calorie, high-protein, and without additives, hairy crabs are loved by many Hong Kong citizens. Even the elderly and those who want to keep in shape can taste them in proper quantities. Thus, hairy crabs have become a wonderful choice for dinner and gifts. However, long-distance transportation is the test for the survival of hairy crabs. To improve the survival rate of hairy crabs, Brilliant Fresh Direct pick fat and strong crabs for transportation and packed them in an initiative plastic box. The carefully designed plastic box with air holes not only makes crabs be in proper temperature and humidity but also makes crabs breathe enough fresh air so that they can keep the best state for a longer period and are sent alive to you.
Way to Purchase
If you want to buy the tasty hairy crabs with richly fragrant roe and succulent golden fat, you can order them on the website or buy them at the store. Brilliant Fresh Direct supports various electronic payment methods, including Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Discover credit card, credit card, Payme, and Apple Pay. Delivery is free if you purchase 6 hairy crabs or more, and attached tools, vinegar, perilla leaves, and ginger tea for free. Brilliant Fresh Direct supports both delivery and self-pickup, providing a convenient shopping experience.
Website: https://bfresh.com.hk/%e5%a4%a7%e9%96%98%e8%9f%b9/
Address: Brilliant Direct, Part A, Shop 01D, G/F, Upper East, 23 Sung On Street, Hung Hom
About Brilliant Fresh Direct
Brilliant Fresh Direct is an
online food store in Hong Kong, providing high-quality meat, seafood, frozen food, delicious fast food, fresh vegetables and fruits, and other foods, with a complete range to meet different tastes.
https://bfresh.com.hk/
#BrilliantFreshDirect