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SoftBank Corp. Participates in Blockchain Project Oasys for Social Implementation of Web3

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Laotian Times
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A Japanese mobile operator, SoftBank, has partnered with global gaming blockchain, Oasys, to explore the broad integration of Web3 technologies into society

SINGAPORE / TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach – 16 February 2023 – Oasys Pte. Ltd. (“Oasys”) today announced that SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”), a Japan-based telecommunications operator, has joined as an official validator of Oasys, a gaming-optimised blockchain designed for gamers and developers alike, with a focus on the future of blockchain gaming.

SoftBank’s recognition of Oasys’ superior mechanism that serves both users and IP (intellectual property) holders, along with its advanced technological capabilities, has led to their decision to participate in the Oasys blockchain. This partnership extends beyond Softbank’s role as validators, as the two companies explore potential collaboration, including the development of blockchain-based services, in the future.

Bandai Namco Research, SEGA, Square Enix, Netmarble, and 17 other companies are among the 21 initial validators for Oasys. Starting with SoftBank, Oasys will invite other companies with a high level of trust and performance on a global scale to participate as validators, further stabilising and strengthening the Oasys network.

In the next batch of validators, four more companies will be joining the network, bringing the total to 25. In the medium-term, Oasys plans to further decentralise the network by enabling public participation through a council and removing the limit on the number of validator slots as long as the necessary requirements are being met.

Keiichi Makizono, Senior Vice President & CIO of SoftBank, said “We are very excited about the Oasys blockchain’s flexible, user-centric architecture, which meets the needs of both users and IP content owners, and look forward to working with Oasys to promote Web3’s social implementation and resolve social issues.”

Daiki Moriyama, Director of Oasys, said “We are honoured that SoftBank shares our vision for Oasys and has chosen us as a business partner for Web3. With SoftBank coming onboard as a validator, Oasys will not only expand the stability and ecosystem of the Oasys chain, but also aim to strengthen business collaboration with Oasys. We look forward to working with SoftBank to develop the blockchain gaming industry by fostering relationships and synergies with its group companies and partners.”

In just over a year since its formation, Oasys has fully launched its mainnet blockchain protocol, with over a dozen playable games available on its blockchain. On 31 January 2023, the company announced plans to list on the leading Japanese crypto exchange, bitbank.

Hashtag: #Oasys #Blockchain #Gaming

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

About Oasys

Oasys was established in February 2022 to increase mainstream play-and-earn adoption, and at launch, committed to partnering with 21 gaming and Web3 tech companies to act as validators, such as Bandai Namco, SEGA, Ubisoft and Yield Guild Games. Led by a team of blockchain experts and joining forces with the biggest gaming company names to serve as the initial validators, Oasys is revolutionising the gaming industry with its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) based eco-friendly blockchain.

With a focus on creating an ecosystem for gamers and developers to distribute and develop blockchain-based games, Oasys solves the problems game developers face when building games on the blockchain. The trifecta approach of the fastest network powered by the gaming community, a scalable network powered by AAA game developers and the blockchain offering the best user experience with fast transactions and zero gas fees for users, readies participants to enter the Oasys and play.

More information on Oasys is available at:
Website:
Twitter:
Discord:

About SoftBank

Guided by the SoftBank Group’s corporate philosophy, “Information Revolution – Happiness for everyone,” SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) provides telecommunications services and combines them with advanced technologies to develop and operate new businesses in Japan and globally. In the fiscal year ended March 2022, SoftBank Corp. registered 5.7 trillion yen of revenue, 985.7 billion yen of operating income, and, at the end of December 2022, had 319 group companies (245 subsidiaries and 74 affiliates), both in Japan and abroad. SoftBank Corp. has 39 million mobile subscribers and 8 million broadband subscribers in Japan, and through its group companies Yahoo Japan Corporation, PayPay Corporation and LINE Corporation, 86 million online media users, 54 million smartphone payment users and 92 million communication app users, respectively (as of February 3, 2023). With this strong business foundation and compelling number of customer touchpoints, SoftBank Corp. is expanding into non-telecom fields in line with its “Beyond Carrier” growth strategy while further growing its telecom business. Also, by fully harnessing the power of 5G, AI, IoT, Digital Twin, Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solutions, including High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)-based stratospheric telecommunications, and other key technologies, SoftBank Corp. aims to realize the “Implementation of Digitalization into Society.” In recognition of its ESG initiatives, SoftBank Corp. was selected for inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, FTSE4Good, 2022 Constituent MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index and other leading global ESG investments indices.

To learn more, please visit

IGIS Asia Investment Management Partners with CHA Bio Group to Launch Life Science Real Estate Platform JV

By
Laotian Times
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SEOUL, KOREA – Media OutReach – 16 February 2023 – IGIS Asia Investment Management (“IGIS”), the pan-Asian investment arm of IGIS Asset Management, South Korea’s largest real estate investment manager, announced this month a partnership with CHA Bio Group (“CHA”), one of the largest and oldest biopharma groups in South Korea with a vast global presence, to form a new Asia-Pacific life science real estate investment platform.

The venture targets to provide best-in-class life science real estate for R&D, manufacturing, and other supporting services for a spectrum of companies ranging from biotechnology incubators to multinational pharmaceutical groups in the Asia-Pacific region, including metropolitan cities in South Korea. The partnership will rely on IGIS’s past track record of real estate transactions and CHA’s expertise in the life sciences industry to gain first-mover advantage in providing life science real estate solutions in South Korea and overseas.

IGIS and CHA share the view of the venture’s role as a catalyst for the robust growth of life science sector in the Asia-Pacific region. To respond to rapidly changing demand and multifaceted market challenges, the venture will develop and invest in high-quality life science assets, including R&D and manufacturing facilities, hospitals, medical offices, and other healthcare centers in Asia-Pacific. In addition, IGIS aims to establish Korea Life Science Investment Platform (“KLSIP”), the first Korea-focused investment vehicle on life science real estate, to invigorate the venture with capital to develop facilities that meet the demands of the growing life science industry in South Korea.
Hashtag: #IGIS #CHA #lifesciences #realestate #privateequity #korea #asiapacific

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

About IGIS Asset Management

Founded in 2011, IGIS Asset Management (“IGIS”) is a privately owned vertically integrated real estate investment management firm and South Korea’s largest real estate asset manager with assets under management totaling approximately US$45.5 billion as of Dec 2022. The company has over 360 professionals with a presence in 5 countries and profound expertise to invest across different strategies from core to opportunistic in multiple sectors across various markets.

About IGIS Asia Investment Management

IGIS Asia Investment Management (“IGIS AIM”) is an overseas subsidiary of IGIS established in 2020 in Singapore. IGIS AIM focuses on expanding its presence within Asia-Pacific through joint venture partnerships with operators, asset managers, and local partners. In addition, the firm will invest thematically in high-quality assets across the Asia-Pacific markets to benefit from the growth potential driven by global economic and demographic trends.

About CHA Bio Group

CHA Bio Group is a Korea’s leading bio-pharma group comprised of more than 50 domestic and foreign affiliated companies. The group operates a unique eco system based on the collaboration of biotech & pharmaceutical companies, university, research institute and hospital network.

CHA Biotech, a company among the three KOSDAQ-listed entities within the group is an industry leader in cell therapy development. CHA Biotech recently established Matica Biotechnology in Texas USA to enter the fast-growing global cell and gene CDMO business.

CHA Healthcare is a unique global healthcare network provider that oversees hospital investment & development outside Korea. CHA Healthcare has established a global healthcare platform of medical network consisting of 86 medical centers and IVF clinics in 7 countries, including the USA, Australia, Singapore, Japan and etc.

China Expresses Support for Sri Lanka Ahead of Debt Meeting

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Laotian Times
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Auto rickshaw drivers line up to buy gas near a fuel station in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, April 13, 2022. AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena, File)
Auto rickshaw drivers line up to buy gas near a fuel station in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, April 13, 2022. AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena, File)

BEIJING (AP) — China expressed support for Sri Lanka ahead of a meeting Friday of government lenders to poor economies but did not say if it would help reduce a multibillion-dollar debt that has plunged the Indian Ocean nation into financial and political turmoil.

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Bird Flu Spreads to New Countries, Threatens Non-stop “War” on Poultry

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Laotian Times
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Test tubes labelled "Bird Flu" and eggs are seen in this picture illustration, January 14, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Test tubes labelled "Bird Flu" and eggs are seen in this picture illustration, January 14, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Avian flu has reached new corners of the globe and become endemic for the first time in some wild birds that transmit the virus to poultry, according to veterinarians and disease experts, who warn it is now a year-round problem.

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OPPO Globally Launched Its New Find N2 Flip, Official Smartphone of the UEFA Champions League

By
Laotian Times
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SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – Global smart technology company OPPO, Official Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League, today unveiled its latest flagship foldable smartphone – Find N2 Flip, Official Smartphone of the UEFA Champions League.

Caption

“We are glad to launch our new Find N2 Flip to the global markets” said William Liu, President of Global Marketing at OPPO. “With its large smart cover screen, industry-leading Flexion Hinge, long-lasting battery life, and outstanding camera performance, OPPO Find N2 Flip, Official Smartphone of the UEFA Champions League, is the perfect device for fans to both capture and experience true-to-life content from their favorite football games.”

As part of the partnership, the Find N2 Flip will be used by official UEFA Champions League photographers to capture the action of the game at close range along the sidelines，framing the inspiring and exciting moments. The best photos will then be shared in an OPPO Gallery on the UEFA Champions League website and the OPPO UEFA Champions League landing page.

Equipped with the industry’s most advanced Flexion Hinge, Find N2 Flip supports multi-angle FlexForm mode, allowing the screen to be set at any angle between 45-110 degrees. This completely new form factor opens new creative possibilities when it comes to photography and video, as well as providing added convenience for viewing content.

In addition, the Find N2 Flip will also be displayed at OPPO’s booth at the UEFA Champions League Final in Istanbul, Turkey to showcase itself as the champion flip phone to more fans. The foldable phone features the largest and only vertically oriented cover screen of any flip phone on the market. The cover screen’s 17:9 vertical aspect ratio is almost identical in form to the phone’s main screen, making it completely intuitive to use. Without flipping the phone open, the cover screen can be used to respond to messages, browse apps, or answer calls. OPPO Find N2 Flip also offers the largest battery capacity and fastest charging of any vertically foldable device on the market, making it the go-to option for both newcomers and existing flip phone users.

To celebrate the launch of Find N2 Flip, OPPO will also offer some surprise for users. Customers who buy the phone will have the chance to get an exclusive OPPO and UEFA Champions League gift and enter a raffle to win tickets to the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League Final.

As the first Chinese brand to partner with the UEFA Champions League, OPPO will work closely with UEFA to bring more passion and inspiration to sports through its world-leading devices and technologies while helping fans witness, capture, and share the magic of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

To learn more about OPPO Find N2 Flip, click here.

Detailed information about the sales gift, please refer to local OPPO Store.

Hashtag: #OPPO

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

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 60 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

Melco garners 97 Stars in 2023 Forbes Travel Guide – maintaining lead among Macau and Asia’s integrated resorts

By
Laotian Times
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MACAU – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – Melco Resorts & Entertainment has been awarded a collective total of 97 Stars by 2023 Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), maintaining its lead among Macau and Asia’s integrated resorts. FTG honored Melco with a total of 17 Five-Star awards across the Company’s property portfolio that includes City of Dreams, Studio City, Altira Macau and City of Dreams Manila. Markedly, Altira Macau celebrates its 14th successive year as FTG Five-Star award recipient across both Hotel and Spa categories.

City of Dreams.jpg

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco, said, “We thank FTG sincerely for the honors. The accolade highlights Melco’s continued dedication to providing guests with exceptional hospitality across our Hotels, Restaurants and Spas. While pandemic-related challenges have indeed been felt over the past few years, we are ready to welcome back the steady influx of tourists to our global resort properties by further enhancing Melco’s signature culture of service excellence with dedication and commitment. We also anticipate extending our service excellence to more guests from the world over at Melco’s soon-to-open Studio City Phase 2 and City of Dreams Mediterranean.”

Melco properties and facilities awarded 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Ratings are as follows:

Hotels Restaurants Spas
Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau Alain Ducasse at Morpheus, Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau Morpheus Spa, City of Dreams Macau
Nüwa, City of Dreams Macau Yí, Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau Nüwa Spa, City of Dreams Macau
Star Tower, Studio City Jade Dragon, Nüwa, City of Dreams Macau Zensa Spa, Studio City
Altira Macau Pearl Dragon, Studio City Altira Spa, Altira Macau
Nüwa, City of Dreams Manila Tenmasa, Altira Macau Nüwa Spa, City of Dreams Manila
Ying, Altira Macau
Aurora, Altira Macau

Hashtag: #melco #cityofdreams #studiocity #altiramacau #cityofdreamsmanila

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

About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ: MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe. The Company currently operates Altira Macau (), an integrated resort located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (), an integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau. Its business also includes the Mocha Clubs (), which comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. The Company also majority owns and operates Studio City (), a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, a Philippine subsidiary of the Company currently operates and manages City of Dreams Manila (), an integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. In Europe, the Company is currently developing City of Dreams Mediterranean () in the Republic of Cyprus, which is expected to be the largest and premier integrated destination resort in Europe. The Company is currently operating a temporary casino, the first authorized casino in the Republic of Cyprus, and is licensed to operate four satellite casinos (“Cyprus Casinos”). Upon the opening of City of Dreams Mediterranean, the Company will continue to operate the satellite casinos while operation of the temporary casino will cease. For more information about the Company, please visit .

The Company is strongly supported by its single largest shareholder, Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and is substantially owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sunlight REIT”) Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 31 December 2022

By
Laotian Times
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – Henderson Sunlight Asset Management Limited (the “Manager“) announces the interim results of Sunlight REIT for the six months ended 31 December 2022 (the “Reporting Period“).

For the Reporting Period, Sunlight REIT’s revenue was HK$388.5 million, down 3.9% year on year, mainly attributable to lower passing rents and occupancy rates registered at various properties. Net property income (“NPI“) declined 4.9% year on year to HK$307.6 million, implying a cost-to-income ratio of 20.8%.

Reflecting a higher interest rate regime, distributable income for the Reporting Period was HK$198.2 million, down 8.7% from the same period last year. The Board has resolved to declare an interim distribution per unit of HK 11.0 cents, representing a payout ratio of 93.7% and an annualized distribution yield of 6.5% based on the closing price of HK$3.37 on the last trading day of the Reporting Period.

The portfolio of Sunlight REIT was appraised at HK$17,649.3 million at 31 December 2022, representing a decrease of 2.5% from 30 June 2022. Meanwhile, net assets of Sunlight REIT was HK$13,598.8 million, which translates to a net asset value of HK$8.05 per unit.

Operating Highlights

The overall occupancy rate of Sunlight REIT’s portfolio at 31 December 2022 was 92.5% (30 June 2022: 94.7%). Office occupancy rate declined to 92.2% (30 June 2022: 94.8%), while the retail portfolio also recorded a decrease in occupancy rate to 93.1% (30 June 2022: 94.5%). For the Reporting Period, the office and retail portfolios registered negative rental reversions of 4.5% and 4.8% respectively.

Despite a still challenging operating environment, the performance of Dah Sing Financial Centre was relatively resilient, as demonstrated by a slight 0.9% year-on-year drop in NPI to HK$86.9 million. Meanwhile, NPI of Sheung Shui Centre Shopping Arcade and Metro City Phase I Property (“MCPI“) were down 4.9% and 8.2% to HK$66.4 million and HK$61.8 million respectively. In the case of MCPI, the sharper drop in NPI was partially attributable to the rental shortfall caused by the ongoing renovation project.

On 11 January 2023, the Manager announced Sunlight REIT’s acquisition of West 9 Zone Kids, a three-storey commercial development located in close proximity to the Olympic station with a gross rentable area of about 58,800 sq. ft, for a total consideration of HK$748 million (subject to adjustments). Completion of the transaction is expected to take place in April 2023.

Mr. Au Siu Kee, Alexander, Chairman of the Manager said, “The disruptive forces that have undermined global macro stability are likely to remain potent, while interest rates will stay at a higher level than previous years. Gratifyingly, the gradual relaxation of cross-border traffic controls in Hong Kong should prove a boon to the tourism industry, generating more momentum to a nascent economic recovery. We will closely monitor the evolving trend and strive to maintain a prudent and agile management strategy to optimize the performance of Sunlight REIT. Notably, the well-timed acquisition of West 9 Zone Kids indicates our intention to initiate a new chapter of asset recycling, with a view to enhancing the value and quality of the overall portfolio.”

Remarks: Attached financial highlights of FY2022/23 interim results of Sunlight REIT.

Financial Highlights of FY2022/23 Interim Results:
(in HK$’ million, unless otherwise specified)

Six months ended
31 December 2022 		Six months ended
31 December 2021 		Change
(%)
Revenue 388.5 404.3 (3.9)
Net property income 307.6 323.4 (4.9)
(Loss)/profit after taxation Note (274.4) 234.2 N/A
Distributable income 198.2 217.2 (8.7)
Distribution per unit (HK cents) 11.0 12.2 (9.8)
Payout ratio (%) 93.7 94.2 N/A
At 31 December 2022 At 30 June 2022 Change
(%)
Portfolio valuation 17,649.3 18,095.2 (2.5)
Net asset value 13,598.8 14,051.4 (3.2)
Net asset value per unit (HK$) 8.05 8.36 (3.7)
Gearing ratio (%) 23.9 23.3 N/A

Note: Included a fair value decrease of investment properties of HK$448.4 million (versus a fair value increase of HK$49.7 million for the six months ended 31 December 2021).

Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for units in Sunlight REIT in Hong Kong or any other jurisdiction.

Hashtag: #SunlightREIT

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

About Sunlight REIT

Listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since 21 December 2006, Sunlight REIT (stock code: 435) is a real estate investment trust authorized by the Securities and Futures Commission, and constituted by the amended and restated trust deed dated 10 May 2021 (the “Trust Deed“). It offers investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of 11 office and five retail properties in Hong Kong with a total gross rentable area of over 1.2 million sq. ft.. The office properties are located in both core and decentralized business areas, while the retail properties are situated in regional transportation hubs, new towns and urban areas with high population density.

About the Manager

The Manager of Sunlight REIT is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Henderson Land Development Company Limited. Its main responsibility is to manage Sunlight REIT and all of its assets in accordance with the Trust Deed in the sole interest of its unitholders.

Hang Lung Properties Achieves WELL Health-Safety Rating at 19 Properties Across Hong Kong and Mainland China

By
Laotian Times
-

Covering 80% of the Gross Floor Area of Hang Lung’s Completed Investment Properties

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – Hang Lung Properties (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the “Company” or “Hang Lung”) is proud to announce that it has achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating (WELL HSR) from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) for 19 properties located in Hong Kong and eight cities in mainland China. The WELL HSR covers 80% of the total gross floor area of Hang Lung’s completed investment properties.

WELL HSR was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and consists of operational interventions that can be made to help mitigate its spread. As the world moves beyond the pandemic, the WELL HSR seal at Hang Lung’s properties remains a visible indication of confidence and trust that the Company has achieved third-party verification for evidence-based measures and best practices for health and safety.

Hang Lung received full scores in “Cleaning and Sanitization Procedures” and “Air and Water Quality Management” for all 19 properties amid the challenges of the pandemic, demonstrating its dedication to creating a healthy and safe environment for everyone who visits its properties.

In addition to the focus on customer wellbeing through the built environment, Hang Lung aims to sustain a healthy, inclusive and safe environment for its employees, customers and communities. Wellbeing is a broad concept that includes not only health and safety but also other positive attributes such as a sense of belonging, a sense of security, peace of mind, and feeling connected to the natural world. Achieving the WELL HSR also fulfils one of Hang Lung’s 25×25 Sustainability Targets. Hang Lung will continue its efforts to promote wellbeing in all aspects of its work.

Details of the 19 properties (malls/ office towers) that achieved the WELL HSR are as follows:

Property Mall Office Tower (OT)
Standard Chartered Bank Building, Hong Kong / OT
Plaza 66, Shanghai Mall OT1, OT2
Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai Mall OT
Center 66, Wuxi Mall OT1, OT2
Palace 66, Shenyang Mall /
Forum 66, Shenyang Mall OT
Parc 66, Jinan Mall /
Riverside 66, Tianjin Mall /
Olympia 66, Dalian Mall /
Spring City 66, Kunming Mall OT
Heartland 66, Wuhan Mall OT

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

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

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is recognized for leading the way in enhanced sustainability initiatives in real estate as it pursues sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit .

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