Research reveals 4 in 10 APAC CIOs view global connectivity as critical to growth, while 32% believe global growth ambitions are constrained by legacy systems

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 20 June 2023 – New research of global CIOs launched today from Expereo reveals that large global enterprises are moving ‘Faster to the Future’ with an increased focus on technology investment to fuel growth through global expansion.

The research of over 650 CIOs in global enterprises across Europe, US and APAC shows that half of CIOs globally (51%) as well as in APAC (48%) have secured increased technology budgets specifically to deliver growth and overcome existing challenges. This is positive news for a third (32%) in APAC who claim that their global business ambitions are constrained by legacy connectivity and management systems. It also identifies that organisations may be missing growth opportunities by failing to prioritise regions with some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, due to perceived complexity and challenges to market entry.

Ben Elms, Chief Revenue Officer at Expereo comments; “As organisations focus on driving growth through global expansion, there are clearly complexities and challenges to overcome. The business-critical nature of connectivity in today’s world combined with an increasingly complex landscape – from security, regulation, skills and often challenging physical and geo-political infrastructure – means it’s no easy task. However, it is achievable. Those who find a way to simplify, automate and scale their operations will be in the best position to reap the rewards and growth this can deliver.”

The future is bright
According to the research, APAC CIOs are more optimistic (38%) when describing their organisations’ attitudes to growth versus the global average of 34%, and nearly a third (26%) as ambitious for the next 12 months, with nearly 1 in 2 APAC CIOs (48%) noting increased technology budgets to help drive this, just a few percentage points off the global average of 51%.

In the Asia Pacific markets surveyed, public/hybrid cloud (58%) Security (57%), and automation and analytics (58%) were identified as the top three areas set for increased tech investments globally in the next four months, closely followed by SASE (56%), WAN (54%), IoT (54%), SAAS (53%), as well as Edge computing and IoT (52% and 54% respectively). APAC CIOs claim that this investment will drive global growth by ensuring prioritisation of increased innovation (50%), increased AI and automation (52%) and expansion into new markets (48%).

More markets, more problems…
Almost half (44%) of APAC CIOs claimed that establishing and managing connectivity in new markets is the single most critical factor in ensuring successful global expansion, and 39% said that their board views global connectivity as a business asset critical to growth, but there are challenges that need to be overcome.

In fact, when asked specifically about the three top challenges to delivering global growth in new regions, APAC CIOs highlighted the ability to understand technology challenges at the board level (36%), having to deal with constraints due to legacy systems (36%), as well as having sufficiently in-depth knowledge of local customs and business practices (36%).

Perceived complexity an obstacle to global growth
Responses indicated that global enterprises may be failing to prioritise the fastest growing economies due to perceived complexities.

When asked about where their organisations in APAC saw the biggest opportunity for growth, North America, East Asia, as well as Australia and Oceania were the top three markets in the list, in that order. North America (36%) took the throne, followed by East Asia (36%), as well as Australia and Oceania (36%). Although East Asia comes in at number two on the list, it also ranks as the most technologically challenging region to do business in regarding agility (25%), and robust connectivity (26%).

Ben Elms continues; “Realising the growth opportunities that global expansion can deliver will be critical to the world economy in these challenging times. CIOs need to completely focus on supercharging this strategic growth wherever they are doing business in the world; not grappling with unnecessary logistical and connectivity challenges. That’s what Expereo is here for. We simplify and automate this, allowing our customers to get on with business.”

For the full report please visit: https://www.expereo.com/enterprise-horizons

Hashtag: #Expereo

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

About Expereo

Expereo is a leading global provider of managed network solutions including, Global Internet, SD-WAN/SASE, and Enhanced Internet. With an extensive global reach, Expereo is the trusted partner of 30% of Fortune 500 companies. It powers enterprise and government sites in more than 190 countries, helping customers improve productivity and empowering their networks and cloud services with the agility, flexibility and value of the Internet, with optimal network performance.

Expereo was acquired in Feb 2021, by Vitruvian Partners. The international growth capital and buyout firm, acquired a majority shareholding from leading European private equity firm, Seven2.

www.expereo.com.

The Company is currently the first enterprise in China and the second enterprise in the world to apply for the clinical trial of a long-acting triple agonist of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)/GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)/GCG (glucagon) prepared by chemical synthesis peptide.

UBT251 is a long-acting polypeptide drug that stimulates triple-target receptors for GLP-1/GIP /GCG simultaneously. By acting on GLP-1 receptors, GIP receptors and GCG receptors, UBT251 promotes insulin secretion, regulates appetite and energy metabolism, reduces blood glucose and weight, and improves liver steatosis. Preclinical studies in various animal models have proven that UBT251 significantly reduces blood glucose and weight, improves liver steatosis and fibrosis, and that it outperforms the marketed single-target GLP-1 receptor drug Semaglutide and the dual-target GLP-1/GIP drug Tirzepatide in the in-vivo treatment of model animals.

The product is expected to be beneficial for the treatment of patients with various metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, overweight/obesity and NASH, when administered once a week by subcutaneous injection. At present, the fastest progress in the R&D of the same target drugs, both domestic and abroad, has just announced the initiation of phase III clinical trials.

Mr. Tsoi Hoi Shan, Chairman of the Group said that, “TUL has focused on the field of diabetes for several years and is one of the few pharmaceutical companies in China that owns both second and third generation insulin products. As the Group’s biopharmaceutical R&D headquarters, The United Bio-Technology specialises in the research and development of drug products for energy metabolism, inflammation and autoimmune diseases. The primary mission of United Bio-Technology is the research and development of high-end biological drugs for the treatment of major chronic diseases. The United Bio-Technology’s self-developed class 1 innovative new drug UBT251 Injection fully demonstrates the Group’s innovation and R&D capability in biopharmaceutical industry. In the future, we will continue to actively promote the progress of new drug projects, and focus on enhancing its competitiveness and creativity in the biopharmaceutical industry, with a view of creating more benefits for the Company and its shareholders.”

Hashtag: #TUL

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

About The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (TUL)

TUL is one of the leading comprehensive pharmaceutical companies in China, principally engaged in the R&D, manufacturing and selling of finished products, bulk medicines and intermediate products. Its products include drugs for human use and animal healthcare. The Group has six production bases, and its sales teams for intermediate products, bulk medicines and finished products formed a broad sales network covering China and the rest of the world. Currently, TUL is one of the few pharmaceutical companies in China that owns both second and third generation insulin products. The Group is presently a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index Series and maintains MSCI ESG rating at A, which is an industry-leading rating.

Tapping into the current “work-from-hospo” trend, JustCo OCC (One City Centre) offers a “hotelified” work experience in a welcoming environment while championing biophilic design and innovative micro-workspace solutions.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 20 June 2023 – JustCo, Asia’s leading flexible workspace provider, today announced the upcoming launch of its new co-working centre at OCC (One City Centre), the tallest Grade-A luxury office building located right at the prestigious Ploenchit intersection, Bangkok’s most prime CBD location. JustCo is all set to spearhead the “work-from-hospo” trend in the bustling city of Bangkok. Spanning across levels 37 to 40, JustCo OCC seeks to reimagine the “work-from-hospo” lifestyle by presenting a perfect fusion of multifunctionality and hotel-like facilities in a contemporary co-working space.

JustCo is recently appointed as a co-working space operator of OCC, which is the project of Raimon Land Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leader of luxury and ultra-luxury real estate development, and Mitsubishi Estate (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Thailand base of global real estate giant from Japan. Strategically positioned in the heart of downtown Bangkok, JustCo OCC is scheduled for opening in Q3 2023. OCC provides direct access to Phloenchit BTS station via OCC’s owned interconnected skybridge and is a mere 200 metres from the Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway. This prime location makes the centre an appealing choice for entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses in need of a premium workspace.

Revolutionising Workplace Experiences with Cutting-Edge Designs

A Fresh Approach To Co-Working

Adding to the hospitality-focused experience, JustCo at OCC takes coworking to a new level with its unique concept of ‘hotdesking at a café’. At the on-site Snap café, members can enjoy a blend of work and leisure, perfect for those embracing the modern ‘work-from-hospo’ trend. Alongside this innovative hotdesking approach, members can also indulge in a meal at the rooftop bar and restaurant, or visit the luxurious Central Embassy mall situated directly opposite the centre.

Hashtag: #justcoglobal #newlocation #coworkingspace #office #workspace

https://www.linkedin.com/company/justco
https://www.facebook.com/JustCoGlobal/
https://www.instagram.com/justcoglobal/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9AoNevgy2yDXLyyVs3jVbw

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

JustCo Global

JustCo is Asia Pacific’s leading provider of flexible workspace for businesses of all sizes seeking flexible solutions to nimbly scale their operations. JustCo’s value proposition lies in its focus on high-quality fit-outs, attractive locations, and a seamless experience via technology to work from any of its spaces. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Singapore, JustCo has over 40 co-working spaces across nine major cities in Asia Pacific.

We make work better by revolutionising how people work, empowering our ever-growing community with exceptional flexibility, opportunities and experiences.

Mil Mill voted top SME of DBS BusinessClass Reborn Exhibition

HONG KONG SAR – Media Outreach – 20 June 2023 – DBS Hong Kong’s new survey with the city’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) reveals 93% of the community believes digitalisation is important to business growth; however, 57% of those surveyed see funding as their biggest challenge when trying to digitalise their businesses. The survey provides insights into the needs of SMEs on their journey towards digitalisation.

The survey interviewed 105 respondents from the SME community in Hong Kong between March and June 2023 to understand the community’s attitudes and priorities towards digital transformation, as part of the follow-up initiative after DBS BusinessClass ‘Reborn Exhibition – We are Back: Digital Transformation of SMEs’ (“Reborn Exhibition”), Hong Kong’s first digital art exhibition led by SMEs held in March.

Funding key to digitalisation

Amongst all respondents of the survey, while funding emerges as the top challenge in digitalisation (57%), limited resources (46%) and relevant technical expertise / skillset (43%) are also identified as the primary reasons contributing to the digital gap. To step forward in their digitalisation journey, 65% of the SME community responded that they are planning to increase their investments in digitalisation by more than 25% this year compared to 2022.

Digital marketing and online channels ranked top priorities in digitalisation

With digitalisation and innovation continuing to re-define how people live and businesses are done, the respondents identified digital marketing (46%), establishing online presence / e-Commerce / mobile applications (41%) and developing data analysis and management (37%) as their top business priorities in the next five years.

Wallace Lam, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “As ‘Hong Kong’s Best Bank’[1] , ‘Asia’s Safest Bank’[2], and ‘World’s Best SME Bank’[3], DBS is committed to supporting SMEs to further their digital transformation agenda through our strong Asian network and digital capabilities. Our drive to serve SME customers with speed and scale is reflected in our full suite of digital banking solutions, from the speedy DBS Online Business Account Opening service, our hassle-free IDEAL online banking platform to our flexible digital financing solutions, as well as the BusinessClass platform that offers networking opportunities to our 250,000 members across Asia. Our ambition is grounded by a deep understanding of SMEs’ evolving needs which will serve as a bedrock for their transformation into a digital future.”

Jolynn Wong, Head of Business Banking at DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, commented, “As Hong Kong returns to normalcy, we have witnessed positive business momentum in the SME community, with business account openings increasing by over 80% year-to-date as of May 2023 in Hong Kong, compared to the same period last year. We will continue to enhance our digital solutions and banking services as SMEs revitalise, enabling them to conduct business more efficiently, effortlessly, and intelligently.”

Mil Mill receives over HK$380,000 worth of support from DBS

With a commitment to aid SMEs in their growth and pressing need for resources in digitalisation, especially in digital marketing, as evident in the results of the survey, DBS Hong Kong is glad to support the top SME by vote from the Reborn Exhibition. With over 4,700 votes for the six participating SMEs, Mil Mill is crowned winner by the public and is entitled to DBS’ support, totalling more than HKD $380,000, including DBS business account opening and transaction fee waiver offers, as well as marketing promotions by 100 KOLs, to help their business embark on a transformative digital journey. Mil Mill, Hong Kong’s first paper pulp mill, is operated by Secure Information Disposal Services, an awardee of DBS Foundation‘s grant programme in 2022.

Hashtag: #DBS

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

About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 14 consecutive years from 2009 to 2022.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.