TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2024 – Appier, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to power business decision-making, is thrilled to announce two significant updates to its BotBonnie platform: the addition of Vietnamese UI support and the integration of Zalo, Vietnam’s leading messaging app. These enhancements aim to provide a more localized and seamless experience for its growing customer base in Vietnam.
Starting today, all Vietnamese clients using BotBonnie can easily switch to a Vietnamese user interface with just a single click. This update reflects Appier’s commitment to enhancing user experience by providing native language support. With the addition of Vietnamese, BotBonnie now supports five languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese, and continues to expand its language offerings.
In line with its mission to empower businesses with cutting-edge tools for customer engagement in Vietnam, BotBonnie now integrates with Zalo. As one of Vietnam’s most popular messaging apps, Zalo offers unparalleled reach with over 85 million monthly active users. This integration allows Appier’s customers to effortlessly engage with their Vietnamese customers through Zalo’s extensive platform, facilitating timely and personalized communication.
Enhancing customer engagement and loyalty with seamless integration and functionalities
Integrating Zalo into BotBonnie introduces key functionalities to enhance customer engagement across various verticals and industries. This integration allows businesses to leverage Zalo Notification Service (ZNS) to send one-way broadcast notifications tailored to their specific customer communication and engagement needs.
This feature supports a variety of scenarios relevant to the e-commerce, health and medical, education, and beauty verticals, including account information updates, seasonal sale notifications, back-in-stock alerts, loyalty program engagement, order confirmations, and post-purchase support. Each scenario is designed to provide timely and relevant information to customers, thereby improving engagement and satisfaction.
Appier ensures a smooth onboarding process for Zalo integration. Throughout the onboarding process, customers receive assistance from Appier’s Customer Success Managers (CSMs) to set up their Zalo channel in the Appier enterprise console. Businesses can quickly and effectively integrate Zalo, ensuring a smooth transition and optimal utilization of this powerful communication tool.
“We are excited to bring these crucial updates to BotBonnie. The addition of Vietnamese UI support and the integration with Zalo demonstrates our dedication to meeting the unique needs of our clients in Vietnam. We believe these enhancements will significantly improve customer engagement and business operational efficiency. We look forward to partnering with our Vietnamese clients to help them achieve their customer engagement goals more effectively,” said Hongchia How, Vice President of Enterprise Sales (SEA, Korea), Appier.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Appier
Appier (TSE: 4180) is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that uses artificial intelligence to power business decision-making. Founded in 2012 with a vision of democratizing AI, Appier’s mission is turning AI into ROI by making software intelligent. Appier has 17 offices across APAC, Europe and US and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Visit www.appier.com for more company information, and visit ir.appier.com/en/ for more IR information.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2024 – CashOn, a technology finance company focused on fintech and Web3 applications, has announced the launch of Hong Kong’s first digital currency lending matching platform. This platform helps customers access cash liquidity by using digital currencies, finding and comparing quotes from multiple financial companies, and providing suitable lending solutions, enhancing the fluidity between digital currencies and fiat currencies.
Co-founders of CashOn: (Left to right) Johnnie Wong, Dr. Ivan Ng, Marvis Wong, Nova Hung and Jacky Tang
AI big data for virtual assets censorship
The global virtual asset lending market is burgeoning, with a leading digital asset lender processing a record US$690 million in loans in Q1 2024[1]. Reports indicate that over 200 million people in Asia hold digital currencies[2], and the digital asset lending loan book in ASEAN is growing annually by over 20%[3]. Despite the Hong Kong government actively promoting the digital asset sector, local virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) are not allowed to offer lending services. This gap in the market has prompted CashOn to develop an innovative solution.
Moreover, Traditional banks have yet to accept digital asset loans due to complex regulatory requirements. At the same time, small and medium-sized financial companies have also been reluctant to take on such loan requests due to the high thresholds of required expertise, technology, and licensing. In response, CashOn has built a brand-new digital currency lending matching platform that connects borrowers with licensed financial institutions, significantly simplifying the collateralized loan process and ensuring a more efficient allocation of assets.
The platform employs a KYC (Know Your Customer) module and chain analysis module, using AI and blockchain big data technologies to encrypt and store customer data. These technologies help assess potential borrowers’ digital wallets and conduct virtual asset authenticity and anti-money laundering checks. Simultaneously, they connect potential borrowers with multiple licensed financial institutions, gathering loan offers secured by virtual assets. This simplifies compliance, provides in-depth credit analysis, and reduces risks associated with virtual assets.
Smart Contracts for Enhanced Transparency and Security
CashOn utilizes smart contracts, including core contracts for escrow, repayment, and margin, to ensure the management of collateralized assets, monitoring repayment progress, and the collection and liquidation of margins. These contractual terms will be executed without the need for intermediaries, increasing the transparency of loan contracts, building trust between parties, and reducing the risk of misunderstandings or disputes. The platform also adopts the strictest security measures, such as encryption technology and multi-layer authentication, and collaborates with renowned security institutions to protect the financial transaction security of its customers.
Compared to traditional lending methods, CashOn accelerates the application and disbursement process for virtual asset loans, simplifies loan management, and enables customers to flexibly manage their assets and pursue strategic investments or appreciation opportunities. The platform guarantees that customers’ borrowing and repayment amounts will remain unaffected by changes in the value of the underlying currencies. Furthermore, it maintains a diverse suite of lending services designed to address customers’ varying financial requirements.
Market validation with Licensed Lending Companies
Marvis Wong, Co-founder and CEO of CashOn, stated, “The Hong Kong government’s comprehensive regulatory framework and business-friendly environment for the digital economy have driven the development of fintech, opening up new opportunities for the traditional financial industry. I believe CashOn will establish a foothold in the ASEAN and Hong Kong markets within the next three years, solidifying its unique market position.”
CashOn has conducted preliminary discussions with 100 licensed lending companies and signed a MoU with over 50 companies to accept virtual assets as loan collateral. Johnnie Wong, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of CashOn, noted, “Recently, The persistent economic slowdown in Hong Kong has impacted the profitability of financial institutions. CashOn helps them explore new business areas. By actively collaborating with more financial institutions, we are jointly driving the innovation for the credit industry.”
Future Expansion with Innovative Solutions in ASEAN
Dr. Ivan Ng, Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of CashOn, emphasized, “The benefits of the digital economy have already surpassed the traditional economy. We have received recommendations from multiple valuation firms, with preliminary estimates suggesting that CashOn’s market value can reach at least $10 million. With the rapid development of the digital economy market and CashOn’s efforts in the industry, we believe our market value will experience rapid and significant growth.” Jacky Tang, Head of Web3 and AI of CashOn, Stated, “Safeguarding fund flows is an important component of the platform. CashOn adopts the escrow smart contract in blockchain to ensure the best protection for customer data and virtual assets. The transaction characteristics of digital currencies, which are fast and without geographic restrictions, are particularly suitable for collateralized lending and significantly reduce the application time for traditional lending.”
Looking ahead, CashOn plans to expand into the ASEAN with innovative Web3 e-payment solutions. These solutions will offer more financial service options for merchants and virtual asset holders. Nova Hung, Chief Marketing Officer of CashOn, commented, “CashOn offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface, enabling digital currency investors to access cash liquidity easily. Leveraging the global nature of digital currencies, CashOn aims to facilitate the development of the cross-border digital economy. Through innovative brand promotion and strategic partnerships to enhance its market influence.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CashOn
Founded in 2022, CashOn is a technology finance company focused on fintech and Web3 applications. The company is committed to providing secure, transparent, and efficient financial services through blockchain and smart contract technology. CashOn’s digital currency lending matching platform utilizes big data analysis and AI technology to help customers find and compare quotes from multiple financial companies, securing the most suitable loan solutions. The company’s goal is to drive the development of the virtual asset market and create the most excellent value for its customers.
Marvis Wong, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of CashOn, has over 15 years of business experience and has founded multiple companies in various industries, including finance, investment and asset management, education, marketing, AI e-commerce, information technology, and jewellery retail. His diverse professional background enables him to accurately grasp market trends and formulate forward-looking business strategies.
As an entrepreneur, he leverages his extensive expertise, outstanding leadership, and keen market insight to help businesses identify significant opportunities and establish a solid foundation for remarkable achievements. He is also committed to social responsibility, regularly participating in charitable activities organized by various institutions.
Johnnie Wong, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of CashOn, has over 15 years of extensive experience in banking and finance. He has held management positions at various financial institutions and served as a client relationship manager at an international bank, managing assets exceeding HK$1 billion. He is also a leader in youth organizations, having served as the president of JCI Apex in 2020, and actively participates in charitable activities and youth entrepreneurship events.
Dr. Ivan Ng, Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of CashOn, has over 20 years of executive experience. He has held Group President, CEO, COO, and CFO positions at renowned companies like KPMG, IMG, JLL, One Storage, and Trinity. He is well-versed in global regulations and financial standards, excels in enhancing company liquidity and financial health, and has successfully led multiple IPO and M&A projects. He also serves as a university professor and is a chartered member of the Chartered Banker of The Chartered Banker Institute (UK), a member (MBCS) of The Chartered Institute for IT, England and Wales (BCS), and a member of Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute.
Traceability, Cell-Cultured Seafood, Latin America’s Role in the Asian Seafood Market and Sustainable Seafood Supply Chains in Southeast Asia Among the Topics for Seafood Expo Asia’s 2024 Conference Program
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2024 – Seafood Expo Asia, organized by Diversified Communications, will feature a series of in-depth conference sessions for seafood professionals to learn about timely topics relevant to the Asian seafood industry. The educational conference program, taking place alongside the exhibit hall on 4-6 September in Singapore, will highlight expert-led discussions around seafood traceability, cell-cultured seafood, Latin America’s role in the Asian seafood market, sustainable seafood supply chains in Southeast Asia, sustainable seafood consumption in Asia and more.
Photo courtesy of Seafood Expo Asia
Traceability and sustainability will be prominent topics covered this year. A session led by the Marine Stewardship Council will discuss how a robust traceability system and sustainable practices can help the Southeast Asian seafood industry address consumer demands, mitigate environmental impacts and position itself as a leader in the global market. Another panel presented by ASC will analyze the status and potential of the responsible seafood market and consumption in Asia and the importance of responsible aquaculture practices. Policy and business professionals from The Nature Conservancy, Seafood Legacy, the Ministry of Agriculture of Taiwan and more, will cover topics around illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, its threat to sustainability and the need for seafood transparency and traceability schemes.
Photo courtesy of Seafood Expo Asia
Utari Octavianty, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer, Aruna and recipient of Forbes 30 under 30 and Top 100 Asia-Pacific Women-Powered, High-Growth Businesses JP Morgan, will lead a discussion around how Aruna’s technology helps small-scale fishers in Indonesia cut the long lines of the supply chain, ensuring fishers get fair prices and access to a wider and more stable market. Utari Octavianty will also be featured in a panel that will discuss the ways to raise the profile of women in the seafood industry and how to attract diverse talent. Other speakers in this panel include Åshild Nakken, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, Norwegian Seafood Council, Jill Briggs, Managing Director, Affectus, and more.
Prominent ambassadors from Chile and Argentina and seafood industry representatives from ProEcuador, Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (Ecuador) and Messina Holding (Panama) will present their perspectives on Latin America’s role in Asia’s seafood market. The panelists will discuss the unique qualities of seafood from each region and address initiatives, practices and certifications in Latin America, supply chain and trade support as well as success stories and examples of efficient logistics and trade routes.
Cell-cultured seafood, or protein derived from muscle cells grown in a lab, will be covered in a session around how the innovation is shaping the industry, its potential to address consumer concerns around issues of mercury, antibiotic, or microplastics contamination, bycatch, overfishing, or labor abuse and Singapore’s leadership in cultivating the industry.
Six entrepreneurs will present their latest innovations in aquaculture and the seafood supply chain on an investor panel. The startups focus on technology that can transform the seafood industry and create a more sustainable future with solutions in areas such as shrimp farming technology, upcycling aquafeed ingredients, novel diagnostics, seaweed aggregators and others.
Seafood industry professionals can learn more about Seafood Expo Asia and register to attend for free by visitingwww.seafoodexpo.com/asia. Hashtag: #SEASIA24
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Seafood Expo Asia
Seafood Expo Asia is a trade event where buyers from across Asia and industry suppliers from around the world come together to network and conduct business in the lucrative Asian market. The event is produced by Diversified Communications and takes place annually in Asia. SeafoodSource is the exposition’s official media covering industry news year-round.
About Diversified Communications
Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. The company’s global seafood portfolio of expositions and media includes Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, Seafood Expo Asia and SeafoodSource.com. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.
The Changi Airport Terminal 2 outlet will offer travellers and locals tax-free purchase options within departure hall
New stores will be managed by OTTNO, offering retail experiences for customers to touch, see and feel latest Samsung products
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2024 – Samsung Electronics Singapore today announced that it has partnered with OTTNO, an experienced consumer electronics reseller to open three new Samsung Experience Stores (SES) in Singapore.
The three stores are located at Changi Airport Terminal 2 (Departure Area), Compass One and Junction 8, expanding the brand’s physical presence to allow customers more options to experience the latest innovations from Samsung. This will bring the total number of Samsung Experience Stores to 12 in Singapore, with more to follow in the future.
With Samsung heralding a new era of mobile AI with Galaxy AI this year, the Samsung Experience Stores will provide an opportunity for customers to experience the AI features found on its Galaxy products. Customers can learn how to use Galaxy AI to help with their everyday tasks – such as using Live Translate to understand a different language or Photo Assist to create perfect pictures with Galaxy AI.
The SES at Changi Airport Terminal 2, which spans approximately 1379 square feet, will also feature a Bespoke accessory wall, showcasing a range of accessories that are unique to Samsung’s products.
“We are excited to announce the opening of new Samsung Experience Stores at Singapore’s iconic Changi Airport Terminal 2 and in the heartlands with our partner, OTTNO. By expanding our presence, we aim to bring Samsung’s innovative technology to a broader audience. Our store at Changi Airport Terminal 2 provides tax-free shopping and an opportunity for customers to experience our products at one of the world’s busiest airports. Additionally, our new heartland stores will not only showcase the latest Samsung products but also provide in-person one to one consultations, thus enhancing our commitment to better support our customers in-store,” said Ronnie Ng,Vice President, Head of Mobile eXperience, Samsung Electronics Singapore.
OTTNO has been appointed as Samsung Singapore’s new SES partner. The company aims to be one of the biggest resellers for Samsung.
“We are very honoured to be partnering with Samsung Singapore to manage and expand their SES footprint locally. These stores serve as an experiential touchpoint for customers who prefer to learn more about Samsung’s products in-store and in-person. As such, we have deliberately designed an experience in consultation with Samsung to bring the brand’s innovation to life, and making it relatable to the everyday consumers – especially in the age of AI,” said Brenda Nai, Operations Manager for OTTNO SES.
The Samsung Experience Stores at Changi Airport Terminal 2, Compass One and Junction 8 are now open.
Stores
Address
Opening Hours
Samsung Experience Store @ Changi Airport Terminal 2, Departure
1 Seng Kang Square, Compass One, #03-06/07, Singapore 545078
Daily: 11am to 9pm
Find your neatest Samsung Experience Store here. Hashtag: #Samsung
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
About OTTNO
At OTTNO, we harness over a decade of expertise in the consumer electronics retail industry to bring you a diverse array of top-tier electronic devices. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every product we offer meets the highest standards of quality and innovation. Beyond our exceptional product range, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding customer service. Our experienced team is passionate about providing knowledgeable and friendly support, ensuring that your experience with us is nothing short of exceptional. Trust OTTNO for all your consumer electronic needs, where expertise and customer satisfaction come together seamlessly.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2024 – On July 6, the inaugural “Shanghai Summer” International Consumption Season officially kicked off, welcoming global travelers to enjoy a spectacular summer at the Bund.
Shanghai is a key gateway for international travelers, with 2.035 million foreign visitors entering through its ports from January to June this year, about 2.8 times more than the same period last year. Currently, Shanghai ranks second among global cities in the concentration of international retailers, with a 98% coverage rate of top international brands. This season will offer a variety of summer activities and high-quality experiences for both domestic and international tourists.
Exciting Events Ready to Launch
Running until mid-October, “Shanghai Summer” features over a hundred high-quality events, including concerts, music festivals, cultural performances, art exhibitions, and major sports events. Notable events include:
The Civilization of Ancient Egypt Exhibition
The First Shanghai International Cruise Festival
City Walk Pro: Experience Shanghai Now
Shanghai Tourism Festival
The First Shanghai International Light Festival
ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters
The First Shanghai International Electronic Music Festival
Global Partners Collaborate to Celebrate
Eight global partners, including China Mobile, China Telecom, China Eastern Airlines, Bailian Group, Jinjiang International, Ctrip, Marriott International, and Cathay Pacific, have launched thoughtful initiatives to enhance visitor experiences. China Mobile and China Telecom offer short-term internet cards. China Eastern Airlines has introduced multi-trip flight passes and discounted tickets. Bailian Group is distributing gift cards and shopping vouchers, while Jinjiang International Group offers significant discounts at their Shanghai stores.
On the summer solstice, Shanghai launched a global recruitment for “Shanghai Summer Ambassadors.” The first group of ambassadors, including Scott, a travel photography blogger from England, are set to explore and share Shanghai’s summer stories from unique perspectives.
Welcoming Global Visitors to Share in the Summer in Shanghai
This summer, Shanghai invites global visitors to embark on culinary journeys, savor cultural feasts, enjoy fashion trips, and experience the city’s unique charm. Endless excitement awaits!
Investment Market Driven by SOEs and Private Investors, Logistics Sector to Remain the Focus
The central government’s introduction of the supportive “517” policy in May 2024 prompted Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities to implement a range of relaxation measures, in turn spurring housing market activity, with primary market home sales rebounding in June
Total investment volume in the GBA commercial real estate (CRE) market reached RMB11.9 billion in 1H 2024, accounting for 17% of total Chinese mainland CRE investment volume in the period
The GBA investment market was driven by state-owned enterprises and private investors in 1H 2024, with the logistics sector likely to remain sought-after due to capital appreciation potential
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2024 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield today published its Greater Bay Area Residential and Investment Market 1H 2024 Review and Outlook. GBA primary market residential sales slowed in 1H 2024 compared to the same period last year, under the continuing global high interest rate environment. However, market sentiment strengthened following the introduction of supportive housing policies in May. The CRE investment market (large-sized deals at >RMB100 million) was primarily driven by state-owned enterprises and mainland investors.
Looking ahead, the central government stated at the Third Plenary Session in July 2024 that municipal governments will be granted greater decision-making authority to regulate the real estate market. This is expected to bring greater momentum to the market, thereby supporting a recovery in residential transactions and price stabilization in 2H 2024. The central government stated at the Session that it will lift restrictions on the market, while also ensuring effective regulation, as well as leveraging the market’s role by fostering a fairer environment for private enterprises and foreign companies to participate in economic and industry development. We can expect this to bring greater market vitality and to benefit the property market in the long run. In the investment market, we can anticipate that investors will continue to pay attention to the logistics sector, given the sector’s strong demand and stable rental returns.
GBA Residential Market
The GBA primary residential market recorded approximately 133,000 transactions in the 1H 2024 period. This performance was down 15% h-o-h and 40% y-o-y, in part due to the relatively high base of comparison from 1H 2023 amid the impetus of the border reopening. However, the central government’s implementation of the “517” new housing policies in mid-May — including the cancellation of the new home loan rate lower limit, lowering of the individual housing provident fund loan rates, and the adjustment of the minimum down- payment ratio — helped to bolster sentiment in the market. In turn, primary residential transactions grew by 19% in June over the prior month to nearly 29,000 units, higher than the average monthly transaction volume in 2H 2023 and reflecting solid end-user demand in the GBA residential market.
Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China & Head of Consulting, Greater China said, “At the recent Third Plenary Session, the central government granted greater decision-making power to municipal governments to regulate the real estate market, and proposed a series of measures to boost the economy, including the intention to lift restrictions on the market while ensuring effective regulation and to relax different economic control measures. Coupled with the earlier implementation of the “517” supportive housing policy, we believe that GBA residential transaction volume will gradually expand in 2H 2024. We expect average monthly transaction numbers in 2H 2024 to reach around 28,000 to 30,000 units, potentially bringing the 2024 total annual first-hand residential transactions to 300,000 to 313,000 units, a drop of 17% to 20% y-o-y, with the decline front-loaded in 1H 2024.
“On the other hand, connectivity between GBA cities has been greatly strengthened given the ongoing improvement in the transportation network in recent years, including the high-speed rail, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Shenzhen Zhongshan Passage. This will help drive more Hong Kong and Macao residents to buy properties in GBA cities. Housing price differences between Hong Kong and mainland cities also make GBA properties attractive to some Hong Kong people, especially for those who find Hong Kong purchase entry prices too high. Furthermore, the Chinese mainland has recently introduced guidelines to facilitate Hong Kong and Macao residents to take domestic mortgage loans for GBA properties, with RMB funds remitted for mortgage loan payments exempted from the remittance limit. As Hong Kong continues to integrate with the GBA, we expect to see increasing buying interest from Hong Kong residents, supporting a more stable outlook for the GBA residential market.”
As for residential prices, although overall primary home prices are more swayed by the quality level of newly launched projects, first-hand residential prices in the nine GBA mainland cities rose and fell in a roughly 50–50 split in 1H 2024. For secondary home prices, using Shenzhen as an example, the Cushman & Wakefield Shenzhen mid-to-high-end secondary home price index fell by 1.9% in 1H 2024 (Chart 2). Looking ahead, we believe the central government’s active relaxation of housing cooling measures, combined with the positive messages on the economy released in the Third Plenary Session, will help to support market sentiment and price stability in the GBA during 2H 2024.
GBA CRE Investment Market Overall investment momentum in 1H 2024 slowed compared to last year in the face of continuing high global interest rates and foreign borrowing costs. The GBA CRE investment market (large-sized deals at >RMB 100 million) recorded 26 large transactions totaling RMB11.9 billion in the 1H period, accounting for about 17% of the overall Chinese mainland investment market (Chart 3). Of the 26 transactions, 23 were at less than the RMB1 billion mark, with some involving discounted deals. The GBA commercial property investment market continues to focus on the two mainland first-tier cities, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, recording total transactions of RMB6.3 billion and RMB5.6 billion respectively in 1H 2024.
In terms of buyer category, the GBA commercial real estate investment market is dominated by state-owned enterprises and domestic investors. Domestic capital accounted for 99% of the GBA CRE market transactions in 1H 2024, with overseas buyers and institutional investors remaining conservative (Chart 4). By property type, the office/R&D office sector continued to take the largest share of the market, accounting for more than 33% of the total transaction consideration, supported by attractive pricing and hence allowing end-users and capital-rich investors to bottom-fish. Mixed-used assets took a 30% share of total consideration and industrial/logistics properties 17%.
Charli Chan, Cushman & Wakefield’s Deputy Managing Director, Capital Markets, China commented, “Looking to 2H 2024, of the different sectors, we believe that logistics assets are still the most attractive for growth potential. Taking Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen and Dongguan as examples, the cap rate of logistics properties in these GBA cities is similar to that of Shanghai and Beijing, at the level of around 5%. However, logistics vacancy rates in Foshan, Guangzhou, Dongguan and Shenzhen stood at 1%, 4%, 7% and 8%, respectively, far lower than the 19% of Shanghai and Beijing. In fact, with the ongoing enhancement of transportation connectivity across GBA cities, coupled with growing warehousing demand from 3PLs driven by cross-border e-commerce expansion and increasing last-mile logistics activity in the South China region, the growth potential of the GBA logistics sector cannot be overlooked. As well, the new warehouse supply pipeline in Shenzhen and Guangzhou remains limited, and we can anticipate that future demand will spill over to surrounding areas such as Foshan and Dongguan. Hence, we believe that the GBA logistics sector will continue to attract investors’ attention into the future.”
Caption: Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China & Head of Consulting, Greater China(Left)and Charli Chan, Cushman & Wakefield’s Deputy Managing Director, Capital Markets, China(Right).
Hashtag: #CushmanandWakefield
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2023, the firm reported revenue of $9.5 billion across its core services of valuation, consulting, project & development services, capital markets, project & occupier services, industrial & logistics, retail and others. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), sustainability and more. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).
Lattanaphone Lattanapaseuth (middle) and Nalinda Khemmala (left), two Taekwondo athletes from PMS Taekwondo Club who won a gold medal and a bronze medal, respectively, accompanied by the club owner, Douangsivilay Phimmasone (right). (photo credit: Douangsivilay Phimmasone)
Six Lao Taekwondo athletes secured five medals, including two gold, one silver, and two bronze, at the Seongnam Open International Taekwondo Championship 2024 in South Korea on 21 July.
Students took entrance exam at the National university of Laos in 2023. (Photo: NUoL News)
The National University of Laos (NUOL) has announced that it will accept 5,920 new students for the 2024-25 academic year, with over 4,000 applicants already registered for entrance exams.
This year’s intake represents a substantial decrease compared to the previous years, according to acting NUOL President Dexanoulath Sendouangdeth.
During the 2023-24 academic year, 6,688 students secured places at NUOL out of 7,441 who took the exams. In comparison, the previous year saw over 11,000 students registering for the exams, with 6,990 being admitted. Meanwhile, in the 2020-2021 academic year, more than 9,000 students gained admission out of 16,700 who registered.
The Lao Ministry of Education and Sports is concerned about this decline, attributing it to limited job opportunities in Laos as a key factor. The ministry stated that many potential students are hesitant to invest in a university education due to uncertain job prospects. Meanwhile, financial and economic difficulties in rural areas are contributing to the decrease, as high tuition fees discourage potential applicants.
Acknowledging the declining trend among Lao people in pursuing higher education, Dexanoulath encouraged recent high school graduates to register for the entrance exam and continue their education. Registration will remain open until 7 August, with exams scheduled to take place on 10 August at the Dongdok campus.
NUOL, the largest university in Laos, consists of 13 faculties, including engineering, mathematics and physics teaching, agriculture, environmental studies, and Lao language education, among others. The university provides diverse academic programs, including undergraduate, master’s, and diploma courses, as well as six PhD programs.