Authorities in Vientiane Capital have begun discussions on how to resolve blockages along the city’s wastewater drains across the capital.
Authorities to Clear Wastewater Drainage Issues in Vientiane Capital
Copenhagen edges Toronto and Singapore for top spot in Safe Cities Index 2021
- Singapore and Tokyo remain in the top five – third and fifth respectively – with Sydney coming in fourth.
- The remaining top 10 cities are: Amsterdam (6th), Wellington (7th), Hong Kong and Melbourne (tied 8th) and Stockholm (10th)
- The 2021 edition of the index includes a new pillar for environmental security
TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach – 23 August 2021 – The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) today releases the fourth edition of the Safe Cities Index (SCI). The index, which is the centre piece of a research project sponsored by NEC Corporation, ranks 60 cities worldwide across five continents. It measures the multifaceted nature of urban safety, with 76 indicators organised along five pillars: personal, health, infrastructure, digital, and – new this year – environmental security.
In each of the last three iterations, Tokyo, Singapore and Osaka – always in that order – have been our index leaders. This year Copenhagen comes first, with 82.4 points out of 100, and Toronto follows close behind with 82.2. This change reflects not a tectonic shift but more a reordering among cities that have always come close to the top. In all four editions of our index, six cities – Amsterdam, Melbourne, Tokyo, Toronto, Singapore and Sydney – have all figured among the leading ten, with only a few points separating them.
Naka Kondo, senior editor of The EIU and editor of the SCI2021 report says:
“Covid-19 is the first global pandemic to strike humanity since we became a predominantly urban species. Experts have told us covid-19 has changed the whole concept of urban safety. Digital security is now an even higher priority as more work and commerce have moved online; those responsible for infrastructure safety have to adjust to dramatic changes in travel patterns and where residents consume utilities; agencies responsible for personal security need to address a large, lockdown-driven shift in crime patterns; and the priority that urban residents and officials assign to environmental security has risen markedly as covid-19 serves as a stark warning of unexpected crises.”
The index framework has been subjected to an extensive reevaluation and has undergone significant changes, including updates to existing indicators, updates to scoring methodology, addition of new indicators under existing domains and the addition of a new domain to the framework.
The introduction of the new pillar for environmental security in this year’s index reflects the increased importance of sustainability issues and climate adaptation measures amid the pandemic. Toronto and Copenhagen performed noticeably better in the new environmental security pillar than do any of the top-three cities from earlier years. Interestingly, the index also shows that leading middle-income cities do far better in this area than in any other categories. In particular, three at this income level finish in the pillar’s top ten: Bogota (4th); Rio de Janeiro (8th); and Kuala Lumpur (10th).
Overall ranking SCI 2021
|
Overall Ranking – Safe Cities Index 2021 |
|||||
|
1 |
Copenhagen |
21 |
Madrid |
41 |
Bogota |
|
2 |
Toronto |
22 |
Dallas |
42 |
Mexico City |
|
3 |
Singapore |
23 |
Paris |
43 |
Bangkok |
|
4 |
Sydney |
24 |
Taipei |
44 |
Quito |
|
5 |
Tokyo |
25 |
Seoul |
45 |
Ho Chi Minh City |
|
6 |
Amsterdam |
26 |
Brussels |
46 |
Jakarta |
|
7 |
Wellington |
27 |
Milan |
47 |
Johannesburg |
|
8 |
Hong Kong |
28 |
Lisbon |
48 |
New Delhi |
|
8 |
Melbourne |
29 |
Rome |
49 |
Riyadh |
|
10 |
Stockholm |
30 |
Shanghai |
50 |
Mumbai |
|
11 |
Barcelona |
31 |
Abu Dhabi |
51 |
Manila |
|
11 |
New York |
32 |
Kuala Lumpur |
52 |
Baku |
|
13 |
Frankfurt |
33 |
Santiago |
53 |
Kuwait city |
|
14 |
Washington DC |
34 |
Buenos Aires |
54 |
Dhaka |
|
15 |
London |
35 |
Dubai |
55 |
Casablanca |
|
15 |
San Francisco |
36 |
Beijing |
56 |
Lagos |
|
17 |
Osaka |
37 |
Istanbul |
57 |
Cairo |
|
18 |
Los Angeles |
38 |
Moscow |
58 |
Caracas |
|
19 |
Zurich |
39 |
Rio de Janeiro |
59 |
Karachi |
|
20 |
Chicago |
40 |
Sao Paulo |
60 |
Yangon |
|
|
Very High |
|
High |
|
Medium |
Research shows that the performance of different safety pillars correlates very closely with each other, signifying that different kinds of safety are thoroughly intertwined. The top performers in each pillar are as follows:
Digital security: Sydney (1), Singapore (2), Copenhagen (3), Los Angeles / San Francisco (4),
Health security: Tokyo (1), Singapore (2), Hong Kong (3), Melbourne (4), Osaka (5)
Infrastructure security: Hong Kong (1), Singapore (2), Copenhagen (3), Toronto (4), Tokyo (5)
Personal security: Copenhagen (1), Amsterdam (2), Frankfurt (3), Stockholm (4), Brussels (5)
Environmental Security: Wellington (1), Toronto (2), Washington DC (3), Bogota (4), Milan (5)
The Safe Cities Index reveals that different global region have distinct strengths. In particular, well-off Asia-Pacific cities tend to perform better on average when it comes to health security and infrastructure security, while European cities on personal security and North American cities on digital security.
Visit safecities.economist.com for the full report, index and workbook
How safe is your city? Benchmark your city to any of the 60 indexed cities with the “Urban safety benchmarking tool”
In conjunction with the release of the Safe Cities index, The Economist Events will programme a 45 minute session as part of NEC Visionary Week 2021. This session will include a presentation of the highlights of the Safe Cities Summit Index results as well as a discussion with a high ranking official from a municipal government and CTO of KMD to explore how city leaders can develop a holistic approach to the development of safe cities for all. The presentation and panel discussion will be available free to view here.
About the Safe Cities Index 2021
The SCI 2021, similarly to the previous three editions, is centred around digital security, health security, infrastructure security, personal security and – new this year – environmental security. The 2021 index ranks 60 cities across 76 indicators. The 2021 framework has been refined to better capture a city’s environmental security. For more on the index methodology, please see the methodology appendix at the end of the report. Please access this link (http://safecities.economist.com) for the white paper, interactive tool to explore the rankings, and the index data workbook.
Due to the change in city coverage and additional indicators, direct year-on-year comparisons between cities are not possible. Scores and rankings reflect the relative performance of a city and should be considered for the year in scope, especially due to changes in methodology/indicators and cities in scope in the 2021 edition.
The 60 cities covered in the index are (in order of the overall ranking):
North America: Toronto, New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas.
Latin America: Santiago, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Bogota, Mexico City, Quito and Caracas.
Europe: Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Barcelona, Frankfurt, London, Zurich, Madrid, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Lisbon, Rome, Istanbul and Moscow.
Middle East and Africa: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Johannesburg, Riyadh, Baku, Kuwait City, Casablanca, Lagos and Cairo.
Asia-Pacific: Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Wellington, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Osaka, Taipei, Seoul, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, New Delhi, Mumbai, Manila, Dhaka, Karachi and Yangon.
About The Economist Intelligence Unit
The EIU is the thought leadership, research and analysis division of The Economist Group and the world leader in global business intelligence for executives. We uncover novel and forward-looking perspectives with access to over 650 expert analysts and editors across 200 countries worldwide. More information can be found on 
www.eiuperspectives.economist.com. Follow us on 
Twitter, 
LinkedIn, and 
Facebook
#EconomistIntelligenceUnit
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.
VinFast partners with Gotion High-Tech in LFP battery cell R&D
VinFast LLC and Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd (China) – a reputable name in the global clean energy sector – signed an MoU, focusing on the procurement of Gotion LFP batteries and discussion of the possibility to establish a Giga Factory – the first-ever LFP battery cell production facility in Vietnam.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 23 August 2021 – According to their agreement, VinFast and Gotion High-Tech will jointly carry out the R&D and production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
LFP battery is currently the most mainstream battery technology in the global new energy vehicle market, with unique advantages of high safety and long life. It is worth noting that LFP batteries can be produced without using expensive and rare materials such as cobalt and manganese that are harmful to workers and the environment. In addition, the price of LFP batteries is competitive, which reduces the production cost of electric vehicles, especially small and medium-sized vehicles.
Gotion High-Tech is a leading manufacturer of LFP batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other applications in China and across the world. The company has also had many years of experience in battery research & development and boasts thousands of patents and licensed technological applications. So far, Gotion High-Tech has founded 8 R&D centers in China, the US, Japan, Singapore, Germany and India.
Chairman of Gotion High-Tech Mr. Zhen Li shared: “Gotion High-Tech will definitely use its cutting-edge technology and rich experience in battery manufacturing to fully support VinFast’s electrification strategy. VinFast electric models equipped with Gotion batteries must also be popular among consumers. Let us work together to advance the development of the new energy industry and accelerate the realization of the goal of “carbon neutrality” between China and Vietnam and the world.”
For VinFast, exploring the local production of LFP batteries in Vietnam is part of the car maker’s efforts to establish a clean energy ecosystem and localize parts supply.
“The collaboration with such a prestigious battery manufacturer in the world as Gotion is among VinFast’s essential action plans for developing its smart electric cars and complete supply chains. Our ultimate objective is to establish a clean energy ecosystem, contributing to cutting carbon emissions in Vietnam as well as in VinFast’s global markets.” – said Thai Thanh Hai, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup.
To reinforce its electrification strategy, VinFast has been fostering collaborations with a number of prestigious partners around the world, including those from Israel, Taiwan, the US, etc., These ties are aimed at boosting R&D and application of the most advanced battery technologies, such as solid-state battery, extreme fast charging, new materials, new battery designs, etc. These technologies are expected to allow new batteries with high energy density, longer ranges for EVs, superior safety, longer lifespan, cost optimization and eco-friendliness.
In addition, Vingroup has recently established VinES Energy Solutions JSC focusing on research and manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles. VinFast also has plans to build production facilities for battery and charging equipment in the US and Europe, as part of its global expansion strategy.
By taking drastic actions, VinFast is gradually realizing the goal of becoming a leading global electric vehicle company and affirms its strong commitments to speeding up the trend of green transportation around the world.
About Vingroup and VinFast
As the largest private conglomerate in Vietnam and one of the largest in Asia, Vingroup is currently doing business in three core sectors namely technology, industry and services. In all sectors it has participated in, Vingroup is always a pioneer that leads market trends and creates world-class products and services of Vietnam. Find out more at: 
https://www.vingroup.net/en.
VinFast – a member of Vingroup – is Vietnam’s leading manufacturer of premium automobiles and the first Vietnamese automotive brand to launch in global markets. Established in 2017, VinFast’s state-of-the-art, 90% automated manufacturing complex in northern Vietnam is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Designed to be one of the world’s leading smart electric mobility companies, VinFast currently produces several models of electric scooters and buses in Vietnam, and will launch three new electric SUVs – VF e34, VF e35 and VF e36 respectively of C, D and E classes – in Vietnam, North America and Europe in 2021 and 2022.
#Vingroup
#VinFast
About Gotion High-Tech
Gotion is a technology-driven international company which focuses on power battery development and production. Gotion was founded in 2006 and went public in May 2015 as China’s first power battery company to enter the capital market. Gotion specializes in batteries for new energy vehicles, energy storage application, power transmission and distribution equipment, and other new energy business, and now has 10 production bases in China. In addition, Gotion has built 8 R&D centers in Hefei / China, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Cleveland, Tsukuba / Japan, Singapore, Germany, and India. Gotion has more than 2,000 professional R&D engineers and scientists and has been granted 2,797 patents in different fields.
#Gotion
Zhenro Properties Announces Interim Results 2021
Focus on High-Quality Growth
Profit Attributable to Owners of the Parent up by 33.1%
Deep Penetration in First- and Second-Tier Cities
Sound Financial Performance
Financial Highlights:
|
RMB mn
|
For the six months ended 30 June |
Changes
|
|
|
|
2021 |
2020 |
|
||
|
Revenue |
16,011 |
14,542 |
+10.1% |
|
|
Profit for the Period |
1,504 |
1,275 |
+18.0% |
|
|
Core profit 1 |
1,541 |
1,312 |
+17.4% |
|
|
Profit attributable to owners of the parent |
1,166 |
876 |
+33.1% |
|
|
Core profit attributable to owners of the parent 1 |
1,203 |
913 |
+31.7% |
|
|
|
||||
|
|
2021.06.30 |
2020.12.31 |
Changes |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalent |
44,450 |
42,973 |
+3.4% |
|
|
Net debt to total equity ratio |
57.2% |
64.7% |
-7.5pts |
|
|
Cash to short-term debt ratio |
2.2x |
2.2x |
No Change |
|
|
Liabilities to asset ratio (Exclude contracted liabilities) |
72.4% |
76.6% |
-4.2pts |
|
|
Short-term debt to total debt ratio |
28.5% |
29.1% |
-0.6pts |
|
|
Weighted average cost of borrowings |
6.35% |
6.5% |
-15bps |
|
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 23 August 2021 – Zhenro Properties Group Limited (“Zhenro Properties” or “the Group”; stock code: 6158), a leading PRC property developer, announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021 (the “Period”).
Results
During the Period, the Group achieved a solid growth in results. Its revenue increased by 10.1% year-on-year to RMB16.01 billion. Profit for the Period was RMB1.50 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 18.0%. Net profit margin went up to 9.4%. The core profit1 was RMB1.54 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 17.4%. Core profit margin was 9.6%. The profit attributable to owners of the parent increased significantly by 33.1% year on year to RMB1.17 billion; and the core profit attributable to owners of the parent1 increased significantly by 31.7% year on year to RMB1.20 million. The Board has resolved not to distribute interim dividends for the six months ended 30 June 2021.
Steady Growth in Contracted Sales
In the first half of 2021, the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the national real estate market gradually weakened, and the abundant liquidity continuously unlocked the previously accumulated essential housing demand. With the Group’s precise project development plan, high-quality products, sufficient saleable resources and efficient sales and marketing strategies, it successfully achieved contracted sales of RMB82.299 billion during the period, representing a year-on-year increase of 47.0%, and achieved 54.9% of the annual sales target of RMB150 billion.
Sound Investment Focusing on Deep Penetration in First- and Second-Tier Cities
The Group adhered to the strategy of “regional penetration”, focused strategically on first- and second-tier cities with strong fundamentals, and forayed into two core cities, namely Guangzhou and Hangzhou, further pushing the national layout development and laying a foundation for sustainable high-quality development in the future. During the period, the total gross floor area (“GFA”) of the Group’s newly acquired land bank was approximately 3.56 million sq.m., of which 33%, 28% and 24% were located in three core regions, namely the Yangtze River Delta Region, Western Taiwan Straits Region and the Pearl River Delta Region, respectively, while the rest was located in the Central and Western China Region and Bohai Rim Region. In terms of the tiers of cities, 90% of the newly acquired land bank were located in first- and second-tier cities which had a vibrant economy and considerable population. As at 30 June 2021, the Group had a land bank with an aggregate GFA of about 29.30 million sq.m. in 35 cities in the PRC, of which 82% was located in first- and second-tier cities.
Decreased Financing Cost and Sound Financial Performance
In the first half of 2021, the Group successfully seized several financing opportunities and continued to lead the industry in green financing practice. During the period, the Group issued new green senior notes with an aggregate amount of US$1.26 billion and the average financing cost declined to 6.7%. At the same time, the Group repaid and early redeemed senior notes with an aggregate amount of approximately US$1.08 billion. The Group’s weighted average financing cost of borrowings was further reduced to 6.35% at the end of the Period (end of 2020: 6.5%) through the abovementioned debt swaps. As at 30 June 2021, the Group’s major credit ratios remained at an industry healthy level, including short-term debt to total debt ratio of 28.5% (end of 2020: 29.1%), net debt-to-equity ratio of 57.2% (end of 2020: 64.7%), cash-to-short term borrowing ratio of 2.2 times (end of 2020: 2.2 times) and liabilities to asset ratio (excluding advanced sales proceeds) of 72.4% (end of 2020: 76.6%), it is expected that all “three red lines” will be fulfilled.
The Group has been recognized by credit rating agencies for its prudent financial management and overall strength. During the Period, Fitch Ratings, an international rating agency, upgraded the Company’s rating outlook to “positive” and affirmed the Company’s issuer credit rating at “B+”. Moody’s maintained the Company’s credit rating of B1 (stable). In terms of domestic market, Zhenro Property Holdings Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was assigned “AAA” corporate credit rating (which is the highest rating) with a “stable” outlook respectively by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd. and Dagong Global Credit Rating Co., Ltd.
Good Corporate Governance and Exploration of ESG Practice
As a pioneer in implementing ESG philosophy in the real estate industry, the Group has incorporated ESG objectives into its strategic plan for long-term development. In terms of green development and environmental protection, the Group has set the construction of environment-friendly and green buildings as the focus of its internal environmental protection policy, and invested in supporting innovative product design, so as to effectively utilize materials, energy and space, etc., thus protecting the environment from the source. As at 30 June 2021, a total of 16 projects of Zhenro Properties were granted “China 2 or 3-star green building certificates” with a total GFA of 1.69 million sq.m. In terms of green financing, as at 30 June 2021, the Group issued green senior notes with an aggregated amount of US$1.81 billion to support the refinancing of its green projects covering green building, energy efficiency, renewable energy, prevention and management of pollutants and management of sustainable water management. During the period, the Group received a BBB ESG rating from China Chengxin Lvjin (Beijing) Co., Ltd., which was the highest rating given among the real estate enterprises assessed in the year. In addition, the Post-issuance Stage Certificate from Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency and a green evaluation score of E1/86 (where E1 was the highest rating) from S&P were granted for two green senior notes issued in September and November 2020, respectively, which shows the significant environmental benefits reaped from the green projects of the Group. Besides, the Group also obtained several international awards and honors, reflecting the Group’s investment value has been well recognized by all parties.
Looking ahead, Mr. Huang Xianzhi, Chairman of the Board said, “In the second half of the year, “stabilizing the land prices, property prices and expectations” remains the main keynote of government policies. The recent continuous adjustment and optimization of land supply policy are expected to slow down the growth of land price, stabilize the housing price trend and promote the long-term healthy development of the real estate industry. Considering the rigid housing demand arising out of the continuous advancement of new urbanization and the demand for improved housing resulting from the increase in the proportion with stable income group, the prospect of the real estate market remains promising in the long term. In addition, under the influence of the policies of “three red lines” and two caps on real estate loans and individual housing loans, the real estate industry will continue to deleverage comprehensively, and a differentiated financing environment has gradually taken shape with the real estate enterprises with high leverage and those of small and medium size being under greater capital and financing pressure. In order to achieve the goal of “high quality growth”, the Group put forward the “four focuses” policy, and will continue to give full play to our product, brand, capital, talent and operation advantages. Meanwhile, the Group will continue to fulfill its corporate social responsibility, strengthen its ESG work, and strive to become a high-quality and socially responsible enterprise.”
1 Defined as net profit excludes changes in fair values of investment properties and financial assets, exchange gain or loss, impairment losses and the relevant deferred taxes
About Zhenro Properties Group Limited
Zhenro Properties Group Limited is a leading property developer in the PRC with nationwide business presence in six key economic regions. The Group achieved contracted sales of RMB141.9 billion in 2020 and was ranked the top 20 in the Best 200 China Property Developers by Comprehensive Strength in 2020. Upholding its brand position of “Home Upgrade Master”, the Group focuses on bringing quality residences to middle class and affluent home upgraders. Zhenro Properties was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2018. It is a constituent stock in the Hang Seng Composite LargeCap/MidCap Index, Hang Seng Large-Mid Cap Value Tilt Index and the MSCI China Index and is included in the list of eligible stocks for southbound trading of the Shenzhen/ Shanghai – Hong Kong Stock Connect.
#ZhenroPropertiesGroup
Give Gift Boutique Launched Mid-Autumn Hampers with Lighting Decor and Moon Cake Gift Boxes for Debating Customers
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 20 August 2021 – As the idea of gifting is moving with the times, we strive to delight recipients with wonderful gifts that are both upscale and creative. Thus, Give Gift Boutique, the leading online flower shop in Hong Kong, has launched a series of luxury hampers and has teamed up with Reign for the mid-autumn hampers with lighting decor, and the hampers can be paired with the newly introduced moon cake gift boxes of well-known brands including Maxim, Van Gogh SENSES, Reign, the Ritz-Carlton, W Hotel, the Peninsula, Lady M, and so on. And all of the mid-autumn hampers and cake gift boxes with various choices are meticulously picked and matched by the gift designers with over 10 years of experience, which helps you make fabulous gifts for the ones you appreciate.
The Mooncakes of Reign Will be Available on September 2
The mooncakes of Reign are crafted by Swiss Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Marc Soldati. It uses interesting ingredients while insisting on making mooncakes in traditional manual kneading and baking ways.
The truffle egg lava custard mini mooncake is infused with fresh truffle and truffle sauce from Umbriain its fine and rich egg lava custard, which makes the unique aroma of truffles. And the south African abalone egg custard mini mooncakes are infused with slow-cooked South African abalone cubes in their creamy custard and salted egg filling, which makes a rich and chewy taste. Each piece of mooncake is individually packaged in a circular tin printed with Monet’s masterpieces, and the packagings of the gift boxes are exquisite. And they will be available on Give Gift Boutique’s online store from September 2 this year.
Link: https://www.givegift.com.hk/hong-kong-mid-autumn-mooncake-gift
3 Types of Festive Mid-Autumn Hampers with Lighting Decor
As Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Give Gift Boutique launched a series of mid-autumn hampers, including 3 types of Mid-Autumn hampers with lighting decor. The auspiciously designed lighting decor of each hamper is inspired by the fable picture of the moon, clouds, and the moon rabbit, which makes them the spotlight of the festive night of the reunion. And the Italian-styled INSPIRIA packaging makes them the exquisite and captivating hampers for the Mid-Autumn Festival. In addition, each type of hampers is designed for people with different needs and favors and is packed with meticulously matched valuable gifts. You can impress the recipients with the wonderful hampers without hesitation.
Mid-Autumn Gift Hamper with Lighting Decor MS01
- CC, Hong Kong, Bird’s Nest
- Michelin Star Reign Caviar Egg Custard Mooncakes 2pcs
- Imperial Bird’s Nest Selected Natural dried Mushroom Gift Box / On Kee, Dried mushroom (8 taels)
- Ginax American Ginseng Slices Gift Box
- IBN Life Concept Colla Corii Asini Jujube / Days Gone by Candy Gift Box
- Master Wan SUGAR COATED PECAN (Special Version) / European Premium Nuts
Mid-Autumn Gift Hamper with Lighting Decor MS03
- Perrier Jouet Grand Brut / Moet & Chandon, France, Brut Imperial Champagne Full Bottle 750ml
- Michelin Star Reign Caviar Egg Custard Mooncakes 2pcs
- Italia, Venchi Assorted Chocolate Gift Box / European premium Cookies or chocolate gift box
- Lady M Blend Coffee / Cova Coffee
- TWG Tea Gift Box / Tea Forte Tea Box
- Italy large truffled sauce
- European Premium import biscuit or breadstick
Mid-Autumn Gift Hamper with Lighting Decor MS05
- Mid-Autumn Fruit Collection
Japanese citrus in box
Japanese Aomori Apple
Japanese Orin Apple
Kirin Fruit - France Chateau Campot Lafont AOC / France Bordeaux AOC Wine
- Michelin Star Reign Caviar Egg Custard Mooncakes 2pcs
- Godiva Chocolatier cacao chocolate bar / chocolate
- European import chocolate biscuit / Import Pastry
12 Newly Introduced Moon Cake Gift Boxes with Premium Ingredients
The gift designers of Give Gift Boutique have carefully picked the most captive mooncakes this year. In addition to the distinctively flavored mooncakes of Reign, there are mooncakes of well-known brands loved by most customers.
- Maxim’s White Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake with 2 Egg Yolks. The refreshing fragrance of white lotus seed paste and premium salted egg yolks matches flawlessly and creates an iconic and memorable flavor. And it is Awarded 2021 Gold Medal of Monde Selection International Quality Award.
- Van Gogh SENSES Luxury Mooncake 3D Gift Set-Starry Night. The fragrant and creamy custard is filled in its crispy skin, and the packagings are as fascinating as artistic works. They are pleasing gifts to attract your recipients.
- The Ritz-Carlton Bounty and Bliss Mini Egg Custard Mooncakes. The packaging is designed with designed in cooperation with SCAD (Savannah University of Art and Design), and the design of the moon rabbit makes the elegant packaging more refreshing.
- W Hotel “Illuminate Your Senses” Mooncake Box. There are Lava Egg Custard Mooncake and Mini Golden Custard Mooncake of W Hotel, each type of the mooncakes are paired with Wu Yi Big Red Robe Tea to make the mooncakes more fragrant and less greasy. And the packagings are full of urban style with fantastic colors.
- 3 Types of The Peninsula Mooncake Gift Box. They are Constellation Mooncake Gift Box includes various flavors, the Mini Egg Custard Mooncake, and the Spring Moon Mooncake.
- Lady M Mooncakes Gift Box. The mooncakes of Lady M are loved by young consumers these years. They feature a luxe and creamy egg custard wrapped in a golden mooncake shell, and the design of the spinning Ferris wheel is creative and exquisite.
These mooncake gift boxes have been added to the add-on gifts on the website of Give Gift Boutique. It is easy for you to make delightful gifts with these mooncake gift boxes to satisfy the recipients.
The One-stop Company Gift Customizing
During “the war of gifts” on important festivals each year, every company is struggling to impress their clients with wonderful gifts that show the unique icon of the company, so that the company can seize the rare opportunities to create brand buzz.
To cater to the gift-giving needs of companies, Give Gift Boutique provides more than a hundred categories of corporate gifts, including mid-autumn hampers, fruit hampers, gourmet hampers, and so on. In addition, it provides a one-stop bespoke corporate gift service range from packaging, designing, formating to gift theme and function, to create fascinating gifts unique icon of the company.
Way to Purchase
Give Gift Boutique website : https://www.givegift.com.hk/
Give Gift Boutique Facebook : https://zh-hk.facebook.com/givegiftboutique
About Give Gift Boutique
Give Gift Boutique is the leading online flower shop in Hong Kong. It is managed by senior florist designers in the Netherlands and Toronto. It operates in the boutique workshop model and serves corporate and individual customers throughout the year. Since its opening in 2008, it has been committed to providing customers with high-quality flower bouquets,
mid autumn festival gift, birthday gifts, christmas gift ,happy new year gift , etc.
#GiveGiftBoutique
Prince Group Chairman Neak Oknha Chen Zhi Wins Entrepreneur of the Year – Conglomerates at 2021 International Business Awards
2021 IBA received more than 3,800 entries from organizations in 63 nations as leaders of conglomerates tasked with need to tackle diverse social problems
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach – 20 August 2021 – Prince Holding Group (“Prince Group”), one of Cambodia’s largest and fastest growing conglomerates, is proud to announce that Neak Oknha Chen Zhi (“陈志公爵”), Chairman of Prince Group, has been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year – Conglomerates, at the 2021 International Business Awards. Neak Oknha Chen Zhi is the only entrepreneur honored in a category that celebrates leaders running multi-industry businesses. Neak Oknha Chen Zhi is one of three Asian leaders who are recognized for dynamic entrepreneurialism in different sectors during one of the most challenging years in corporate leadership. Neak Oknha Chen Zhi is among a wave of new leaders of conglomerates considering innovative approaches to business that also makes a difference to societal goals.
In addition, Prince Group also won the Bronze Award in the Most Valuable Corporate Response (COVID-19 category) coming three months after it had earlier secured a win for the best COVID-19 Corporate Response at the eighth annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards in May.
The 2021 International Business Awards received more than 3,800 entries from organizations in 63 nations. Neak Oknha Chen Zhi’s Gold Stevie Award in the Entrepreneur of the Year – Conglomerates and Prince Group’s Bronze Stevie Award in the Most Valuable Corporate Response category were finalized after two months of voting by a panel of 260 professionals and key decision makers from across the globe.
Over the past year, various member companies of the Group were called upon by Neak Oknha Chen Zhi to make a difference in the lives of employees, affected communities and frontline staff. In March, Neak Oknha Chen Zhi donated US$3 million to the Cambodian government’s anti-pandemic efforts after an initial US$3 million donated last December to help Cambodia purchase 1 million COVID-19 vaccines. Neak Oknha Chen Zhi also asked the Group to promptly organize several rounds of COVID-19 vaccinations for its 3,500+ employees.
Recently, Neak Oknha Chen Zhi signed off on a long-term partnership with Caring For Cambodia, a leading education charity focusing on underprivileged students, and the Group will sponsor Career Preparation, an initiative seeking to help over 3,000 students navigate the uncertain post-pandemic educational and employment landscape by empowering them with necessary skills and knowledge.
Neak Oknha Chen Zhi has also undertaken a pivot towards sustainable development by launching Ream City, an 834-hectare coastal development project built on sustainable real estate principles. Canopy Sands Development, a member of the Group, has begun work on the project that aims to set a precedent in the country with adherence to international standards. Canopy Sands Development will soon release its inaugural environment, social and governance report as well.
In an era when leading corporates are fulfilling their social responsibilities, Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, and his leadership team at Prince Group, have been working tirelessly to be a force for good in Cambodia, playing its part in supporting the Kingdom to overcome the pandemic.
About Prince Holding Group:
Prince Holding Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Cambodia, with its various units focusing on three core areas: 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 80 businesses in Cambodia operating in real estate development, banking, finance, aviation, tourism, logistics, technology, food and beverages, and lifestyle sectors etc.
Rising foreign direct investment, free trade agreements with leading countries and future participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership are expected to act as key drivers for the Cambodian economy, supported by pro-industry policy initiatives by the government.
Leveraging a network of industrial, business and financial professionals across Asia, Prince Holding Group has laid the foundation to be a vital conduit for local and international capital. The Group is firmly committed to the long-term development of Cambodia. For example, Prince Holding Group is developing Ream City, an upcoming tourism and residential project that will be one of Cambodia’s first sustainable real estate projects, aiming to secure $16 billion in total investment for the region. Located conveniently within a 10-minute drive from the Sihanoukville International Airport, the project aims to contribute to economic recovery in Sihanoukville.
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.
#PrinceHoldingGroup
About the Stevie® Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.
Sun Hung Kai & Co. Announces 2021 Interim Results
Profit Attributable to Owners up 287% to HK$2.7 billion
Backed by Significant Gains in Investment Management and Strong Recovery in Consumer Finance
Financial Highlights
|
For the 6-month period ended |
|||
|
|
30 Jun 2021 |
30 Jun 2020 |
Change |
|
Revenue (HK$ million) Pre-tax Profit (HK$ million) |
2,096.0 |
2,042.9 |
+2.6% |
|
3,215.7 |
950.5 |
+238.3% |
|
|
Profit Attributable to Owners of the Company (HK$ million) |
2,693.0 |
695.2 |
+287.4% |
|
Basic Earnings per Share (HK Cents) Interim Dividend (HK Cents) |
136.2 |
34.9 |
+290.3% |
|
12.0 |
12.0 |
— |
|
|
Book Value per Share (HK$) |
12.8 |
10.4 |
+23.1% |
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 20 August 2021 – Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited (Stock Code: 86.HK) (“SHK & Co.” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) announces its interim results for the period ended 30 June 2021. Profit attributable to owners of the Company increased by 287.4% to HK$2,693.0 million (1H2020: HK$695.2 million); basic earnings per share (“EPS”) increased by 290.3% to HK136.2 cents (1H2020: HK34.9 cents); book value per share increased by 23.1% to HK$12.8 (1H2020: HK$10.4).
The Board has declared an interim dividend of HK12 cents per share for the six months ended 30 June 2021, which remained the same level as the first half of 2020. The Board will review dividend policy at year end depending on the evolvement of COVID-19, progress on economic recovery and the overall capital returned via the buy-back program. During the period, the Company repurchased 550,000 shares for a total consideration of HK$2.3 million.
“The results for the first half of 2021 represented a very strong performance, despite continued volatility in the global financial market, prolonged impact from COVID-19 and a changing regulatory environment. Throughout this challenging period, the Group’s financial position remained strong and liquid, and we continued to focus on appropriately containing risk and positioning the business for expansion opportunities,” said Mr. Lee Seng Huang, the Group Executive Chairman.
First half revenue in 2021 was HK$2,096.0 million (1H2020: HK$2,042.9 million), which mainly consisted of interest income from Financing Business amounting to HK$1,966.6 million. Pre-tax profit for first half 2021 increased by 238.3% to HK$3,215.7 million (1H2020: HK$950.5 million), and was mainly driven by significant gains in the Group’s Investment Management.
Pre-tax profit of Investment Management for the period was HK$2,312.2 million (1H2020: HK$436.3 million after re-presentation), increasing by 430.0%, due to the strong performance across all asset classes and a total realised gain and interest income of HK$1,611.5 million.
Financing Business also improved and generated pre-tax profit of HK$919.4 million (1H2020: HK$607.8 million after re-presentation), up 51.3%, continuing to be a consistent contributor to the Group’s pre-tax profit.
Segment Performance
|
|
Pre-tax Contribution for the 6-month ended |
|
Segment Assets as at |
|||||
|
(HK$ Million) |
Jun 2021 |
Jun 2020 |
|
Change |
|
Jun 2021 |
|
Dec 2020 |
|
FINANCING BUSINESS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Finance |
871.9 |
520.0 |
|
+67.7% |
|
18,477.6 |
|
17,937.0 |
|
Specialty Finance |
(11.4) |
22.3* |
|
N/A |
|
1,479.4 |
|
3,153.0 |
|
Mortgage Loans |
58.9 |
65.5 |
|
-10.1% |
|
3,490.9 |
|
3,117.4 |
|
INVESTING BUSINESS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Management |
2,312.2 |
436.3* |
|
+430.0% |
|
20,298.97 |
|
14,603.4 |
|
GMS |
(15.9) |
(93.6) |
|
-83.0% |
|
3,907.2 |
|
5,272.4 |
|
Total |
3,215.7 |
950.5 |
|
+238.3% |
|
47,654.0 |
|
44,083.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
* Re-presented following the removal of Strategic Investments segment and regrouping its items in the second half of 2020.
Investment Management
Despite the continuous challenges and uncertainties of the global financial markets, the Group’s Investment Management segment has appropriately navigated the evolving dynamics in the public markets and completed several successful exits, leading to its significant contribution of HK$2,312.2 million to pre-tax profit, a substantial increase of 430.0% from the HK$436.3 million contributed for the first half of 2020.
This business has grown to over HK$20.2 billion in assets since it launched and has built out a well-diversified portfolio consisting of investments in Public Markets, Alternatives and Real Assets.
The Public Markets portfolio consists of an internally managed credit strategy and corporate holdings, which achieved the outstanding performance, with a six-month return of 23.6% and assets of HK$4,500.8 million during the period. In particular, the Corporate Holdings segment delivered a solid portfolio performance with a six-month return of 35.3% and surpassed the performance of S&P 500 Index, NASDAQ 100 Index and MSCI World Index over the same period.
The Alternatives portfolio also delivered sound returns, representing a six-month return of 13.7% and HK$13,440.5 million assets in the first half of 2021. Of which, the Private Equity segment recorded strong combined returns of 17.7% in the first half of 2021 mainly contributed by successful exits from several flagship investments such as Fairstone Holdings Inc and other exits in healthcare and TMT sector.
Funds Management
In the first half of 2021, we formally established our Funds Management vehicle – Sun Hung Kai Capital Partners with SFC Type 1 & 9 licenses. Four partnerships have been launched on this platform, namely East Point Asset Management, E15VC, ActusRayPartners, and Multiple Capital Investment Partners. SHK & Co. committed total seeding capital of over US$280.0 million, laying solid foundation for the growth and performance generation in the coming years.
SHK Latitude Alpha Fund, the previously in-house Fund of Hedge Funds (“FoHF”) strategy, was also launched in July 2021 with SHK & Co.’s commitment of US$330 million.
Financing Business
The Group’s Financing Business division comprises of Consumer Finance, Specialty Finance and Mortgage Loans businesses in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
The Consumer Finance business conducted via its majority-owned subsidiary United Asia Finance Limited (“UAF”) has been a consistent and resilient income contributor to the Group. UAF’s pre-tax contribution to the Group amounted to HK$871.9 million, an increase of approximately 68% compared to the first half of 2020. Revenue increased by 7% and the total loan balance at the end of the period, on a gross and net basis (after impairment allowance), increased by 16% and 17%, respectively, year-on-year. Given management’s proven track record of managing all up and down cycles during turbulence times over the last two years, it remained cautiously confident that UAF can deliver a promising full year performance.
The Group’s Mortgage Loans business is operated by its majority-owned subsidiary Sun Hung Kai Credit Limited (“SHK Credit”). SHK Credit also entered the next phase of growth and will strive for enhancement in business scale, revenue mix, capital and funding structures as well as product and services to our customers as the Hong Kong economy and property market is starting to recover in the first half of 2021.
Outlook
Looking ahead for the second half of 2021 and potentially a large part of 2022, we expect volatility and challenges to persist as a result of uneven recovery across the globe. The Group is cautiously optimistic about the prospects and development of our various business segments and will maintain high levels of liquidity as we navigate these challenges.
Mr Lee added, “The strong performance of our Investment Management business and establishment of the Funds Management platform have demonstrated our commitment and execution ability as we continue with our transformation into the leading alternative investment platform in Hong Kong. The Group is committed to delivering sustainable risk-adjusted returns over the long term with sound governance and risk controls through all market conditions.”
About Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited
Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited (SEHK: 86) is a leader in alternative investing headquartered in Hong Kong. Since its establishment in 1969, the Group has owned and operated market-leading platforms in Financial Services. The Group invests across public markets, alternatives and real assets and has an established track record of generating long-term risk adjusted returns for its shareholders. Most recently, it has extended its strategy to incubate, accelerate and support emerging asset managers in the Asian region. It is also the major shareholder of leading Consumer Finance firm, United Asia Finance Limited. The Group currently holds about HK$48 billion in total assets as at 30 June 2021.
For more information about SHK & Co., please visit its corporate website 
www.shkco.com.
#SunHungKai
Laos Economy Recovers, Falters Again Under Covid-19
The economy of Laos is on course for moderately improved growth in 2021, despite the second wave of Covid-19 denting the promising economic recovery made early in the year.
