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Dr. Ko Lai Hung, Chairman of Accel Group, was Awarded the “Outstanding Entrepreneur of Social Responsibility 2021”

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Laotian Times
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Taking Lead to Give back to the Society, Integrating Business Decisions into Social Development

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 26 August 2021 – Accel Group Holdings Limited (Stock code: 1283.HK, “Accel Group” or the “Group”) is pleased to announce that, Dr. Ko Lai Hung, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was awarded the “Outstanding Entrepreneur of Social Responsibility 2021” by Hong Kong Commercial Daily, demonstrating Dr. Ko Lai Hung’s dedication and contribution to the society, which is well recognized and recognized by the society.

The “Outstanding Entrepreneur of Social Responsibility 2021” is organized by Hong Kong Commercial Daily, one of the oldest Chinese-language financial newspaper in Hong Kong, and is supported by over 20 chambers of commerce and business alliances including the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, which aims to recognize the achievements and contributions of business entrepreneurs in fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities. The assessment representatives consist of well-known political and business people, including members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Dean of Business School from a number of local universities and colleges in Hong Kong and the Editorial Board of the Hong Kong Commercial Daily, etc., to make a comprehensive assessment of the Group’s policy, employee care, social care, environmental sustainability and value innovation, and select entrepreneurs who have made outstanding social achievements through a rigorous selection process. These rigorous selection processes and the composition of authoritative assessment representatives demonstrate the integrity and score of the awards.

The award ceremony of the “Outstanding Entrepreneur of Social Responsibility 2021” was held at InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong. Dr. Ko Lai Hung, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accel Group, stood out among outstanding entrepreneurs in the community for his outstanding achievements and contributions. He was recognized by all sectors of society and was awarded jointly by Mr. Kwok Chun Yau, a second-level inspector of the Economic Department of the China Federation of Trade Unions, and Dr. Allen Shi Lop-tak, BBS, MH, JP, President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, at the award ceremony.

The sustainable development of an enterprise is not only limited to its operation, but also needs to fulfill its social responsibilities. Dr. Ko LaiHung has spent no effort to serve the community and give back to the society for many years, from business operation to social life. In terms of corporate operation, Dr. Ko LaiHung and all staff of Accel Group have been focusing on energy saving and efficiency enhancement of electrical and mechanical engineering works. In addition, the Group established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Accel Green Building Limited, to promote clean energy, energy saving and carbon reduction related businesses. From the perspective of social sustainable development, the Group have formulated and adjusted the Group’s business decisions and directions in a reasonable manner, and integrated social responsibility into the Group’s business layout. At the same time, Dr. Ko LaiHung also played an active role in public welfare and anti-epidemic support activities, leading the staff of Accel Group to distribute anti-epidemic bags to the elderly in Tsuen Wan District, and also donated to support the anti-epidemic and Construction Industry Caring Campaign – Fight against COVID-19, and connecting the representatives of the industry to distribute anti-epidemic supplies to a few 100,000 construction workers in Hong Kong; He was also the president of the Hong Kong Pingtan Clansmen Association and was awarded the “Gold Medal for Humanity” by the Fujian Red Cross for his generous donation and donation of a large amount of anti-epidemic supplies to the frontline medical staff during the most deficient epidemic supplies. Dr. Ko LaiHung’s ability to receive the above awards would not have been possible without giving the society an opportunity for Accel Group to grow, but will also become the key pillar for Dr. Ko LaiHung to set a good example, inspiring all the staff of Accel Group towards sustainable development.

Dr. Ko Laihung, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Group, said, “We are honored to receive the Honors and Awards, which brings all the efforts of the entire staff of Accel Group and the recognition from all walks of life. Today, this honor is not only an intensification but also a new start. Sustainable development is an inevitable trend in the current situation. Looking ahead, the Group will also take the responsibility of supporting the development of the society, actively explore more appropriate operation methods to promote business development, and integrate the awareness of sustainable development and social responsibility into the Group’s business strategy and culture, actively assume and perform corporate responsibility, and wish to work together with all parties to give back to the society.”

About Accel Group Holdings Limited (Stock code: 1283.HK)

Accel Group Holdings Limited (the “Group”) listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 2019. It is an electrical and mechanical engineering services provider with good track record. Its key customers are famous developers and architectural firms in Hong Kong. The Group has established experience in several significant construction projects for famous developers and architectural firms in Hong Kong. The Group is mainly engaged in installing electrical and mechanical facilities for various developers, including the installation of air-conditioning system, drainage system, water supply, swimming pool and fountain system, electrical and control system as well as smart electrical control system in buildings. The Group is committed to providing quality electrical and mechanical engineering services. At the same time, Accel Group continued to expand its business, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Accel Green Building Limited and Accel Innovative Technology Limited, are committed to creating business opportunities for the Group in terms of energy-saving environment and smart city construction.

#AccelGroup

The Grand Opening of the 2021 Nanhui Art Project – Turning Taitung into a Giant Art Museum

By
Laotian Times
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TAITUNG, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 26 August 2021 – “The Nanhui Art Project-Sicevudan: Forward From Here,” has officially begun. Starting from August 2021, the indigenous villages found in the four townships of Taitung’s South Link will be home to inspiring art instillations.

Serendipity

Location: Flower field below Wangyou Valley, Jinzhen Mountain

Artist: Eric Chen/Taiwan

This year, the Nanhui Art Project is centered around Sicevudan, which means “converging with the universal source.” The Project will feature 14 groups of artists from Taiwan, Indonesia, South Africa and the US. The artists have utilized Taitung’s various natural resources while bringing together people from different backgrounds. Through this, they’ve created 14 art instillations that reflect their thoughts and feelings towards Taitung’s South Link.

Sicevudan is a Paiwan word that means “source” and “convergence.” In this case, it symbolizes art’s power to overcome ethnic and regional differences. The Project has produced different types of art instillations that complement Taitung’s stunning scenery. These 14 works have been placed at various locations along the South-Link Highway.

The Nanhui Art Project has also teamed up with indigenous villages, such as Lalaulan, Jinlun, Pacavalj and Tjuluqalju to host different activities. Local artists will share their creative experiences, host traditional handicrafts workshops, prepare indigenous meals, have singing performances and organize village tours. The Project is about more than just looking at some artwork. It’s an opportunity to get to know what makes the indigenous tribes of the South Link special.

【Tour Info】

“The Nanhui Art Project-Sicevudan: Forward From Here,”

Dates: 7/30/2021-11/14/2021

Location: The four townships of Taitung’s South Link-Taimali, Jinfeng, Dawu and Daren

Periodic updates regarding the event will be posted online. Please check back often.

Social Media

YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjG-AD_pnnna0K5zJICqNhg

Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/NanhuiArtProject/

Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/nanhui_art/

#NanhuiArtProject

SunMirror AG Enters into Agreement to Offer to Acquire Latitude 66

By
Laotian Times
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ZUG, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 26 August 2021 – SunMirror AG (“SunMirror”; XETRA Vienna: ROR1; ISIN CH0396131929), a exploration company specialising in mineral resources such as gold, lithium, cobalt and other metals and minerals powering future industries, through its wholly owned subsidiary SunMirror Luxembourg S.A. (“SM S.A.”) has entered into a conditional binding agreement with Latitude 66 Cobalt Limited to acquire 100 percent of the shares of Finnish cobalt company Latitude 66 Cobalt Oy (“Latitude 66”) from its parent company Latitude 66 Cobalt Limited (“Parent”). Latitude 66’s business focus is exploration and mine development with its business operations located in Finland.

Founded 4 years ago, Latitude 66 is one of the leading explorers of cobalt in Europe and controls the largest exploration tenement package of any single company in Finland, currently surpassing 9,000 square kilometres. Latitude 66’s most advanced mine development project is the fourth largest known cobalt deposit in the European Union and the second largest not yet in production. In addition, Latitude 66 has an extensive exploration portfolio with over 100 targets identified for further exploration.

The expected purchase price payable to the Parent will be EUR 45 million, payable in cash on closing, and a 2% net smelter royalty on future production. The Board of Directors of SunMirror and the Board of the Parent have already approved the sale of Latitude 66 to SM S.A. The conditional binding agreement in respect of the acquisition of Latitude 66 contains an alternative completion structure which, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, provides SM S.A. with the ability to propose a takeover offer of the Parent in accordance with applicable Australian corporations laws. The completion of the acquisition of Latitude 66, or a takeover bid if one is subsequently announced by SM S.A., is subject to completion by SunMirror of a capital raising of EUR 70 million and other customary conditions.

Following successful completion of the capital raising, a takeover offer is the preferred route of SM S.A. and the Board of Directors of the Parent believe that that is the route which may provide a preferable financial outcome for its shareholders but the offer must be made in accordance with applicable Australian corporations laws via entry into a bid implementation agreement which contains the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Parent and the dispatch of a bidder’s statement by SM S.A. to the Parent’s shareholders (and a separate offer to existing holders of performance rights in the Parent).

If a takeover offer is made and is accepted by the required majority of 90% of shares on issue which entitles SM S.A. to acquire the shares of any shareholders in Parent who do not accept the offer, their shares in Parent may be compulsorily acquired under Australian corporations laws at the same price per share payable to the shareholders who accepted the takeover offer. If a takeover offer is made which is only accepted to an extent which would not entitle SM S.A. to compulsorily acquire the shares of non-accepting shareholders, then the acquisition would proceed to completion by way of a private sale of Latitude 66 by the Parent.

If the acquisition proceeds by way of private sale of Latitude 66 by the Parent, the Parent will give SM S.A. certain warranties relating to the business and assets of Latitude 66. Warranties will not be given by the shareholders of the Parent if the acquisition completes as the result of a successful takeover offer for the Parent.

For the avoidance of doubt, this announcement does not constitute an intention to make a takeover bid for the purposes of section 631 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

Completion of the acquisition is expected no later than 30 November 2021.

Explanatory Note

SunMirror, which has prospective resource projects in Australia, expands its market presence through the acquisition of Latitude 66 and is able to supply the European economy with cobalt and other critical commodities and metals such as lithium from sustainable, stable and legally secure sources in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and ESG requirements. With the acquisition of Latitude 66, SunMirror is excellently positioned to act as a strategic partner in the future to the European economy, supplying raw materials for digital transformation.

Demand for critical raw materials such as cobalt and lithium has been growing rapidly for years. Drivers of this demand include new technological developments such as electromobility. Recently, the European Union (‘EU’) reaffirmed, as part of the launch of its European Green Deal, that a lack of access to critical raw materials or over-dependence on single suppliers would undermine Europe’s ability to be an industrial leader in new technologies. In order to achieve the EU’s goal of climate neutrality, it is important not to create new dependency on uncertain third countries for these critical raw materials in terms of legal certainty, working conditions and environmental standards.

Sunmirror has already received commitments for significant capital injections in the past and considers itself well positioned for further growth on this basis. In addition, further investors have recently expressed their interest to Sunmirror with a share price close to the market price in supporting the future growth of the company.

About SunMirror AG

SunMirror is a natural resources holding company with a strategic focus on traceable, responsibly sourced battery metals – the metals and minerals whose demand is driven by sustainable next-generation technologies. The company’s shares (ISIN CH0396131929) are listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange (ticker: ROR1) and the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange. For further information, please visit: www.sunmirror.com.

#SunMirror

Datang Announces 2021 Interim Results, Net Profit increased by over 200% to RMB211 Million

By
Laotian Times
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Financial Review

(RMB’000)

For the six months ended 30 June

2021

2020

Change (%)

Revenue

3,306,534

1,785,418

+85.2%

Gross Profit

1,023,937

416,448

+145.9%

Net Profit

217,049

89,971

+141.2%

Profit Attributable to Owners of the Company

244,370

72,987

+234.8%

Basic Earnings Per Share (RMB)

0.18

0.07

+157.1%

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 26 August 2021 – Chinese property developer ─ Datang Group Holdings Limited (“Datang” or the “Company”; together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; HKEx stock code: 2117) has announced the unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021 (the “Period”) today.

During the Period, the Group achieved encouraging results with a stable growth in revenue. Revenue increased by 85.2% year on year to RMB 3.307 billion; gross profit amounted to RMB 1.024 billion, representing an increase of 145.9% year on year. The increase in gross profit was mainly attributable to the increased number of projects delivered during the Period, which included several projects with higher gross profit. The projects have increased the gross profit margin to 31.0%, which is a 7.7 percentage points higher than the same period last year. Net profit amounted to RMB 217 million with a year-on-year growth rate of 141.2%. Profit attributable to owners of the Company increased significantly by 234.8% to approximately RMB 244 million. Basic earnings per share were RMB 0.18. The board of directors of the Company has resolved not to declare an interim dividend for the Period (2020: Nil).

In the first half of 2021, the Group followed the geographical layout of “2+1+X”, which focused on the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone, consolidated the existing layout in the urban agglomerations of the Western Taiwan Strait Economic Zone, and established a relatively stable economies of scale. Meanwhile, the Group seized the opportunity of relocating the headquarters to Shanghai, by expanding quickly in the Yangtze River Delta region, as well as successively entered core cities with economic vitality. The Group has strengthened strategic cooperation with leading companies in the industry, all of which will lay a solid foundation for the Group to become a national comprehensive real estate corporation. During the Period, the Group’s contract sales amounted to approximately RMB25.51 billion, and the contracted sales area was approximately 2.491 million sq.m..

The Group prudently adopted land acquisition methods such as public bidding, auction and listing, and by forming joint ventures, the Group obtained a total of 19 high-quality land parcels with a total planned gross floor area (“GFA”) of 2.93 million square metres (“sq.m.”), the total land reserve maintained a steady growth. As of 30 June 2021, the total GFA of the Group’s land reserve was approximately 22.00 million sq.m., among which the GFA of properties under development was approximately 20.99 million sq.m., the GFA of completed but undelivered properties was approximately 0.85 million sq.m., and the rentable GFA for property investment was approximately 0.16 million, providing sufficient support for future development.

Besides property development business, the Group has businesses in investment and operation of commercial properties and hotel operation, thus diversifying the Group’s businesses. For the six months ended 30 June 2021, the Group achieved a rental income of approximately RMB 56.1 million, representing an increase of 157.8% compared to the same period of 2020. The increase was mainly attributable to the improvement of the performance of the commercial operations. Also, the Group achieved revenue from hotel operation of approximately RMB30.1 million, representing an increase of 158.4% compared to the same period of last year. The increase was mainly attributable to the improvement in business performance of hotel.

While the performance has grown steadily in the first half of 2021, the Group’s capital structure has also been significantly optimized. As of 30 June 2021, the net gearing ratio was 47.7%, and the cash to short-term debts ratio was 1.2 times, maintaining at a stable level. The Group had sufficient cash of approximately RMB7.98 billion cash and bank balances, reflecting that the Group has sufficient working capital and is in a healthy financial position.

In view of the steady operating and financial performance, the Group obtained long-term credit ratings from various credit rating agencies for the first time. Moody’s has assigned the Group a “B2” credit rating with a stable outlook while Standard & Poor has assigned the Group a credit rating of “B” with a stable outlook.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2021, Mr. Wu Di, the chairman of the Group concluded, “the Group expects that the land market will cool down under the implementation of various policies. With the continuous strengthening of financial supervision in the real estate market, the amount of new loan facilities may be limited in the second half of the year, and mortgage interest rates in some cities will rise. The tightening of the overall credit environment may affect the sentiment of the property purchases to a certain extent. The Group will continue to uphold the principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, maintain bottom-line thinking, and balance and predict development and risks. On one hand, we will adhere to the strategy of deploying urban agglomerations and cultivating metropolitan areas. We will remain cautious with a positive attitude, and adhere to diversified land acquisition methods. On the other hand, we will continue to focus on customers, continue to improve the quality of service and customer satisfaction. We will continue to improve the level of financial and cost management in accordance with the requirements of the capital market, while maintaining high transparency and good corporate governance, and continuously improving the operating capabilities of the Group. In addition, the Group will continue to adopt the friendly platform strategy, explore opportunities to provide equity interests to attract strategic investors, platform resources, and other ways, to promote the Company’s steady development and strengthen its core competitiveness. Finally, the Group will strive to become a high-quality listed company with sustainable development capabilities through continuous improvement of overall performance, so as to achieve a win-win situation for customers, employees, society, and shareholders.

About Datang Group Holdings Limited

Datang Group Holdings Limited is a property developer in China focused on the development of residential and commercial properties in selected economic regions. Headquartered in Shanghai, the Group has expanded its business into major regions in China, including Haixi Economic Region, Beibu Gulf Economic Zone and Yangtze River Delta Region and neighboring cities, etc. As of 30 June 2021, the Group has 142 major projects in various stages of development in major cities of The People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) and was ranked 71st among the Top 200 Real Estate Property Developers in PRC in the first half of 2021 in terms of contracted sales by CRIC, a real estate research institute in PRC. The Group’s shares were listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 11 December 2020 and were included in the MSCI China Small Cap Index on 27 May 2021.

#Datang

Thai Police Fear Killer Cop Has Fled to Laos

By
Laotian Times
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Thai police chief Jo Ferrari may have fled to Laos
Thai police chief "Jo Ferrari" may have fled to Laos.

Thailand has requested assistance from Laos after issuing an arrest warrant for a rogue police chief believed to have tortured and killed a drug suspect.

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NCS launches NEXT Cloud Centre of Excellence in Australia as part of APAC expansion

By
Laotian Times
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  • Expands on NCS’ presence in Australia and aims to encourage innovation collaboration between Australia and Singapore
  • Helps governments and enterprise leverage digital technologies to transform the way they operate and thrive in the digital economy
  • Aims to grow local team to 1,500 and create 500 new digital jobs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 26 August 2021 – NCS today announced the launch of NCS NEXT Cloud Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Melbourne. The CoE will offer governments and enterprises greater support on accelerating their cloud initiatives. This is part of NCS’s regional expansion strategy into Australia, following the partnership with Optus Enterprise in December 2020 to bring integrated ICT and digital services to Australian clients across a wide range of industries and government sectors. The CoE will also facilitate expertise exchange and deepen collaboration between Singapore and Australia, helping both cities build up cloud expertise in a competitive talent market.

The setup of the CoE follows an earlier announcement made this year on the formation of NCS NEXT to help organisations leverage digital technologies to transform the way they operate. This would involve innovating and co-creating new applications, processes, and services with organisations to better service their end customers or stakeholders. The NCS NEXT Cloud CoE in Melbourne is part of the company’s NEXT Innovation Triangle which also includes nodes in Singapore and Shenzhen and draws on the unique strengths each city brings in terms of talent, clients, and innovation.

Andre Conti, Head of NEXT Solutions, Australia, said, “We have witnessed the increasing pace at which both public and commercial sectors in Australia are adopting a digital-first approach to transforming the way in which we live and work. Through the NCS NEXT Cloud CoE launch in Australia, Optus Enterprise and NCS can help Australian enterprises and government agencies leverage cloud-based innovations to unlock competitive advantages and enhance customer or citizen experiences. By tapping into NCS’ 40 years of experience in supporting the public sector in APAC and our strong partner ecosystem, NCS Australia will play an active role in nurturing and pushing the local ICT space forwards”.

Partnering Victoria to grow a tech ecosystem and develop talents

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed today at the Cloud CoE launch, with The State Government of Victoria represented by Invest Victoria as well as the Department of Treasury and Finance. This partnership leverages the CoE to promote innovation in cloud, reach new customers, drive talent development, and advance Victoria’s competitiveness in the technology sector.

With 80 per cent of Australian enterprises expected to shift to cloud-centric infrastructures and applications by the end of 2021, the launch of NCS NEXT Cloud CoE comes at an opportune time to help Australian organisations navigate the complex tech ecosystem and accelerate their cloud deployment.

Tim Pallas, Victorian Treasurer said, “Victoria is the tech capital of Australia and we’re so proud to welcome NCS to Melbourne, creating jobs and continuing our thriving reputation of innovation and excellence.”

To support the growth of the Cloud business in Australia, NCS is also committed to building the digital talent pool in Victoria, focusing on capabilities in innovation, artificial intelligence, 5G-enabled internet of things (IoT) applications, advanced analytics, and cloud. NCS aims to grow the local team to 1,500 and create 500 new digital skilled jobs over the next few years to support the needs and aspirations of the Victorian and national ICT communities.

About NCS

NCS is a leading technology services firm with presence in Asia Pacific and partners with governments and enterprises to advance communities through technology. Combining the experience and expertise of its 10,000-strong team across 49 specialisations, NCS provides differentiated and end-to-end technology services to clients with its NEXT capabilities in digital, cloud and platforms, as well as core offerings in application, infrastructure, engineering and cybersecurity. NCS also believes in building a strong partner ecosystem with leading technology players, research institutions and start-ups to support open innovation and co-creation. For more information, visit ncs.co.

#NCS

YouTrip Perks offers greater savings of up to 15% when spending with Taobao, Amazon, iHerb, Lazada and many more

By
Laotian Times
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  • Singaporeans can save with super deals from 30 popular local and international merchants including Taobao, Amazon SG, iHerb, Lazada, Nike and Klook
  • Users can now stack even more savings on overseas purchases, in addition to enjoying the best exchange rates offered by the debit card

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 26 August 2021 – YouTrip, Singapore’s leading multi-currency wallet, is giving Singaporeans more value when they spend by introducing YouTrip Perks, a one-stop platform to discover the best deals and promos from their favourite local and international brands.

In this rollout, the company has partnered 30 merchants spanning e-commerce marketplaces, beauty, fashion, travel, streaming services, food and beverage as well as health and wellness to offer exclusive discounts and cashbacks to users when shopping with them online and in-store.

“At YouTrip, we’re always looking for ways to give our users the most cost-effective way to pay – from promising the best exchange rates when transacting in multi-currency, and now sealing the best deals for them on YouTrip Perks,” said Jeremy Lim, Country Manager, YouTrip Singapore.

He added, “this is also timely as Singaporeans prepare their shopping carts for the year-end shopping season, and the in-store discounts relevant for those heading out during the easing of measures. This is only the start, and Singaporeans can look forward to more deals from online shopping options and local retail brands in the months to come.”

Slash your spendings with YouTrip Perks

The merchants featured in YouTrip Perks are also a reflection of Singaporeans’ current lifestyles and their well-loved merchants at home and abroad.

  • Stack rebates when shopping internationally. Singaporeans love their foreign brands, and the numbers show it, with YouTrip registering a close to double growth in online overseas purchases among Singaporeans in the past 12 months[1].

    To give users more of what they love, YouTrip Perks has brought on board top international shopping sites[2] iHerb to offer 15% off health products beginning today, as well as discounts on Taobao purchases this September. Those stocking up on global beauty items and apparel can also start saving up to 25% when shopping from online skincare retailers Look Fantastic, Mankind as well as global streetwear label, HBX.

    More importantly, these rebates come on top of existing savings from the best exchange rates and no markups in over 150 currencies when checking out with the YouTrip card.

  • Local discounts for every lifestyle. YouTrip Perks also offers a diversity of local deals to suit any shopper. In time for the upcoming mega sale days, bargain hunters can already earn 2% in cashback on Lazada, and another 6% on Amazon SG next month. Likewise, fashion gurus get up to 30% off the latest pieces at Zalora; whereas locals embarking on a ‘Singapoliday’ will enjoy 10% off staycations with Booking.com, Agoda and Klook.

    Lastly, for those looking to further their fitness journey, stock up on health supplements from MyProtein at a discounted rate of 55%, and receive cashbacks when refreshing that activewear wardrobe at Nike and Adidas.

  • Ready to head out and about. As Singaporeans gradually return to the office, YouTrip Perks is shaving a few bucks off that much-needed cuppa at homegrown cafes The Lokal and Huggs Coffee, and giving diners a sweet end to their meal with discounted sweets at Ice Bar or drinks at craft beer bar Almost Famous.

“At YouTrip, we look at data to inform every step of our product development. By understanding our users’ purchase behaviour, we were able to select a list of merchants that they care about, and help them develop meaningful savings in their shopping journey,” said Jeremy.

The full list of merchants can be found on YouTrip Perks.

Make the best out of YouTrip Perks today

  1. Visit YouTrip Perks, and enter the unique Y-number located on your YouTrip card to start accessing the list of deals.
  2. Click on the deals you’d like to redeem from that particular merchant and start shopping.
  3. When you’re ready, pay with your YouTrip card either in-store or on the merchant’s respective website.
  4. Discounts are either applied immediately upon payment in-store or online, applied after the promo-code is inserted, or in the form of cashback to your YouTrip wallet[3].

The YouTrip app can be downloaded on the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS).


[1] YouTrip Cross-border e-commerce study 2021: Singaporeans an 84% year-on year increase in online overseas purchases by Singaporean users from July 2020 to June 2021

[2] YouTrip Cross-border e-commerce study 2021: Taobao and iHerb were among the top 10 international shopping sites that Singaporeans frequented in the past year

[3] List of terms & conditions for each redemption on YouTrip Perks

About YouTrip

YouTrip is a regional financial technology startup, dedicated to creating the best mobile financial services for travellers across Southeast Asia by simplifying overseas spending and creating a fuss-free travel experience. YouTrip first launched in Singapore in 2018 and subsequently in Thailand in 2019.

For more information, please visit www.you.co

#YouTrip

Amazon Launches IP Accelerator in Singapore to Help Small Businesses Secure Trademarks and Protect Their Brands

By
Laotian Times
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  • IP Accelerator connects small and medium-sized businesses with a network of trusted Singapore Intellectual Property (IP) law firms that will charge competitive fees on key services
  • Participating businesses can access Amazon’s brand protection tools months before their trademark registration is issued

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 26 August 2021 – Today, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) launched the Intellectual Property Accelerator (IP Accelerator) in Singapore, making it easier and more cost effective for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to obtain trademarks, protect their brands and tackle infringing goods both in Amazon’s stores and the broader marketplace.

Available to any brand selling in Amazon’s stores, IP Accelerator directly connects Singapore SMB owners with a curated network of local law firms charging competitive, pre-negotiated rates on key services, giving SMBs easy access to expert legal and general IP advice that may otherwise be a cost-prohibitive or complex process. To date, the list of participating firms in Singapore includes Ella Cheong LLC, Viering, Jentschura & Partner, Francine Tan Law Corporate, and Tan Peng Chin LLC.

“Securing IP rights is essential for every business owner, especially those interested to go global. Many SMBs in Singapore have grown their businesses with Amazon, reaching millions of customers on Amazon.sg and Amazon’s stores around the world. We are pleased to introduce the IP Accelerator program, which will build on that success by protecting their intellectual property and set them up for long term growth,” said Bernard Tay, Head of Global Selling for Southeast Asia at Amazon.

IP rights are vital for businesses to stop bad actors from copying and infringing on their ideas. However, filing for IP protection can be daunting and time-consuming for SMBs. IP Accelerator will facilitate the process by connecting SMBs with lawyers who are skilled in drafting trademark applications and can help remove common obstacles that could otherwise further delay the issuance of a registration.

IP Accelerator provides SMBs with early access to Amazon’s brand protection tools that help them protect their brand and IP even before their trademark is officially registered. Amazon’s Brand Registry is a free service that provides SMBs with powerful tools that help them manage and protect their brand and IP rights in Amazon stores, with more than 500,000 brands enrolled to date. Participants benefit from Amazon’s automated, data-driven protections that proactively remove suspected infringing or inaccurate content as well as tools that enable brands to report suspected infringement. Enrollment in Brand Registry also provides brands with greater influence over product information displayed on Amazon’s product detail pages to help customers make confident, informed purchasing decisions.

IP Accelerator was launched in the United States in 2019, and has since expanded to Europe, Japan, Canada, Mexico, India, and now Singapore. Since the launch, more than 7,000 trademark applications from participating brands have been submitted to trademark offices including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the European Union Intellectual Property Office, the UK Intellectual Property Office, the Japan Patent Office, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, the Instituto Mexicaon de la Propiedad Industial, and the India Trade Marks Registry.

Amazon does not charge selling partners to use IP Accelerator – SMBs pay their law firm directly for the work performed at reduced, pre-negotiated rates. Businesses interested in IP Accelerator can visit http://brandservices.amazon.sg/ipaccelerator. Law firms that are interested in participating in the program should contact IPAcceleratorWaitList@amazon.com.

Quotes from the law firms:

Francine Tan, Founding Partner of Francine Tan Law Corporate, said: “The team at Francine Tan Law Corporation is excited to be a trusted Singapore partner in the IP Accelerator program to assist start-ups and small businesses in gaining quicker access to the Amazon Brand Registry. Brands are an intangible valuable asset which connects businesses with consumers and fosters loyalty and trust. Trademark registrations serve to protect this asset and are extremely vital for one to deal with the hijacking of brands and online counterfeits.”

Angela Leong, VJP, said: “Hi Amazon Selling Partners! VJP LLP an IP firm located in Singapore offering trademark protection services. We go by our motto “Value Justifies Protection” and are in the business of protecting and defending your trademark. We’re excited to be a part of Amazon’s IP Accelerator Firm Referral Program and look forward to playing our part in the Amazon ecosystem where connections are made.”

Wong Liang Kok, Tan Peng Chin LLC, said: “Tan Peng Chin LLC is a boutique Singapore law firm, with a dedicated and experienced IP practice group. We are honoured to be a part of Amazon’s IP Accelerator Program so as to serve international companies requiring trademark, brand and other intellectual property protection and other legal services in Singapore.”

Kar Liang SOH, Ella Chong LLC, said: “Amazon is finally bringing its ground-breaking IP Accelerator programme to its fast-expanding Singapore marketplace. We are proud to pioneer this amazing initiative with Amazon and are extremely excited to play a vital role in supporting the IP and legal needs of growing network of partners and sellers in the Amazon Singapore marketplace and beyond!”


About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit Amazon.sg.

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