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Kenanga Investors Launches New Global Islamic AI Fund

The Kenanga Alternative Series: Islamic Global Responsible Strategies Fund offers investors exposure primarily to global Shariah-compliant equities, with AI and machine learning capabilities driving its quantitative investing strategies.


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2024 – Kenanga Investors Berhad (“Kenanga Investors”) has announced the launch of the Kenanga Alternative Series: Islamic Global Responsible Strategies Fund (“KASIGRSF”), a new addition to the Kenanga Alternative Series.

Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kenanga Investors Berhad
Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kenanga Investors Berhad

The KASIGRSF is an open-ended Islamic wholesale fund that seeks to provide capital growth through exposure across global Shariah-compliant equities by investing in Chicago Global Responsible Strategies (“Target Fund”). The Target Fund is an open-ended Shariah-compliant fund, managed by Chicago Global Capital Pte. Ltd (“Target Fund Manager”). The Target Fund leverages advanced big data to determine alpha signals that best predict future returns which includes using artificial intelligence (“AI”) to identify financial data, market trends, social sentiment, and alternative data sources.

“Innovation in Islamic asset management has been relatively limited over the past 20 years with Shariah-compliant investment products accounting for less than 1% of the world’s financial assets. Islamic investors have been largely underserved, with few options beyond concentrated, actively managed funds or broad market Islamic indices. However, the industry is now facing a necessary evolution. With approximately 2.5 quintillion bytes of data generated each day worldwide, traditional methods are not equipped to handle supermassive, unstructured datasets. The Target Fund addresses this gap, leveraging advanced machine learning techniques to offer a sophisticated, data-driven approach and Shariah-compliant investment solution for investors”, said Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenanga Investors, Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis.

“By incorporating the new fund into our suite of products, we are also enabling our investors to diversify their portfolios, manage risk more effectively, and pursue their financial goals with a holistic approach. Ultimately, this aligns with our commitment to delivering well-rounded and strategic financial planning services for long-term success”, he added.

The investment philosophy underpinning the Target Fund is deeply rooted in the University of Chicago’s heritage in finance, with the over 20 alpha signals derived from rigorous academic research, developed in collaboration with Nobel Prize-winning scientists at the university. Ivan Chelebiev, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Global Capital (“Chicago Global”) explained, “Chicago Global Capital operates a state-of-the-art asset pricing engine, which distils, verifies, and analyses a billion datapoints per week, extracting actionable intelligence in real-time. We identify and deploy investment signals that are up to 10 times stronger than conventional methods. As the industry continues to evolve, Kenanga Investors’ commitment to bringing cutting-edge strategies to its investors will set it apart from its rivals. To fuel its next growth chapter, we are excited to partner with Kenanga Investors to launch KASIGRSF. The team at Chicago Global remains focused on delivering exceptional value to our partner and its investors, cementing our position as a pioneer in the age of data-driven investing”.

Benchmarked against the MSCI ACWI Islamic Index, the KASIGRSF is suitable for Sophisticated Investors with medium to long term investment horizons. It is available in dual currency classes of MYR and USD with minimum initial investment amounts of RM5,000 and USD1,000 respectively.

The Kenanga Alternative Series (“Series”), which was launched in July 2024, aims to cater to investors’ tactical needs while seizing emerging opportunities within dynamic market segments. In addition to KASIGRSF, the Series also includes the Kenanga Alternative Series: Income Opportunities Fund. Each fund offers unique benefits, allowing investors to diversify and hedge their portfolios according to their needs.

The Hong Kong-based Asia Asset Management’s 2024 Best of the Best Awards has awarded Kenanga Investors with the Malaysia Best House for Alternatives title for five consecutive years. This recognition underscores the asset manager’s excellence and innovation in the alternatives investment space, reaffirming its position as a trusted leader in the industry.

For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit www.kenangainvestors.com.my.
Hashtag: #Kenanga

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

Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P)

We provide investment solutions ranging from collective investment schemes, portfolio management services, and alternative investments for retail, corporate, institutional, and high net worth clients via a multi-distribution network.

The Hong Kong-based Asia Asset Management’s 2024 Best of the Best Awards awarded KIB under the following categories, Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager, Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN, Malaysia Best Equity Manager, Malaysia CEO of the Year, Malaysia CIO of the Year, Malaysia Best House for Alternatives, Malaysia Most Improved Fund House and Malaysia Best Investor Education.

At the LSEG Lipper Fund Awards Malaysia 2024, KIB received awards for the Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund (“KMIF”) under the best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Pension Funds over 10 Years and the Kenanga Diversified Fund (“KDF”) under the best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Pension Fund over 10 Years.

The FSMOne Recommended Unit Trusts Awards 2024/2025 named Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 as “Sector Equity – Malaysia Focused”.

For the seventh consecutive year, KIB was affirmed an investment manager rating of IMR-2 by Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, since first rated in 2017. The IMR rating on KIB reflects the fund management company’s well-established investment processes and sound risk management practices. As at end-June 2023, most of KIB’s funds had performed better than benchmarks and were comparable to peers.

This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group’s Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.

AtkinsRéalis clinches project management services contract for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2024 – AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. (TSX: ATRL), a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has been awarded the project management services contract by Singapore GP Pte Ltd (SGP) for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, a leading motor racing event which is part of the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) series of the Formula One World Championship.

AtkinsRéalis clinches project management services contract for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

As part of its two-year contract, AtkinsRéalis will provide cost management and construction management services comprising over 50 contracts and 4,000 personnel to support the build, operation and dismantling of the facilities. The mandate also includes health and safety, sustainability advisory, digital and facilities management support to ensure the project is delivered to the highest quality and efficiency standards.

Organised by SGP, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is the largest motorsports and entertainment event in Singapore. Since 2015, AtkinsRéalis has formed a strong partnership with SGP that has contributed to the event’s success.

“Over the past decade, AtkinsRéalis has been a longstanding partner of choice to support Singapore GP in the delivery of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. Our repeated project win is a testament to our successful track record in Asia and integrated end-to-end global expertise,” commented Wing Law, Chief Executive Officer, Asia at AtkinsRéalis. “We look forward to working with SGP on this project, where we will be blending efficient project management services with technology and environmental best practices to deliver excellence.”

For the past 50 years, AtkinsRéalis has played a key role in shaping the rapid transformation journey in Singapore and the wider Asia region, supporting clients across buildings and places, water, transportation, and industrial markets. Globally, the Company set out to be Net Zero by 2030 and is committed to maximizing its impact through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts. In 2021, AtkinsRéalis started categorizing its revenues depending on whether the associated projects could be deemed sustainable. These are projects that either reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, have a positive impact on the environment and/or have a strong social purpose. Based on this existing definition, approximately half of our revenues in 202324 are estimated to have been generated by sustainable projects.
Hashtag: #AtkinsRéalis

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

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at or follow us on .

Lusi Group Launches Latest “Lion Hunting Technology” Course to Empower Sales Leaders to recruit “Lions”


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2024 – Lusi Group is pleased to announce the latest run of the Lion Hunting Technology course, designed to empower agency leaders in the sales industry to build and lead high-performing teams. Led by Chief Coach Ms Lusi Lim, this 8-week programme will run from July to September 2024, imparting participants with essential leadership skills.

'Lion Hunting Technology' Course Attendees
‘Lion Hunting Technology’ Course Attendees

Lion Hunting Technology: A Soft Skills Course

The Lion Hunting Technology soft skills course derives its name from its focus on equipping participants with the skills and strategies needed to recruit, retain, and support individuals—aptly referred to as “Lions” within the industry. These individuals are characterised by their quality, competence, and self-drive, key attributes for achieving peak performance in sales teams.

Ms Lusi Lim, with over a decade-long experience in investment sales, brings expertise to the course. She led a Singapore-based team of fewer than 180 advisors to exceed the annual production benchmarks typically achieved by teams of over 55,000 in the United States. Specialising in the High Net Worth segment, Ms Lim’s insights and strategies form the foundation of the course’s curriculum.

Key Benefits and Curriculum Highlights

This soft skill training will equip participants with skills that boost team productivity, cultivate effective culture, attract higher quality candidates and drive sales performance.

  • Techniques to project confidence and avoid desperation in sales engagements.
  • Effective questioning strategies to uncover candidates’ needs and opportunities.
  • Identification and cultivation of high-potential team members (“Lions”).
  • Development of a robust induction programme and impactful team meeting strategies.
  • Advanced coaching methodologies to unlock team potential and drive performance.
  • Scalability tactics from managing 20 to 200 advisors seamlessly.
  • Creative incentive structures to inspire and motivate different individuals.
  • Essential leadership “soft skills” for sustained success.

An Approach to Redefine Team Leadership and Performance

The Lion Hunting Technology training presents a unique opportunity for participants to cultivate high-performing teams and rethink conventional methods of team leadership and performance. As the programme unfolds, Lusi Group anticipates guiding more industry leaders through future training initiatives.

“Cultivating ‘Lions’ isn’t just a strategy but a commitment to nurturing excellence within our teams. This course equips leaders with the tools to create a culture of empowerment and achievement. I look forward to witnessing participants apply these insights to elevate their teams and drive lasting success in their careers,” shared Ms Lim.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment in the course requires prior completion of Lusi Group’s TRIPOD courses, ensuring participants possess foundational knowledge essential for advanced leadership training.

Due to its unique content and demand-driven scheduling, the course is offered only periodically when a certain number of “right” mentees are gathered.
Hashtag: #agencyleaders #newtrainingcourse #softskills #coach #salesperformance

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

About Lusi Group

Founded on a commitment to excellence and innovation in leadership development, Lusi Group offers various courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s business leaders. The launch of Lion Hunting Technology highlights Lusi Group’s dedication to empowering sales leaders with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in competitive markets.

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TDCX doubles down on gaming through expanded site in Türkiye

Broadened network to provide global coverage for gaming clients


ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2024 – TDCX, an award-winning digital customer experience (CX) solutions provider for technology and blue-chip companies, is deepening its support for clients in the gaming sector with the expansion of its campus in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Quote from Sophie Chelmick, EVP EMEA, TDCX

The country has seen an increase in the number of gaming start-ups over the years[1] with revenue from the industry expected to hit $1.5 billion by 2025[2]. Such factors make the country a hotbed for mobile game developers globally and as such, a favorable market for TDCX. Demand for TDCX’s services at its Türkiye campus has seen the company grow its headcount for a specific global gaming client by 45 per cent in less than two years.

Ms. Sophie Chelmick, Executive Vice President, EMEA, TDCX, said, “We are seeing strong growth in the gaming industry, particularly as the experience becomes more immersive and built around social connections.

“Our further investment into Türkiye reflects the confidence we have in capturing demand for CX services from gaming companies. These services include player and community support and trust and safety. Our ability to deliver exceptional CX outcomes and top-notch player experiences combined with our deep sector expertise and responsiveness to client needs places us in a strong position to help gaming companies build brand loyalty and a strong following. Through our strategic location in Türkiye and ability to provide CX support in languages such as Arabic, English, French, and Turkish, we plan to capture both domestic opportunities and those from Europe, West Asia and Africa.”

Central location facilitates employee engagement with training as an area of focus

TDCX Türkiye new campus is situated within an A+ building, that is centrally located in Mecidiyeköy, a prime area in Istanbul.
TDCX Türkiye new campus is situated within an A+ building, that is centrally located in Mecidiyeköy, a prime area in Istanbul.

As workplaces continue to evolve alongside changes to work arrangements and employee preferences, TDCX’s vision for its Türkiye campus is for it to be a welcoming and productive space that encourages learning, collaboration and bonding.

The campus is centrally located in Mecidiyeköy, a prime area in Istanbul, within an A+ building. Emphasis was placed on creating integrated training facilities for employees to participate in facilitator-led training sessions monthly in addition to the ongoing self-paced learning programs.

Mr. Melih Çevik, Country Director, TDCX said, “Through our interaction with our clients, we identified that hiring remains a challenge for many European companies. In order to deliver great CX, our people must be extremely well-versed in the client’s product or service and proficient in the various customer engagement software and tools. This ensures that player issues are resolved accurately, promptly and satisfactorily.

“This is why we have put significant thought into creating a workplace that encourages productivity and inspires a learning and high-performing mindset. This holistic approach ensures that our team is not only equipped to meet the demands of today but is also prepared to lead in the future. We are excited to welcome everyone to a space where growth and innovation are not just encouraged but celebrated.”

In addition to the strong emphasis on training, TDCX takes a specialized approach to hiring for its gaming clients. It endeavors to recruit talent who are passionate gamers themselves, bringing to life the ‘for gamers, by gamers’ ethos that is deeply rooted in the gaming industry.

This approach has led to significant benefits. For a gaming client, TDCX Türkiye has achieved a customer satisfaction score (CSAT) of 85 per cent, achieving the top end of the industry average CSAT of 75-85 per cent[3].

Hashtag: #CX #Outsourcing #BPO




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

About TDCX

Singapore-headquartered TDCX provides transformative digital CX solutions, enabling world-leading and disruptive brands to acquire new customers, to build customer loyalty and to protect their online communities.

TDCX helps clients achieve their customer experience aspirations by harnessing technology, human intelligence, and its global footprint. It serves clients in fintech, gaming, technology, travel and hospitality, digital advertising and social media, streaming and e-commerce. TDCX’s expertise and strong footprint in Asia has made it a trusted partner for clients, particularly high-growth, new economy companies, looking to tap the region’s growth potential.

TDCX’s commitment to delivering positive outcomes for our clients extends to its role as a responsible corporate citizen. Its Corporate Social Responsibility program focuses on positively transforming the lives of its people, its communities, and the environment.

TDCX employs more than 17,800 employees across 30 campuses globally, specifically in Brazil, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mainland China, Philippines, Türkiye, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, and Vietnam. For more information, please visit .

For enquiries, please contact:

Qianjiangyuan: “China’s Amazon Rainforest” Nurtures Innovative Examples of Ecological Protection


QUZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2024 – Aug. 15 of this year marks China’s second National Ecology Day. Across the country, various forms of ecological conservation education activities have been carried out recently, aiming to enhance the awareness of ecological protection among the entire society.

Primary evergreen broadleaf forest in Qianjiangyuan
Primary evergreen broadleaf forest in Qianjiangyuan

Located in the eastern part of China, Zhejiang Province is home to the renowned Qiantang River, known for its spectacular “world’s largest tidal bore.”

Today, the source of this mighty river, Qianjiangyuan in Kaihua County in west Zhejiang, which is one of the country’s first batch of pilot areas for national parks, has been attracting increasing global attention for its stunning scenery, rich biodiversity, and innovative conservation measures.

The Qianjiangyuan National Park Administration has leveraged digital technology to empower ecological conservation, unveiling a sophisticated intelligent governance system that has achieved remarkable success in the field of ecological protection.

The regions located between 23° and 33° north latitude are covered by predominantly desert or sparse grassland vegetation. However, Qianjiangyuan, which falls into this latitude range, boasts a unique and abundant landscape.

Chinese pangolin, a wild animal under first-class state protection
Chinese pangolin, a wild animal under first-class state protection

It’s characterized by a vast area of globally rare, subtropical low-altitude evergreen broad-leaved forest vegetation. Qianjiangyuan is home to over 2,200 species of higher plants, more than 440 species of large fungi, and over 2,400 animal species, including the black muntjac, which rivals the giant panda in terms of rarity. It is often referred to as the “China’s Amazon rainforest.”

As the administrative region of Qianjiangyuan National Park, Kaihua County in Quzhou City has made numerous innovative practices in addressing the relationship between conservation and development, achieving unified management of collective natural resource assets, and scientifically promoting biodiversity conservation.

The Qianjiangyuan National Park Administration has conducted collective forestland and rural land contracting rights reforms, establishing a scientific, reasonable mechanism for ecological compensation and community co-management.

This has achieved unified regulation of important natural resources within the national park, encouraging villagers to commit to not using pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals in agricultural fields. These efforts have laid a solid foundation for the effective protection of the Qianjiangyuan ecosystem.

Monitoring and managing such a vast forest area, covering approximately 252 square kilometers, may seem like a daunting task. However, in Zhejiang, where digital technology is highly developed, this task has become rather smart and efficient.

The Qianjiangyuan National Park Administration has leveraged digital technology to empower ecological conservation, introducing a smart governance system that encompasses unmanned aerial vehicle disaster prevention and inspection, wildlife recognition, and other perception systems and scenarios.

This system enables long-term and dynamic monitoring of the entire Qianjiangyuan area, important ecosystems, and critical species.

“In the forested areas with complex terrain, one drone patrol is equivalent to the workload of a forest ranger for 10 days,” said Wang Hao, a staff member of the Qianjiangyuan National Park Administration. The unmanned aerial vehicle inspection system can achieve automatic patrol of over 80 percent of the national park area.

In addition to park’s staff and scientific researchers, local residents are also keen on biodiversity conservation. They provide assistance and support to researchers in conducting field investigations, specimen collection, and data recording, and some of them have become “farmer scientists.”

The local government has also established nature education venues such as the Science Museum of Qianjiangyuan National Park and the Kaihua Dark-Sky Park Astronomy Museum, which have become popular destinations for study tours among teenagers.

Thanks to a series of innovative practices aimed at enhancing the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the local ecosystem, the Qianjiangyuan ecological conservation and restoration project has been selected as an excellent case study in China in 2023. Furthermore, the region was recognized as one of the world best protected areas.

In 2024, Kaihua seeks to balance conservation and development, accelerating the development of a pilot zone for biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization. It aims to become a pioneering base for the practice of the development concept of “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”

With constant and innovative efforts, the ecological conservation success story from a county-level region in China will continue to unfold.
Hashtag: #Qianjiangyuan

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

PolyU researchers invent intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic thermal adaptation in extreme heat


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 August 2024 – As global warming intensifies, people increasingly suffer from extreme heat. For those working in a high-temperature environment indoors or outdoors, keeping thermally comfortable becomes particularly crucial. A team led by Dr Dahua SHOU, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed first-of-its-kind thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures, thereby helping to ensure worker safety in hot environments. Their research findings have been published in the international interdisciplinary journal Advanced Science.

A team led by Dr Dahua Shou, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles of PolyU has developed first-of-its-kind soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures, thereby ensuring working safety in hot environments.
A team led by Dr Dahua Shou, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles of PolyU has developed first-of-its-kind soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures, thereby ensuring working safety in hot environments.

Maintaining a constant body temperature is one of the most critical requirements for living and working. High-temperature environments elevate energy consumption, leading to increased heat stress, thus exacerbating chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health issues and asthma, while also increasing the risk of infectious disease transmission. According to the World Health Organisation, globally, there were approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths annually between 2000 and 2019, with 45% occurring in Asia and 36% in Europe.

Thermal protective clothing is essential to safeguard individuals in extreme high-temperature environments, such as firefighters who need to be present at fires scenes and construction workers who work outdoors for extended periods. However, traditional gear has been limited by statically fixed thermal resistance, which can lead to overheating and discomfort in moderate conditions, while its heat insulation may not offer sufficient protection in extreme fire events and other high-temperature environments. To address this issue, Dr Shou and his team have developed intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic temperature adaptation and thermal insulation in hot environments, offering superior personal protection and thermal comfort across a range of temperatures.

Their research was inspired by biomimicry in nature, like the adaptive thermal regulation mechanism in pigeons, which is mainly based on structural changes. Pigeons use their feathers to trap a layer of air surrounding their skin to reduce heat loss to the environment. When the temperature drops, they fluff up their feathers to trap a significant amount of still air, thereby increasing thermal resistance and retaining warmth.

The protective clothing developed by the team uses soft robotic textile for dynamic adaptive thermal management. Soft actuators, designed like a human network-patterned exoskeleton and encapsulating a non-toxic, non-flammable, low-boiling-point fluid, were strategically embedded within the clothing. This thermo-stimulated system turns the fluid from a liquid into a gas when the ambient temperature rises, causing expansion of soft actuators and thickening the textile matrix, thereby enhancing the gap of still air and doubling the thermal resistance from 0.23 to 0.48 Km²/W. The protective clothing can also keep the inner surface temperatures at least 10°C cooler than conventional heat-resistant clothing, even when the outer surface reaches 120°C.

This unique soft robotic textile, made by thermoplastic polyurethane, is soft, resilient and durable. Notably, it is far more skin-friendly and conformable than temperature-responsive clothing embedded with shape-memory alloys and is adjustable for a wide range of protective clothing. The soft actuators have exhibited no signs of leakage after undergoing rigorous standard washing tests. The porous, spaced knitting structure of the material can also significantly reduce convective heat transfer while maintaining high moisture breathability. Not relying on thermoelectric chips or circulatory liquid cooling systems for cooling or heat conduction, the light-weighted, soft robotic clothing can effectively regulate temperature itself without any energy consumption.

Dr Shou said, “Wearing heavy firefighting gear can feel extremely stifling. When firefighters exit a fire scene and remove their gear, they are sometimes drained nearly a pound of sweat from their boots. This has motivated me to develop a novel suit capable of adapting to various environmental temperatures while maintaining excellent breathability. Our soft robotic clothing can seamlessly adapt to different seasons and climates, multiple working and living conditions, and transitions between indoor and outdoor environments to help users experience constant thermal comfort under intense heat.”

Looking forward, Dr Shou finds the innovation to have a wide range of potential applications, from activewear, winter jackets, healthcare apparel and outdoor gear, to sustainable textile-based insulation for construction and buildings, contributing to energy-saving efforts. Supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, Dr Shou and his team have also extended the thermo-adaptive concept to develop inflatable, breathable jackets and warm clothing. This soft robotic clothing is suitable for low-temperature environments or sudden temperature drops to aid those who are stranded in the wilderness to maintain normal body temperature.
Hashtag: #PolyU

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

Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sunlight REIT”) Second Interim Results for the 12 Months Ended 30 June 2024


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 August 2024 – Henderson Sunlight Asset Management Limited (the “Manager“) announces the second interim results of Sunlight REIT for the 12 months ended 30 June 2024 (the “Reporting Period“).

Sunlight REIT’s revenue grew 6.0% year on year to HK$830.2 million, mainly attributable to the full-year contribution from West 9 Zone Kids. Property operating expenses increased 14.4% to HK$182.2 million, reflecting lower fiscal concessions as compared with the previous year. Net property income came in at HK$648.0 million, up 3.9%, with a cost-to-income ratio of 21.9%.

Distributable income was down 12.2% year on year to HK$333.9 million. Pursuant to the change of financial year end date of Sunlight REIT from 30 June to 31 December, the Board has resolved to declare a second interim distribution per unit (“DPU“) of HK 9.1 cents. Together with the first interim DPU of HK 9.0 cents, total DPU for the Reporting Period would amount to HK 18.1 cents, representing a payout ratio of 92.6%. The distribution yield was 10.6% based on the closing price of HK$1.71 on the last trading day of the Reporting Period.

The appraised value of Sunlight REIT’s portfolio was HK$18,418.6 million at 30 June 2024. Gross assets and net assets were HK$19,056.6 million and HK$13,495.6 million respectively. Net asset value was HK$7.87 per unit.

Operating Highlights

At 30 June 2024, the overall occupancy rate of Sunlight REIT’s portfolio was 91.6% (30 June 2023: 93.3%), while the corresponding figures of the office and retail portfolios were 91.3% and 92.2% respectively (30 June 2023: 93.1% and 93.5%). For the Reporting Period, the office portfolio recorded a negative rental reversion of 1.6%, while that of the retail portfolio was a positive 1.6%, giving rise to a positive rental reversion of 0.3% for the overall portfolio.

In respect of the operating performance of key office properties, the occupancy rate of Dah Sing Financial Centre at 30 June 2024 stayed largely unchanged at 90.2%, while passing rent was down 5.0% to HK$39.7 per sq. ft.. On the Kowloon side, Righteous Centre performed reasonably well during the Reporting Period with an occupancy rate of 96.7%, while The Harvest was affected by certain non-renewing tenancies in the first half of 2024, resulting in a lower occupancy rate of 87.8%.

Regarding the performance of the retail portfolio, Metro City Phase I Property recorded an occupancy rate of 93.9% at 30 June 2024, while passing rent was HK$ 54.2 per sq. ft.. The occupancy rate of Sheung Shui Centre Shopping Arcade was 90.5%, principally attributable to a prolonged rent void period to identify a replacement kindergarten tenant. Passing rent was HK$104.8 per sq. ft. at 30 June 2024.

Mr. Au Siu Kee, Alexander, Chairman of the Manager, said, “Prospects for commercial leasing in Hong Kong should become more stable based on the global economic environment, despite still being clouded by certain fundamental and structural hurdles. Meanwhile, as the US economy is finally showing signs of cooling off, we are of the view that further risk escalation in respect of interest rates should be limited.”

Remarks: Attached financial highlights of second interim results of Sunlight REIT for the 12 months ended 30 June 2024.

Financial Highlights of Second Interim Results for the 12 months ended 30 June 2024:
(in HK$’ million, unless otherwise specified)

12 months ended
30 June 2024
(unaudited)
Year ended
30 June 2023
(audited)
Change
(%)
Revenue 830.2 783.3 6.0
Net property income 648.0 624.0 3.9
Profit/(loss) after taxation 159.2 (28.4) N/A
Distributable income 333.9 380.3 (12.2)
Distribution per unit (HK cents) 18.1 22.0 (17.7)
Payout ratio (%) 92.6 97.9 N/A
At 30 June 2024
(unaudited)
At 30 June 2023
(audited)
Change
(%)
Portfolio valuation 18,418.6 18,512.2 (0.5)
Net asset value 13,495.6 13,669.2 (1.3)
Net asset value per unit (HK$) 7.87 8.06 (2.4)
Gearing ratio (%) 26.3 26.1 N/A

Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for units in Sunlight REIT in Hong Kong or any other jurisdiction.

Hashtag: #SunlightREIT #REIT

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

About Sunlight REIT

Listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since 21 December 2006, Sunlight REIT (stock code: 435) is a real estate investment trust authorized by the Securities and Futures Commission and constituted by the trust deed dated 26 May 2006 (as amended and restated) (the “Trust Deed“). It offers investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of 11 office and six retail properties in Hong Kong with a total gross rentable area of approximately 1.3 million sq. ft.. The office properties are located in both core and decentralized business areas, while the retail properties are situated in regional transportation hubs, new towns and urban areas with high population density.

About the Manager

The Manager of Sunlight REIT is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Henderson Land Development Company Limited. Its main responsibility is to manage Sunlight REIT and all of its assets in accordance with the Trust Deed in the sole interest of its unitholders.

Octa’s birthday: 13 years of high-value brokerage services

The proprietary trading platform and educational resources


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 August 2024 – Octa, a globally recognised financial broker, celebrates its 13th birthday while reviewing its most prominent achievements and outlining high-level plans. This summer, we at Octa celebrate our 13th anniversary of providing high-value e-brokerage services worldwide. Throughout this long and successful track record in the financial markets, we have been deliberately researching the needs of traders in all regions of our operation. This focus allows us to stay purposeful and efficient in improving our proprietary trading platform OctaTrader, releasing updates at least twice a month based on the feedback from our clients.

Octa

OctaTrader is a dynamically evolving platform that seamlessly merges four elements—trading, networking and analysis, financial transactions, and promotions—within a single application. The solution’s most recent feature is Space, an analytical, networking, and educational toolkit embedded into the interface as a customisable content feed. Recently released in all regions for all OctaTrader clients, Space is an analytical hub that provides expert trading insights and facilitates time-efficient decision-making.

Octa’s development team continuously improves OctaTrader, incrementally adding new tradable instruments and valuable features. Reflecting Octa’s progress, our solution recently received the ‘Best Mobile Trading Platform 2024’ award from Global Brand Magazine. In total, 13 years of Octa’s history have been marked by more than 90 awards from financial publications worldwide.

Better opportunities for traders
As a client-centred company, we have always prioritised our clients’ trust and confidence, providing complete transparency of trading conditions and complying with regulatory requirements. We at Octa believe that trading creates new avenues of growth for individuals and communities. To keep up with the industry benchmarks, we currently offer a 1:1000 leverage, which is widely used due to its potential to maximise trading opportunities.

We have always considered trading a skill-based activity that rewards deliberate knowledge acquisition. Because of that, we consistently support traders on their journey in the financial markets by promoting financial literacy. To help emerging traders start strong in Forex, we now offer a new onboarding course designed to help them master the basics. This year, we have also released a book called ‘Explore Forex Trading’, which is currently available in bookstores in Nigeria.

Our clients recognise our dedication: in 13 years, we have opened more than 52 million accounts, processed 2.9 billion orders, and paid out 40 million USD worth of bonuses, supporting first-time traders on their way to consistent success.

Social responsibility projects
We at Octa are proud of our results in the charity field. Last year alone, we implemented 18 charity projects in 4 countries, reaching 4228 students, 30 teachers, 35 schools, and 2410 families struck by crises. This year, our charity work included:

  • STATUS 200—a coding bootcamp for underprivileged Malaysian youths in collaboration with Ideas International
  • Three projects were implemented in Nigeria in celebration of Ramadan: training 25 youths in tech skills, providing 300 children with educational supplies, and establishing a new reading corner in Abuja
  • Renovation of the SD NEGERI DEPOK school in Indonesia
  • A special merchandise collection distributed through our Trade and Win program, with each item contributing to providing education and necessities to underprivileged kids.

With its focus on continuous development and iterative research of the most popular traders’ demands, Octa evolves according to the best industry practices. Its proprietary trading platform OctaTrader boasts an ever-expanding list of useful features and tools which allows traders to efficiently validate their decisions and spend less time on research and analysis while receiving quality expert insights tailored to their needs and preferences.
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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.