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Prudential Plc Half Year 2023 Results: Delivering A Strong Performance And Strategic Update

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 August 2023 – Prudential plc (“Prudential”; HKEX: 2378; LSE: PRU) today announced its financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2023 along with a strategic update.

Performance highlights on a constant (and actual) exchange rate basis1

  • New business profit2 up 39 per cent (36 per cent) to $1,489 million, with 17 of our life markets delivering growth3, 16 of which by double digits. Excluding the effect of interest rate and other economic movements, new business profit was up 52 per cent (48 per cent)
  • APE sales4 up 42 per cent (37 per cent) to $3,027 million
  • Adjusted operating profit5 up 6 per cent (4 per cent) to $1,462 million
  • Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management business6 down (2) per cent ((4) per cent) to $1,438 million
  • EEV operating profit7 up 22 per cent (19 per cent) to $2,155 million. EEV shareholders equity is $43.7 billion, equivalent to 1,588 cents per share
  • GWS shareholder capital surplus over GPCR of $15.5 billion8, equivalent to a cover ratio of 295 per cent8 (31 December 2022: 307 per cent)
  • Adjusted IFRS equity9 of $36.4 billion, up 4 per cent10 from 31 December 2022, equivalent to 1,324 cents per share. Annualised Contractual Service Margin11 growth of 8 per cent.
  • First interim dividend of 6.26 cents per share, up 9 per cent10 with guidance for 2023 and 2024 of expected annual growth between 7-9 per cent

Strategic update

Alongside interim results, CEO Anil Wadhwani announced a new purpose and strategy following the completion of his strategic and operational review.

Prudential’s new purpose statement – For Every Life, For Every Future – reflects its mission to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions.

Prudential’s new strategy will build a sustainable growth platform, through targeted investment in structural growth markets across Asia and Africa by:

  • Enhancing customer experiences to drive higher acquisition and loyalty for lifetime value creation;
  • Technology-powered distribution with a focus on agency and bancassurance productivity and activation;
  • Unlocking the health opportunity by disciplined implementation of best practices across all our markets;
  • More consistent execution across each of our markets, driven through changes in our organisational model and technology platform; and
  • Prioritising value creation, focusing on the generation of free surplus that can be used to invest in new business at attractive returns, core capabilities and strategic opportunities, as well as return capital to shareholders via dividends.

We believe our new strategy will accelerate value creation for all our stakeholders through operational and financial discipline, with two key financial objectives:

  • Growing New Business Profit at 15-20 per cent compound annual growth between 2022 and 202712;
  • Achieving double-digit compound annual growth in operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management business between 2022 and 202712.

Summary financials Half year

2023 $m

Half year

2022 $m

Change on

AER basis1

Change on

CER basis1

New business profit2 1,489 1,098 36% 39%
Operating free surplus generated13 1,024 1,224 (16)% (15)%
Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and
asset management business6
1,438 1,503 (4)% (2)%
Adjusted operating profit5 1,462 1,411 4% 6%
IFRS profit (loss) after tax 947 (1,505) n/a n/a
30 Jun 2023 31 Dec 2022
Total Per share Total Per share
EEV shareholders’ equity $43.7bn 1,588¢ $42.2bn 1,534¢
IFRS shareholders’ equity $17.2bn 623¢ $16.7bn 608¢
Adjusted IFRS shareholders’ equity9 $36.4bn 1,324¢ $35.2bn 1,280¢

Commenting on his first Interim results and strategic update, CEO Anil Wadhwani, said: “The interim results demonstrate the power of our multi-engine, multi-channel business model across Asia and Africa. The business performed strongly in the first half of 2023, with new business profit up 39 per cent14. (up 52 per cent14 on an ex-economics basis – i.e. excluding the effect of interest rates). APE sales were up 42 per cent14 to $3,027 million and this sales momentum continues into the current third quarter.

“Our agency channel has rebounded strongly in all segments as Covid restrictions ended, reporting 89 per cent14 growth in new business profit on an ex-economics basis. The bancassurance channel maintained margins (on an ex-economics basis) despite lower sales in Singapore, Vietnam and the Chinese Mainland.

“13 of 22 life markets3 recorded positive Health & Protection new business profit growth. We continue to see increased agency adoption of digital tools. In 2022 agents using PRULeads, our activity and leads management engine, were 30 per cent more productive15.

“Prudential has a great franchise with 175 years of history, top three positions16 in 12 of our 14 Asia life markets and 4 of our 8 Africa life markets, scale in both agency and bancassurance, and more importantly the trust of our 18 million customers. We also have in-house investment capabilities with Eastspring managing over $220 billion of assets.

“We have today announced that we will do things differently in the way we run Prudential. With a clear strategy, operational and capital allocation priorities, we are focused on delivering sustainable value for all our stakeholders: employees, customers, shareholders and our communities.

“We are excited to write the next chapter of growth at Prudential.”

Market overview and outlook

In the first half of 2023, in Hong Kong, both domestic and Chinese Mainland Visitor segments performed particularly well. APE sales from the Domestic segment grew 68 per cent and the Chinese Mainland Visitor segment has seen a significant increase in sales following the opening of the border with the mainland in February 2023. Prudential increased market share across segments and achieved the number one position in both the offshore business and in the agency channel17. Demand for savings products across the Hong Kong business continues to be strong with volumes reflecting increased savings case sizes compared to 2019. Product mix in terms of new policy count has started to normalise. Customer experience improvements in digital onboarding and underwriting and enhanced multi-currency options have improved both health and protection and savings offerings. In Macau, the recruitment of agents has commenced, following the opening of the branch. The new licence completes Prudential’s footprint in all 11 cities in the Greater Bay Area, which has a population of over 85 million18.

In the Chinese Mainland, the company’s focus in the first half of 2023 was taking decisive steps to drive a more balanced product mix. At the start of the second quarter we actively withdrew certain guaranteed savings product from both agency and bancassurance channels. As a consequence, both agency and bancassurance channels reduced the proportion of short-term pay non-participating products sold in favour of higher quality and higher margin annuity and longer premium payment term products, particularly affecting volumes in the bancassurance channel in the second quarter. Agency still performed very strongly with APE sales up 25 per cent14 and productivity18 up 53 per cent. Overall, new business profit was marginally down by (3) percentage points14 on an ex-economics basis. Margins for both agency and bancassurance improved, and in aggregate rose by 7 percentage points, on an ex-economics basis. In Taiwan, APE sales grew by 28 per cent14 and new business profit increased with good performances from both existing and new bank partners. Participating products and tailored customer segmentation led to the business significantly outperforming the market.

Our businesses in ASEAN reflect our leading positions and the strength of our diversified multi-channel distribution franchise in this region.

  • Malaysia grew APE sales by 12 per cent14 and new business profit by 11 per cent14 and had a leading net promoter score in both conventional and Takaful business.
  • Indonesia APE sales grew 42 per cent14 and new business profit grew 22 per cent14 – with agency APE up particularly strongly at 51 per cent14 and with new business profit per active agent in the period up 77 per cent. Customer medical benefits were upgraded contributing to margins reducing by 6 percentage points.
  • The Philippines delivered 13 per cent14 growth in new APE sales, with strong growth in active agents and new business profit. In Q1 2023, it was the number one player by sales in the market19.
  • Singapore showed a resilient performance with APE sales down (3) per cent14 and new business profit down (20) per cent14 as we maintained market positioning, despite challenging operating conditions.
  • In Vietnam, industry sales fell 31 per cent largely due to weakness in the bancassurance channel20. We outperformed the market, reporting APE sales down (18) per cent14, with agency APE sales up 34 per cent14. New business profit was down overall.

In India, there was continued strong momentum and high quality growth: new business profit was up in the first half, reflecting APE sales growth of 15 per cent14 and an improvement of margin. Agency APE Sales grew 29 per cent14, with over 17,000 new agent recruits and over 100 new distribution partners secured.

In Africa, we delivered a strong performance with new business profit up reflecting broad based growth across all channels and all eight African markets recorded double digit13 APE sales growth. Overall Africa saw 31 per cent14 APE sales growth and an 18 per cent increase in the number of active agents since the equivalent period in the prior year. It had over 220 members qualifying for ‘million dollar round table’ status in 2022.

At Eastspring, funds under management increased to $228 billion, reflecting net inflows of $3.3 billion (excluding money market funds and net redemptions from funds managed on behalf of M&G plc) and positive market movements. Operating profits were up 14 per cent14 to $146 million.

Consumers in Asia remain resilient despite the challenging environment. While the outlook for Asian markets is mixed, our momentum in the first half has continued into the third quarter. This underscores the strength of our multi-market growth engine backed by our diversified channel mix, which is key to driving sustainable value in the long term.

Notes
1 Further information on actual and constant exchange rate bases is set out in note A1 of the IFRS financial statement. All results are presented in US dollars.

2 New business profit, on a post-tax basis, on business sold in the period, calculated in accordance with EEV Principles. See the basis of preparation to the EEV basis results for further explanation.

3 Of our 14 Asia life markets and 8 Africa life markets

4 APE sales is a measure of new business activity that comprises the aggregate of annualised regular premiums and one-tenth of single premiums on new business written during the year for all insurance products, including premiums for contracts designated as investment contracts under IFRS. It is not representative of premium income recorded in the IFRS financial statements. See note II of the Additional financial information for further explanation.

5 ‘Adjusted IFRS operating profit’ refers to adjusted IFRS operating profit based on longer-term investment returns from continuing operations and is stated after excluding the effect of short-term fluctuations in investment returns against long-term assumptions and other corporate transactions. This alternative performance measure is reconciled to IFRS profit for the period of $947 million (2022: $(1,505)million) in note B1.1 of the IFRS financial results.

6 Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance business represents amounts emerging from the in-force business during the year before deducting amounts reinvested in writing new business and excludes non-operating items. For asset management businesses, it equates to post-tax operating profit for the year. Restructuring costs are presented separately from the business unit amount. Further information is set out in ‘movement in Group free surplus’ of the EEV basis results.

7 EEV operating profit is based on longer-term investment returns and is stated after excluding the effect of short-term fluctuations in investment returns and other corporate transactions, and excludes the effect of changes in economic assumptions and the mark-to-market value movement on core borrowings.

8 Estimated GWS capital position reflects eligible Group capital resources in excess of the Group prescribed capital requirements (GPCR) attributable to the shareholder business, before allowing for the 2023 first cash interim dividend. Further detail on the estimated GWS capital position, including the basis of preparation, is included in note I(i) of the Additional financial information.

9 IFRS shareholders equity plus contractual service margin net of reinsurance and related tax adjustments. See note C3.1 in the IFRS financial results for further information.

10 On an actual exchange rate basis.

11 Net of reinsurance.

12 The objectives assume exchange rates at December 2022 and economic assumptions made by Prudential in calculating the EEV basis supplementary information for the year ended 31 December 2022, and are based on regulatory and solvency regimes applicable across the Group at the time the objectives were set. The objectives assume that the existing EEV and Free Surplus methodology at December 2022 will be applicable over the period.

13 Operating free surplus generated from insurance and asset management operations after investment in new business but before restructuring costs. Definition and further information is set out in ‘Movement in Group free surplus’ of the EEV basis results.

14 On a constant exchange rate basis.

15 Measured by cases per agent

16 As reported at full year 2022 unless specified. Sources include formal (e.g. competitors results release, local regulators and insurance association) and informal (industry exchange) market share. Ranking based on new business (APE sales, weighted full year premium or full year premium depending on availability of data) or total weighted revenue premiums, except for Hong Kong based on in-force premiums. Ranking for FY2020 for Cameroon.

17 Source: HKMA Q1 2023 market statistics.

18 Source: The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office.

19 Q1-2023 based on Weighted First Year Premium, Philippines Insurance Commission.

20 H1 2023 Vietnam Actuarial Network.

Hashtag: #PrudentialPlc

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

About Prudential plc

Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.

CloudMile Wins 2023 Google Cloud Sales Partner of the Year for Greater China

Recognizing Its Innovative Thinking and Outstanding Customer Service in the Greater China Region

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 August 2023 – CloudMile, a leading AI and Cloud technology company in Asia that focuses on digital transformation and growth for its corporate clients, has proudly announced it has been awarded the 2023 Google Cloud Sales Partner of the Year for the Greater China region, recognizing its innovative thinking, outstanding customer service, and best-in-class use of Google Cloud products and services. The Google Cloud Partner of the Year Awards 2023 celebrates partners who prioritize customer-centric approaches and deliver industry-leading solutions in collaboration with Google Cloud.

2023 Google Cloud Partner of the Year Award.png

Driving Digital Transformation Across APAC

CloudMile is at the forefront of empowering customers with digital transformation in many countries across the APAC region. Serving as a key MSP partner in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, the exclusive partner in Taiwan, and one of the few Google Cloud-only partners spanning multiple APAC countries, CloudMile caters to a diverse clientele. Its esteemed clients include government organizations, world-leading semiconductor companies, major retail and banking corporations in Asia, and digital-native clients across various markets. Having a team of over 140 certified Google Cloud engineers, CloudMile has witnessed remarkable revenue growth of nearly 70% in the last financial year, underscoring its momentum and success.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from Google Cloud. Everyone at CloudMile has worked exceptionally hard to maximize our customers’ growth to benefit their businesses through our AI services and better data management,” said Spencer Liu, Founder and Chairman at CloudMile. “The Google Cloud partnership has allowed us to accelerate the growth of our services and provide customers with exciting new business opportunities.”

“Google Cloud’s partner awards recognize the significant impact and customer success that our partners have driven over the past year,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, Corporate Vice President, Global Ecosystem and Channels at Google Cloud. “We’re delighted to recognize CloudMile as a 2023 Google Cloud Partner Award winner, and look forward to a continued strong partnership in support of our mutual customers.”

Hashtag: #CloudMile

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

CloudMile

CloudMile, a leading AI and cloud technology company in Asia, focuses on digital transformation for its corporate clients and driving growth. Leveraging machine learning and big data analysis, CloudMile assists over 700+ clients corporates with business forecasts and industrial upgrades.

CloudMile has earned 200+ accreditations, with 60+ Google Cloud professional certifications. Being a Google Cloud Premier Partner, CloudMile is qualified for the Machine Learning – Services Specialization, the Data Analytics – Services Specialization, the Cloud Migration – Services Specialization, the Infrastructure – Services Specialization, and the Work Transformation – Enterprise Specialization. The company has become Google Cloud Managed Service Provider (MSP) covering Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore as well as the Google Cloud Public Sector Partner of the Year for the APAC Region in 2020. For more information, visit or follow CloudMile on LinkedIn

Vientiane Traffic Police to Deploy 423 Officers to Manage Traffic During Start of New School Year

A traffic police officer clearing traffic congestion in the area of Patuxay Monument (Photo: Traffic Police Department)

The Vientiane Capital Traffic Police Department plans to station 423 traffic police on roads in front of educational institutions in Vientiane Capital at the start of the new school year in early September. This will help prevent accidents and ease the flow of traffic during an expected increase of vehicles in the area.

Hundreds of Thousands Trafficked to Work as Online Scammers in SE Asia, Says UN Report

Image used for representational purposes only (Photo: Sri Lanka Guardian)

Hundreds of thousands of people are being forcibly engaged by organized criminal gangs in online criminality in Southeast Asia – from romance investment scams and crypto fraud to illegal gambling – a report issued this week by the UN Human Rights Office shows.

China Won’t Require COVID-19 Tests for Incoming Travelers Any Longer

A traveler walks through the international flight arrivals area at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, on 26 April 2023. China will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test result from incoming travelers starting Wednesday, 30 August 2023. Photo: AP)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test result for incoming travelers starting Wednesday, a milestone in its reopening to the rest of the world after a three-year isolation that began with the country’s borders closing in March 2020.

Lao Residents Suffer from Mental Health Issues Due to Inflation and Flooding

Mental Health Among Lao People Strained by Inflation and Flooding
FILE: this image is used only for representational purpose (photo: California Health Report)

A mental health expert raised concerns about the escalating stress caused by inflation and severe flooding in parts of the country recently, noting that the rising cost of living, coupled with increasing poverty levels, has doubled reported mental health issues, affecting people across all demographics.

CloudCover Wins Google Cloud Partner of the Year Awards in Two Categories

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 30 August 2023 – CloudCover, a cloud-native solutions company, today announced that it has received two 2023 Google Cloud Partner of the Year Awards – the Google Cloud Services Partner of the Year Award for India and the Google Cloud Services Partner of the Year Award for Southeast Asia

The awards recognized CloudCover’s achievements within the Google Cloud ecosystem in helping joint customers optimize their cloud workloads to accelerate innovation and achieve greater business impact.

“Google Cloud’s partner awards recognize the significant impact and customer success that our partners have driven over the past year,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, Corporate Vice President, Global Ecosystem and Channels at Google Cloud. “We’re delighted to recognize CloudCover as a 2023 Google Cloud Partner Award winner, and look forward to a continued strong partnership in support of our mutual customers.”

One notable success story was in 2022, when CloudCover helped a global video game developer to easily scale and increase their workload capacity by migrating to Google Cloud. By customizing a solution with the right mix of Google Cloud services innovatively put together, CloudCover delivered improved automation and operational efficiency. This enabled the customer to deploy an advanced real-time 3D creation tool seamlessly on a global scale and deliver richer, more responsive gaming experiences for its users.

Says Dhruv Parpia, Co-founder of CloudCover: “We’re incredibly proud of this achievement, and we want to extend a big thank you to Google Cloud for recognizing our hard work. A special shout-out goes to our amazing team, whose dedication and innovation have made this three-peat possible. Our partnership with Google Cloud has been a game-changer, allowing us to provide top-notch services and be at the forefront of the cloud technology landscape. Winning this award three times consecutively isn’t just a pat on the back; it’s a testament to our vision and commitment to our clients. We’re not just celebrating an award; we’re celebrating a journey of excellence, collaboration, and growth. We want to thank everyone who has been part of this exciting ride. Your support means the world to us.”

With a proven track record of enabling highly successful and scalable digital transformation on Google Cloud, CloudCover enables customers across the Asia Pacific region to improve their agility and expedite business innovation. Moving forward, CloudCover will continue to work with Google Cloud to empower organizations to seamlessly unlock the full potential of their cloud journey.
Hashtag: #CloudCover

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

About CloudCover

CloudCover is committed to helping organizations achieve a futuristic approach through its cloud-native solutions. Part of ST Telemedia Cloud, a leading public cloud solutions provider in Asia-Pacific and North America, CloudCover brings expertise in various fields, such as Cloud Consulting Lifecycle, IT Transformation, Digital Transformation, Cloud Migration, Data Management and Transformation, Security and Compliance, and more. Our services cover strategy, assessment, design, build/delivery, and operation, enabling businesses to navigate the complex cloud landscape and accelerate their digital transformation journey.

LET Group Holdings Limited Reports Interim Results For 1H 2023

Updates On Project Developments And Outlook

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 29 August 2023 – LET Group Holdings Limited (“LET”, the “Group” or “Company”) (Hong Kong Stock Exchange code: 1383) today reported financial data for the first half of the year ending 30 June 2023. All amounts are expressed in Hong Kong dollars unless otherwise stated, except for the financial performance of Hoiana which is reported in US dollars.

1H 2023 RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS

Group 1H 2023: Focus Development on Westside City Project

  • 1H 2023 Group Total Revenue of HK$190.9 million, up 0.3% YoY
  • 1H 2023 Group Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of HK$21.0 million, down 58% YoY
  • 1H 2023 Profit Attributable to Equity Holders of the Company of HK$584.7 million, versus a Loss Attributable to Equity Holders of the Company of HK$(253.0) million in 1H 2022
  • Through the Group’s subsidiary Suntrust, the Group will focus on the development Westside City Project as top priority

Group & Segmental Results

  • 1H 2023 Operations of integrated resort in the Russian Federation contributed revenue of approximately HK$182.0 million, up 2% YoY
  • 1H 2023 Management and operation of malls segment revenue of approximately HK$8.9 million, down 29% YoY
  • No revenue has been recorded in the operation of integrated resort in the Philippines as Westside City Project is still construction in progress

Hoiana, Vietnam: Significant Growth in GGR and Adjusted EBITDA; First Reporting Period Without Travel Restrictions

  • 1H 2023 Net Gaming Revenue of US$29.3 million, up 546% compared to 1H 2022
  • 1H 2023 Total Gross Gaming Revenue (“GGR”) of US$113.8 million, up 687% compared 1H 2022
  • 1H 2023 Adjusted EBITDA of US$10.1 million, versus negative US$(25.8) million in 1H 2022

Tigre de Cristal, Russia: Local Mass and Slots Volumes Steady

  • 1H 2023 Net Revenue from Gaming Operations of HK$167.3 million, down 0.2% YoY
  • 1H 2023 Total GGR of HK$197.0 million, down 0.6% compared to 1H 2022
  • 1H 2023 Adjusted EBITDA of Tigre de Cristal was HK$57.0 million, down 5% YoY
  • Average Hotel Occupancy was 63% during weekends and 30% during weekdays in 1H 2023


Balance Sheet

  • Bank Balances & Cash of HK$873.5 million as of 30 June 2023
  • Total Other Borrowings of approximately HK$150 million as of 30 June 2023
  • Gearing ratio was approximately 7.6% as of 30 June 2023 (31 Dec 2022: 29.3%)

A Letter FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear valued Shareholders and Stakeholders,

I extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you. As the Chairman of LET Group Holdings Limited, it is with great pleasure that I provide you with an update on our organisation’s current flagship project, Westside City Project, in the Philippines. Likewise, I wish to emphasise our unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled Asian hospitality experiences to our esteemed guests when Westside City Project soft opens in late 2024.

Since assuming the role of Chairman in August 2022, I am delighted to report that LET Group has achieved significant milestones. Through meticulous efforts, we successfully rebranded our listed company, restructured our balance sheet to reduce debt, and secured a substantial loan from a prominent local financial institution. These decisive actions have empowered us to persevere in the face of prevailing market sentiment adversities within the gaming sector hindered by travel restrictions previously.

I am pleased to inform you that our subsidiary Suntrust, the operator of Westside City Project, has made strides in securing its future financial stability. The successful drawdown of the loan signifies not only the confidence bestowed upon the Group’s managerial prowess and operational capabilities, but also serves as a resounding vote of confidence from financial institutions familiar with the local business environment. This development stands as a significant milestone, bolstering our shareholders’ confidence in LET Group’s ability to execute the delivery of an exceptional integrated resort with superior profitability. Furthermore, the financial backing received serves as a testament that the project remains on track, both in terms of timely completion and adherence to the budget.

As Chairman of LET Group, I take immense pride in leading an exceptional team that is wholeheartedly committed to the creation and delivery of a truly extraordinary integrated resort entertainment complex. Our newly created brand LETX Lifestyle is characterised by its youthful dynamism and distinguished by the provision of bespoke care and exceptional product offerings, accompanied by authentic services. Allow me to assert that every endeavour undertaken by us is aimed at surpassing the realms of conventional excellence.

Our core values of Leisure, Entertainment, and Taste serve as the guiding principles in our pursuit of creating a transcendent experience that seamlessly merges contemporary and traditional luxury. Westside City Project is poised to emerge as the iconic destination for both local residents and Asian tourists seeking respite and entertainment, particularly those from Japan and South Korea. To cater to their discerning tastes, we offer an array of exceptional food and beverage offerings. I have also searched globally for the finest whiskeys and cigars to stock Asia’s finest cigar and whiskey bar. As a member of the rapidly growing economy in the developing country, the middle class in the Philippines is increasingly pursuing a higher quality of life with increasing sophistication. Our brand epitomises a lifestyle incubator, where bespoke care, authentic services, and exceptional product offerings converge, creating an oasis of tranquillity amidst the ceaseless clamour of our dynamic world.

Meanwhile, in Vietnam, Hoiana is experiencing a surge in demand from both domestic and international visitors. It is noteworthy that, for the first time in our financial reporting history, Hoiana’s Adjusted EBITDA has surpassed that of Tigre de Cristal’s in the first half of 2023, a true testament of the quality of Hoiana as an integrated resort when travel restrictions is no longer in force. Encouraging arrival data signals the return of tourists to Vietnam, and our dedicated team remains steadfast in providing our esteemed guests with superlative services and authentic experiences. In Russia, the persisting political instability has been a source of disappointment; nonetheless, local business contribution has been stable while we remain resolute in our pursuit of exploring new opportunities to diversify our operations to locations that yield the highest and most favourable returns.

At LET Group, we take pride in our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional product offerings and bespoke care that transcend the ordinary. Our valued guests, partners, and stakeholders have played a pivotal role in our success. With your unwavering support, we harbour utmost confidence that our flagship resort, Westside City Project, will flourish in the years ahead.

Thank you for your trust and confidence in LET Group.

Warm regards,
Mr. Lo Kai Bong (Andrew)
Chairman
LET Group Holdings Limited

Development Update

Westside City Project, Philippines

Significant progress has been made in the construction of the Mian Hotel Casino, with the exterior podium now completed, and the focus turned towards building upwards. Façade works are ongoing while the hotel’s interior fit-out should commence soon, given that the podium has reached a water-tight condition. With the structural topping-off milestone has also been achieved, the team is looking forward to a soft opening by the end of 2024, with the grand opening slated for 2025. Meanwhile, Suntrust has already started recruiting operations staff for the upcoming launch of the integrated resort.

When all phases of Westside City Project are ready, it will consist of:

  • Approximately 300 tables
  • Over 1,300 electronic gaming machines
  • Over 450 five-star hotel rooms including state-of-the-art party rooms and suites
  • All sorts of amenities that fits our LET theme Leisure, Entertainment and Taste, including the privileged LET Club, Cigar and Wine bars, night clubs, Wellness Spa, and a Director’s Club
  • Approximately 1,000 car park spaces

Westside City Project will be integrated with the shopping malls, theatres, restaurants, and shopping streets, etc. to be built by our local partner Westside/Travellers. They will also build additional hotel rooms, a shopping mall, a Grand Opera House, restaurants, a theatre district and an additional of approximately 2,000 car park spaces.

Hoiana, Vietnam

Hoiana Resort & Golf, Vietnam’s premier world-class beachfront integrated resort, graces the pristine coastline near the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hoi An, Vietnam. The stunning 4-kilometer beachfront complex features four luxury hotels – Hoiana Hotel & Suites, offering 141 beautifully appointed suites; New World Hoiana Hotel, with 476 guestrooms; New World Hoiana Beach Resort, boasting 330 elegantly and sustainably designed rooms and suites; and Rosewood Hoi An (opening soon). Additionally, Hoiana Residences provides a home away from home with 270 luxuriously and spaciously appointed apartments.

Hoiana has completed its first phase of an overall $4 billion development project, encompassing 1000-hectares of land just south of Hoi An, Quảng Nam. With an ambitious development plan in the pipeline, Hoiana will continue to set a new benchmark for luxurious tourism in Vietnam while balancing its cultural heritage, to bring economic prosperity and opportunity to the central province of Quang Nam.

Tigre de Cristal, Russia

Due to the unpredictable and volatile geopolitical tensions, we are now taking a conservative approach to investing in Russia.

Outlook

We are pleased to announce that our company has achieved its first-ever financial results unencumbered from the impact of COVID-19 restrictions in 2023 1H. Notably, the return of tourists to Vietnam has resulted in a remarkable increase in the Adjusted EBITDA of Hoiana, surpassing that of Tigre de Cristal for the first time ever. This is a testament to Hoiana’s superior quality and untapped potential as an integrated resort that has overcome temporary operational difficulties due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. With our expertise in gaming operations, we believe that there is still considerable potential to be unlocked in the Vietnamese integrated resort market. Nevertheless, our favourite location is the Philippines and we will delft into why below.

In terms of our integrated resort portfolio perspective, our investment in Westside City Project in the Philippines offers the greatest potential for significant returns compared to Hoiana and Tigre de Cristal in the future. Westside City Project, with its soft opening set to launch in late 2024, will be the crowning jewel in the already impressive collection of integrated resorts in the Entertainment City in Manila, the Philippines. Our gaming operation experience reinforces our position to become one the most prominent and latest integrated resort, incorporating state-of-the-art technology in the region.

The Manila gaming market has tremendous growth potential, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 24% leading up to the pandemic, the highest growth rate in the entire Asian region. Entertainment City in Manila stands head and shoulders above other gaming destinations in Asia in terms of growth, boasting an impressive integrated resort cluster-effect that connects the area to the Manila Ninoy International Airport. Westside City Project also has a strategic location advantage, with connectivity to the existing Ayala Mall, and the conjoined access to Megaworld’s largest hotel complex in the country, Westside City Project is seamlessly blending into the heart of Manila’s growing resort metropolis.

Our exclusive agreement with Alliance Global Group Companies, a Philippine leader in the corporate world, adds to the allure of the best minds in the Philippines working together to build the next integrated resort. As the controlling shareholder of Suntrust Resorts, Inc., we will become a Hong Kong listed corporate reporting the performance of the Philippines’ gaming business in our consolidated financial statements. With the disposal of non-core assets such as the property development business in China, the aircraft, and land parcels in Niseko, Hokkaido, the Group is now fully focused on developing integrated resorts in a location with the highest and best returns.

Together with our flagship Westside City Project in the Philippines, Hoiana in Vietnam, and Tigre de Cristal in Russia, the Group is well-positioned to capture the growth of tourism in Asia.

Hashtag: #LETGroupHoldings

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LET Group Holdings Limited (HKEx: 1383)

LET Group Holdings Limited (“LET Group” or “the Group“) develops and operates integrated resorts across Asia, including the Philippines, the Russian Federation and Vietnam. The Group also operates in the mall operation segment.

LET Group is the parent company of Suntrust Resort Holdings, Inc. (“Suntrust“, PSE: SUN), the developer and operator of Westside City Project in the heart of Entertainment City in Manila, the Philippines. When the integrated resort is completed, Westside City Project will consist of entertainment facilities and five-star hotel rooms that conceptualise our theme Leisure, Entertainment and Taste. LET Group is also the parent company of Summit Ascent Holdings Limited (“Summit Ascent“, HKEx: 102). Summit Ascent is the operator of the largest integrated resort in Russia, known as Tigre de Cristal, based in Vladivostok in the Far East. Hoiana is an integrated resort that LET Group jointly develops with our investment partners. Located in Central Vietnam, Hoiana Phase 1 is an integrated resort with over 1,000 rooms, award-winning golf course and pristine beaches. In addition, the Group operates a shopping mall in China.

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