Some 2,330 cows and buffalo have been infected with lumpy skin disease across 128 villages in Vientiane Capital.
Alvotech Bondholders Convert More Than $100m at Pre-Money Valuation of $2.7bn
Funds provide additional resources and runway for advancing the company’s biosimilar pipeline
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 June 2021 – Alvotech Holdings SA today announced that it has entered into an amendment and restatement agreement with bondholders of its $300m covertible bond issued on December 14, 2018. Bondholders have exercised their conversion rights on approximately one quarter of the value of the bond, converting $106m of principal and accrued interest into equity at an exercise price that gives the company a pre-money valuation of $2.7bn.
The company and bondholders also agreed to improve terms on the remaining bond and extend its maturity to 2025, thereby decreasing the company’s cost of capital and freeing resources to apply to the execution of its business strategy. Further terms were amended to add additional capital to the company.
Robert Wessman, Chairman of Alvotech commented: “With this transaction our stakeholders have reiterated their longstanding confidence in and commitment to our mission: to increase access to the highest quality biologics medicines for patients around the world.”
In November of 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency accepted Alvotech’s regulatory submissions for AVT02, a candidate interchangeable biosimilar to AbbVie’s Humira®,. A decision from the FDA regarding the company’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for AVT02 is expected in September of 2021 and an EMA decision for the AVT02 European Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2021.
In May 2021, Alvotech USA Inc. filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Virginia seeking to invalidate four of AbbVie’s key patents. The lawsuit also argues that AbbVie’s patent strategy, which has been under recent Congressional scrutiny, renders its Humira® patents unenforceable. Further, the lawsuit points out that AbbVie has failed to sue Alvotech’s US affiliate (the actual BLA applicant) at all. At stake are billions of dollars of cost to the US healthcare system, negatively impacting consumers and taxpayers.
In June of 2021, Alvotech’s switching study for AVT02 reached primary completion. Alvotech is the only known company that has both developed a biosimilar candidate for the high-concentration Humira® and is executing a switching study to support approval as an interchangeable product. Top-line results from the switching study are expected later this year.
About Alvotech:
Alvotech is a multinational biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and manufacture of high quality biosimilars for global markets. We are specialists in biotechnology, seeking to be a global leader in the biosimilar space by delivering high quality, cost-competitive products and services to our partners and to patients worldwide. Our fully integrated approach, with high-quality in-house competencies throughout the value chain, enables the accelerated development of biosimilar products. Alvotech’s shareholder base includes, among others, Aztiq Pharma, led by founder and Chairman Mr. Robert Wessman, Fuji Pharma from Japan, YAS Holdings form Abu Dhabi, Shinhan from Korea, Baxter Healthcare SA from the US, ATHOS (Strüngmann Family Office) from Germany and CVC Capital Partners and Temasek from Singapore through their participation in Alvogen.
Alvotech’s initial pipeline contains several monoclonal-antibody and fusion-protein biosimilar candidates aimed at treating autoimmunity, oncology and inflammatory conditions to improve quality of life for patients around the world. For more information, please visit our website, www.alvotech.com or follow us on LinkedIn,
Twitter and
Facebook.
Forward Looking Statement
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on our expectations regarding future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures, competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Statements in this press release about our future plans and intentions, results, level of activities, performance, goals or achievements or other future events constitute forward looking statements. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any of the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements could prove inaccurate or incorrect and therefore any results contemplated in forward-looking statements may not actually be achieved. Nothing contained in this press release of them should be construed as a profit forecast or profit estimate. Wherever possible, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “may”, “could”, “will”, “potential”, “intend”, “estimate”, “should”, “plan”, “predict”, or the negative or other variations of statements reflect management’s current beliefs and assumptions and are based on the information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
#Alvotech
HONMA Golf Announces FY2020/21 Annual Results
China, South Korea and Non-club categories recorded significant growth despite impact of COVID-19 pandemic Declares final dividend of JPY1.70 per share
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 June 2021 – HONMA Golf Limited (“HONMA” or the “Company”; together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; HKEx stock code: 6858), one of the most prestigious and iconic brands in the golf industry, is pleased to announce its consolidated results for the year ended 31 March 2021 (the “Period”).
Compelling improvement in key financial metrics amid headwinds
During the Period, the Company delivered significant improvements in all key financial metrics on the back of a strong recovery of its business performance, in spite of continued negative impacts of the global health crisis on both the golf industry and its business operations.
The Company recorded a full year revenue of JPY22,735.1 million (equivalent to USD 208.2 million) which on a constant currency basis, slightly fell below last year by 4.9%. It is worth noting that while the Company’s revenue showed decline in markets laden by the pandemic, revenue from China, South Korea and Rest of the World[1]rose robustly by 98.2%, 14.2% and 13.4% respectively on a constant currency basis, following unprecedented increase in golf participation and purchase interest. During the same period, the Company’s growth strategies for its non-club business also started to reap rewards. Revenue from golf balls and apparels rose by 20.2% and 35.3% respectively, on a constant currency basis for the Period. Meanwhile, the Company’s full year profit before tax increased to JPY2,420.3 million (equivalent to USD 22.2 million), representing a significant rebound from the previous year. Gross profit margin remained stable at 50.3% for the Period. Operating cash flow remained strong and grew by 612.9% to JPY3,982.8 million (equivalent to USD 36.5 million) for the Period.
The Board proposed a final dividend of JPY 1.7 per share, together with the interim dividend of JPY 1.5 per share. Total dividends for the financial year will amount to JPY 3.2 per share, with a total dividend payout ratio of 14.5%.
Mr. LIU Jianguo, Chairman of the Board, President and Executive Director of HONMA Golf Limited, said, “The outbreak of COVID-19 and resultant government social distancing measures created significant operational challenges and slowed the retail environment, at a time when HONMA was launching two of its latest new club products. The majority of the Group’s retail stores experienced business interruptions for a significant part of the Period. However, the global golf industry has seen continued growth following the easing of pandemic control measures, with purchase interest and participation increasing. As such, the Company saw strong business recovery in the second half of the Period and delivered significant sales growth as compared to the first half. The management of HONMA are positive about the future growth in the post-COVID era as we continue to forge ahead with our growth strategies.”
China and South Korea markets recorded vibrant growth
Geographically, revenue from China (including Hong Kong and Macau) increased significantly by 98.2% to JPY 5,512.0 million year-on-year, on the back of a rapid recovery from the pandemic and the successful activation of products launched before the outbreak. Of note, China’s effective control of the pandemic and its strong recovery laid a solid foundation for the Company’s business growth in this market, with the new trend of healthy lifestyle among the general public helping to boost consumer demands for golf equipment and sportswear.
Another important market, South Korea saw 14.2% revenue growth to JPY 6,383.4 million for the Period, representing the eighth consecutive year of achieving double-digit growth. The Company continued to increase its market share through activation of superior product offerings and intensive TV and social media campaigns to drive HONMA brand and product awareness and improve sales conversion. The Company also continued to invest into its local presence to lead and drive direct-to-consumer distribution model for its golf ball and apparel businesses.
Other regions saw decreases due to extended and, in some parts, worsening impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Revenue from Japan, North America and Europe declined by 39.7%, 25.8% and 25.0% respectively, on a constant currency basis.
Successful product strategy drove financial growth of both golf club and non-club segments
During the Period, the Company further realized its product portfolio optimization with favorable revenue growth from golf balls, apparel and accessories, in line with expectation, benefiting from continued market penetration in Japan, South Korea and China, and the investment in non-club business segments since 2019. In the recent years, the Company also accelerated growth in golf ball sales and relaunching its apparel business to create a comprehensive range of golf products in the super-premium and premium-performance segments.
Revenue from golf ball sales increased by 20.6% to JPY 2,659.2 million during the Period. On the back of continued mid-double-digit growth in revenue from golf ball sales over recent years, the Company further prioritized its product development resources and launched golf balls under its own patent in order to meet the HONMA brand positioning and the play preferences and performance demands of its club users.
Apparel sales, including those from the 2020 Fall Winter collections and the 2021 Spring Summer collections, grew by 35.3% to JPY 1,727.0 million during the Period. In January 2019, HONMA re-launched its apparel collection in its Asia home markets. The apparel collection consists of three lines catering to the distinctive requirements of golfers in Japan, China and South Korea, both on-course and off-course.
Meanwhile, HONMA continued to focus on club products that best represent Japanese traditional craftsmanship and innovative technology to cater to players in the super-premium and premium-performance segments. GS series, the second performance enhancement series launched in January 2021, has been included into the TOUR WORLD club family, in order to fully capture its growth potential in the premium-performance segment which is by far the fastest-growing segment in most major golf markets. Driven by the new product offerings, golf club sales grew by 30.1% from China, South Korea and the Rest of the World[2] combined, with club sales in Mainland China alone increasing by 125.6% on a constant currency basis for the Period, reconfirming HONMA’s strong brand equity and its ability to withstand economic challenges since entering the golf business in 1959. The other markets for golf club sales exhibited negative developments, corresponding to the pace at which local governments responded to the pandemic.
Successful direct-to-consumer distribution model supported by surging e-commerce traffic and sales conversion
Despite challenges faced by the global retail businesses, revenue from HONMA’s 80 self-operated stores expanded resiliently by 12.2% for the Period to JPY 5,972.6 million (equivalent to USD 54.7 million). Significant disruptions were experienced in the Company’s retail operations in Japan, China and other parts of the world, but sales from self-operated stores remained strong primarily due to increased sales per store and continued retail operation optimization. In particular, e-commerce sales saw a robust increase of 262% during the Period.
However, revenue from third-party retailers and wholesalers decreased by 9.8% as the Company’s retail partners endeavored to reduce inventory following extended and lingered business closure. In North America, the Company slowed down the roll-out of third-party shop-in-shops while maintaining its mobile van team and coverage in order to bring HONMA fitting experience to the target golfer’s home course.
The Company has seen positive returns over recent years on the back of continued investments into its e-commerce presence to create another important brand touchpoint for consumers researching and searching for HONMA products, local retailers or fitting experience. Thanks to such development the Company was able to react quickly to the change in consumer behavior towards online shopping propelled by the home-shelter regulations during the pandemic. Sales from the brand’s flagship stores on Tmall and JD, the largest e-commerce platforms in China, more than quadrupled following a complete upgrade of its visuals and intensified content marketing efforts. In Japan and North America, revenue from the Company’s self-operated e-commerce sites both more than doubled during the Period. HONMA also enhanced its customer relationship management (CRM) system to improve customer relationship and interactions and further support its loyalty program by adding consumer-facing custom tools, to provide the ultimate 360-degree brand experience, to strengthen HONMA’s direct to consumer communication and to increase sales both online and offline.
Re-defining the HONMA brand
The Company made continued improvement in communication and engagement with its existing and potential consumers in the super premium and premium performance segments, with a view to re-defining HONMA brand as a premium, dynamic, modern and global brand through the 360-degree HONMA experience in elevated retail stores, dedicated customer events and up-to-date digital contents. HONMA also proactively engages with young millennial golfers by adding six young, up and coming female pro players to Team HONMA in Japan, and collaborating with local pros, golf instructors and social media influencers in multiple markets.
Furthermore, various digital marketing efforts have been implemented to drive website traffic and target potential shoppers through re-targeting efforts in social media and search engine marketing, with an aim to create a consistent and vibrant communication platform and brand image across all markets, and further drive the rapid expansion of digital communications, which has generated month-on-month double-digit growth in organic traffic.
Outlook
With the global easing of COVID-19 related restrictions, the golf industry has seen encouraging signs of recovery and a continued increase in purchase interest and participation worldwide. The Company has also observed pent-up demand to play golf, a visible increase in new and returning golfers and an uptick in new orders from both end consumers and retailers, and fully expects the golf industry to gradually settle into to the new normal.
Moving forward, the Company will continue to execute its long-term growth strategy to build a world-leading golf lifestyle company by leveraging HONMA’s brand legacy, expanding distribution network and innovative technologies and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. In the face of continued uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company will continue to take active actions to reduce cost, maximize liquidity and protect its employees’ health.
The Company will also continue to improve and transform HONMA brand value into customer loyalty, with the brand experience stores in Japan, China, South Korea, the US and Europe forming the centerpiece of HONMA’s new consumer touchpoints and acting as the hub to generate traffic to HONMA’s extensive shop-in-shop at third-party retailers, golf courses and its online e-commerce platforms. The Group will further increase market share in its home markets, namely Japan, South Korea and China by maintaining its leading position in the super-premium segment while making solid inroads into the fast-growing premium-performance segment, and at the same time, strive to pivot growth in North America based on updated products and direct to consumer (DTC) distribution strategy. In terms of products, the Group will continue to nurture complementary non-club product lines to provide customers with a complete golf lifestyle experience, as well as to push forward product innovation and development to cater to the latest market trends.
Mr. LIU Jianguo, added, “As the Company welcomes its 63rd anniversary this year, we are pleased to deliver another year of robust results, despite the disruption of the pandemic. Riding on the foundations of a gradual recovery under the post-pandemic era, the Company will monitor the external developments and challenges, continue to review our existing business strategies and take necessary actions to mitigate business risks while safeguarding the health and safety of our employees and teams. Meanwhile, the Company will continue to promote sustainable development and strive to create long-term value for its shareholders.”
[1] “Rest of the World” refers to the markets HONMA operates in, excluding Japan, South Korea, Mainland China and Hong Kong, North America and Europe
[2] “Rest of the world” refers to the markets HONMA operates in, excluding Japan, South Korea, Mainland China and Hong Kong, North America and Europe
About HONMA Golf Limited
HONMA is one of the most prestigious and iconic brands in the golf industry. Founded in 1959, the Company utilizes the latest innovative technologies and traditional Japanese craftsmanship to provide golfers across the globe with premium, high-tech and the best performing golf clubs, balls, apparels and accessories. HONMA’s products are sold in approximately 50 countries worldwide, primarily in Asia and across North America, Europe and other regions. The Company was successfully listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 6 October 2016 (SEHK stock code: 6858). As the only vertically integrated golf company with in-house design, development and manufacturing capabilities, a strong retail footprint in Asia and a diverse range of golf clubs and golf-related products, HONMA is perfectly positioned to continually grow its business in Asia and beyond, benefitting from the return of golfers in mature golf markets such as the US and Japan and from increased participation in golf’s new and under-penetrated markets such as Korea and China.
#HONMAGolf
The LU+ Business Center Opening Ceremony and Charity Event LET’S REACH FOR THE SKY
Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club performance, charity rope skipping marathon and charity bazaar, with over 300 participants. More than one hundred thousand Hong Kong Dollars have been raised from the event which will be used to support employment programs for the underprivileged.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 June 2021 – The LU+ Business Opening Ceremony and Charity Event held by Safety Godown Company Limited (00237.HK) at the LU Plaza was held successfully on June 25. During the event, the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club was invited to perform different rope-skipping freestyles. The public were also invited to join the “Charity Rope Skipping Marathon” and the charity bazaar. More than 300 people joined this event and skipped more than 19000 times, which help Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service raised more than one hundred thousand Hong Kong Dollars.
Mr. Raymond Chiu (Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, Chief Executive) presenting award to Mr. Wayne Lu (Safety Godown Group – Executive Director)
At the opening ceremony of the Open Day, the Executive Director of Safety Godown Company Limited, Mr. Wayne Lu said, “Many people have lost their jobs during the pandemic. During this difficult time, the Lu’s Foundation would like to support Oi Kwan’s employment programs for the underprivileged.” Mr. Lu stated that the reason for choosing rope-skipping as the main theme was because it could be done in very limited space. He would like to motivate those affected by the epidemic with the indomitable spirit of athletes. Apart from this, he hoped that The LU+ Business Centre can be a platform connecting charities, business associations and private companies and create synergy and generate positive impact to the society.
Mr. Raymond Chiu, the Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, appreciated Lu’s Foundation and LU Plaza for supporting community services in the past year. He said, “At the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, the LU’s Foundation donated reusable anti-bacterial face masks, subsidized free canteen, and purchased equipment to support grass-roots students’ online learning. Furthermore, the LU Plaza also offers preferential rent to Ratoon Beauté nail parlor and the Vocational Training and Employment Support Service Center with the aim to assist unemployed individuals to start a career.”
During the event day, a star-rated rope skipping team – the Super Skipping Team of four performed Single Freestyles, Pair Freestyles and Team Freestyles in a flash mob rope skipping performance . Furthermore, the “Charity Rope Skipping Marathon” and the charity sale attracted more than three hundred visitors and tenants to join, raising more than one hundred thousand Hong Kong Dollars for the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service.
The LU+ Business Center Opening Ceremony and Charity Day :
Organizer: LU plaza, The LU+
Beneficiary Group: Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service
Performing group: Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club
Guests of Honour:
Mr. Lu Wing Yee, Wayne (Safety Godown Group – Executive Director)
Mr. Chiu Han Man, Raymond (Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, Chief Executive)
Pastor Chris Law (acting senior pastor of Tsim Sha Tsui Baptist Church)
Sun Yue, (former member of the China Women’s National Volleyball Team)
Mr. Carmelo K.S. Lee (Senior Partner of Woo Kwan Lee & Lo)
Mr. Oscar Chan (Jones Lang LaSalle Limited, Head of Capital Markets in Hong Kong)
Mr. Chung Chi Hung (Jones Lang LaSalle Limited, Executive Director, Head of Property Management)
Mr. Huang Huei Ru ( Safety Godown Group – Assistang General Manager )
For more the event photos, please click the following link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zOFAJYEZfZKMNDCdBiZjJ38vgrGJKMM2
Participating Groups
About Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service
The Baptist Convention of Hong Kong authorized the Hong Kong Baptist University (formerly known as Hong Kong Baptist College) to organize it in 1978 and was established and formally established in 1982. The organization is district-based and is committed to providing diversified services for children to the elderly, including integrated services for children, youth and families, integrated services for the elderly, integrated mental health services, training and employment services, clinical psychology and counselling services, nursery schools, and catering services And poverty alleviation projects, etc., the service areas are all over Hong Kong, Kowloon, and New Territories. The organization formally became an independent body corporate (a company limited by guarantee) in accordance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance in 2009 and was approved by the Inland Revenue Department to become a tax-exempt charitable organization in accordance with the tax regulations.
About LU Plaza
LU Plaza, owned by Safety Godown Company Limited, is located in Kowloon East which is known as Hong Kong’s second core business district (CBD2), with elegant scenery and convenient transportation. The total building area is about 440,000 square feet, and the building is 21 floors high. The parking area on the first and second floors are for private cars, trucks, and motorcycles. There are also environmentally friendly electric vehicle charging parking spaces. On the side of the basement lobby, there is also an air-conditioned VIP pick-up and drop-off area, barrier-free passages, and facilities for people in need. The ground floor lobby and the third floor are retail shops, restaurants, and Chinese restaurants.
The LU+ Business Center on the 3rd floor of LU Plaza has multi-purpose event venues, which are suitable for holding different meetings and events, including business meetings, video conferences, seminars, workshops, yoga and fitness trainings, dance classes, etc.
LU Plaza: https://www.luplaza.com.hk/
The LU+ Business Center: https://www.theluplus.com/
About The Lu’s Foundation
In 1996, the charity Lu’s Foundation Limited was founded by Mr. Lu Sin (Zhen Wan), founder of Safety Godown Company Limited, South Asia Knitting Factory Limited, and Kian Nan Trading Co Ltd, on the initiative of his friend Mr. Huang Diyan (former Vice Chairman of the Bank of China and Director of the Hong Kong Macau Regional Office). The charter was drafted by Mr. Carmelo Lee, Senior Partner of the Woo Kwan Lee&Lo, with the purpose of “helping the poor, promoting good deeds, giving love and giving back to the community”. This year, the Lu’s Foundation has entered its silver Jubilee year. Over the years, the Lu’s Foundation and Mr. Lu Sin’s companies have donated more than HK$200 million to disaster relief, the elderly and the young, education and medical assistance, including nearly 200 schools mainly located in Fujian. Contributing to the cause of charity and education in China, Hong Kong and around the world.
About Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club
Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club was established in 2009. Cooperated with more than one hundred primary and secondary schools and kindergartens to hold rope skipping courses. Through promotional activities, training classes, coaching courses, workshops, lectures, seminars, and continuing education courses, we are committed to providing high-quality rope skipping training and further popularizing rope skipping.
#SafetyGodownCompanyLimited
#安全貨倉有限公司
#振萬廣場
# LUPlaza
#TheLU+商務中心
EDL Opens Complaint Center Amid Overwhelming Public Outcry
Electricite du Laos has held an emergency meeting to discuss public complaints about high electricity bills and the disciplinary steps to be taken against negligent employees.
Testing Error Causes Inflated Covid-19 Case Numbers in Laos
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has said that due to a miscalculation of test samples, the number of total cases in Laos been recalculated.
From Creating a Zero Hunger Future, To Reimagining Health and Wellbeing with AI
Students’ Unlimited Creativity Unveiled in ‘Master Code’ Award and Kick-off Ceremonies
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 June 2021 – Since 2016, Hong Kong Education City (EdCity) and Microsoft have co-organised the annual Master Code Competition. The award ceremony of ‘Master Code 2020: Create a Zero Hunger Future with AI’ was held on June 25. The organisers have also announced that the theme of ‘Master Code 2021’ is ‘Reimagine Health and Wellbeing with AI’, aiming to enhance students’ understanding on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare and wellbeing, where students can make use of their coding skills, along with creativity to design innovative solutions ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing at all ages, so as to co-create a healthy future.
Witnessed by a bunch of guests who joined in-person and through online, Mr Victor Cheng, Executive Director of EdCity unveiled the ceremony by his opening remarks. He expressed, ‘Technology is for mankind. As the masters of our future society, students should learn how to solve problems through logical thinking and to explore possibilities in improving our lives by utilising innovative technology. The participating schools last year performed impressively and presented professional designs. We were glad to see students applying the knowledge they learned in designing creative proposals to achieve “Zero Hunger”, which illustrated their spirit of global citizenship. This year, we are very honoured to jointly organise the “Master Code 2021” Competition with Microsoft for the sixth year. The theme of the competition aims to let teachers and students enjoy coding, at the same time to raise their awareness towards both physical and mental health. Artificial intelligence can lead the society to a healthier life – as long as we use AI creatively and ingeniously, a future filled with health is only a step away.’
Ms Serena Cheung , the Director of the Public Sector Group (PSG) at Microsoft, said ‘Artificial intelligence plays an important role in driving digital transformation; therefore, it is important to equip our next generations with AI-related skills and to help them be future ready. We are honoured to co-organise the annual “Master Code 2021” Competition with EdCity. The competition allows students to apply their programming skills and creativity in designing a practical solution to social issues, so as to contribute to a better society. There are many impressive proposals with a shared goal to achieve “Zero Hunger”, and I am impressed by how they leverage digital platforms such as Minecraft and PowerApps to present their innovative ideas. I look forward to learning more innovative insights into how to “Reimagine Health and Wellbeing with AI” from the upcoming competition.’
The competition saw the enthusiastic participation of students – with 14 vivid and diverse submissions and some with a global perspective showcasing students’ broad worldview. A judging panel evaluated the submissions and selected the teams from St. Anthony’s School, Tung Chung Catholic School (Secondary Section) and Carmel Divine Grace Foundation Secondary School as the champion of the Minecraft Education Edition – Primary School and Secondary School Divisions, and AI Application Design – Secondary School Division respectively. Highlights of their works include:
Students from St. Anthony’s School built a Zero Hunger Farm in Minecraft. They utilised Face API for facial recognition to reduce food waste by calculating food portion according to the user’s age and gender. The farm is also equipped with smart food ordering machines and food storehouses. A particularly thoughtful feature is the smart protective cover automatically created by the robot Agent. The winning entry by Tung Chung Catholic School (Secondary Section) features an ‘Unlimited Design AI-assisted Farm’. Within the farm, there is an International Food Exchange, where facial recognition is used to regulate currency exchange. Together with voice recognition, it helps users from around the world to overcome language barriers and facilitate communication and fair food trade. This entry is revealing students’ world vision. With the theme ‘Bug Food Matter’, the team from Carmel Divine Grace Foundation Secondary School leverages AI Builder and machine learning to analyse pests, which allow farmers to identify pests and thus come up with a solution to get rid of them. The team also builds a chatbot through Power Virtual Agents, which responds to users’ questions and provides more information about the pests . (Details of the awardees available in the appendix)
The new edition of the competition has three divisions: Minecraft Education Edition – Primary School (P1 to P6) and Minecraft Education Edition – Secondary School (S1 to S6), and AI Application Design – Secondary School (S1 to S6). The level in all divisions is according to 2021/22 school year.
There is no limit on the number of participating teams a school can take part. Each team must be comprised of two to four students, and each student can only participate in one team in each division. Each team is required to design one or more solutions with Microsoft Azure AI to improve human health. Students can select one or more areas from the four specified areas to create their solutions. These areas are improving or monitoring users’ health condition, assisting users in maintaining positive mental wellness, promoting the development of medical technology and cultivating positive living habits. Once the specified area has been selected, each team has to illustrate the current situation and problems, then how AI can be used to solve the matters. The Minecraft Education Edition requires participants to design and present the strategies / solutions using Minecraft: Education Edition, and optionally to add Microsoft Azure AI APIs. The AI Application Design requires participants to design a prototype made with at least one Microsoft Azure AI capability embedded to demonstrate the strategies / solutions.
Master Code 2021 will be open for registration in late June, and there will be a series of activities, such as Minecraft workshop and AI Application Design workshop, for teachers and students. The registration will close on October 22, and the deadline for accepting entries is 6 pm on November 2. Finalists will be required to give a 10-minute presentation about their proposals to the judging panel in late October 2021, and the award ceremony will take place in December.
For details of Master Code 2021, please visit: https://www.edcity.hk/coding/en/
Appendix: Winners of Master Code 2020
Champions
Division |
School |
Title of Entry |
Primary School Division – Minecraft Education Edition |
St. Anthony’s School |
Zero Hunger Farm |
Project Highlights: In this Minecraft Education Edition entry, the designated zone is composed of 12 constructions. There are a few of auto-planting and auto-feeding systems, powered by the Redstone circuit and MakeCode programme, and the Minecart system and Item Sorters will distribute food to different areas. There are also facilities with Machine Learning AI elements. 1. Modernised restaurant and smart ordering machine: Powered by Redstone circuit instead of manpower, reduce risk of spreading disease. Besides, they employed the Face API of the Microsoft Cognitive Services to identify users’ age and gender, so as to calculate suitable food portions. This could reduce food wastage. 2. Smart food storage: Employed the same technology to identify users’ face ID for security purposes. 3. Smart protective cover: Employed MakeCode for programming, the robot Agent will automatically build glass curtain walls to prevent pests from reaching the farm. |
||
Secondary School Division – Minecraft Education Edition |
Tung Chung Catholic School (Secondary Section) |
Unlimited Design: AI Farm Assistant |
Project Highlights: In their Minecraft Education Edition entry, their design is separated into 4 zones, one of the zones have Machine Learning AI elements. 1. International Food Exchange: Employed the Face API of Microsoft Cognitive Services, users’ face ID can be recognised so as to change the trading currency. Users could also use Speech Synthesis of Speech Recognition to communicate with each other. 2. Smart Greenhouse Farm: Employed MakeCode for programming, vertical farms are efficiently built using mods in the Builder. They also use the robot Agent to automatically plant crops, and use the Redstone circuit for yielding. 3. Large-scale water filtration and storage system: Employed MakeCode for programming, the robot Agent demonstrated how to clean rubbishes in rivers. 4. Automatic Crop Storage: With the Redstone Circuit and Minecart system, crops are collected, stored and distributed automatically. |
||
Secondary School Division – AI Application Design |
Carmel Divine Grace Foundation Secondary School |
Bug Food Matter |
Project Highlights: Employed the Microsoft PowerApps to build applications, including 2 major functions, one of the functions includes Machine Learning AI elements 1. Use AI Builder and the Machine Learning method to analyse 3 kinds of pests: including Locust, Sciaridae and Aphid. This allows farmers to effectively identify pests and seek suitable solutions to tackle it. 2. Employed the Power Virtual Agents to build a chatbot, which responds to users’ questions with pre-set conditions, and provides related information of pests for users. |
First Runner-Up :
Division |
School |
Title of Entry |
Primary School Division – Minecraft Education Edition |
Dr. Catherine F. Woo Memorial School |
Hunger Terminator |
Project Highlights: They built a zone in Minecraft, that could tackle food shortage through Redstone circuit and AI Demonstration, the facilities include: 1. Use Face API of Microsoft Cognitive Services to distribute food. 2. Use MakeCode for programming, build greenhouse and vertical farms through Builders, efficiently increase crop yield. 3. Use MakeCode for programming, plant crops by robot Agent and reduce repetitive work of farmers. |
||
Secondary School Division – Minecraft Education Edition |
HKSYC & IA Wong Tai Shan Memorial College |
Zero Carbon Oasis |
Project Highlights: They took Dubai as their theme and build a zone in Minecraft, demonstrating how to promote tourism, at the same time achieve a sustainable self-sufficient crop yield. There are 7 major facilities in the zone, most of them employed the Redstone circuit and Command Blocks to achieve their goal. |
||
Secondary School Division – AI Application Design |
Our Lady of the Rosary College |
AI Pests Detector |
Project Highlights: Inspired by the Microsoft AI Builder in a workshop, the team designed an AI automatic pests detector. The detector will release sound that imitates ultra-sound waves when pests are detected, so as to protect the crops. This team is the only one who can provide a hardware entry. Their entry employed micro:bit and DFRobot MUSKYLENS mods, and demonstrated their idea by showing how AI recognises 3 specific photos of pests. |
Second Runner-Up :
Division |
School |
Title of Entry |
Primary School Division – Minecraft Education Edition |
SKH Kei Hin Primary School |
New Yemen |
Project Highlights: The team took Yemen as their theme and demonstrated how they assist that place to tackle food shortage in Minecraft. They build 14 facilities in Minecraft world, including: 1. Building farmland on water by the Redstone Circuit, increasing land for farming. 2. Fertilizer machine powered by Redstone Circuit, reducing repetitive work of farmers 3. Introducing the Great tit model and using the Redstone Circuit to power the Great tit to flap its wings, so as to drive out pests. |
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Secondary School Division – Minecraft Education Edition |
HKSYC & IA Wong Tai Shan Memorial College |
Self-Sufficient Village |
Project Highlights: They use an African village as their theme and build a greenhouse farm in Minecraft, with food distribution, storage centre and rain collection facilities, demonstrating how to turn the village into an oasis in the desert. There is also a 3-floor education building which teaches farming knowledge and promotes reducing wastage. |
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Secondary School Division – AI Application Design |
Bishop Hall Jubilee School |
Don’t Waste Food |
Project Highlights: The team used App Inventor 2 to design a mobile application to encourage users to reduce food wastage. There are 5 major functions of the application and 2 of them involved AI technology. 1. They use Microsoft Power Virtual Agents to build a chatbot, which provides waste reduction information and facilitates food donation. 2. They use AI Builder to identify types and amounts of food, to show users whether they are preparing too much food which may potentially lead to wastage. |
Notes to the Editors
Please download high-resolution photos here.
Photo Descriptions
Photo 1: Prize-giving guests include Mr Victor Cheng, Executive Director, Hong Kong Education City (Left 5), Ms Serena Cheung, Director, Public Sector Group (PSG), Microsoft Hong Kong (Right 5), Prof Yeung Yam, Principal Investigator, CUHK Jockey Club AI for the Future Project (Middle), Ms Law Tik, Senior Service Manager (Charity Services), St. James’ Settlement (Left 2), Ms Esther Ng, Acting Assistant Education Manager, Oxfam Hong Kong (Left 1) and representatives of supporting organisations and strategic partners shared the joy of the winning teams and witnessed the launch of ‘Master Code 2021: Reimagine Health and Wellbeing with AI’.
Photo 2: Mr Victor Cheng, Executive Director, Hong Kong Education City (Left 3), Ms Serena Cheung, Director, Public Sector Group (PSG), Microsoft Hong Kong (Left 4) and representatives of supporting organisations and strategic partners officially launched ‘Master Code 2021: Reimagine Health and Wellbeing with AI’.
Photo 3: St. Anthony’s School, the Champion of the Minecraft Education Edition – Primary School Division, builds a Zero Hunger Farm, which replaces manpower with kiosk machine in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Also, they utilised Face API for facial recognition to calculate food portion based on the user’s age and gender.
Photo 4: Tung Chung Catholic School (Secondary Section), the Champion of the Minecraft Education Edition – Secondary School Division, features an ‘ Unlimited Design: AI Farm Assistant ‘. Within the farm, there is an International Food Exchange, where facial recognition is used to regulate currency exchange. Together with voice recognition, it helps users from around the world to overcome language barriers and facilitate fair food trade.
Photo 5: Carmel Divine Grace Foundation Secondary School , the Champion of the AI Application Design – Secondary School Division, develops ‘Bug Food Matter’, which leverages machine learning to analyse pests. It allows farmers identify pests, then come up with solutions.
About Hong Kong Education City
Hong Kong Education City (EdCity) provides a one-stop professional education portal (EdCity.hk) with information, resources, interactive communities and online services. With the vision of ‘Actualising Future Ready Education’, EdCity continuously develops and introduces new services in the last 20 years, and endeavours to promote and support all schools in Hong Kong to adopt eLearning and innovative education.
#HongKongEducationCity
Proxtera joins the Ariba Network with the Vision to Help Companies Buy Smarter
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 28 June 2021 – SAP (NYSE: SAP) announced that Proxtera, an intelligent and open global network of B2B marketplaces that creates seamless buying and selling opportunities and business services for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia, is joining Ariba Network, the largest digital business network in the world. By joining Ariba Network, Proxtera will now be part of one collaborative, intelligent, global business network with access to new demand channels to grow its business in an increasingly digital and networked economy.
On its end, Proxtera is currently developing Proxtera Plus for its network of 350,000 businesses and SMEs. Proxtera Plus aims to provide a smooth search, product match and transaction experience for large buying organisations with a deep and diverse range of buyers and sellers from wholesale eCommerce platforms across Asia via Proxtera’s trade network of marketplaces, for example, Eezee, GlobalLinker, SGeBiz, and Sourcesage 99SME B2B. It also aims to help with compliance of purchases against internal corporate policies and enable quick digital approvals. Proxtera Plus is intended to make closing purchases easier, supported with secure payment rails and integrated fulfilment options.
Lim Kang Song, Proxtera Chairman, remarked, “Proxtera’s mission is to enable SMEs around the world to thrive in the new normal of the digital economy and access new trade opportunities previously thought out of reach. Proxtera aims to help SMEs as they recover from the impact of the pandemic and to bring us one step closer to an open, more collaborative future where businesses of all sizes, including SMEs, have great trade opportunities afforded to them as traditional corporate ecosystems.”
“It’s clear that no business does business alone. This is part of our broader vision to reimagine how businesses, including SMEs, can collaborate with a network of global trading partners across supply chains, economies and industries, and empower companies to move faster and smarter than ever before,” commented Paul Marriott, President, SAP Asia Pacific Japan.
Proxtera’s goals is to connect over 350,000 SMEs to new trading partners across a growing list of countries in Asia including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, India as well as in Africa with Rwanda and Kenya. With each trade, Proxtera envisions to offer a host of integrated digital tools and services that helps marketplaces, platforms and SMEs more quickly, access, evaluate and act on business opportunities. The target is for SMEs to join the Proxtera network via its eCommerce platform partners to benefit from access to enterprise buyers.
About Proxtera
Proxtera’s mission is to connect the small and medium enterprises of the world by creating an open connector for B2B marketplaces, trade associations, and financial and business providers that service SMEs. Proxtera was launched in late 2020 and is the commercialisation of Business sans Borders (BSB) an initiative of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) that was announced in Nov 2018. Proxtera enjoys international support from corporate investors, professional investors, and government agencies from Singapore and beyond. Find out more at www.proxtera.com or via email contact@proxtera.com to connect.
About SAP
SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as an intelligent enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 77% of the world’s transaction revenue touches an SAP system. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into intelligent enterprises. SAP helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people’s lives. For more information, visit www.sap.com.