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Jebsen & Jessen Group Announces Acquisition of Mongolia-based MSM Group

This strategic acquisition will enhance geographic expansion and strengthen distribution capabilities and networks.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2024 – Diversified industrial conglomerate Jebsen & Jessen Group today announces the acquisition of MSM Group, a Mongolia-based company headquartered in Ulaanbaatar, thereby establishing a market leading position in the fast growing market of Mongolia.

Per Magnusson, CEO of Jebsen & Jessen Group and Mark Gabel, CEO of MSM Group.
Per Magnusson, CEO of Jebsen & Jessen Group and Mark Gabel, CEO of MSM Group.

As one of the leading conglomerates in Mongolia, MSM Group spans multiple sectors including industrial equipment, chemical, automotive, beverage and agricultural equipment distribution. Since 1998, MSM Group has been playing a pivotal role in introducing premium international brands to the Mongolian market, and remains the sole distributor and partner for more than 50 of these brands in the country today. With over 650 employees, MSM Group operates showrooms, workshops, warehousing facilities and sales outlets in the central area of the capital city Ulaanbaatar, as well as South Gobi and other areas of Mongolia.

This acquisition brings together the technological know-how and strength of two family businesses serving complementary markets. Jebsen & Jessen Group has had a long-standing relationship with MSM Group, with MSM Group serving as a distributor of Jebsen & Jessen Group’s industrial products in Mongolia for over a decade.

Expanded market reach and capabilities

MSM Group is Jebsen & Jessen Group’s third acquisition in six months following that of GMA Garnet and Safetech, and marks its further expansion into new markets beyond its stronghold in South East Asia this year. With the entry into Mongolia, Jebsen & Jessen Group is poised to extend its reach and capitalise on new opportunities in a rapidly growing market.

“We are delighted to be welcoming MSM Group as part of the Jebsen & Jessen family. The acquisition is a strategic move that aligns with the goal of expanding our global footprint, and enhancing our industrial and distribution capabilities,” said Jebsen & Jessen Group CEO Per Magnusson. “MSM Group’s leading market position in Mongolia, its strong management team and workforce, and its diverse businesses will be a valuable addition to our portfolio. We will benefit from the synergies that we can now leverage across these activities.”

Synergies for growth

For MSM Group, this acquisition facilitates access to the extensive resources and expertise of Jebsen & Jessen Group, offering new avenues for growth and development. Further, the history of the two family businesses with a shared commitment to long-term growth and community impact makes this an attractive union. The alignment of common values — rooted in trust, heritage and a deep understanding of the markets — creates a strong foundation for a successful, sustainable partnership.

MSM Group will become the seventh business unit within Jebsen & Jessen Group. The founders of MSM Group, Laurenz Melchers and David Reiner, will remain minority shareholders alongside CEO Mark Gabel. MSM Group will continue to operate under its current company name and leadership, and maintain its commercial presence with all operations and business proceeding as usual.

“Having known Heinrich Jessen, Chairman of Jebsen & Jessen Group for many years, both in a professional and personal capacity, both David and I are assured that this is the right step and Jebsen & Jessen Group is the perfect partner to entrust the future of MSM Group and its employees for the many years to come,” said Chairman of MSM Group Laurenz Melchers.

“MSM Group has enjoyed strong growth over several decades to become the market leading company it is today. Joining Jebsen & Jessen Group provides us with the potential to scale our operations to levels we have never achieved before. These are exciting times for our teams and the brands we represent,” said MSM Group CEO Mark Gabel.
Hashtag: #Jebsen&JessenGroup

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

Jebsen & Jessen Group

Part of a global family enterprise that dates back to a trading partnership formed in Hong Kong in 1895, Jebsen & Jessen Group headquartered in Singapore is today an industrial conglomerate with a diverse network of businesses spanning manufacturing, engineering, mining and distribution activities. Core businesses include cable technology, garnet, ingredients, life sciences, packaging and other industrial technology, across more than 15 countries in five continents. Over 4,000 colleagues work as one to develop meaningful products and services for the myriad customers served.

For more information, visit .

Gold, stocks, and dollar: Octa’s guide to navigating market volatility during election time


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2024 – The influence of presidential elections on financial markets is often temporary. Still, the psychological effect of elections on traders and investors can cause emotional and illogical behaviour, contributing to increased market swings. Apart from the White House, the Senate is also up for grabs this fall, and the balance of power inside the legislative branch could be just as important. To mitigate potential losses, investors should refrain from purchasing risky assets during periods of election-related uncertainty. The sheer fact that presidential elections are taking place in a deeply divided yet highly important country is already having a bullish impact on gold prices.

Octa

When it comes to quick money-making on the financial markets, retail traders often disregard political events. Instead, they prefer to focus on regular macroeconomic releases, such as scheduled Consumer Price Index (CPI) readings or Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) reports. However, politics and economics often go together. And if there is one political event that traders cannot afford to overlook this year, it is certainly the U.S. presidential elections, which are set to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This pivotal event doesn’t just influence American citizens—it has a significant ripple effect on global financial markets. From Wall Street to the commodities markets, the implications of the U.S. presidential election could be profound and far-reaching.

The candidates
American voters will choose between Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.

Kamala Harris aligns closely with the current president, Joe Biden, especially on domestic policies. She is backing national abortion protections, LGBT+ rights, and significant fiscal stimulus measures, such as student debt relief. She is also a staunch advocate of new legislation to address climate change and wants to move the U.S. economy toward cleaner energy sources. As a presidential candidate, she introduced a staggering $10 trillion climate plan, greatly surpassing Biden’s $1.6 trillion initiatives. In addition, Harris also advocated for a ‘climate pollution fee’ and proposed the elimination of federal subsidies for fossil fuels. Although Harris launched her political career in Silicon Valley, she is now calling for regulations to address the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and enhance data privacy rules. Her record on trade policies suggests that she is somewhat sceptical of free trade. ‘There would be no trade deal that would be signed unless it protected American workers and it protected our environment,’ she was quoted as saying at one point.

Donald Trump’s previous administration was characterised by tax cuts, deregulation, and a focus on trade policies. During the 2024 campaign, Trump has repeated his intention to cut red tape, reduce government spending, and bring inflation down. He intends to lift the restrictions on fossil fuel production and cancel the electric vehicle mandate. Additionally, Trump seems to be leaning towards protectionism as he has explicitly promised to ‘stop outsourcing and turn the United States into a manufacturing superpower’. Domestically, one of his most radical proposals is to deport millions of illegal immigrants and seal the border. As for the tech sphere, the Republicans aim to put an end to what they describe as Democrats’ overreach in regulating cryptocurrencies. They vow to defend the rights of Americans to mine Bitcoin (BTC) and manage their digital assets independently. Additionally, they promise freedom from government surveillance and control of digital transactions. They also plan to overturn President Biden’s executive order on AI, which they believe hinders innovation.

Implications for the markets
Before discussing the potential implications of the U.S. presidential elections on the financial market, there is one important caveat to make—U.S. presidents are not omnipotent. The U.S. is a sprawling nation with numerous institutions, a developed political framework, and a complex system of checks and balances. No president can single-handedly steer the entire country in one direction. For instance, if Kamala Harris becomes president but the Senate remains Republican-controlled, she would face significant hurdles in pushing through her initiatives. Likewise, with a Democrat-controlled Senate, President Trump might find his policies completely stalled. Therefore, while the executive branch of government is undeniably significant, its power has limits and should not be overstated. In this regard, it is worth remembering that in addition to the high-stakes presidential race, this fall’s ballot also includes one-third of the U.S. Senate seats (presently held by a slim Democratic majority) and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives (where Republicans hold a slight edge).

It’s also important to note that the impact of presidential elections on financial markets can be short-lived. While there may be immediate reactions to the election results, markets often stabilise as the new administration’s policies become clearer. For example, after the initial pre-election decline in 2016, the stock market then continued to rise as the Trump administration implemented its economic agenda. Similarly, gold prices and the dollar often return to their pre-election trends once the uncertainty dissipates and investors gain more clarity on future policies.

U.S.Stocks
Kar Yong Ang, an Octa analyst, comments: ‘Obviously, investors will react to the perceived economic agendas of the candidates, leading to fluctuations in stock prices, but right now they are more focused on corporate earnings and potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed)’.

Still, the U.S. presidential candidates focus on different agendas, and some sectors of the U.S. economy may perform better depending on who wins the election. Judging solely by their platforms, it seems reasonable to infer that under Donald Trump, the following broad sectors may perform well:

  • Energy companies (particularly those involved in fossil fuel production)
  • Industrials and manufacturing companies (such as General Electric and 3M)
  • Pharmaceutical and biotech companies (Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna)
  • Tech companies (particularly those not heavily reliant on international supply chains)

Conversely, if Kamala Harris were to win, the following sectors may do well:

  • Companies in the renewable energy sector
  • Companies with strong diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • Infrastructure companies
  • Healthcare companies (particularly those focused on expanding access to healthcare services)

Still, making a bet on any particular sector is too risky. While assuming that energy companies will do better under Trump than Harris may seem logical, nothing is guaranteed. If oil prices were to fall sharply, energy companies would underperform irrespective of who is the president. Kar Yong Ang, an Octa analyst, cautions potential investors: ‘Our outlook for this or that sector of the economy rests on the assumption that everything goes smoothly and according to plan. However, if the election results are delayed or contested, it would be best to stay away from any risk assets until the situation stabilises.’

U.S. Dollar
Neither of the candidates has provided specific details about how they intend to tackle the huge debt that the U.S. has accumulated over the past years. Harris’ ambitious spending plans on infrastructure and the environment may potentially undermine the U.S. fiscal position and lead to a weaker dollar. At the same time, Trump has explicitly stated that he wants to preserve the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency. However, his leaning toward protectionism might hurt global trade and encourage other countries to look for alternatives to the U.S. dollar.

If Kamala Harris wins

A Harris administration might prioritise increased government spending on social programs, healthcare, and infrastructure. While such spending could stimulate economic growth, it could also lead to larger budget deficits, necessitating increased borrowing and possibly putting downward pressure on the dollar.

If Harris were to implement higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy and introduce new regulations, it could lead to reduced corporate profits and potentially slower economic growth. This might weaken investor confidence in the U.S. economy, leading to a dollar depreciation as investors seek higher returns elsewhere.

Generally speaking, the market views Harris’ victory as bearish for the U.S. dollar.

If Donald Trump wins

During his previous administration, Trump implemented tariffs and renegotiated trade deals, which had mixed effects on the dollar. A renewed focus on protectionist policies could strengthen the dollar in the short term due to reduced imports and a lower trade deficit. However, if global trade tensions escalate, it could also lead to long-term depreciation.

Trump’s approach to fiscal policy has typically involved tax cuts, which can lead to higher budget deficits. While tax cuts might initially boost economic growth and support the dollar, sustained deficits could eventually undermine confidence in the U.S. fiscal position, leading to a weaker dollar over time.

Monetary policy interactions are another critical aspect. ‘Trump has explicitly stated that he wants presidents to have a role in setting borrowing costs. It is quite a radical proposal by modern standards, the effects of which are very difficult to estimate’, said Kar Yong Ang, Octa analyst.

Generally speaking, the market views Trump’s victory as bullish for the U.S. dollar—particularly, in the short term. The longer-term outlook, however, is less certain.

Gold

If Kamala Harris wins
A Harris victory might be perceived as a shift towards more progressive policies, which could include increased regulation and higher corporate taxes. These changes could create volatility in the stock market, leading investors to flock to gold as a more stable investment.

Additionally, if Harris’s policies lead to a weaker U.S. dollar, this could further boost gold prices. Gold is typically inversely related to the dollar: when the dollar weakens, gold prices usually rise.

If Donald Trump wins

One potential outcome of Trump’s victory is that it could lead to increased geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties. During his previous term, Trump’s administration engaged in trade wars, particularly with China, which created economic uncertainty. Because gold is considered to be a safe-haven asset during times of geopolitical instability, heightened tensions could drive investors to flock to gold, pushing its price higher.

Additionally, Trump’s stance on monetary policy could influence gold prices. If his administration were to pressure the Fed to maintain low interest rates or engage in further monetary easing, this could weaken the U.S. dollar. A weaker dollar typically makes gold cheaper for foreign investors, increasing demand and potentially driving up the price of gold.

Gold is poised to shine

Kar Yong Ang, Octa analyst, puts it this way: ‘It is not so much the policies of the actual candidates that are bullish for gold; it is the sheer fact that the elections are taking place that is bullish. Emotions run high, and most polls put Harris and Trump neck and neck in the presidential race. I think that the overall impact on gold prices would depend on the candidates’ preparedness and willingness to concede defeat and avoid wider confrontation’.

Indeed, many political analysts have noted that American society has become increasingly polarised over the past years. Consequently, an indecisive victory for either candidate could ignite widespread discontent among their opponents, potentially leading to large-scale protests. Under these circumstances, gold will certainly shine. Conversely, if the election outcome leads to market confidence and stability, the demand for gold might dip as investors move their money back into equities and other assets perceived as having higher returns.
Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

MSM Group announces majority sale to Jebsen & Jessen Group

This strategic sale will enhance Jebsen & Jessen’s geographic expansion, strengthen its distribution capabilities and networks while securing MSM’s long term growth and future development in Mongolia.


ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA/SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2024 – Diversified Industrial, Automotive, Chemical, Agricultural and Beverage Conglomerate, MSM Group today announces the sale of a majority stake to Jebsen & Jessen Group thereby securing a continuously growing future for the company and its employees.

MSM brand logo


As one of the leading conglomerates in Mongolia, MSM Group spans multiple sectors and since 1998, has been playing a pivotal role in introducing premium international brands to the Mongolian market; it remains the sole distributor and partner for more than 50 of these brands in the country today. With over 650 employees, MSM Group operates showrooms, workshops, warehousing facilities and sales outlets in the central area of the capital city Ulaanbaatar, as well as South Gobi and other areas of Mongolia.

Founders and primary shareholders Laurenz Melchers and David Reiner, along with their equity partner Mongolian Opportunities Fund, are excited with this announcement.

This acquisition brings together the technological know-how and strength of two family businesses serving complementary markets. Both groups are no stranger to each other, sharing not only historical family business connections, but also distribution agreements with MSM having served as a distributor of Jebsen & Jessen Group’s industrial products in Mongolia for over a decade.

Securing a strong future for MSM and its employees

For nearly 30 years, the Founders built a future for MSM by funding its expansion with continuous re-investments into the fast-paced growth opportunities of Mongolia. They are thankful to the loyal partners who, for many years, entrusted MSM with the promotion of their cherished brands and express their full gratitude and continuous commitment towards Mongolia, their clients, the business and, especially, its employees.

As such, in preparation for this day, the Founders ensured that an exceptional management team was set-up and given the opportunity to independently run the day-to-day management of the business with great success.

In order to guarantee that MSM continued to thrive for many decades to come, they made the difficult decision to search for a family business with shared values and long-term history but also the capital strength and international presence, to take over the reins at MSM.

It has taken some time to find the right partner and it is therefore a sad and a happy moment for the two Founders to make this announcement but they are comfortable with the notion that MSM’s future is in good hands; especially since they will remain as shareholders in MSM and will also be growing their other business interests in Ulaanbaatar, thus staying loyal to Mongolia for many years to come.

“Having known Heinrich Jessen, Chairman of Jebsen & Jessen for many years, both in a professional and personal capacity, both David and I are assured that this is the right step and the perfect group to entrust the future of our beloved MSM and its employees for the many years to come” said Laurenz Melchers Chairman of MSM Group.

In addition, both MSM Founders and Jebsen & Jessen Group want to welcome Mark Gabel to the new shareholding structure of MSM; Mark will remain CEO of MSM and they know he will take full advantage of all the synergies and opportunities that the Jebsen & Jessen Group can provide to continue to successfully grow MSM for the years ahead.

The transaction took effect after approval by the Mongolian authorities. LCA Solutions, a Hong Kong regulated Multi Family Office, acted as financial advisor to the Founders of MSM. WS Chong & Co in Hong Kong, Mishcon de Reya in London and Melville Erdenedalai in Ulaanbaatar acted as legal advisors for the different Founders while Herbert Smith Freehills in Hong Kong acted for Mongolian Opportunities Fund.

Expanding market reach, capabilities and synergies for growth

With this announcement, Jebsen & Jessen Group takes a market leading position in the fast-growing market of Mongolia and another step in its continuous expansion beyond its established market strongholds in South East Asia.

“We are delighted to be welcoming MSM Group as part of the Jebsen & Jessen family. The acquisition is a strategic move that aligns with the goal of expanding our global footprint, and enhancing our industrial and distribution capabilities,” said Jebsen & Jessen Group CEO Per Magnusson. “MSM Group’s leading market position in Mongolia, its strong management team and workforce, and its diverse businesses will be a valuable addition to our portfolio. We will benefit from the synergies that we can now leverage across these activities.”

For MSM Group, this acquisition facilitates access to the extensive resources and expertise of Jebsen & Jessen Group, offering new avenues for growth and development. MSM Group will become the seventh business unit within Jebsen & Jessen Group. MSM Group will continue to operate under its current company name and leadership, and maintain its commercial presence with all operations and business proceeding as usual.

“MSM Group has enjoyed strong growth over several decades to become the market leading company it is today. Joining Jebsen & Jessen Group provides us with the potential to scale our operations to levels we have never achieved before. These are exciting times for our teams and the brands we represent,” said MSM Group CEO Mark Gabel.

Hashtag: #MSMGroup

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

About Jebsen & Jessen Group

Part of a global family enterprise that dates back to a trading partnership formed in Hong Kong in 1895, Jebsen & Jessen Group headquartered in Singapore is today an industrial conglomerate with a diverse network of businesses spanning manufacturing, engineering, mining and distribution activities. Core businesses include cable technology, garnet, ingredients, life sciences, packaging and other industrial technology, across more than 15 countries in five continents. Over 4,000 colleagues work as one to develop meaningful products and services for the myriad customers served.

For more information, visit

About MSM Group

Founded in 1998, MSM Group is today, with over 650 highly professional Mongolian and foreign employees, a leader in the automotive, industrial and beverage distribution sectors. MSM/SGT is also a strategic business partner of Oyu Tolgoi, the world’s third largest copper and gold mine that is operated by Rio Tinto. MSM Group delivers premium quality consumer and industrial products and services to a wide network of customers and partners. In addition, MSM Group supports social projects and programmes in many areas such as health, environment, sustainability, arts and children’s education as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

For more information, visit .

Jinshanling: Craftsmanship Restoration Preserves the Great Wall


CHENGDE, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2024 – Recently, Luanping County, Chengde City, north China’s Hebei Province, has used drones to transport construction materials for the first time during the protection and restoration of the Jinshanling Great Wall, which has improved construction efficiency and reduced the ecological impact on the surrounding environment. This enables the 600-year-old ancient Great Wall to continue to exude new vitality in protection and inheritance.

The Jinshanling Great Wall
The Jinshanling Great Wall

At the middle section of the Jinshanling Great Wall, workers used drones to transport construction materials such as blue bricks and lime, preparing for the risk removal and reinforcement of Gaojian Tower and Xiyu Tower. According to reports, due to the precipitous terrain with steep slopes and narrow paths of the Great Wall, construction materials were traditionally transported by humans and mules, which took more than 40 minutes for a round trip. However, using drones for transportation, with a capacity of nearly 75 to 150 pounds per trip and a round trip every 3 minutes, it only takes about a dozen minutes to complete the mule transport volume once time.

The Jinshanling Great Wall is shrouded in mist
The Jinshanling Great Wall is shrouded in mist

Workers stated that in the restoration work of the Jinshanling Great Wall, they adhered to the principle of “minimal intervention and restoration to its original state”, retaining old bricks that can still be used and replacing weathered face bricks with them. Additionally, they installed drainage systems to reduce the erosion of rainwater on the walls.

It is reported that this is the first time in China that drones have been used to participate in the protection of the Great Wall, which is not only fast and economical but also environmentally friendly. This drone technology will be better applied in the future protection and restoration of the Great Wall.

Jinshanling Great Wall is renowned for its unique landscape and exquisite architectural art, earning the reputation of “Jinshanling Be There, The Rest of Great Wall Nowhere”. The 10.5-kilometer Jinshanling Great Wall encompasses virtually all architectural forms of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, making it the essence of the Great Wall and the best-preserved section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Today, despite the ravages of time, it remains magnificent and breathtaking.
Hashtag: #Jinshanling

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

Eddie Chau Joins Vizzio Technologies’ Board of Directors


SINGAPORE – Media Outreach Newswire – 2 September 2024 – Vizzio Technologies is honoured to announce the appointment of Mr Eddie Chau, a distinguished figure in Singapore’s technology sector, to its Board of Directors.

Vizzio Technologies - Eddie Chau

Eddie Chau, with over three decades of notable achievements in entrepreneurship, technology, and community leadership, brings a wealth of expertise to Vizzio. As Chairman of the Singapore Standard Council’s Coordinating Committee for Cyber Security, Chau has played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s cybersecurity landscape.

Chau’s impressive career includes founding six startups, successfully exiting two, and serving as a mentor to numerous startups in Singapore. His commitment to community service is evident through his involvement with various non-profit organisations, including Mount Alvernia Hospital, raiSE, and One Faber Group.

Recognised as the “IT Leader of the Year 2018” by the Singapore Computer Society and inducted into its “Hall of Fame 2022,” Eddie Chau’s accolades highlight his exceptional leadership in technology.

At Vizzio Technologies, Eddie Chau’s strategic insights and extensive network will be instrumental as the company continues to drive innovation and growth in the technology sector. His experience with successful ventures such as e-Cop, Brandtology, and V-Key underscores his ability to identify and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

We extend a warm welcome to Eddie Chau and look forward to achieving new milestones with his expertise guiding our future endeavours.
Hashtag: #VizzioTechnologies #AITechnology


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

Vizzio Technologies

Vizzio Technologies leads the world in creating detailed 3D city models using satellite imagery and AI. We produce immersive digital twins of cities globally, integrating multi-resolution data and machine learning for real-time insights and modelling. Established in 2020, we have mapped over 1 million square kilometres of urban space, filed 34 patents, and saved 75% of time compared to traditional methods. Our goal is to deliver dimensionally accurate, photorealistic digital twins for every city on Earth, supporting a range of applications from urban planning to security.

Alarming Surge in Fragility Fractures Underscores Urgent Need to Address Osteoporosis Crisis in Hong Kong

The Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong (OSHK) Launches Groundbreaking Clinical Guidelines to Combat Growing Public Health Burden


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 September 2024 –

Alarming Burden of Fragility Fractures in Hong Kong
The burden of osteoporosis in Hong Kong has reached alarming levels, with a staggering 51.2% surge in fragility fractures over the past 14 years. The number of cases has skyrocketed from 5,596 in 2004 to 8,465 in 2018. Even more concerning is the 30.9% rise in the most serious type of fracture – hip fractures – which have increased from 4,002 to 5,241 cases during this period.

Prof Cheung Ching-lung, President of The Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong and Dr Ip Tai-pang, Chairperson of The Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong (OSHK) Guideline Task Group, are urging immediate attention to the rapidly increasing cases of osteoporosis in Hong Kong. They recommend the implementation of DXA screening across the territory to reduce the number of fractures.
Prof Cheung Ching-lung, President of The Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong and Dr Ip Tai-pang, Chairperson of The Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong (OSHK) Guideline Task Group, are urging immediate attention to the rapidly increasing cases of osteoporosis in Hong Kong. They recommend the implementation of DXA screening across the territory to reduce the number of fractures.

These fragility fractures, which occur due to low bone density and strength, can have devastating consequences for patients. Alarmingly, recent research has found that the mortality rate of hip fractures rivals that of leading cancer killers in Hong Kong. A study from the University of Hong Kong revealed that the mortality rate of hip fractures in men is higher than the mortality rate for prostate cancer, and on par with the mortality rate for colorectal cancer. Similarly, the mortality rate of hip fracture patients in women is higher than the mortality rate for thyroid cancer and breast cancer.

Compounding the problem, fragility fracture patients face a high risk of subsequent fractures, with nearly half (49.5%) of those who sustain an initial fracture experiencing a second fracture within the first two years. This “imminent fracture” period leaves patients vulnerable to repeat, debilitating injuries in quick succession.

“The dramatic escalation in fragility fractures underscores the urgent imperative to address osteoporosis and improve overall bone health in our community,” said Professor Cheung Ching-lung, President of The Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong (OSHK). “In response, the OSHK’s multi-disciplinary task force has issued landmark clinical guidelines that revolutionize the approach to osteoporosis management in the city. This new, evidence-based framework aims to help identify and effectively manage individuals at different level of risk of these often devastating, and sometimes deadly, fractures, empowering both medical professionals and the public to take proactive steps in tackling this major public health crisis.”

OSHK recommends DXA Screening for Early Osteoporosis Detection in Hong Kong
OSHK is recommending that all Hong Kong men aged 70 and older, and all women aged 65 and older, undergo dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to screen for osteoporosis. DXA is considered the gold standard diagnostic tool for identifying osteoporosis. With such a protocol, an estimate of 5,234 hip fractures would be prevented in 10 years to reduce the devasting impact of fragility fractures on patients, their families, and the broader healthcare system in Hong Kong.

“DXA screening gives us the ability to identify osteoporosis early and take action to strengthen bones and prevent these life-altering fractures,” emphasized Dr Ip Tai-pang, Chairperson of The Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong (OSHK) Guideline Task Group. “We’re calling on all Hong Kong residents in the recommended age groups to have this simple, painless test and have an open discussion with their doctors about optimizing their bone health.”

Landmark Guidelines Introduce Personalized Approach to Tackling Osteoporosis
The new OSHK guidelines go beyond recommending universal DXA screening to promote the use of a well-structured risk stratification model. This enables healthcare providers to comprehensively evaluate each patient’s individual risk of fragility fractures. By thoroughly assessing the patient’s unique risk profile and bone density T-score, clinicians can now establish a targeted treatment plan to effectively reduce their likelihood of experiencing a debilitating fragility fracture.

The OSHK guideline outlines the following risk-based approach for systematic fracture prevention:

Risk Level Recommendations for Medications
Low risk

  • Age <65 years with
    • T-score ≤ –2.5 and
    • No prior major fracture

  • Mild oral antiresorptive drug
High risk

  • Age ≥65 years with T-score ≤ –2.5 or
  • Prior fracture >24 months, or
  • FRAX 10-year probability : major osteoporotic fractures (fragility fractures) ≥20% or hip fracture ≥3%

  • Potent antiresorptive drug
    (Oral/ intravenous/ subcutaneous injection)
Very high risk

  • Multiple fractures, or
  • Major osteoporotic fractures (fragility fractures) ≤24 months, or
  • T-score ≤ –3.0, or
  • Fracture on antiresorptive therapy

  • Bone-forming medication

In addition, patients undergoing treatment for osteoporosis should review their treatment plan with their doctor every 1-2 years to ensure they are receiving maximum benefit. “Osteoporosis is a condition that requires long-term management,” emphasizes Dr Ip Tai-pang. “Patients should never stop taking their medications without first consulting their doctor, as abruptly discontinuing treatment can lead to rapid and dramatic loss of bone density.”

Reframing Fragility Fractures as “Bone failure” Underscores Urgent Need for Proactive Management of Devastating Complications
The OSHK’s new clinical guidelines reflect a paradigm shift in how this progressive bone disease is viewed and managed. By recognizing fragility factures as a systemic “bone failure” condition, the guidelines emphasize the serious, wide-ranging complications that can occur, including spinal deformities, loss of mobility, reduced quality of life, as well as the increased risks of other serious health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases and pneumonia etc. that can stem from osteoporosis and related fractures.

“We need to strengthen public education, so that the public understands that fragility fractures are akin to bone failure,” reminded Professor Cheung Ching-lung. “This will encourage them to proactively undergo screening, and to work closely with their doctors based on their individual risk levels, to continuously monitor their condition and receive targeted management or treatment.”
Hashtag: #Osteoporosis #DXA #fracture #OsteoporosisSocietyHK #BoneFailure

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

About The Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong (OSHK)

The Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong (OSHK) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting bone health and preventing osteoporosis in Hong Kong. Established in 1994, the OSHK is a multi-disciplinary society comprising orthopedists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, geriatricians, family medicine practitioners, physiotherapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The OSHK works to raise awareness, provide education, and advocate for policies to address the growing burden of osteoporosis in the city.

Live4Well Unveils New Chapter in Sport Innovation: Live4Sport Sport Alliance


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 August 2024 –

Rapid Project Growth
Since its launch, Live4Well has steadily accumulated real users by integrating AI and blockchain technology, uniting the sports health industry with community engagement. Leading the health industry trends in the Web3 era, Live4Well has grown into a global community with over 250,000 members, primarily young sports enthusiasts aged 18-25. The platform boasts a daily active user rate of 8%.

Live4Well Global Sports Alliance
Live4Well Global Sports Alliance

Genesis NFT Launch Triumph
On May 23, 2024, Live4Well successfully launched its first “Genesis NFT” series, which sold out completely within the first 7 hours, achieving a 1.5x over-subscription. This success occurred despite Ethereum’s recent surge, driven by the ERG approvals that drove up the minting cost. This achievement demonstrates global recognition of the project’s vision. Within two weeks of the NFT sell-out, Live4Well announced partnerships with several major global gym chains, including Anytime, 24/7, and FIT24. These partnerships offer NFT holders free memberships at over 200 gyms worldwide. With a secondary market listing rate below 2% and average prices rising by 50%, the project’s community loyalty and investor confidence are evident.

Innovative Expansion
The Live4Well team has always excelled at innovative business strategy. They are backed by investors whose investment achieved double-digit growth during the pandemic. The team deeply understands that Web3 demands continuous exploration and optimization, requiring regular content updates to keep participants engaged in the project’s development. Now, venturing beyond fitness and expanding into global sports, Live4Well is launching the Live4Sport initiative, aiming to create a worldwide “Sport Alliance.”

This new phase of development will weave together several different sports. Plans are currently underway to launch new series NFTs, such as Live4Tennis, Live4Lacrosse, and Live4Golf, within this year. These NFTs will provide exceptional value and maintain scarcity with single-issue releases.

NFT benefits will include access to sports courses, coaching resources, competitive events, a specialized app, and personalized training goals. With world-class sports resources and advanced products, Live4Well aims to immerse users in over 20 sports, and to foster sustainable healthy lifestyles through positive feedback and community support.

Future Vision
Recognizing health as a universal consensus, Live4Well has successfully launched NFT series even during market downturns. Committed to expanding the Sport Alliance, Live4Well will continue to attract global sports enthusiasts, reintroducing blockchain through health and sports, and gradually integrating the vast sports and health economy into the crypto world.

Live4Well is pioneering a future where sweat earns rewards in a Wellness Marketplace, creating a decentralized data infrastructure that enhances the sports industry through the synergy of AI, blockchain, and sport innovation.

Hashtag: #web3 #sport #globalsportsalliance



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

Live4Well

Leading Wellness AI and Sports Membership Platform: Bridging Virtual and Reality Through Web3

Live4Well is building a reward-oriented infrastructure that leverages real-life fitness data globally to advance sports and health, fostering a communal economy where all stakeholders are incentivized to collaborate, enhancing and sharing in our collective success.

Captiva Announces Share Repurchase Agreement

Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – August 30, 2024 – Captiva Verde Wellness Corp. (CSE: PWR) (OTC Pink: CPIVF) (“Captiva Verde”) a public company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the trading symbol PWR and further listed on the US OTC Market under the symbol CPIVF announces that the Company has entered into a share repurchase agreement (the “Repurchase Agreement“) with its wholly-owned subsidiary, 1435300 B.C. Ltd. (“Sonny Sports Holdco“), Ronnie Strasser (“Strasser“) and certain shareholders of the Company listed in Schedule “A” thereto (the “Purchasing Shareholders“), pursuant to which the Company expects to, subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, transfer its interest in Sonny Sports Holdco to Strasser and the other Purchasing Shareholders in exchange for the Purchasing Shareholders arranging for the return of an aggregate of 89,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (each common share, a “Common Share“) to the treasury of the Company for cancellation at a deemed price of $0.02 per Common Share and an aggregate of 55,000,000 Common Share purchase warrants (each, a “Warrant“) for cancellation at a deemed price of $0.00001 per Warrant.

Jeff Ciachurski, CEO of Captiva, commented: “This proposed transaction unwinds the acquisition of 1435300 B.C. Ltd. in August 2023, enabling the Company to re-focus on its original business previously described in its prospectus of September 20, 2018, and related Canadian Securities Exchange filings.

In connection with the Repurchase Agreement, the Company will enter into an option agreement (the “Option Agreement“) with Strasser and certain shareholders of the Company (collectively, the “Strasser Group“), pursuant to which the Strasser Group will grant to the Company the option to identify purchasers of up to 37,000,000 Common Shares beneficially owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any member of the Strasser Group at a price of C$0.02 per Common Share.

Additionally, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Repurchase Agreement, the Company will enter into a debt assumption and settlement agreement (the “Consulting Debt Assumption and Settlement Agreement“) with Strasser and Sonny Sports Holdco, pursuant to which the Company will assume C$858,249.09 of liabilities owed to Strasser and his affiliates by Sonny Sports Holdco under a consulting agreement dated August 31, 2023, between Sonny Sports Holdco and Strasser (the “Consulting Assumed Indebtedness“), and settle the Consulting Assumed Indebtedness in exchange for 1,500,000 common shares in the capital of Greenbriar Sustainable Living Inc. (each, a “Greenbriar Share“) expected to be issued to the Company in satisfaction of a portion of the debt owed by Greenbriar Capital (U.S.) LLC (“Greenbriar USA“) to the Company under the joint venture settlement agreement between the Company and Greenbriar USA dated June 22, 2023, as amended August 21, 2023. The Company will also enter into a mutual release (the “Mutual Release” and, collectively with the Option Agreement and the Consulting Debt Assumption and Settlement Agreement, the “Ancillary Agreements“) with Sonny Sports Holdco, Jeffrey J. Ciachurski, and Strasser, pursuant to which, among other things and subject to certain limitations, the Company will release Sonny Sports Holdco and Strasser from all claims and Sonny Sports Holdco and Strasser will release the Company and Jeffrey J. Ciachurski from all claims.

The completion of the transactions contemplated by, or in connection with, the Repurchase Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements is subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals. The transactions described herein may not close on the terms described above or at all.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Jeffrey Ciachurski
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Cell: (949) 903-5906
E-mail: westernwind@shaw.ca

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the expansion of Captiva’s health and wellness platform.

Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “potential”, “target”, “budget”, “propose” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: general business and economic conditions. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include those described under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s most recently filed MD&A (a copy of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca). The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

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