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Revenue and Net Profit of Oi Wah Record Double-digit Growth respectively in FP2024

Launching the First Premium Service Center at MTR Station

Strategic Cooperation to Expand Business

Financial Highlights

For the six months ended 31 Aug
HK$’000 2023 2022 Change
Revenue 90,201 81,991 +10.0%
Profit before taxation 59,332 52,684 +12.6%
Profit for the period attributable to shareholders 49,648 44,120 +12.5%
Net interest margin 16.3% 15.6% +0.7 p.p
Basic earnings per share (HK cents) 2.6 2.3 +13.0%

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 26 October 2023 – The board of directors of Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited (HKEx stock code: 1319.HK, the “Group” or “Oi Wah”) announced its interim results and its financial position. For the six months ended 31 August 2023 (“FP2024”), the Group recorded revenue of approximately HK$90.2 million and profit attributable to shareholders of the Company of approximately HK$49.6 million. During the period, net interest margin improved by 0.7 percentage point to 16.3%.

During the period, earnings per share was HK 2.6 cents. The Board of Directors recommends an interim dividend of HK 1.04 cents.

Business Review

Mortgage loan business

In FP2024, the interest income of the mortgage loan business of the Group increased by 10.4% to approximately HK$50.0 million, which accounted for approximately 55.4% of the Group’s total revenue. As at 31 August 2023, the gross mortgage loan receivable was approximately HK$849.1 million and during the period, the total new mortgage loans granted amounted to approximately HK$282.7 million. The net interest margin of the mortgage loan business increased by 0.8 percentage point to 11.4% and there were 52 new cases of mortgage loan transactions in FP2024.

The Group continued to maintain a cautious oversight of its loan portfolio, particularly on the repayment activities of its existing customers. With such effort, there was no bad debt recorded during the period. In FP2024, the loan-to-value ratio for first mortgage was approximately 54.9%, while the overall loan-to-value ratio for subordinate mortgage was approximately 54.2%, of which, loan-to-value ratio of subordinate mortgage that the Group participated in was approximately 13.3%.

Pawn Loan Business

In FP2024, the interest income generated from the pawn loan business increased by 4.9% to approximately HK$36.3 million. It is primarily attributable to the increase in the average month end balance for the gross pawn loan receivables from March to August from approximately HK$183.2 million in FP2023 to approximately HK$190.5 million in FP2024. The Group also recorded gain from disposal on repossessed assets of approximately HK$3.9 million, representing an increase of 85.7%.

During the period, the Group continued to channel resources to advertising and promotion, in order to enhance the Group’s brand exposure. Such effort has generated demand of one-to-one pawn loan appointment services for pawn loans of loan size exceeding HK$0.1 million. During FP2024, the Group recorded 345 pawn loan transactions with amount exceeding HK$0.1 million and the average loan amount of approximately HK$10,500 per transaction.

Prospects

Having a strong foothold in the Hong Kong pawnbroking industry for nearly half a century, Oi Wah has consistently been at the forefront of industry innovation, with a dedicated commitment to modernizing the pawn sector. The Group has recently launched a premium service center at East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station of Tuen Ma Line, marking a significant milestone for the Group by establishing our presence within Hong Kong’s railway system, one of the busiest and most crowded locales in the city. The design of our new store seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with traditional pawnshop features. Complemented by our cutting-edge mobile app, customers can obtain preliminary collateral evaluation, loan valuation and application of loan, etc. By digitizing the entire pawn loan application process, we offer an efficient and streamlined one-stop loan solution, catering for the evolving needs of our clients. The Board believes that the pawn industry continually adapts to meet the evolving demands of modern consumers. The Group will continue to break with tradition, introducing more innovative services for our clients.

Given the current global inflation and monetary tightening policies, various asset classes have witnessed increased volatility. Consequently, real estate-backed private credit has emerged as an alternative investment option for capital. Leveraging on our real estate expertise, Oi Wah strategically partnered with PACM Group (Holdings) Limited (“PACM Group“) to venture into this new business opportunity. This partnership marks our entry into the real estate private credit institutional investment management sector, with investment strategies including asset-backed direct lending, non-performing debt acquisition, acquisition financing, stretch senior financing, project financing, bridge financing and other debt related strategies within Hong Kong and overseas. The board of the directors of the Company believe that the cooperation provides an invaluable opportunity for efficient allocation of resources, simultaneously aiding in the expansion of overseas market, broadening revenue sources and customer base. We firmly believe that our prudent management approach and cautious vetting process will bolster our investment management business, ensuring the protection of investor assets and maximizing returns.

Mr. Edward Chan, Chairman and CEO of the Company, said, “Despite the uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment, the Group stays optimistic about the loan market in Hong Kong and keeps our prudent pace of expansion, including the launch of the premium service center at MTR station and strategic cooperation with PACM Group in the reporting period. We will explore and capture different business opportunities continuously to expand our market share and to maximize return for shareholders.”

Hashtag: #OiWah

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

About Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited

Oi Wah is a financing service provider in Hong Kong, mainly providing short-term secured financing, including pawn loans and mortgage loans. The Group established its first pawnshop in 1975 and currently owns 10 pawnshops, a property mortgage center, and a MTR premium service centre in various locations in Hong Kong. Oi Wah diversified into mortgage loan business in 2009. The Group is the first local pawn shop which successfully listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 12 March 2013.

Blue Cross Named as Presenting Sponsor of the Frozen Ever After Attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 26 October 2023 – Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (“HKDL”) is proud to announce its new resort alliance with Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited (“Blue Cross”), a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited, as the presenting sponsor of Frozen Ever After. Frozen Ever After – Presented by Blue Cross is located at the world’s first and largest “Frozen” themed land, World of Frozen. This magic-filled attraction will bring joy to and delight guests as they embark on a highly immersive journey to meet Queen Elsa at her Ice Palace.

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Michael Moriarty, managing director, HKDL, said: “World of Frozen is set to become a must-see destination in Hong Kong, adding elevated offerings that can be experienced by those who visit the city, which will attract even more fans and visitors from around the world. Both HKDL and Blue Cross have a deep understanding of the needs of the community and are dedicated to bringing them a seamless experience.”

Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with HKDL to introduce Frozen Ever After. Just as “Frozen” has captured the hearts of families and younger generations worldwide, Blue Cross has been a trusted choice for Hong Kong’s families and youth for over 50 years.

“We pride ourselves on being dependable companions and advisors, offering a wide range of medical and general insurance products and services, including home and travel insurance. Joining hands with HKDL aligns with our commitment to delivering joy, excitement, and a worry-free experience for guests, mirroring the essence of Blue Cross’s services,” she said.

Frozen Ever After at HKDL is a delightful boat ride filled with music, laughter, and family-friendly excitement. For the first time forever, Queen Elsa opens her Ice Palace, where she unleashes her icy powers freely. As guests start their journey from the harbor, they meet the beloved snowman, Olaf, Sven, Kristoff, and the royal sisters, Anna and Elsa.

Featuring the “Frozen” film’s well-known songs of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” to “Let It Go,” guests on this boat ride will slowly wander up the North Mountain and splash down into the Bay of Arendelle as Elsa uses her powerful Ice Magic.

HKDL has taken great care to immerse guests in the setting of “Frozen” with special effects such as projections, lighting and audio-visual media. Guests can enjoy an extraordinary adventure at this magical attraction.

Amanda Chiu, senior producer at Walt Disney Imagineering Asia, said: “Frozen Ever After features some of the most advanced, fully electric Audio-Animatronics figures in the world right here at HKDL, bringing the characters to life like never before, providing a truly immersive experience for guests.”

Michel Den Dulk, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, said: “Frozen Ever After immerses guests in joyous festivities made with Queen Elsa’s magical powers, heart-warming and chuckle-inducing scenes, as well as enchanting and awe-inspiring moments that are sure to delight guests.”

Hashtag: #BlueCross

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

About Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers unforgettable, culturally distinctive Disney experiences for guests of all ages and nationalities. Filled with your favorite Disney stories and characters, Hong Kong Disneyland offers guests the opportunity to explore seven diverse themed lands that are home to award-winning, unique attractions and entertainment. Complete your adventure with stays at the resort’s luxurious Disney hotels. The magic doesn’t end at our doorstep; as a dedicated member of the local community that cares deeply about societal wellbeing, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort spreads its magic through community service programs that help families in need, boost creativity among children and families, encourage the protection of the environment and inspire healthier living.

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited (“Blue Cross”) is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. With over 50 years of operational experience in the insurance industry, Blue Cross provides a comprehensive range of products and services including medical, travel and general insurance, which cater to the needs of both individual and corporate customers. Blue Cross distributes its products through various channels, including AIA agency force, online platform, direct sales, BEA network, insurance agents and brokers, as well as travel agencies.

Mobile app gives the latest updates & helps plan your visit

The Hong Kong Disneyland mobile app keeps guests informed of all the excitement at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, from operating hours to entertainment schedules. Reserve your park visit and get Disney Standby Pass to meet Disney friends inside the park. Use the GPS-enabled map to find your way around the park or make reservations for park and hotel restaurants, and make every moment count with wait times for each attraction. Magic Access members can also view block-out calendars and membership privileges, designed to make your visit even more magical.

Download the Hong Kong Disneyland mobile app for free:
iOS users:
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AIA Hong Kong Tops at “Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2023″[1] with Six Most Distinguished Accolades

Samuel Yung, Executive District Director and Honourable Advisor, Honoured with “Lifetime Achievement Award – Life Insurance”; Blue Cross Earns Coveted Spot as Top-three Finalist

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 26 October 2023 – AIA Hong Kong achieved outstanding results at the “Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2023” organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers with a total of six most distinguished accolades including five Grand Awards and “Lifetime Achievement Award – Life Insurance” granted for Mr. Samuel Yung, Executive District Director and Honourable Advisor of AIA Hong Kong, to recognise his substantial contributions to the insurance industry over the past few decades. Among these accolades, AIA Hong Kong has been honoured with the “Outstanding MPF/Employees’ Benefit Product/Service Award” and the “Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Award” for the 4th and 2nd consecutive year respectively. The Company has also taken home another five top-three finalists in other award categories.

(From left to right) Mr. Samuel Yung, Executive District Director and Honourable Advisor of AIA Hong Kong; Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau; and Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, receive multiple honours at the “Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2023”.
(From left to right) Mr. Samuel Yung, Executive District Director and Honourable Advisor of AIA Hong Kong; Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau; and Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, receive multiple honours at the “Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2023”.

Blue Cross under AIA Group was also named a Top-three Finalist for the “Outstanding Integrated Marketing Strategies Award”, a meaningful recognition of its exceptional marketing strategies.

Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said, “Reigning in the industry’s highly regarded and iconic ‘Hong Kong Insurance Awards’ demands extraordinary capability and superb performance. We are honoured and proud to receive multiple Grand Awards in this respected and prestigious industry award for consecutive years, which serves as strong affirmation by the industry and public of our relentless efforts in going beyond traditional insurance. At the same time, the awards are a valuable recognition of our outstanding performance on multiple fronts, including business performance, talent development, corporate social responsibility, among many others. We will continue to uphold our ‘customer-centric’ commitment and strive for excellence, as we proactively work with customers to tackle various challenges in life and help them live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”

Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, said, “It’s truly a great honour for Blue Cross being recognised in the ‘Outstanding Integrated Marketing Strategies’ category. This accolade is a testament to the effectiveness of our marketing strategy that we are able to bring customers comprehensive insurance products and services experience that are closely related to their daily life through multi-channels and innovative marketing promotion. We would continue to uphold our ‘customer-centric’ philosophy. By understanding the needs of customer’s daily life and offering them more product variety and options, we aim to offer customers the right coverage at the right budget and at the right timing.”

The awards span multiple key business areas:

Six Most Distinguished Awards:

Award Details
AIA Hong Kong
Outstanding MPF/Employees’ Benefit Product/Service Award (4th consecutive year) AIA Hong Kong provides one-stop group insurance, pension and employee voluntary protection corporate solutions, helping small-to-medium-sized companies and multinational corporations advance their business goals and meet their human resource objectives in a flexible and cost-effective manner.
Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Award (2nd consecutive year) AIA Hong Kong launched its youth-inspired co-creation programme competition last year which featured a kickstart fund totalling HK$2.5 million, publicity opportunities, and strategic consultations to empower young people to ignite their creative ideas into sustainable careers.
Most Innovative Product/Service Award – Wealth In response to the rising protection needs of High Net Worth customers, AIA Hong Kong leverages the competitive “Wealth Elite 2” product series and “AIA Alta Wealth Management Centre”2 to provide diverse value-added services, so as to create a tailor-made one-stop premier service ecosystem for customers.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Life Insurance Mr. Samuel Yung, Executive District Director and Honourable Advisor
Outstanding Community Intermediary of the Year Mr. Billy Ng, District Director
Outstanding Young Professional of the Year – Intermediary Mr. Adrian Lee, District Director

Top-three Finalist Recognitions:

Award Details
AIA Hong Kong
Most Innovative Product/Service Award – Health “AIA Assemble”3 is a first-in-market, customisable critical illness plan that enables customers to tailor their critical illness covers and sum assured based on their individual needs and budget, thus enjoying higher levels of flexibility and freedom.
Best Partnership Project Award – Life Insurance With the increasing prevalence of cancer in the society, AIA Hong Kong strives to gain a deeper understanding of cancer trends and customers’ pain points. The insurer funded The Centre for Health Systems & Policy Research, The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong to conduct an independent study on local cancer care. The research insights not only help AIA Hong Kong devise better cancer care protection for customers, but also enable it to deliver far-reaching value at government and community levels, ultimately helping customers live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.
Outstanding Training & Development Award AIA Hong Kong’s AI Learning Recommendation Engine (ALRE) goes beyond general training programme and advocates a positive and sustainable learning culture. With the Company’s big data analysis, it combines the financial planner’s personal background and attributes to recommend highly personalised training content.
Outstanding Agent of the Year Ms. Zoie Kwok, District Director
Outstanding Community Intermediary of the Year Mr. Kendrick Yuen, Senior Wealth Management Manager
Blue Cross
Outstanding Integrated Marketing Strategies Award Blue Cross’s new brand campaign themed “Just Right” embodies the insurer’s brand proposition – the right protection at the right time and at the right price. This message resonates perfectly with Blue Cross’s customers, especially young consumers and young families, by addressing their genuine protection needs and advocating a rational approach to insurance.

Organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers with co-organiser South China Morning Post, “Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2023” honours industry practitioners for their top-notch performance at multiple areas. For each of the 22 award categories, a grand winner was selected from the top-three finalists. The professional panel of judges comprised notable and respected figures from across the business, academic and community sectors. The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers also launched the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for the second time this year after the honour was introduced in 2018. A special panel of judges was formed to select two awardees who have made impactful contributions to the development of Life Insurance and General Insurance in Hong Kong.

Remarks:

  1. Another insurance company also won six accolades in the “Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2023”.
  2. AIA Alta Wealth Management Centre is only available for AIA Hong Kong financial planners and eligible clients.
  3. Can be purchased as a basic plan.

The product information in this material does not contain the full terms of the product, for the details of the product features, terms and conditions, exclusions and key product risks, customers may refer to the product brochure and policy contract of relevant products. In case customers want to read policy contract sample before making an application, they can obtain a copy from AIA. Life insurance policies are long-term contracts of insurance. Should customers surrender the policy early, they may receive an amount considerably less than the total amount of premiums paid.
Hashtag: #AIAHongKong

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

About AIA Hong Kong & Macau

AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have close to 17,000 financial planners1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.5 million customers2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.

1 as at 30 June 2023
2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as at 30 June 2023)

About Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited (“Blue Cross”) is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. With over 50 years of operational experience in the insurance industry, Blue Cross provides a comprehensive range of products and services including medical, travel and general insurance, which cater to the needs of both individual and corporate customers. Blue Cross distributes its products through various channels, including AIA agency force, online platform, direct sales, BEA network, insurance agents and brokers, as well as travel agencies.

In 2023, Blue Cross is assigned a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a+” (Excellent) by A.M. Best. In 2023, Blue Cross is assigned financial strength rating of A+ (stable outlook) and issuer credit rating of A+ (stable outlook) by S&P Global Ratings.

Lao Police Face Public Outrage Over Alleged Unfair Fees

Lao Police Face Public Outrage Over Alleged Unfair Fees
Police checks a motorist on the road

Residents across Laos have expressed mounting concerns over frequent cases of authorities demanding unfair fees.

Bybit Unveils New Exciting Offers for New Card Users in Europe

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach – 26 October 2023 – Bybit, the world’s third most visited crypto exchange, is thrilled to announce a series of exclusive benefits and promotions for new Bybit Card users in Europe. Since the launch of Bybit Card services in March 2023, we have witnessed an overwhelming response from the European community, and our commitment to the region has never been stronger.

Caption

Bybit Card offers a revolutionary payment solution for individuals in Europe. Users can seamlessly make payments and withdraw cash using their cryptocurrency holdings, simplifying their financial transactions between the crypto world and the real world. Currently, the Bybit Card supports instant conversion of major cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC and XRP to fiat such as the Euro.

To solidify our presence in the European market, Bybit has formed strategic partnerships with key players in the region, including the prominent crypto services provider registered in the Netherlands, SATOS. These partnerships ensure the long-term viability and continued growth of Bybit’s crypto card services.

Exclusive Rewards Await Bybit Card Applicants

Riding the wave of constant evolution in the crypto card sphere, Bybit is excited to introduce a host of captivating perks for those applying for the new Bybit Card:

  • 10 EUR Card Bonus: Receive a 10 EUR Card Bonus upon the successful application for a virtual card.
  • Additional 5 EUR Card Bonus: After the first successful transaction with the Bybit Card, the new card user will receive an extra 5 EUR Card Bonus.
  • 10 EUR Card Bonus: Deposit a minimum of 100 EUR for the first time on the Bybit platform and receive a 10 EUR Card Bonus.

“The Bybit Card represents our commitment to fostering widespread cryptocurrency adoption in the real world,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We firmly believe that cryptocurrencies should serve as more than mere digital assets; they should be a convenient and tangible method of payment for individuals in their day-to-day transactions.”

Bybit Card is designed to provide a convenient and rewarding experience for cryptocurrency users in Europe, and these new offers and features are a testament to our commitment to delivering value to our users. For more information and to apply for Bybit Card, please visit here.

Hashtag: #Bybit #TheCryptoArk

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

About Bybit

Bybit is a top-five cryptocurrency exchange established in 2018 that offers a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

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KBTG wins six regional awards as it sets its sights on becoming the Best Tech Organization in Southeast Asia in 2025

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 26 October 2023 – KASIKORN Business-Technology Group (KBTG) has garnered six accolades in the fields of technology and personnel from the Asian regional stage, reflecting its strong determination and reaffirming its position as a leading technology organization in Thailand and ASEAN with outstanding achievements.

Award-Trophy.png

Mr. Ruangroj Poonpol, Group Chairman – KBTG, said, “As a leading tech company and IT enabler of KASIKORNBANK (KBank), KBTG has set its sights on becoming the Best Tech Organization in Southeast Asia by 2025. To fulfill this mission, the company has improved its strategies while bolstering the organization’s capabilities in response to the bank’s business needs. We have leveraged our technological capabilities, which are instrumental in the development of services to ensure the responsiveness of consumers and businesses amid the ever-evolving environment. Focus is also on our research and development for innovations that cater for both our customers and partners and the improvement of internal operations. Of paramount importance are our personnel, who are the key to KBTG’s success. On account of such efforts, KBTG has won six regional awards from leading international organizations in the span of two months.

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1. Good Design Award 2023 was awarded to K PLUS Vietnam – a KBank mobile banking application scaled up from K PLUS in Thailand. Designed by the Beacon Interface team, its UX/UI matches the Vietnamese people’s behavior and perspectives towards mobile banking apps, thus perfectly meeting their needs. Presently, there are over 700,000 K PLUS Vietnam users. Organized by The Japan Institute of Design Promotion, the award event aimed to recognize outstanding design works of entries from 45 countries worldwide.

2. VMware Customer Achievement Awards 2023 in the Cloud Infrastructure Innovator category, from upgrading end-to-end infrastructure to bridge the gap between Dev (Development) and Ops (Operations), allowing employees to perform their tasks more efficiently and deliver services faster, and leading to the creation of technological innovations in the Thai financial service sector. This award was presented by VMware to companies in the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) region that have outstanding technological advancements and are driven by organizational transformations.

3. AIBP Enterprise Innovation Awards 2023 for the KBTG Transformation program, which has significantly helped bolster productivity and quality of software development, enabling KBTG to deliver more IT projects and reduce the number of incidents by 60 percent, which means that users can access various products and services of KBank and KBTG more seamlessly. The award was presented by ASEAN Innovation Business Platform (AIBP), a business unit of Industry Platform, a growth consulting company in Singapore, to organizations with outstanding performance in digital transformation and innovation in five ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand.

4. Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2023 – Thailand Region award for outstanding corporate management, with the aim of fostering employee engagement, as well as creating a suitable work environment and culture. The award was given to KBTG for the fourth consecutive year at the HR ASIA – Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2023 event, organized by HR Asia, the most authoritative publication for HR professionals, based on an employee engagement survey conducted by Business Media International (BMI) through a total engagement assessment model of more than 2 million samples across Asia.

5. Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2023 in the category of AI – Financial Technology. The award was for KBTG’s project of Car AI research and technology to detect vehicle damage from images. Users can take and submit photos to the system themselves anytime and anywhere, reducing costs, time, and human bias. Car AI can be applied to various businesses, including auto insurance, repair services, car sales, and auto loans. The award, organized by Asian Business Review – a leading regional business magazine, was given to companies that produce outstanding projects and innovations across Asia.

6. Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2023 Vietnam in the category of Fast Enterprise. The award was given to KBTG Vietnam in recognition of its rapid and comprehensive business growth in terms of revenue, market share, user base, profitability, brand recognition in the market, and readiness to support regional expansion strategies. The award ceremony was organized by Enterprise Asia – a non-profit organization that aims to drive sustainable economic and social development.

Hashtag: #KBTG #Awards #Asian #RegionalAwards #TechCompany


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

About KBTG

At KASIKORN Business-Technology Group, we never cease to develop financial solutions on top of our “Customer First” mindset. We are the driving force behind KBank’s success as well as their navigator exploring the digital world beyond Thailand. Utilizing our expertise in Fintech, combined with new generation’s outside-the-box thinking, KBTG aims to be the best tech organization of Southeast Asia by 2025.

Luang Prabang Celebrates Laos-Vietnam Friendship with Culture-Tourism Week

Culture-Tourism Week, a joint celebration between Luang Prabang Province and several provinces from the Northwest region of Vietnam, along with Ho Chi Minh City, on 25 October 2023. (Photo: Luang Prabang News)

On the evening of 25 October, Luang Prabang, Laos, came alive with the sounds of music and laughter. The city’s historic That Luang area was the setting for Culture-Tourism Week, a joint celebration between Luang Prabang Province and several provinces from the Northwest region of Vietnam, along with Ho Chi Minh City.

Response to Policy Address 2023/2024 from Mr. Paul Chan, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 26 October 2023 –

Actively utilizing resources to develop land and housing supply
  • We support the government’s efforts to expedite the development of the “Northern Metropolis” and the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands. We have previously proposed the establishment of a Landscape Committee to enhance coordination and planning, ensuring the implementation of various government policies related to ecology, landscape, and greening. We advocate for the use of Nature-Based Solution to address the challenges posed by climate change, aiming to help Hong Kong become a more attractive international city.
Promoting the green urban ecological transformation process to achieve sustainable development goals
  • This year’s Policy Address introduced the “Shining City Project”, which will focus on developing the Shing Mun River and Yuen Long Nullah into flower viewing hotspots. We are delighted to see the government’s emphasis on urban greening projects and its proactive efforts to beautify the city, aiming to enhance the well-being of its citizens. We also anticipate the utilization of Hong Kong’s landscape expertise in future sustainable development plans, enabling landscape architects to make significant contributions to the development of Hong Kong.
  • We are delighted to see that the government has adopted our recommendations in the development of the “Northern Metropolis” project. With a focus on environmental preservation and high-quality urban development, the project takes into consideration the natural topography and includes the establishment of the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park. This park will enhance ecological quality and biodiversity. We have collaborated with a team of experts from both Hong Kong and Shenzhen to provide planning guidance and recommendations for this project.
  • The government published “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” (Hong Kong 2030+) in October 2021 that envisions increasing the amount of per person open space to 3.5 m² from the original 2.0 m², but it is still lower than most of the major developed cities. Additionally, there are still significant amounts of undeveloped recreational land, and some existing public open spaces (POS) do not meet the requirements of society in terms of design and facilities. We recommend that within the coming 5 years, upgrade not less than 5% of the existing POS, and within the coming 5 years, develop not less than 50 hectares of POS in built-up areas (i.e., excluding those in new development areas).
  • In response to the increasing demand for green urban planning, we propose to explore the self-certification for tree preservation and removal proposal (TPRP) by Registered Landscape Architect be applied to public works. This initiative aims to optimize urban forestry policies, reducing project approval times while effectively managing the life cycle of trees, preserving valuable landscape resources, and ensures public safety.
Promoting the development of landscape architecture and alleviating the shortage of industrial professionals
  • Currently, there are only around 300 registered landscape architects in Hong Kong. With the growing societal emphasis on ecological landscapes and the ongoing implementation of numerous construction projects, the demand for landscape professionals continues to increase.
  • In this year’s Policy Address, the government has outlined plans to allocate substantial resources to promote innovation and technological development. Recognizing the challenge of rapidly increasing the number of skilled landscape professionals in a short period, we hope that the government will allocate a portion of these resources to drive the development of the landscape design industry. This allocation would help alleviate the issue of manpower shortage and contribute to the overall growth of the sector.
  • We express support for the government’s efforts to attract and retain talents, and we recommend providing more incentives and funding for mainland and overseas professionals to work in Hong Kong. This would ensure a stable supply of talent for the industry. However, it is crucial to strike a balance and provide sufficient job opportunities for local talent as well, in order to maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness.
Promoting cross-border collaboration with the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to facilitate mutual complementarity
  • We are committed to promoting cross-border collaboration with the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to facilitate mutual complementarity in terms of human resources and management resources. We aim to foster industry development and actively participate in the national development agenda.
  • We are pleased to see the government’s proactive efforts in expanding vocational talent pool, as we believe it will lay a strong foundation for attracting more elites to the industry. The assessment and certification systems for landscape architects and arborists implemented by us have gained wide recognition in the market and have a wealth of experience in quality assurance. We are willing to engage in discussions with the government regarding cross-border qualification recognition for professionals from other regions who wish to develop their careers locally. Additionally, we are ready to provide relevant professional advisory services in this regard.
<Click here for high-res pictures>

Hashtag: #theHongKongInstituteofLandscapeArchitects

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