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Kerry Logistics Network Announces 2023 Interim Results

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 August 2023 – Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics Network’ or together with its subsidiaries, the ‘Group’ or ‘KLN Group’; Stock Code 0636.HK) today announced the Group’s interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023.

Group’s Financial Highlights

  • Revenue dropped by 47% year-on-year to HK$25,315 million (2022 1H: HK$48,034 million)
  • Core operating profit decreased by 84% to HK$568 million (2022 1H: HK$3,461 million)
  • Core net profit also dropped by 85% year-on-year to HK$368 million (2022 1H: HK$2,372 million)
  • Profit attributable to the Shareholders for 2023 1H was HK$368 million, which represents a year-on-year decrease of 85% (2022 1H: HK$2,377 million)
  • Integrated Logistics (‘IL’) business remained stable and recorded a segment profit of HK$718 million (2022 1H: HK$717 million)
  • E-commerce and Express (‘E&E’) business recorded a segment loss of HK$505 million (2022 1H: HK$393 million)
  • International Freight Forwarding (‘IFF’) business recorded a segment profit of HK$621 million (2022 1H: HK$3,398 million), which represents a drop of 82%
  • Interim dividend of 9 HK cents per Share to be payable on or around Friday, 22 September 2023

Vic Cheung, Managing Director of Kerry Logistics Network, said, “In 2023 1H, global trade volume and growth remained subdued. Freight rates and volume stayed depressed while supply chain demand remained stagnant. During the three years ended 31 December 2022, KLN Group’s flexible and innovative supply chain solutions enabled it to benefit from the supply and demand mismatch during the pandemic and achieved exceptionally good results. However, the extraordinary circumstances in 2021 and 2022 proved an anomaly that distorted year-on-year comparisons for logistics companies including KLN Group. After the particularly difficult 2023 Q1, the Group’s overall performance has bottomed out. Although the Group’s core net profit reported a decrease of 85% in year-on-year terms, the performance in 2023 Q2 recorded more than 30% quarter-on-quarter growth. The Group’s resilience, agility and unique position in Asia are expected to carry it through the storm in 2023.”

Integrated Logistics

The overall IL businesses remained stable in 2023 1H. The economic activities in Asia have gradually picked up, with the Group’s IL business in the Mainland of China and the Kerry Siam Seaport in Thailand recording satisfactory results. Yet, the Group’s IL business in Hong Kong did not grow proportionally due to a sharp decline in the demand for pandemic-related services. Nevertheless, the Hong Kong business is expected to improve riding on the economic reopening, further rebound in retail sales and new customer wins.

E-commerce and Express

While the E&E division continued to register a segment loss, Kerry Express Thailand, the major contributor of the E&E business, is expected to stabilise in 2024 Q4. On 25 July 2023, KLN Group announced the transfer of certain companies engaging in express delivery services in the Asia Pacific and Europe to an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of S.F. Holding as a move to reorient gradually its focus towards expanding the Group’s core IL and IFF businesses, as well as creating greater synergies with S.F. Holding.

International Freight Forwarding

The IFF division reported an 82% decline in segment profit in 2023 1H mainly caused by weak global demand, slower-than-expected recovery in Asia exports and plunged freight rates. As the global logistics market continues to normalise and returns to pre-pandemic levels, both air and ocean freight rates have been going down since 2022 Q3 from the historical highs in 2021, causing further contraction in profit margin compared to that of the corresponding period in 2022.

The Trans-Pacific trade lane remains the major contributor of the Group’s IFF division, which accounted for more than 80% of the business. Although the volume of this trade lane has declined by 22%, the drop in the Group’s IFF business was comparatively smaller, riding on the Group’s scale in this trade lane and its determination to maintain volume and retain customers within the bounds of its profit margin. Therefore, it is expected that when the market turns around, the IFF division is likely to outperform the market.

Vic Cheung concluded, “2023 is shaping up to be a tough year for the global logistics industry. Yet, the extreme circumstances under the pandemic are gradually fading in global logistics activities and there are signs of improvement in both freight rates and volumes in KLN Group’s key markets. Using the pre-pandemic FY 2019 as the base, we are confident to deliver healthy and sustainable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) growth in segment profits in our IL and IFF divisions. We are also optimistic that the stable performance of the IL business is likely to keep up the momentum in 2023 2H. Within the E&E segment, Kerry Express Thailand is expected to stabilise in 2024 Q4. Throughout the pandemic, KLN Group has supported our customers continually and consistently with flexible alternatives and ad-hoc solutions. The Group’s unwavering commitment to serving customers well under unprecedented market conditions has deepened customers’ trust in the Group which will enable us to capture opportunities when the market recovers.”

Hashtag: #KerryLogisticsNetwork

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

About Kerry Logistics Network Limited (Stock Code 0636.HK)

Kerry Logistics Network is an Asia-based, global 3PL with a highly diversified business portfolio and the strongest coverage in Asia. It offers a broad range of supply chain solutions from integrated logistics, international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal), e-commerce and express to industrial project logistics and infrastructure investment.

With a global presence across 59 countries and territories, Kerry Logistics Network has established a solid foothold in half of the world’s emerging markets. Its diverse infrastructure, extensive coverage in international gateways and local expertise span across the Mainland of China, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, Middle East, LATAM and other locations.

Kerry Logistics Network generated a revenue of over HK$86.6 billion in 2022. It is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as well as a constituent of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index.

Malaysia’s latest inflation data came in below market expectations, which may allow BNM to maintain a softer monetary policy

Malaysian inflation has dropped to a two-year low. What will BNM do next? What will happen to the ringgit exchange rate? The OctaFX financial market analyst Kar Yong Ang shares his opinion.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 28 August 2023 – According to the Department of Statistics statement on August 25, Malaysia’s annual consumer inflation fell to 2% in July 2023, a decline from June’s 2.4%. It has shown a moderating trend since January with its 3.7%. This trend can be attributed to slower price increases for food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as restaurant and hotel services.

‘Inflation rate in Malaysia has now dropped to a two-year low,’ said Kar Yong Ang, the OctaFX financial market analyst, adding that ‘such a decline cannot be ignored by BNM, which will have to signal a weakening of monetary policy or revise the annual inflation forecast.’

The Malaysian ringgit weakened after the CPI report came out, trading at around 4.643 against the U.S. dollar. ‘Nevertheless, the technical picture suggests that USDMYR may decline by 3% in the short term, driven by market expectations of BNM monetary policy easing’, said Kar Yong Ang. ‘The key target for USDMYR is in the range of 4.500-4.520’, he added.

Malaysia’s economic landscape creates a favourable environment marked by growing domestic demand and rising employment. Coupled with lower inflation, this makes a strong background for the national currency to grow throughout the current year.

Hashtag: #OctaFX

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

About OctaFX

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 already utilised by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 42 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.

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, OctaFX captured the ‘Best Forex Broker Malaysia 2022’ and the ‘Best Global Broker Asia 2022’ awards from Global Banking and Finance Review and International Business Magazine, respectively.

Woman’s High-Beam Complaint Goes Viral in Laos

A woman’s online complaint about drivers abusing high beams when driving at night in Laos has gone viral, leading to jokes and memes on the topic. (Photo: Way)

A woman’s online complaint about drivers abusing high beams when driving at night in Laos has gone viral, leading to jokes and memes on the topic, and highlighting the threat to driver safety.

Lao Students Receive 350 Scholarships to Study in China

Chinese Government awarded 350 scholarships to students and civil servants of Laos to study in China in the academic year 2023-2024, which a send-off event for the students was held Thursday 24 August 2023 in Vientiane Capital (Photo: Pasaxon)

The Embassy of China in Laos, on behalf of the Chinese Government, has awarded 350 scholarships to Lao students and civil servants to study in China for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in the 2023-2024 academic year.

ZENCE OBJECT Secures $2.5 Million in Seed Funding to Commercialise Sustainable Materials from Tea Residuals

First Macau originated startup back by the AEF Greater Bay Area Fund

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 August 2023 – ZENCE OBJECT has achieved a significant milestone by securing a total of $2.5 million in seed funding from the AEF Greater Bay Area Fund (AEF GBA) managed by Gobi Partners GBA (Gobi GBA). This strategic investment is aimed at advancing the realm of sustainable living. Notably, this marks the first instance of AEF GBA’s investment in a Macau-based enterprise, underscoring the potential of this collaboration to catalyze the growth of new eco-conscious ventures in the region. The infusion of funds not only empowers ZENCE OBJECT but also ignites a renewed sense of optimism for the trajectory of Macau’s development.

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Pioneering Sustainability: The newly acquired capital will be predominantly channelled into establishing a cutting-edge research and development (R&D) centre and an immersive exhibition facility in Hengqin. These endeavours are poised to accelerate the pace of research and innovation. Additionally, investments will be directed toward setting up a state-of-the-art 1.0 material manufacturing line and processing hub within the Greater Bay Area, bolstering production capabilities. Simultaneously, the funding will facilitate team expansion, optimize operational workflows, and enhance overall managerial efficacy.

This financing round not only infuses ZENCE OBJECT with additional resources but also leverages the practical strategic insights of Gobi GBA and its AEF GBA Fund, fostering the sustainable evolution of green innovations. Beyond bolstering the Greater Bay Area’s progress, this collaboration paves the way for advancements in high-tech, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), eco-friendly materials, the healthcare industry, and green finance. It heralds a transformation within markets and industries, guiding them towards an environmentally conscious and sustainable future.

Debuting under the brand “CHAZENCE,” ZENCE OBJECT’s flagship venture employs breakthrough technological innovation to craft biodegradable Eastern eco-friendly materials, seamlessly integrating them into people’s everyday lives. The product range is crafted from biodegradable constituents such as tea waste, bamboo, bellflower, and discarded Chinese herbs. Transformed into various forms, these materials provide alternatives to conventional plastics, paper, and wood and find utility across a diverse spectrum of products, aligning seamlessly with modern society’s pursuit of sustainability.

The components within “CHAZENCE” have undergone meticulous scrutiny and validation by an expert team comprising scientists, engineers, and cultural specialists. This collaborative effort has yielded tailored materials suited for diverse commercial applications. The tea paper, which is completely biodegradable and sourced without deforestation, the formaldehyde-free tea board with triple the hardness of cement, and the tea plastic, which are both endowed with waterproof, washable, and high-temperature-resistant attributes, ensure an amalgam of quality, safety, and dependability. Furthermore, the trio of groundbreaking technologies – “ tea paper,” “ tea board,” and “ tea plastic “ – are in the process of patent applications across Hong Kong, China, Japan, and the United States.

In just over a year, the project has successfully cultivated collaborations with a host of prominent enterprises and brands, encompassing HEYTEA, AEON MALL, the China Tea Museum, Michelin-starred restaurants in Hong Kong, Macau-based resorts, hospitality and gaming companies, international automobile marques, both traditional and modern tea companies, and various hospitality establishments. The diverse product line offered by CHAZENCE has resonated across numerous markets, capturing the interest of brands and consumers alike, thereby sowing the seeds of a sustainable lifestyle.

Hashtag: #ZENCEOBJECT #CHAZENCE #茶甡 #甡物控股

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

About ZENCE OBJECT

ZENCE OBJECT stands as a pioneering enterprise rooted in the Greater Bay Area, committed to tackling the global challenges of waste and carbon emissions. Their mission revolves around advancing the cause of green sustainability, harnessing innovative technologies and eco-conscious materials to furnish eco-friendly solutions across diverse industries, and contributing to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives of businesses.

Through transformative technological strides and rejuvenating materials from the East, ZENCE OBJECT is resolutely reshaping the world and enhancing lives.

For more details about ZENCE OBJECT, please visit:

About Gobi Partners GBA

Gobi Partners GBA (Gobi GBA) was established in 2016 as a part of the leading Pan-Asian venture capital platform Gobi Partners. Gobi GBA is the sole general partner (GP) of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund (AEF) as well as the AEF Greater Bay Area Fund (AEF GBA Fund) and has formed strategic partnerships with other renowned financial institutions such as HSBC and Hang Seng Bank.

As of 2022, Gobi GBA has invested in over 70 start-ups across the Greater Bay Area and has fostered the growth of 7 unicorns including Airwallex, Amber, Animoca Brands, GoGoX, Prenetics and more.


Laos Expects Food and Other Product Prices to Increase by 10% This Year

Vientiane Nonkhor Market. ( File image from Nouthaphone Simmalavong).

The Vientiane Department of Industry and Commerce has estimated that the prices of food and other essential products in Laos will increase by 5% to 10% for the rest of this year. 

Prince Holding Group Secures Two Prestigious Accolades at The Global Economics Awards 2023

Prince Group’s Chairman, Chen Zhi, Bags the Leading Personality of the Year Award

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach – 28 August 2023 – Prince Holding Group, a leading business group in Cambodia, clinched two accolades from The Global Economics Awards, an esteemed program honoring exemplary business entities worldwide for their tenacity and credibility. Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, Prince Group Chairman, was conferred the Leading Personality of the Year Award. Concurrently, the Chen Zhi Scholarship Program by Prince Foundation garnered the Best CSR Initiatives Award.

Chen Zhi at the MOU signing with Ministry of Education Youth and Sport for the Chen Zhi Scholarship
Chen Zhi at the MOU signing with Ministry of Education Youth and Sport for the Chen Zhi Scholarship

Chen Zhi, a renowned Cambodian entrepreneur and philanthropist, was lauded for his visionary prowess and stellar leadership. He has elevated Prince Group to be amongst the leading business groups in the Kingdom, emphasizing a commitment to the nation’s future, sustainable business practices, and adherence to global benchmarks.

Under Chen Zhi’s stewardship, the Group has broadened its business ventures in Cambodia, spanning sectors like real estate development, financial services, and consumer services.
Prince Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Prince Holding Group, also gained recognition for the Chen Zhi Scholarship, a seven-year initiative pledging $2 million to support 400 Cambodian university students.

“We’re deeply gratified by this dual acknowledgment. The leadership award mirrors our Chairman Chen Zhi’s faith in Cambodia’s potential and his unwavering commitment to bolstering the nation’s socio-economic fabric,” expressed Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer at Prince Holding Group.
“In a similar vein, the CSR award underlines our dedication to societal welfare and community enrichment. The Chen Zhi Scholarship epitomizes our investment in Cambodia’s future, aiming to cultivate the forthcoming wave of trailblazers and pioneers. We are resolute in our belief that education is instrumental in unlocking innate potential, fostering a thriving and sustainable society,” elaborated Mr. Tan.
Initiated in 2021, the Chen Zhi Scholarship is an all-encompassing scholarship scheme. It covers full tuition, monthly stipends, internships, and professional opportunities for scholars specializing in fields like information technology, engineering, computer science, international business management, media, communications, civil engineering, digital economics, and hospitality. Championed by Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS), the initiative champions inclusivity, ensuring access to education irrespective of economic background or gender.
Prince Foundation allocated US$2.6 million in 2022. The foundation’s cumulative philanthropic contributions over the past seven years have amassed over US$16 million, positively impacting over 1 million Cambodians.

Hashtag: #PrinceHoldingGroup

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

Prince Holding Group

Prince Holding Group is one of Cambodia’s largest business groups spanning across real estate development, financial services, and consumer services.
Prince Holding Group’s key business units in Cambodia include Prince Real Estate Group, Prince Huan Yu Real Estate Group, Prince Bank, Cambodia Airways, Belt Road Capital Management, as well as Awesome Global Investment Group. Via its subsidiaries, Prince Holding Group has over 100 businesses in Cambodia operating in real estate development, banking, finance, aviation, tourism, logistics, technology, food and beverages, and lifestyle sectors, etc.
Leveraging a network of industrial, business and financial professionals across Asia, Prince Holding Group is firmly committed to the long-term development of Cambodia.
Moving forward, Prince Holding Group will continue to seek out opportunities to play an important role in Cambodia, through partnerships or direct investments into key industries for the betterment of Cambodians and the local economy.

Prince Foundation

Prince Foundation, founded in 2015, is one of Cambodia’s leading philanthropic foundations. A member of Prince Holding Group, which is one of the largest business groups in Cambodia, the Foundation aims to work with local communities to build thriving living and working environments that elevate people’s well-being and livelihoods following the vision: “Together, Building a Better Future for Cambodia”.
Focusing on education and youth development, healthcare, and community engagement initiatives, Prince Foundation works with partners to deliver sustainable programs that enhance opportunities for Cambodia’s youths, build resilience in communities and contribute to sustainable infrastructure.
The Foundation’s flagship projects are the Chen Zhi Scholarship, offering full scholarships, stipends, internship and work opportunities to 400 Cambodian university students over a period of seven years, and Prince Horology, where aspiring Cambodian watchmakers learn the art of Swiss-style watchmaking in a state-of-the-art facility. Prince Foundation has launched more than 260 philanthropic initiatives, benefiting over 1 million people, with donations exceeding US$16 million.

Official Launch of HashKey Exchange’s Grand Launch on August 28th

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 August 2023 – HashKey Exchange, the first licensed retail cryptocurrency exchange in Hong Kong, will officially launch on August 28th. As a regulated entity under the supervision of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong and in collaboration with top-tier banks, HashKey Exchange has pioneered automatic bank transfers for deposits and withdrawals, effectively addressing the industry pain point of frozen accounts and ensuring the security of user assets.

HSK Ecological Points

HashKey Group has introduced HashKey Ecological Points (HSK) to incentivize participants, including users and partners, within the HashKey ecosystem through various use cases. Users can utilize HSK obtained to access special features, enjoy discounted transaction fees, and exclusive benefits on the HashKey platform, among others.

HSK Mystery Box

•Customer Type: Individual customers (including retail customers and individual professional investors)
•All customers who successfully register during the event period will receive a mysterious blind box, which can be opened within 14 days after completing identity verification.
•Event Duration: From 14:00 on August 28th, 2023, to 14:00 on September 4th, 2023 (UTC+8), spanning 7 days.

Super Professional Customer Verification Rewards Event

•Customer Type: Individual professional clients / Corporate / Institutional professional clients
•During the event period, customers who complete verification will receive a generous package of 500 HSK.
•Event Duration: From August 18th, 2023, to September 30th, 2023.
•Contact for Details: VIP@Hashkey.com

Zero Trading Fees

•Customer Type: All customers
•At HashKey Exchange, spot trading incurs no fees. All customers can enjoy zero-rate transactions.
•Details: https://hashkey-pro.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/20863840032921-Zero-trading-fee-promotion-going-live
•Use item code to get an extra 20 HSK: iezc4, zijaz, ja3o0, 8bjx4, u0xny

API Trading Rewards Event

•Customer Type: All customers
•Trading Type: API trading
•Customers who achieve certain trading volumes and ranking requirements through API trading have a chance to win up to 300,000 HSK as the grand prize.
•Event Start Date: Starting from September 1st, 2023.
•Contact for Details: API@HashKey.com

Upcoming Events

Newcomer Starter Pack
•Customer Type: All customers
•All new customers can receive corresponding HSK rewards by completing beginner tasks. Completing identity verification awards 10 HSK, and an additional 15 HSK can be earned by completing the first transaction.
•Event Start Date: Starting from September 5th, 2023.

Trading Rewards Bonanza

•Customer Type: All customers
•Trading Type: Non-API trading
•During the event period, customers will receive 10 HSK for each trade reaching an equivalent of $10,000.

Hashtag: #HashKeyExchange

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