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50 Days to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai! Your Gateway to Exploring Japan’s Hidden Gems

TOKYO, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With just 50 days until the highly anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, excitement is mounting for this global event that will showcase innovation and culture on an unprecedented scale. Running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, the Expo is set to welcome visitors from around the world for 184 unforgettable days. Organized under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” Expo 2025 aims to inspire international collaboration and address global challenges through its three sub-themes: “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives,” and “Connecting Lives.” The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) invites you to experience not only the Expo but also the beauty, culture, and attractions of Japan through its “Expo + Tourism” initiative. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the Expo’s inspiring vision while exploring the wonders of Japan beyond the realms of the Expo itself.

Osaka Expo 2025 site on the Yumeshima Island
Osaka Expo 2025 site on the Yumeshima Island

Theme: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”

The theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” envisions a world where each individual can shape their desired way of life and realize their full potential. It also emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in creating a sustainable society that supports these aspirations. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for humanity to reflect on its collective potential in the aftermath of the unprecedented global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020. By re-examining the way we live and envisioning new societal models, the Expo will provide a platform for collaborative dialogue and innovative proposals for the future.

https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/about/

 

Latest Updates Leading Up to the Expo

  • International Pavilions
    A total of 158 countries and regions along with 9 international organizations have confirmed their participation. Explore your country’s pavilion and discover the latest updates at the link below.
    Details on International Pavilions: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/official-participant/
  • National Celebrations & Country-Specific Events
    The Expo will feature a diverse lineup of national celebrations and cultural events, ensuring excitement throughout the entire period.
    Discover the latest event information at the link below.
    Event Calendar: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/bfae59945b7c37365de59b54bb9c82ba-1.pdf
  • Domestic & Signature Pavilions
    Visitors can explore Japan Pavilion, Women’s Pavilion (in collaboration with Cartier), Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Kansai Pavilion, and 13 corporate pavilions showcasing Japan’s cutting-edge technology and innovation. The latest updates on uniquely themed domestic pavilions are available at the link below.
    Domestic Pavilions: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/domestic-pv/ 
    8 Signature Pavilions will present unique experiences reflecting Expo 2025’s theme.
    Signature Pavilions: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/project/

 

Explore Japan with ‘Expo + Tourism’! Discover the latest updates on captivating destinations across the country

 

iscover travel destinations across Japan that embody the theme of Expo 2025>

  1. Saving Lives
    Daisen, Tottori Prefecture
    Daisen offers a serene hiking experience through lush beech forests. Visitors can choose from three distinct trails—Nature, History, and Full Course—each showcasing the area’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage. A highlight of the area is Ogamiyama Shrine Okunomiya, a tranquil and sacred spot. The shrine is home to Japan’s longest natural stone-paved pathway and the country’s largest white sandalwood-paved approach, both designated as National Important Cultural Properties, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and heritage.
    https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/sightseeing/area-7/spot-19/
  2. Empowering Lives
    Ama Hut Experience
    Toba City’s Shima-cho Osatsu in Mie Prefecture is home to Japan’s largest community of Ama — traditional female free divers who have upheld this extraordinary practice for over 2,000 years. Deeply woven into the region’s cultural fabric, the Ama way of life remains an enduring tradition. Visitors can experience this unique heritage at an ‘Ama Hut,’ where divers rest before and after their dives, enjoy freshly caught local seafood, and engage in cultural exchanges with the Ama themselves.
    https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/sightseeing/area-5/spot-15/
  3. Connecting Lives
    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama Prefecture
    The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a picturesque district renowned for its white-walled storehouses, traditional Namako-kabe lattice walls, and willow-lined canals. Step into its enchanting blend of history and retro-modern charm.
    https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/sightseeing/area-7/spot-21/

 

JNTO provides a wealth of travel resources, offering detailed guides to Japan’s must-see destinations.

Use JNTO’s website to discover Japan’s hidden gems and plan an unforgettable journey!

About Japan National Tourism Organization

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is an independent administrative corporation under the jurisdiction of the Japan Tourism Agency. JNTO operates tourism promotion offices in overseas countries, promoting tourism to Japan and providing tourist information to overseas visitors.

For information on image usage and approval, please refer to the details below.

Main image (Yumeshima) – Please obtain approval from the Expo Association (globalpr@expo2025.or.jp). It is advisable to seek approval during the pre-publication stage when modifications are still possible.

All other images (7pcs) – can be directly downloaded from the link below, please ensure to clearly credit the source when using these images.
Box URL: https://vectorincgroup.box.com/s/ahgsllmtndmc255ct3xpzy4rvnwjzu9w
*Link available until March 21st,2025

Laos, Thailand Strengthen Security Cooperation Following Major Drug Bust

Laos, Thailand Strengthen Security Cooperation Following Major Drug Bust
Laos, Thailand Strengthen Security Cooperation Following Major Drug Bust

On 17 February, police officers from the Kaenthao District in Xayaboury Province arrested a group of drug smugglers attempting to transport drugs across the Nam Hue border at the Kon Veng point in Chomkeo village. This location faces Ban Pak Khan Port in Thali District, Loei Province, Thailand. 

The authorities quickly identified the suspects and detained three individuals: one Lao citizen and two Thai nationals. They seized heroin (in the form of white powder) hidden in a box of materials (disguised as a box of white skin cream) inside two empty bags. Each bag contained 44 boxes, for a total of 88 boxes, weighing 44 kilograms.

Arrest of 02 Thai men and 01 Lao man with Heroine as evidence
Arrest of 02 Thai men and 01 Lao man with Heroine as evidence

The arrested individuals were Xay Xaema, 44, and Voutthixay Xaema, 25, both residents of Sirirath village, Phop Phra district, Tak Province, Thailand, as well as Nonthawee Sisenglat, 21, a resident of Chomkeo village, Kaenthao district, Xayaboury Province.

In the wake of the incident, both the Lao and Thai governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional security and combating transnational crime.

On 19 February, Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met with his Lao counterpart, Khamliang Outhakaysone, to discuss enhanced cooperation in combating call-center scam gangs and drug trafficking. Both officials agreed that addressing issues like drug trafficking along the border and technological crime requires strengthened security cooperation that cannot be tackled by either country alone.

Phumtham discusses call-centre scams, drug issues with Lao defence minister
Phumtham discusses call-centre scams, drug issues with Lao defence minister

To address technological crime, both sides agreed to collaborate with relevant government agencies and work together to resolve the issue. The 30th Thai-Laos General Border Committee (GBC) meeting was hosted by Laos.

Following the GBC meeting, Phumtham is scheduled to meet with Liu Zhongyi, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security. Liu is expected to brief Phumtham on the outcomes of his recent visit to Mae Sot district in Tak and his discussions in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, regarding efforts to crack down on call-center scam gangs.

During their meeting, Liu Zhongyi is expected to present four key proposals to enhance regional security: establishing a tri-partite mechanism between Thailand, Myanmar, and China to address call-center scams, cutting electricity and oil supplies to disrupt operations, strengthening border controls to prevent relocations, and facilitating the repatriation of affected Chinese nationals.

Liquid Web Expands Dedicated Server Locations in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific to Strengthen Global Reach for Faster, Reliable Hosting

ATLANTA, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Liquid Web, a leader in dedicated servers, WordPress, VPS, GPU, and cloud hosting solutions, has launched four new bare metal server locations in San Jose, California; Ashburn, Virginia; Sydney, Australia; and London, England. This global expansion delivers lower latency, improved network performance, and faster speeds in these high-demand regions.


 

As businesses scale, high-speed, ultra-reliable hosting is critical for seamless digital experiences. The new server locations extend Liquid Web’s reach beyond its existing data centers in Lansing, Michigan; Phoenix, Arizona; and Amsterdam, Netherlands, bringing secure, high-performance hosting closer to their users.

Key Benefits

  • Faster website and application speeds with reduced network latency.
  • Enhanced reliability for mission-critical workloads.
  • Seamless connectivity to key global markets.
  • Expanded geographic reach for growing businesses.
  • Improved failover and business continuity for uninterrupted operations.
  • Disaster recovery readiness for secure, resilient operations.

“Speed, reliability, and scalability are at the core of what we do. Expanding our data center presence ensures we continue delivering on that promise,” says Ryan MacDonald, CTO at Liquid Web. “With these new locations, businesses gain higher performance, lower latency, and greater global reach — setting the stage for even more innovation ahead.”

This expansion strengthens Liquid Web’s position as a trusted hosting provider, offering dedicated servers with enterprise-grade reliability at competitive pricing, backed by expert support. Customers in these regions can benefit from:

  • High-performance servers for demanding applications.
  • Faster connections across key global regions.
  • Maximum power with no platform overhead.

Liquid Web remains committed to enhancing its hosting portfolio and expanding services to meet the needs of a rapidly growing global customer base.

For more details about Liquid Web’s bare metal server offerings, visit LiquidWeb.com.

About Liquid Web
Part of CloudOne Digital, Liquid Web delivers top-tier infrastructure and cloud solutions to help businesses thrive. With 25+ years of expertise, it powers mission-critical sites, stores, and applications for SMBs, developers, designers, and agencies. They are known for their reliability, expert support, and commitment to excellence. The company’s team provides 24/7/365 service, and is recognized as INC. Magazine’s Fastest-Growing Companies.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Media Contact Name:
Amanda Valle
Title: Global Director
Email: media@liquidweb.com

Lussocitta Becomes iShopChangi’s Sole Multibrand Seller for Brand-Name Bags


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – Lussocitta, a luxury bag retailer based in Singapore, announces its partnership with iShopChangi, Changi Airport’s online shopping platform. This collaboration makes Lussocitta the sole multi-brand seller on the platform, offering a selection of brand-name bags at competitive prices, with added customer benefits.

Lussocitta is partnering with iShopChangi
Lussocitta is partnering with iShopChangi

Exclusive Offerings on iShopChangi

Founded in 2009, Lussocitta has built its presence by offering a wide range of luxury bags through its online platform, featuring brands such as Gucci, Coach, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and more. Through its partnership with iShopChangi, the e-commerce shopping platform of Changi Airport, Lussocitta aims to extend its reach and make luxury fashion more accessible to a broader audience.

A key advantage of this collaboration is that customers can enjoy greater savings without compromising on quality. Shoppers on iShopChangi will have the opportunity to use time-limited promotional codes and access exclusive deals on selected luxury handbags and accessories. Customers will also earn Changi Rewards points with every purchase on iShopChangi, which can be used to offset future purchases, adding value to their overall experience.

Beyond these savings, customers can shop with confidence, knowing that all products are sourced directly from official channels, guaranteeing authenticity and premium quality. Lussocitta remains committed to transparent shopping practices, including clear return policies, providing customers with confidence in their purchases.

A Vision for Growth

The partnership aligns with Lussocitta’s goal of expanding its market across Southeast Asia. By leveraging iShopChangi’s platform, Lussocitta can reach a broader audience of customers, offering them convenient access to luxury fashion. The collaboration provides an opportunity to enhance the shopping experience for consumers by offering competitive pricing and exclusive discounts on brand-name bags and accessories.

Together, Lussocitta and iShopChangi aim to reinforce their shared commitment to providing a seamless and reliable shopping journey for all customers.
Hashtag: #Lussocitta



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

About Lussocitta

Founded in 2009, Lussocitta is a Singapore-based luxury bag retailer offering a curated selection of designer handbags from popular brands, all in a single platform. With a focus on authenticity and ethical sourcing, Lussocitta provides a seamless online shopping experience, ensuring customers access to high-quality products backed by a commitment to responsible business practices.

Fosun Joins Hands with Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Adding New Momentum to Middle East Strategy

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fosun’s global operations achieved another milestone. On February 20, during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai, Fosun International signed a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). This collaboration aims to drive the expansion of Fosun’s subsidiaries into Abu Dhabi and the broader Middle East region, injecting fresh momentum into Fosun’s global presence and industrial operations.

Under the agreement, ADIO will provide Fosun with tailored investment support, streamlined market access, and strategic resource connections. These efforts will support Fosun’s development in Abu Dhabi’s key growth sectors, including healthcare innovation, wealth management, fintech, tourism and Hive City projects. Together, ADIO and Fosun aim to further amplify Fosun’s influence across the Middle East.

ADIO enables investors to establish and grow their businesses in the region. It supports market leaders in expanding globally from Abu Dhabi, providing access to a strong partner network and interconnected economic clusters. With tailored guidance and resources, ADIO contributes to sustainable growth and long-term investment in the emirate’s dynamic economy.

H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: Abu Dhabi continues to attract the world’s most prestigious companies, reinforcing the emirate’s standing as a globally attractive investment destination. Partnering with Fosun International underscores our commitment to promoting high-impact investments that drive innovation and accelerate Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation. As one of China’s most reputable conglomerates, Fosun’s entry into Abu Dhabi will open new avenues of collaboration across diverse industries, further advancing the emirate’s vision of robust sustainable economic growth.”

According to the agreement, Fosun will collaborate with ADIO to enhance Abu Dhabi’s efforts to attract global investors and family offices, in addition to supporting the development of ADIO’s economic clusters.

In addition, Fosun’s key members in the financial and technology sectors—Fosun Wealth Holdings and Finloop—are actively engaging with relevant institutions in the Middle East to explore cooperation opportunities in wealth management and fintech. These efforts aim to further support Abu Dhabi in building a world-class investment ecosystem.

Wilson Jin, Senior Vice President of Fosun International, commented: “Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, business-friendly environment and world-class regulatory framework make it the ideal hub for Fosun’s next phase of international growth and scaling our subsidiaries. The partnership with ADIO will allow us to expand our footprint, attract top-tier investors and contribute to the emirate’s economic vision.”

Strengthening Presence in the Middle East: Fosun’s Recent Developments

After more than 30 years of development, Fosun has grown into a benchmark for Chinese private enterprises in global operations. With operations in more than 35 countries and regions, Fosun’s industrial ecosystem increasingly demonstrates its synergistic advantages. Under the new economic landscape, Fosun continues to advance its globalization efforts. The Middle East, with its economic vitality and high-growth potential, is gradually becoming a key frontier in Fosun’s global operation strategy.

In December 2024, Hainan Mining’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Roc Oil, successfully completed the full offer for Tethys Oil AB, acquiring its multiple oilfield blocks in Oman. This transaction not only marks the continued advancement of the company’s internationalization strategy, expanding its business operations into the Middle East and enhancing its global operational capabilities, but also provides broader opportunities for future growth.

In November 2024, Fosun Pharma’s innovative biopharmaceutical subsidiary, Henlius entered into a strategic collaboration with AL-TIRYAQ AL-KHALAWI Medical Company (“SVAX”). The two parties will establish joint ventures in Saudi Arabia to integrate Henlius’ leading capabilities in the research, development, and manufacturing of biologics with SVAX’s local expertise in registration, market access, and commercialization. The collaboration seeks to advance the global registration and commercialization of multiple Henlius products and enhance the accessibility of advanced biologics across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) countries, and benefit more patients. In June last year, Henlius’ independently developed and produced product, Hanquyou® was successfully shipped to Saudi Arabia, marking the first domestically produced monoclonal antibody biologic drug to enter the Middle Eastern market.

FFT, a global leader in flexible automation production line solutions under Fosun, signed a joint venture agreement with Saudi family business Khaled Juffali Company (KJC) in July 2024. The plan is to establish a commercial technology entity in Saudi Arabia, and collaborate with Shanghai Easun Technology, FFT’s parent company under Fosun, to provide automated production line solutions for Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle industry. The joint venture has already secured its first project in Saudi Arabia’s automotive sector.

In just six months, Fosun has achieved successive breakthroughs in the Middle East market, spanning multiple sectors including healthcare, energy, finance, and intelligent manufacturing. This string of achievements not only stems from Fosun’s unwavering execution of its “globalization” strategy but also demonstrates Fosun’s excellent operational capabilities and strong advantages in resource integration. Meanwhile, Fosun’s rich experience in the Chinese market and its diversified, synergistic industrial ecosystem have shown Middle Eastern partners the enormous potential for collaboration and shared success.

Fosun International Chairman, Guo Guangchang, stated: “Fosun looks forward to establishing long-term and stable strategic cooperation with more Middle Eastern partners. As a company with global operational capabilities and deep roots in the Chinese market, I believe Fosun is the best strategic partner. With our global operational capabilities and extensive experience, Fosun can achieve sustainable value growth with Middle Eastern partners and create a new win-win ecosystem. “

Akeso Enrolled First Patient in The Phase III Clinical Trial of Ivonescimab in Combination with Chemotherapy for First-Line Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

HONG KONG, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) today announced the company has successfully enrolled the first patient in its multicenter, randomized, double-blind Phase III clinical trial of ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy for first-line treatment for unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (HARMONi-BC1/AK112-308). Ivonescimab is a first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody independently developed by the company.

HARMONi-BC1/AK112-308 study is led by Professor Xu Binghe, a renowned breast cancer expert and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Preliminary efficacy data presented at the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meeting demonstrated that ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy showed significant therapeutic efficacy and also exhibited a favorable safety profile, underscoring its clinical potential for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic TNBC.

Akeso has strategically positioned ivonescimab within a comprehensive development plan, aiming to reshape the landscape of cancer immunotherapy and establish a new global standard of care. Ivonescimab, in combination with chemotherapy, has been approved in China for the treatment of EGFR-TKI-resistant, non-squamous NSCLC. The New Drug Application (sNDA) for ivonescimab monotherapy as a first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive NSCLC (in comparison to pembrolizumab) is currently under review and has been granted priority status in China.

Three international multicenter Phase III clinical trials, led by our partner Summit Therapeutics, are progressing efficiently or are being initiated:

  • The HARMONi study, an international multicenter Phase III clinical trial evaluating ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy for non-squamous NSCLC with progression after third-generation EGFR-TKI treatment, has had patient enrollment completed and has received Fast Track Designation (FTD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
  • The HARMONi-3 study, an international multicenter Phase III clinical trial comparing ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for both squamous and non-squamous NSCLC (versus pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy),
  • The HARMONi-7 study, an international multicenter Phase III clinical trial evaluating ivonescimab monotherapy as first-line treatment for PD-L1 high-expressing NSCLC (versus pembrolizumab).

Several Phase III clinical trials are progressing efficiently or are being initiated in China, including:

  • Ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for squamous NSCLC (vs. tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy, HARMONi-6/AK112-306),
  • Ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for biliary tract cancer (vs. durvalumab combined with chemotherapy, HARMONi-GI1/AK112-309),
  • Ivonescimab combined with AK117 (CD47) as first-line treatment for PD-L1 positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (vs. pembrolizumab, SOLO-10/AK117-302),
  • First-line treatment for pancreatic cancer (HARMONi-GI2/AK112-310),
  • First-line treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (HARMONi-BC1/AK112-308).

About Akeso
Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has created a unique integrated R&D innovation system with the comprehensive end-to-end drug development platform (ACE Platform) and bi-specific antibody drug development technology (Tetrabody) as the core, a GMP-compliant manufacturing system and a commercialization system with an advanced operation mode, and has gradually developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 22 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 11 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific antibody-drug conjugates). Additionally, 5 new drugs are commercially available, and 5 new drugs across 7 indications are currently under regulatory review for approval. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise.

For more information, please visit https://www.akesobio.com/en/about-us/corporate-profile/ and follow us on Linkedin, and X (formerly Twitter).

 

CNOOC Limited Brings On-stream Luda 5-2 North Oilfield Phase II Development Project

HONG KONG, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CNOOC Limited (the “Company”, SEHK: 00883 (HKD Counter) and 80883 (RMB Counter), SSE: 600938) today announces that Luda 5-2 North Oilfield Phase II Development Project has commenced production.

The project is located in the central part of the Bohai Sea, with an average water depth of approximately 30 meters. The main production facilities include 1 new auxiliary production platform and 1 production wellhead platform. A total of 29 development wells are planned to be commissioned, including 28 production wells and 1 water source well. The project is expected to achieve a peak production of approximately 6,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026. The oil property is heavy crude.

Luda 5-2 North Oilfield is the first oilfield to produce from super heavy oil reservoirs through thermal recovery in China. Its Phase I Project had already commenced production in 2022. CNOOC Limited made major technological breakthroughs in this project and significantly enhanced the development efficiency of offshore super heavy oil. The Phase II Project will further tap the resources of the oilfield. Through optimized Jet Pump Injection-Production Technology, the project realized efficient and economic development of heavy crude, which could further enhance the Company’s energy supply capacity.

CNOOC Limited holds 100% interest in this project and is the operator.

— End —

Notes to Editors:

More information about the Company is available at http://www.cnoocltd.com

*** *** *** ***

This press release includes forward looking information, including statements regarding the likely future developments in the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as expected future events, business prospects or financial results. The words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company as of this date in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the current expectations and predictions of the Company is uncertain. Actual results, performance and financial condition may differ materially from the Company’s expectations, including but not limited to those associated with macro-political and economic factors, fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, climate change and environmental policies, the Company’s price forecast, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws and regulations.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations.

*** *** *** ***

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Cui Liu
Media & Public Relations
CNOOC Limited
Tel: +86-10-8452-6641
Fax: +86-10-8452-1441
E-mail: mr@cnooc.com.cn 

Mr. Bunny Lee
Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group
Tel: +852 3150 6707
Fax: +852 3150 6728
E-mail: cnooc.hk@pordahavas.com

 

 

MBK Partners-Young Poong Submit Shareholder Proposals for Korea Zinc’s Annual General Meeting

Key Proposals:

  • Appointment of a Temporary Chair
  • Full Cancellation of Treasury Shares
  • Cash Dividend of KRW 7,500 per Common Share & Reclassification of Discretionary Reserves
  • Election of Up to 17 Directors

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MBK Partners and Young Poong, the largest shareholders of Korea Zinc, have formally submitted a set of shareholder proposals ahead of the company’s upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) in March. The proposals address key governance and shareholder return measures, including (i) appointing a temporary chair, (ii) canceling all treasury shares, (iii) distributing a cash dividend of KRW 7,500 per common share, (iv) reclassifying discretionary reserves to retained earnings, and (v) electing between 5 and 17 directors, significantly expanding the board. The first proposal put forward by Youngpoong-MBK Partners is the appointment of a temporary chair.

Strengthening Governance: Call for a Temporary Chair and Treasury Share Cancellation

MBK Partners-Young Poong’s proposal for a temporary chair is rooted in governance concerns following the disruption of Korea Zinc’s extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on January 23.

The cancellation of treasury shares has also been prioritized. Despite previous public commitments by Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun Beom to cancel treasury shares, the company has yet to execute the cancellation of over 12% of its shares, more than three months after the expiration of the mandatory tender offer period.

A spokesperson for MBK Partners-Young Poong stated, “There is a significant risk that treasury shares will be disposed of rather than canceled. The failure to honor public and legal commitments to cancel these shares could result in their sale to friendly shareholders or use for selective interests, ultimately eroding shareholder value and undermining Korea Zinc’s corporate governance.”

Enhancing Shareholder Returns: Dividend Proposal and Financial Transparency

As part of its commitment to consistent shareholder returns, MBK Partners-Young Poong has proposed a cash dividend of KRW 7,500 per common share for the 51st fiscal year. Including the interim dividend, the total payout would amount to KRW 17,500 per share—below the KRW 20,000 per share paid in the 49th fiscal year. Given that Korea Zinc’s earnings through Q3 2023 exceeded the previous year’s performance, the proposed dividend is expected to fall short of the payout ratio for the 50th fiscal year.

Concerns regarding financial transparency have also been raised. On February 5, the day after the shareholder proposals were submitted, Korea Zinc disclosed preliminary earnings, reporting a 15.6% year-over-year increase in operating profit for 2024 but a 22.1% decline in net profit due to a fourth-quarter loss. The announcement cited non-operating losses of KRW 200-300 billion, a figure MBK Partners-Young Poong considers inconsistent with operational performance. The shareholders plan to request further clarification on this discrepancy.

Board Restructuring Proposal: Conditional Expansion to Up to 17 Directors

MBK Partners and Young Poong have proposed the appointment of new directors to establish an independent and professional board at Korea Zinc. The number of director appointments will be conditional on the outcome of the ongoing injunction case regarding the suspension of resolutions passed at the extraordinary general meeting (EGM).

If both Agenda 1-1 (cumulative voting) and Agenda 1-2 (board size cap of 19 directors) are suspended, MBK Partners and Young Poong propose appointing a total of 14 directors, including five replacements for outgoing directors and nine additional new directors. The proposed candidates are:

  • Non-executive Directors: Sung-du Kang, Kwang-il Kim
  • Independent Directors: Kwang-seok Kwon, Myung-jun Kim, Soo-jin Kim, Yong-jin Kim, Jae-sub Kim, Hyun-chul Byun, Ho-sang Son, Seok-heon Yoon, Deuk-hong Lee, Chang-hwa Jung, Jun-beom Chun, Ik-tae Hong

If the injunction suspends only Agenda 1-2 (board size cap of 19 directors) while maintaining the validity of Agenda 1-1 (cumulative voting), MBK Partners and Young Poong propose appointing 17 directors. The proposed candidates in this case are:

  • Non-executive Directors: Sung-du Kang, Kwang-il Kim, Jung-hwan Kim, Young-ho Cho
  • Independent Directors: Kwang-seok Kwon, Myung-jun Kim, Soo-jin Kim, Yong-jin Kim, Jae-sub Kim, Hyun-chul Byun, Ho-sang Son, Seok-heon Yoon, Deuk-hong Lee, Chang-hwa Jung, Jun-beom Chun, Ik-tae Hong, Tae-sung Kim

If both Agenda 1-1 (cumulative voting) and Agenda 1-2 (board size cap of 19 directors) remain in effect, MBK Partners and Young Poong propose appointing five directors to replace those whose terms have expired. The proposed candidates are:

  • Non-executive Directors: Jung-hwan Kim, Young-ho Cho
  • Independent Directors: Tae-sung Kim, Yong-ho Shin, Chul-ki Kim

A representative from MBK Partners-Young Poong emphasized, “As the largest shareholder, we are committed to restoring governance integrity and protecting shareholder interests. We aim to establish an independent, professional board that will enhance both corporate and shareholder value.”

Commitment to Restoring Corporate Integrity

MBK Partners-Young Poong’s shareholder proposals reflect a broader effort to improve corporate governance, financial transparency, and shareholder value at Korea Zinc. As the AGM approaches, the shareholders reaffirm their commitment to ensuring a fair, independent, and shareholder-aligned board composition while advocating for transparent financial management and responsible capital allocation.

Contact

Seikyu Hong
sk.hong@mbkpartnerslp.com