KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 November 2024 – Bitcoin, the world’s most famous digital currency, has demonstrated an impressive performance following the U.S. presidential elections, in which Donald Trump, a Republican candidate, achieved a decisive victory. Although it has been widely speculated that Bitcoin would rally under Trump, a 30% rise in value in the course of just two weeks surprised even the most ardent crypto bulls. In this release, Octa, a global broker, sheds light on what awaits the crypto industry in general and Bitcoin in particular going forward.

In the early hours of the Asian trading session on 6 November, as the first results of the U.S. Presidential elections started to hit the wires and it became increasingly clear that Donald Trump would return to the White House, Bitcoin (BTCUSD) hit a new all-time high. According to Coinbase, BTCUSD closed at 75,645 on 6 November, above the previous record of 73,835. Since then, Bitcoin has been establishing new all-time highs essentially every single day. Overall, it has risen by more than 30% since 5 November. The stocks of companies either directly or indirectly involved in cryptocurrencies, such as Nvidia and MicroStrategy, also marched higher in response to election results.

Such a favourable market reaction to Trump’s victory stems from investors’ belief that his Administration, coupled with a friendly Congress, will effectively deregulate the crypto industry, facilitate its expansion and implement a coherent regulatory framework that will serve investors and consumers for years to come. ‘It should be said, argues Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, that this belief is not without foundation. Trump has managed to lure many crypto fans to his side with his bold moves, clear views and a strong focus on deregulation’.

Indeed, as Octa explained in some of its previous materials, Trump has been a lot more explicit in his support of crypto than Kamal Harris. Unsurprisingly, many crypto enthusiasts, as well as some serious crypto investors, supported Trump over Harris. For example, in a rather bold move, Donald Trump attended a Nashville Bitcoin conference in July, where he advocated for creating a federal Bitcoin reserve and highlighted the importance of attracting more Bitcoin mining operations to the United States. Another crypto-friendly gesture was Trump’s alleged promise to fire Gary Gensler, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), whom many in the cryptosphere regard as an adversary due to his numerous lawsuits against crypto projects. Under a new leader appointed by Donald Trump, the SEC could potentially provide a more favourable regulatory environment for digital assets. Furthermore, now that Republicans are in full control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Donald Trump has a door wide open to push forward his agenda. This is what the official 2024 Republican Party Platform said about crypto:
‘Republicans will end Democrats’ unlawful and un-American crypto crackdown and oppose the creation of a central bank digital currency. We will defend the right to mine Bitcoin and ensure every American has the right to self-custody their digital assets and transact free from government surveillance and control’.

Needless to say, the new Congress is a lot more likely to enact legislation favourable to the crypto industry. ‘As things currently stand, I believe there is every reason to expect the approval of more crypto-focused ETFs [exchange-traded funds] that, for example, may be based on other cryptocurrencies, like Solana and XRP. Who knows, we might even get a Dogecoin ETF. Why not? Dogecoin is Elon Musk’s favourite crypto token, and Elon certainly has some weight on Trump’s team’, said Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker. Interestingly, according to CoinmarketCap, the value of Dogecoin has more than doubled since 5 November.

Regulatory easing triggers innovation, and more crypto products may enter the mainstream financial markets. This could potentially lead to increased institutional investment in cryptocurrencies, as ETFs provide a more accessible and regulated way for investors to gain exposure to the market.

Despite the recent price surge and record-high valuations, Bitcoin remains in demand. On Monday, MicroStrategy Incorporated disclosed that it had added 52,000 Bitcoins to its portfolio worth $4.6 billion over the last week, marking the largest purchase in the company’s history. The key question now is—can the rally continue?

Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, has this to say: ‘Franky, I’m beginning to have a bad feeling about this naked optimism. Euphoria rarely ends well, and this euphoria has been going on for a bit too long now. When expectations run high, the risk of a major disappointment rises, and I think we might see increased volatility in Bitcoin with perhaps a major downward correction around the corner. At the same time, the long-term future looks bright, especially if the Trump administration does go ahead with its plan to establish a federal Bitcoin reserve’.

The exact mechanics of creating this new national Bitcoin reserve remain unclear. Still, if the U.S. government were to start acquiring Bitcoin through open market purchases, the potential upside for the cryptocurrency could be enormous. Also, the direct involvement of the U.S. government will significantly bolster Bitcoin’s intrinsic value and legitimise it as a mainstream asset. As Kar Yong Ang explains, ‘the supply of Bitcoin is limited, so assuming the U.S. government does not engage in direct mining, the only way to fill up the reserve is via direct purchases. This intention, if there is one, better be kept secret because it will certainly take Bitcoin to the moon’.
Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Highlights of FY24/25 Half-Year Results

• Group sales US$1,854 million – down 4% compared to first half of the prior financial year
• Gross profit US$438 million or 23.6% of sales (compared to US$430 million or 22.2% of sales in the first half of the prior financial year)
• Adjusted EBITA US$177 million or 9.5% of sales (compared to US$180 million or 9.3% of sales in the first half of the prior financial year)
• Net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 8% to US$130 million or 13.92 US cents per share on a fully diluted basis
• Underlying net profit, excluding the net impact of unrealized gains or losses relating to exchange rate movements and restructuring costs, increased by 3% to US$133 million
• Free cash flow from operations US$144 million (compared to US$208 million in the first half of the prior financial year)
• Total debt to capital ratio of 12% and cash reserves of US$688 million as of 30 September 2024
• Interim dividend 17 HK cents per share (2.18 US cents per share)

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 November 2024 – Johnson Electric Holdings Limited (“Johnson Electric”), a global leader in electric motors and motion subsystems, today announced its results for the six months ended 30 September 2024.

Total group sales for the first half of the 2024/25 financial year were US$1,854 million, a decrease of 4% compared to the first half of the prior financial year. Net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 8% to US$130 million or 13.92 US cents per share on a fully diluted basis. Underlying net profit increased by 3% to US$133 million.

Automotive Products Group

The Automotive Products Group (“APG”), which accounted for 84% of total Group sales in the period under review, reported a 3% decline in sales on a constant currency basis – which was in line with the overall reduction in global light vehicle production volumes.

On a regional basis, APG’s constant currency sales were lower by 1% in Asia, 3% in Europe, and 5% in the Americas. All major product and subsystem categories felt the effects of weaker OEM demand as the industry worked to reduce excess inventory levels that accumulated during 2023’s post-Covid rebound in production. At the same time, consumer appetite to purchase new cars is being negatively impacted in China by concerns over declining property prices and, in the case of North America and Europe, by high vehicle prices and high interest rates.

Current macro-economic conditions notwithstanding, the automotive industry’s structural evolution is continuing at a rapid pace. Most notably, China has emerged as a transformative force in the sector through its position as both the world’s largest market and the most dynamic in terms of its adoption of electric propulsion technology. Sales of all-electric and plug-in hybrid models recently exceeded the rate of one million vehicles per month and these now account for close to half of all passenger vehicles sold. Furthermore, in less than five years, PRC OEMs have become the domestic market leaders by offering high-quality, cost-competitive new energy vehicles that feature integrated software and advanced infotainment systems. APG’s strategy of developing a portfolio of motion subsystems and products that function as key technology enablers of electrification has meant that we have continued to grow our sales across all of the major PRC OEMs. This includes the supply of electric water pumps, coolant valves, and integrated thermal management systems that optimize the performance of battery-powered vehicles, as well as a wide array of motion products that improve the comfort and safety of passengers.

The automotive markets in the major western economies are experiencing a period of adjustment which, for a number of reasons, is leading to greater volatility and less visibility on production volumes. In the face of changing consumer preferences, increasing regulatory pressures, and the imperative to reduce production costs, OEMs have been shifting production to different plants in different regions, exiting unprofitable models, and delaying new model launches. The pace of adoption of electric vehicles in some countries has also slowed as the market seeks to progress beyond early adopters to mass market acceptance at a time when consumers remain concerned about high vehicle prices and financing costs, along with persistent anxieties about driving range, charging infrastructure and resale values. Indicative of these concerns, sales of hybrid vehicles in Europe and North America have picked up strength as buyers view these vehicles as an affordable compromise between all-combustion and all-electric.

Although the varying speed and dimensions of the structural changes taking place in the automotive industry creates near-term operational challenges for component suppliers, APG remains particularly well positioned to continue to gain market share. We possess a unique global manufacturing footprint that extends across every major geographic market. And our strength in China places us at the forefront of vehicle electrification technology development.

Industry Products Group

The Industry Products Group (“IPG”), which accounted for 16% of total Group sales, reported a 9% decrease in sales on a constant currency basis. Although the rate of sales contraction compared to a year earlier has slowed, IPG continues to experience challenging operating conditions. In part this reflects the prolonged weakness in demand in the aftermath of the pandemic which has seen consumers generally less willing to spend on discretionary hardware products compared to services. It also reflects delays to a number of contracted new product launches and heightened competition in more commoditized product segments where price rather than functionality and reliability has become the key determinant of purchase.

IPG’s management is responding to these difficult conditions by rationalizing and consolidating its production to focus on segments where it can obtain the greatest leverage from highly automated assembly lines and digital processes. At the same time, the division is aggressively pursuing new business in a number of high growth segments where Johnson Electric has innovative solutions to customer problems, including warehouse automation, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, liquid cooling applications, and electric bikes.

Gross Margins and Operating Profitability

Despite the slowdown in sales in the first half of the year, management has continued to make encouraging progress in implementing its core strategies aimed at reducing operating costs and improving profitability. Gross profit margins increased to 23.6% from 22.2%. The improvement was largely the result of lower raw material costs and gains from foreign currency hedging contracts.

Earnings before interest, tax and amortization (“EBITA”) were US$171 million (compared to US$168 million in the first half of the prior year). Adjusted to exclude non-cash foreign exchange rate movements and restructuring charges, EBITA was US$177 million or 9.5% of sales (compared to 9.3% in the first half of the prior year). The increase in EBITA margins reflected the improvement in gross profit, offset by modest increases in freight and staff costs.

Net Profit and Financial Condition

Net profit attributable to shareholders totalled US$130 million or 13.92 US cents per share on a fully diluted basis. Underlying net profit, adjusted to exclude the non-cash impact of foreign exchange rate movements and restructuring charges, was US$133 million compared to US$130 million in the first half of the prior year. Free cash flow from operations declined from US$208 million to US$144 million due to an increase in working capital and slightly higher capital expenditure. Johnson Electric’s overall financial condition remains robust with a total debt to capital ratio of 12% and cash balances of US$688 million as of 30 September 2024.

Interim Dividend

The Board has today declared an interim dividend of 17 HK cents per share, equivalent to 2.18 US cents per share (2023/24 interim: 17 HK cents per share). The interim dividend will be payable on 8th January 2025 to shareholders registered on 17th December 2024.

Chairman’s Comments on the Half-Year Results and Outlook

Commenting on the results, Dr. Patrick Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive, said, “Johnson Electric achieved satisfactory financial results in the six-month period ended 30 September 2024 in the context of a subdued global economy and reduced automotive industry output.”

“Global demand for manufactured goods, including automobiles, has been sluggish through the course of 2024. European economies are struggling to grow in the face of high interest rates and geopolitical volatility. China continues to grapple with the effects of a severe property market downturn and an investment-driven model that has created significant excess capacity in many sectors. In the US, whilst overall economic conditions are more buoyant, industrial order levels have contracted in recent months and consumer confidence remains subdued.”

Regarding the outlook for the second half of the financial year, Dr. Patrick Wang commented, “Looking ahead to the second half of the financial year, we are cautiously optimistic that the scheduled launch of new programs and the replenishment of channel inventory in several application segments will provide the basis for a return to top-line growth.”

Dr. Patrick Wang further commented, “The main caveat to this sales outlook remains uncertainties over macro-economic conditions and consumer confidence. The recent US presidential election campaign has featured several potentially far-reaching, but loosely defined economic proposals that if implemented could have a highly disruptive impact on geopolitical relations and global trade. However, at this stage, it is not possible to gauge exactly how, or over what timeframe, the next US administration intends to proceed with its proposed radical changes to trade and economic policy. In the meantime, Johnson Electric will remain focused on executing its core strategies that include leading the market in developing innovative technology solutions to customer problems, driving continuous improvement in automation and digital processes to reduce cost, and optimizing a global manufacturing footprint that has consistently demonstrated its resilience and adaptability in response to external shocks or periods of volatility.”

Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Johnson Electric and certain plans and objectives of the management of Johnson Electric.

Words such as “outlook”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believe”, “estimates”, “projects”, variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of Johnson Electric to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Johnson Electric’s present and future business strategies and the political and economic environment in which Johnson Electric will operate in the future.

Note to Editors and Securities Analysts: The full text of the Half-Year Results announcement, including additional financial statements, is available through the Investors section of company’s website at www.johnsonelectric.com
Hashtag: #JohnsonElectric

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

About Johnson Electric Group

The Johnson Electric Group is a global leader in electric motors, actuators, motion subsystems and related electro-mechanical components. It serves a broad range of industries including Automotive, Smart Metering, Medical Devices, Business Equipment, Home Automation, Ventilation, White Goods, Power Tools, and Lawn & Garden Equipment. The Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and employs over 30,000 individuals in 22 countries worldwide. Johnson Electric Holdings Limited is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 179). For further information, please visit: www.johnsonelectric.com.

Committed to Building a New Retail Membership System for the Southeast Asian Market

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 November 2024 – The one-stop trendy retail brand OH!SOME has won the Customer Experience Initiative of the Year – Indonesia Category at the prestigious FMCG Asia Awards 2024 for its innovative membership service system. Organized by the renowned magazine Retail Asia, this award aims to recognize the most outstanding companies in Asia’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, recognizing exceptional products, innovative innitiatives, and remarkable projects.

According to Retail Asia, OH!SOME’s award-winning membership service system draws on its highly interactive, experience-focused, and extensive store and service network, as well as robust operational capabilities, to establish a seamlessly integrated membership system that connects online and offline, spans channels, and crosses countries. By employing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and big data, OH!SOME provides a convenient, stable, and secure digital experience, delivering a new shopping journey for consumers in Southeast Asia’s emerging markets.

Notably, beyond its the well-established membership points structure, OH!SOME has innovatively utilized points to develop tiered membership experiences. Each week, they host in-store events like family gatherings and fashion workshops, transforming their stores into community spaces where members can engage around and share interests. This unique approach enables OH!SOME to build a close, interactive relationship with its customers, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that both supports and enhances the consumer experience.

As a trendy retail brand offering a curated selection of global products, OH!SOME stands out with its diverse product categories, youthful and stylish designs, and engaging shopping experiences since entering the Indonesian market. The brand has since expanded into other Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia, quickly winning consumer favor. So far, OH!SOME has established over 80 offline stores across Southeast Asia, operates its independent e-commerce platform OHSOME.COM, and has official stores on multiple platforms such as Shopee and TikTok Shop.

It is reported that the brand launched a store expansion plan this year, aiming to further extend its market reach across more countries and regions. Additionally, the brand will roll out regular membership events in all major stores, continually offering comprehensive, high-quality services to consumers and further strengthening its market influence in Southeast Asia.

OH!SOME is a one-stop trendy shopping brand originating from Singapore, with over 80 stores in regions such as Indonesia and Malaysia, along with an e-commerce platform. It offers a wide range of products, including beauty and skincare, trendy toys, snacks and beverages, daily essentials, and electronics from around the world. The brand aims to bring better products and shopping experiences to local consumers, helping to create a happier life.

Hashtag: #OH!SOME

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

Hashtag: #SEAS #KPMG

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

About KPMG in Singapore

KPMG in Singapore is part of a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 273,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

For more detail about our structure, please visit kpmg.com/governance.

For more information, visit kpmg.com.sg

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kpmg-singapore

About SEAS

The Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) represents the interests and provides a common platform for companies in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Financial Institutions to meet, discuss, collaborate and undertake viable projects together. The Association is a non-profit, non-government business association, and its mission is to assist its members in achieving sustainable growth locally and regionally through business development, market development, as well as training and learning platforms. SEAS plays a strategic role in aiding the realisation of Singapore’s vision; to be a global centre for sustainable energy, where products and solutions are developed and exported.

For more detail about SEAS, https://www.seas.org.sg

LinkedIn: https://sg.linkedin.com/company/sustainable-energy-association-of-singapore-seas-

New Design Spot in Sham Shui Po Seeks to Nurture Creative and Design Talents, Foster Cross-Industry Collaboration and Exchanges A Creative Hub for Design and Fashion Inspiration

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 November 2024 – Located in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong Design Centre’s (HKDC) new landmark, DX design hub (the Hub) will host its launching party on 3 December 2024 (Tuesday), officially opening to the public from 4 December (Wednesday). The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is responsible for strategy formulation, coordination, and supervision of the hub while HKDC is responsible for operating the hub. This Hub aims to serve as an important base for nurturing design talent in Hong Kong, and to promote deep collaboration and exchange among designers, businesses, various industry associations and professionals. Through a series of diverse design-related programmes, the Hub will showcase the impact of design and exceptional instances of design in practice. By collaborating with the local textile industry, independent businesses and creative communities, the Hub fosters and create new synergies and contribute to the transformation of Sham Shui Po into a vibrant and unique creative community.

Prof. Eric Yim, Chairman of HKDC shared: “The ‘D’ in DX design hub stands for design and diversified design disciplines, while ‘X’ signifies ‘multiply’ and ‘crossover’. The launch of DX design hub is an important milestone for Hong Kong Design Centre. We hope that through DX design hub, we can foster communications and collaborative partnerships across the various creative and design fields, as well as between the wider creative design industry and the business sector. This will enrich Hong Kong’s creative culture, and encourage problem-solving and decision-making through design thinking, thereby amplifying the power and ubiquity of design throughout our society. DX design hub will create a space for everyone to immerse themselves in design and creativity, and offer emerging designers and creative workers opportunities for development and showcasing their talents.”

DX design hub conducted its soft opening on 25 October, and will be officially accessible to the public starting December 4. Hong Kong Design Centre will host a launching party on the evening of 3 December 2024 (Tuesday), welcoming HKSAR government officials and design industry representatives from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to introduce them to this new creative and fashion hub. The occasion will also mark the official commencement of the Hub’s signature programme, the ‘GBA Creative Fortnight’. This programme aims to showcase Hong Kong’s prowess in creative design , and promote creative and business exchanges between Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Hub’s launch will also synergise with other design programmes taking place concurrently, such as the opening of Business of Design Week 2024 Summit on 4 December, and a series of other design activities hosted by HKDC throughout the month, infusing the entire city in a celebratory atmosphere of creativity and design in December.

The Hub is located at 280 Tung Chau Street, Sham Shui Po. In the 2017 Policy Address, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government proposed new measures, and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau recommended reserving approximately 3,600 square meters of commercial space across five floors at the redevelopment project of Tung Chau Street by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in Sham Shui Po to establish a design and fashion base., The Hub aims to inject new momentum to the local economy by striving towards three main objectives: nurture emerging design talent and fashion designers in Hong Kong; leverage Sham Shui Po’s heritage as a traditional hotspot for clothing and textile wholesale and retail, and combine design, fashion, garment production and retail to create new synergies to become a focal point for design and fashion both within the district and across Hong Kong; and further the development of tourism in Sham Shui Po.

The Hub spans five levels from the ground floor to the fourth floor, with a total area of 3,600 square meters. The fourth floor will serve as headquarters for the HKDC, while the ground to third floors will be divided into different zones for hosting a wide variety of design-related activities such as seminars, exhibitions and workshops. The space aims to enhance the public’s awareness of design, facilitate communication and resource sharing among the design and creative industries, and foster more creativity and collaboration opportunities for society at large. These zones include The Square, The Fashion-Pop, The Box, The Gallery, The Design Museum, The Annex, The Steps, The Lounge, The Barn and The Fashion Spotlight.

Following the official opening to the public in December, a lineup of events will be hosted at the DX Design Hub by HKDC to showcase the charm of design:

Event Type	Event	Date
Permanent Exhibition	Hong Kong Design Ecology	Launching from 3 December 2024
Design Exchange	GBA Creative Fortnight	3 – 16 December 2024
Immersive Experience	Convergence	3 December 2024 – 28 February 2025
Design Exhibition	Design Pulse Asia	3 December 2024 – 30 June 2025
Creative Installation	變形記 (English Name TBC)	3 December 2024 – 30 April 2025
Fashion Exhibition	Takuma Fujisaki’s Mogols: A Hong Kong Fashion Collaboration with FIP & DIP	7 December 2024 – 6 March 2025

HKDC holds exciting exhibitions and events throughout the year at the DX design hub. To foster industry development and support industry associations, HKDC collaborates with industry associations from Hong Kong, the Mainland, and overseas. Joint exhibitions, seminars, and networking event will be held at DX design hub. To enhance the collaborations with different industry associations through DX design hub, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with individual industry association including Hong Kong Architecture Centre, Royal Institute of British Architects (Hong Kong Chapter), Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, Textile Council Of Hong Kong, Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association, Hong Kong Association for VR AR and The Professional Validation Council of Hong Kong Industries for utilising DX design hub as a platform to promote industry exchange and development.

As the newest design spot in the area, the Hub will highlight Sham Shui Po as an inimitable aspect in the tapestry of Hong Kong society, with its unique heritage architecture, and its traditional role as a hotspot of fabric resources for designers. The Hub will enhance the district’s existing multicultural atmosphere, attract more individual businesses to set up shop, and nurture a diverse and inclusive cultural community in the neighbourhood, fostering positive interactions and making Sham Shui Po a must-visit creative hotspot for locals and tourists alike. At the same time, the Hub will also serve as a model for traditional businesses by demonstrating how design and innovation can drive transformation, provide consumers with a novel experience, and capture new sources of revenue.

Hashtag: #HongKongDesignCentre

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

About DX design hub

Operated by Hong Kong Design Centre, DX design hub in Sham Shui Po nurtures emerging design talents and fashion designers, fostering creativity and collaboration. Showcasing the synergy between design disciplines, it serves as a vibrant platform for community engagement and creative tourism. The Hub offers exhibition spaces, activity spaces, and a retail area for designers to gain hands-on experience. It functions as a central workstation for HKDC and design-related Associations, leading initiatives to promote fashion and diverse design projects. With a mission to inspire creativity and innovation, we aim to enable the Hub to become the creative anchor in Hong Kong with various specialized zones including The Square, The Fashion-Pop, The Box, The Gallery, The Design Museum, The Annex, The Steps, The Lounge, The Barn and The Fashion Spotlight.

The construction work of the Hub is undertaken by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), ensuring a state-of-the-art facility that supports our vision. The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is responsible for strategy formulation, coordination, and supervision, guiding the Hub’s initiatives to align with industry needs and aspirations.

About Hong Kong Design Centre (www.hkdesigncentre.org)

Hong Kong Design Centre is a strategic partner of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in leveraging the city’s East-meets-West advantage to create value from design.

To achieve our goals we:

• Cultivate a design culture
• Bridge stakeholders to opportunities that unleash the value of design
• Promote excellence in various design disciplines

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (www.ccidahk.gov.hk )

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating startups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to some of HKDC’s activities/projects only, and does not otherwise take part in such funded activities/projects. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication and relevant materials/events (or by members of the project teams) are those of HKDC only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 November 2024 – The northern hemisphere transitions into winter in November. In the southern end of Hainan Free Trade Port in China, Sanya City and Ledong Li Autonomous County, located at 18 degrees north latitude, it is still warm and comfortable. Fruit farmers only wear light clothes, busy picking mangoes and honeydew melons, the famous products of “Hainan Fresh Produce”, and shipping them to numerous markets around the world.

China is one of the largest mango producers globally, and Hainan, often regarded as the “tropical fruit paradise”, plays a key role. According to the Hainan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sanya ranks as Hainan’s leading mango production region. It yields from November to June every year, generating a revenue of approximately $820 million annually.

Thanks to superior natural advantages, advanced breeding technology and standardized production, these mangoes are known for their beautiful appearance, high sweetness, thin core, and juicy, fragrant flesh. The local government and association have set strict standards for every stage — picking, sorting, storage, and transportation. Government supervision, association supervision and a scientific traceability system have ensured the consistent quality of Sanya mangoes.

The fruit is now gaining worldwide popularity, and exported to over 10 countries including Canada, the United States, Singapore, Germany, and Italy.

Ledong, in Sanya’s vicinity, is celebrated as the “hometown of Chinese honeydew melon”. The region’s ample sunlight and heat conditions, unique sea sand soil, and scientific planting and management techniques give Ledong honeydew melons their creamy and nectar-like sweetness. These melons boast high content of various vitamins that is several times more than that of watermelons and apples.

From October to May each year, Ledong’s honeydew melons enter their prime harvest period, accounting for nearly half of all honeydew melons leaving the island. To support this booming industry, Ledong has established modern agricultural high-quality development industrial parks and intensive standard production demonstration bases for honeydew melons. Annually, the county produces around 600,000 tonnes of honeydew melons, generating a revenue of approximately $710 million.

The branding under “Hainan Fresh Produce” — a catalogue of regional public brands of all categories in Hainan Province, has boosted the reputation of “Sanya Mango” and “Ledong Honeydew Melon”, turning them into symbols of Hainan’s “tropical efficient agriculture”. For many farmers, in Ledong and Sanya alike, growing mangoes and melons has led to improved livelihoods. Their new houses — proudly called “Mango Buildings” and “Honeydew Melon Buildings” — standing as a testament to the dedication and prosperity of Chinese people.

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

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 November 2024 – Nestled on the Red Sea coast of northwest Saudi Arabia, Neom, a brand-new metropolis, has reached a major milestone in its journey toward sustainable development. It successfully completed the construction of a 1.3 GWh energy storage capacity in June this year. The project is the world’s largest energy storage venture, supported by advanced technology from China.

This state-of-the-art system integrates renewable energy from wind and solar turbines alongside facilities such as a seawater desalination plant and a waste management center, creating a fully independent energy supply system for the city.

Launched in July 2017, the city’s energy storage project is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” initiative. Designed to provide Neom with 100 percent clean energy, the project, upon completion, is expected to generate up to 650,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, achieving zero carbon emissions, equivalent to reducing nearly 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious target to increase renewable energy’s share in its national energy mix to 50 percent by 2030.

In recent years, China has carried out a large number of green projects with other countries, bringing its expertise and experience in renewable energy to these countries and promoting the green and sustainable development of the global economic governance system.

When addressing Session II of the 19th G20 Summit on Reform of the Institutions of Global Governance on Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the significance of building a fair and equitable global governance system, calling on G20 members to improve global economic governance, global financial governance, global trade governance, and global digital governance so as to build an open, innovative, green and stable world economy.

Improving global economic governance

China has been a staunch promoter of free trade and globalization and has always been standing together with developing countries, empowering them with development capabilities through various initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

In 2013, China launched the BRI to promote economic growth and connectivity among participating countries. Since its inception, over 150 countries and 30 international organizations, primarily from the developing world, have signed cooperation agreements with China.

By constructing key infrastructure such as railways, highways, ports, power grids, and communication networks, the BRI has significantly improved infrastructure in developing nations, boosting trade efficiency and facilitating industrial upgrades. The initiative has also generated substantial employment opportunities and economic growth while enhancing sustainable development through technology transfer and capacity building, making a lasting contribution to inclusive global economic progress.

In addition, China also initiated the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as an open and inclusive platform for international financial cooperation. Official data shows that since its inception, AIIB has financed over 200 projects in more than 30 countries, with a total investment exceeding $40 billion, focusing on sectors like transportation, energy, water management, and urban development. By providing stable, long-term funding, the AIIB has improved infrastructure, supported green energy transitions, addressed climate change in developing countries, and contributed to a fairer and more equitable global economic system.

Promoting global security governance

“Global security governance is part and parcel of global governance. The G20 should support the UN and its Security Council in playing a greater role and support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises,” Xi said at Monday’s meeting.

He called on the G20 to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis, push all parties in the Middle East to cease fire and stop fighting, and provide support for easing the humanitarian crisis and post-war reconstruction in the region.

China has been playing a constructive role in global security governance by proposing initiatives, mediating conflicts, and promoting dialogue. For instance, in 2022, China launched the Global Security Initiative, advocating a security framework based on the UN Charter and emphasizing cooperation, sustainability and dialogue to address traditional and emerging security challenges.

In response to the Ukraine crisis, China put forward a 12-point proposal to end the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting respect for sovereignty, a ceasefire, and opposition to nuclear threats. Partnering with Brazil and other Global South countries, China also launched the group of “friends for peace” to facilitate diplomatic solutions and promote dialogue.

In the Middle East, China mediated the 2023 Saudi-Iran reconciliation, helping the two restore diplomatic ties and contributing to regional stability. China’s efforts have exemplified that it is dedicated to resolving disputes through dialogue and demonstrated its commitment to long-term global peace and stability.

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