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China Expresses Support for Sri Lanka Ahead of Debt Meeting

Auto rickshaw drivers line up to buy gas near a fuel station in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, April 13, 2022. AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena, File)
Auto rickshaw drivers line up to buy gas near a fuel station in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, April 13, 2022. AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena, File)

BEIJING (AP) — China expressed support for Sri Lanka ahead of a meeting Friday of government lenders to poor economies but did not say if it would help reduce a multibillion-dollar debt that has plunged the Indian Ocean nation into financial and political turmoil.

Bird Flu Spreads to New Countries, Threatens Non-stop “War” on Poultry

Test tubes labelled "Bird Flu" and eggs are seen in this picture illustration, January 14, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Test tubes labelled "Bird Flu" and eggs are seen in this picture illustration, January 14, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Avian flu has reached new corners of the globe and become endemic for the first time in some wild birds that transmit the virus to poultry, according to veterinarians and disease experts, who warn it is now a year-round problem.

OPPO Globally Launched Its New Find N2 Flip, Official Smartphone of the UEFA Champions League

SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – Global smart technology company OPPO, Official Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League, today unveiled its latest flagship foldable smartphone – Find N2 Flip, Official Smartphone of the UEFA Champions League.

Caption

“We are glad to launch our new Find N2 Flip to the global markets” said William Liu, President of Global Marketing at OPPO. “With its large smart cover screen, industry-leading Flexion Hinge, long-lasting battery life, and outstanding camera performance, OPPO Find N2 Flip, Official Smartphone of the UEFA Champions League, is the perfect device for fans to both capture and experience true-to-life content from their favorite football games.”

As part of the partnership, the Find N2 Flip will be used by official UEFA Champions League photographers to capture the action of the game at close range along the sidelines,framing the inspiring and exciting moments. The best photos will then be shared in an OPPO Gallery on the UEFA Champions League website and the OPPO UEFA Champions League landing page.

Equipped with the industry’s most advanced Flexion Hinge, Find N2 Flip supports multi-angle FlexForm mode, allowing the screen to be set at any angle between 45-110 degrees. This completely new form factor opens new creative possibilities when it comes to photography and video, as well as providing added convenience for viewing content.

In addition, the Find N2 Flip will also be displayed at OPPO’s booth at the UEFA Champions League Final in Istanbul, Turkey to showcase itself as the champion flip phone to more fans. The foldable phone features the largest and only vertically oriented cover screen of any flip phone on the market. The cover screen’s 17:9 vertical aspect ratio is almost identical in form to the phone’s main screen, making it completely intuitive to use. Without flipping the phone open, the cover screen can be used to respond to messages, browse apps, or answer calls. OPPO Find N2 Flip also offers the largest battery capacity and fastest charging of any vertically foldable device on the market, making it the go-to option for both newcomers and existing flip phone users.

To celebrate the launch of Find N2 Flip, OPPO will also offer some surprise for users. Customers who buy the phone will have the chance to get an exclusive OPPO and UEFA Champions League gift and enter a raffle to win tickets to the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League Final.

As the first Chinese brand to partner with the UEFA Champions League, OPPO will work closely with UEFA to bring more passion and inspiration to sports through its world-leading devices and technologies while helping fans witness, capture, and share the magic of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

To learn more about OPPO Find N2 Flip, click here.

Detailed information about the sales gift, please refer to local OPPO Store.

Hashtag: #OPPO

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

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 60 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

Melco garners 97 Stars in 2023 Forbes Travel Guide – maintaining lead among Macau and Asia’s integrated resorts

MACAU – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – Melco Resorts & Entertainment has been awarded a collective total of 97 Stars by 2023 Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), maintaining its lead among Macau and Asia’s integrated resorts. FTG honored Melco with a total of 17 Five-Star awards across the Company’s property portfolio that includes City of Dreams, Studio City, Altira Macau and City of Dreams Manila. Markedly, Altira Macau celebrates its 14th successive year as FTG Five-Star award recipient across both Hotel and Spa categories.

City of Dreams.jpg

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco, said, “We thank FTG sincerely for the honors. The accolade highlights Melco’s continued dedication to providing guests with exceptional hospitality across our Hotels, Restaurants and Spas. While pandemic-related challenges have indeed been felt over the past few years, we are ready to welcome back the steady influx of tourists to our global resort properties by further enhancing Melco’s signature culture of service excellence with dedication and commitment. We also anticipate extending our service excellence to more guests from the world over at Melco’s soon-to-open Studio City Phase 2 and City of Dreams Mediterranean.”

Melco properties and facilities awarded 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Ratings are as follows:

Hotels Restaurants Spas
Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau Alain Ducasse at Morpheus, Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau Morpheus Spa, City of Dreams Macau
Nüwa, City of Dreams Macau Yí, Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau Nüwa Spa, City of Dreams Macau
Star Tower, Studio City Jade Dragon, Nüwa, City of Dreams Macau Zensa Spa, Studio City
Altira Macau Pearl Dragon, Studio City Altira Spa, Altira Macau
Nüwa, City of Dreams Manila Tenmasa, Altira Macau Nüwa Spa, City of Dreams Manila
Ying, Altira Macau
Aurora, Altira Macau

Hashtag: #melco #cityofdreams #studiocity #altiramacau #cityofdreamsmanila

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

About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ: MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe. The Company currently operates Altira Macau (), an integrated resort located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (), an integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau. Its business also includes the Mocha Clubs (), which comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. The Company also majority owns and operates Studio City (), a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, a Philippine subsidiary of the Company currently operates and manages City of Dreams Manila (), an integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. In Europe, the Company is currently developing City of Dreams Mediterranean () in the Republic of Cyprus, which is expected to be the largest and premier integrated destination resort in Europe. The Company is currently operating a temporary casino, the first authorized casino in the Republic of Cyprus, and is licensed to operate four satellite casinos (“Cyprus Casinos”). Upon the opening of City of Dreams Mediterranean, the Company will continue to operate the satellite casinos while operation of the temporary casino will cease. For more information about the Company, please visit .

The Company is strongly supported by its single largest shareholder, Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and is substantially owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sunlight REIT”) Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 31 December 2022

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – Henderson Sunlight Asset Management Limited (the “Manager“) announces the interim results of Sunlight REIT for the six months ended 31 December 2022 (the “Reporting Period“).

For the Reporting Period, Sunlight REIT’s revenue was HK$388.5 million, down 3.9% year on year, mainly attributable to lower passing rents and occupancy rates registered at various properties. Net property income (“NPI“) declined 4.9% year on year to HK$307.6 million, implying a cost-to-income ratio of 20.8%.

Reflecting a higher interest rate regime, distributable income for the Reporting Period was HK$198.2 million, down 8.7% from the same period last year. The Board has resolved to declare an interim distribution per unit of HK 11.0 cents, representing a payout ratio of 93.7% and an annualized distribution yield of 6.5% based on the closing price of HK$3.37 on the last trading day of the Reporting Period.

The portfolio of Sunlight REIT was appraised at HK$17,649.3 million at 31 December 2022, representing a decrease of 2.5% from 30 June 2022. Meanwhile, net assets of Sunlight REIT was HK$13,598.8 million, which translates to a net asset value of HK$8.05 per unit.

Operating Highlights

The overall occupancy rate of Sunlight REIT’s portfolio at 31 December 2022 was 92.5% (30 June 2022: 94.7%). Office occupancy rate declined to 92.2% (30 June 2022: 94.8%), while the retail portfolio also recorded a decrease in occupancy rate to 93.1% (30 June 2022: 94.5%). For the Reporting Period, the office and retail portfolios registered negative rental reversions of 4.5% and 4.8% respectively.

Despite a still challenging operating environment, the performance of Dah Sing Financial Centre was relatively resilient, as demonstrated by a slight 0.9% year-on-year drop in NPI to HK$86.9 million. Meanwhile, NPI of Sheung Shui Centre Shopping Arcade and Metro City Phase I Property (“MCPI“) were down 4.9% and 8.2% to HK$66.4 million and HK$61.8 million respectively. In the case of MCPI, the sharper drop in NPI was partially attributable to the rental shortfall caused by the ongoing renovation project.

On 11 January 2023, the Manager announced Sunlight REIT’s acquisition of West 9 Zone Kids, a three-storey commercial development located in close proximity to the Olympic station with a gross rentable area of about 58,800 sq. ft, for a total consideration of HK$748 million (subject to adjustments). Completion of the transaction is expected to take place in April 2023.

Mr. Au Siu Kee, Alexander, Chairman of the Manager said, “The disruptive forces that have undermined global macro stability are likely to remain potent, while interest rates will stay at a higher level than previous years. Gratifyingly, the gradual relaxation of cross-border traffic controls in Hong Kong should prove a boon to the tourism industry, generating more momentum to a nascent economic recovery. We will closely monitor the evolving trend and strive to maintain a prudent and agile management strategy to optimize the performance of Sunlight REIT. Notably, the well-timed acquisition of West 9 Zone Kids indicates our intention to initiate a new chapter of asset recycling, with a view to enhancing the value and quality of the overall portfolio.”

Remarks: Attached financial highlights of FY2022/23 interim results of Sunlight REIT.

Financial Highlights of FY2022/23 Interim Results:
(in HK$’ million, unless otherwise specified)

Six months ended
31 December 2022
Six months ended
31 December 2021
Change
(%)
Revenue 388.5 404.3 (3.9)
Net property income 307.6 323.4 (4.9)
(Loss)/profit after taxation Note (274.4) 234.2 N/A
Distributable income 198.2 217.2 (8.7)
Distribution per unit (HK cents) 11.0 12.2 (9.8)
Payout ratio (%) 93.7 94.2 N/A
At 31 December 2022 At 30 June 2022 Change
(%)
Portfolio valuation 17,649.3 18,095.2 (2.5)
Net asset value 13,598.8 14,051.4 (3.2)
Net asset value per unit (HK$) 8.05 8.36 (3.7)
Gearing ratio (%) 23.9 23.3 N/A

Note: Included a fair value decrease of investment properties of HK$448.4 million (versus a fair value increase of HK$49.7 million for the six months ended 31 December 2021).

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

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 amended and restated trust deed dated 10 May 2021 (the “Trust Deed“). It offers investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of 11 office and five retail properties in Hong Kong with a total gross rentable area of over 1.2 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.

Hang Lung Properties Achieves WELL Health-Safety Rating at 19 Properties Across Hong Kong and Mainland China

Covering 80% of the Gross Floor Area of Hang Lung’s Completed Investment Properties

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – Hang Lung Properties (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the “Company” or “Hang Lung”) is proud to announce that it has achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating (WELL HSR) from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) for 19 properties located in Hong Kong and eight cities in mainland China. The WELL HSR covers 80% of the total gross floor area of Hang Lung’s completed investment properties.

WELL HSR was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and consists of operational interventions that can be made to help mitigate its spread. As the world moves beyond the pandemic, the WELL HSR seal at Hang Lung’s properties remains a visible indication of confidence and trust that the Company has achieved third-party verification for evidence-based measures and best practices for health and safety.

Hang Lung received full scores in “Cleaning and Sanitization Procedures” and “Air and Water Quality Management” for all 19 properties amid the challenges of the pandemic, demonstrating its dedication to creating a healthy and safe environment for everyone who visits its properties.

In addition to the focus on customer wellbeing through the built environment, Hang Lung aims to sustain a healthy, inclusive and safe environment for its employees, customers and communities. Wellbeing is a broad concept that includes not only health and safety but also other positive attributes such as a sense of belonging, a sense of security, peace of mind, and feeling connected to the natural world. Achieving the WELL HSR also fulfils one of Hang Lung’s 25×25 Sustainability Targets. Hang Lung will continue its efforts to promote wellbeing in all aspects of its work.

Details of the 19 properties (malls/ office towers) that achieved the WELL HSR are as follows:

Property Mall Office Tower (OT)
Standard Chartered Bank Building, Hong Kong / OT
Plaza 66, Shanghai Mall OT1, OT2
Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai Mall OT
Center 66, Wuxi Mall OT1, OT2
Palace 66, Shenyang Mall /
Forum 66, Shenyang Mall OT
Parc 66, Jinan Mall /
Riverside 66, Tianjin Mall /
Olympia 66, Dalian Mall /
Spring City 66, Kunming Mall OT
Heartland 66, Wuhan Mall OT

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

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

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is recognized for leading the way in enhanced sustainability initiatives in real estate as it pursues sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit .

Arta TechFin and OSL’s partnership to create an end-to-end virtual asset financial service ecosystem

Hong Kong S.A.R – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – Arta TechFin (“ARTA”, HKSE: 0279), a hybrid fintech platform in both traditional assets and virtual assets (“VA”), and OSL, the digital asset business division of BC Technology Group (HKSE: 0863), today entered into a strategic partnership (“partnership”) to create an end-to-end VA financial service ecosystem.
Subject to obtaining required regulatory approvals, the partnership intends to offer a full spectrum of regulated VA solutions, including origination of asset-backed security tokens, secondary trading of physically-settled and cash-settled VA spot and VA derivatives, and custody of OTC and exchange- traded VA. Riding on the tailwind of the Hong Kong Government’s progressive VA policies, our joint effort will continue to support Hong Kong’s development as the global VA financial center.
For primary market origination, ARTA shall use its best effort to appoint OSL as the placing agent for its security token offering in Hong Kong. ARTA’s corporate finance team shall take the lead in tokenization technology service, deal sourcing and structuring, and fund raising. This activity is subject to regulatory approval.
For secondary trading, OSL shall be appointed as ARTA’s exclusive trading partner to conduct physically-settled VA trading activities for a period of 12 months. Where OSL engages in cash-settled VA derivatives trading, ARTA shall also provide OSL with cash-settled VA derivatives trading services including but not limited to Chicago Mercantile Exchange listed VA futures and options and Hong Kong Exchange listed VA future exchange traded derivatives.
OSL, through an omnibus account model, will support ARTA’s end-clients with institutional-grade performance VA trading and safe-keeping facilities.

Global Reach, Local Touch

ARTA and OSL, both headquartered in HK, are jointly developing ecosystems bring global VA access to institutional and retail clients. Investors can benefit from the full protection of the Hong Kong regulatory regime, including client assets segregation, financial transparency, and stability. Regulated traditional financial and VA services are seamlessly integrated to create the next generation ecosystem for better liquidity, product variety, and security.
“This game-changing partnership gives birth to an institutional-class total VA solution that serves global institutional and individual clients. Hong Kong’s progressive VA policies lay a strong foundation for us to take advantage of this unique opportunity. We are committed to supporting the development of a vibrant VA ecosystem in Hong Kong,” said Eddie Lau, ARTA’s Chief Executive Officer.
“We are thrilled to enter into this strategic partnership with ARTA. We look forward to servicing the digital asset trading and fundraising needs of ARTA and its clients. This partnership will allow us to leverage our expertise in the digital asset space to drive growth in the fintech industry,” said Hugh Madden, Chief Executive Officer of BC Group and OSL.

Hashtag: #ArtaTechFin

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

About Arta TechFin Corporation Limited

Arta TechFin is a hybrid financial (HyFi) platform bridging traditional finance with blockchain-based financial system via technology innovations. Our regulated one-stop solution enables corporates, financial institutions, and family offices to access traditional assets and virtual assets.

ARTA, through its various subsidiaries, are licensed under Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. Other licenses include Hong Kong Stock Exchange participant, insurance brokerage license, trustee license and money lending license in Hong Kong as well as Eurex participant in Germany.

For further enquiries, please contact .

About OSL and BC Technology Group

Backed by Asia’s leading public fintech and digital asset company, BC Technology Group (863.HK), OSL is the world’s first insured and SFC-licensed digital asset platform. Founded in 2018, the company has a long history in the sector and is recognized by many as the leader in providing comprehensive regulated and licensed digital asset solutions.

We offer Markets services (brokerage, exchange, and custody) and SaaS technology solutions, which deliver institutional clients and professional investors access to the best-in-class virtual asset platform, as well as the world’s deepest liquidity pools. Our secure and insured hot and cold wallet infrastructure also ensures the safekeeping of digital assets with timely transaction settlements.

As the digital asset industry continues to evolve, so do we. Our simple and tailored approach compliantly navigates international clients through the evolving digital assets environment.

For more information, visit: osl.com and bc.group Press contact – OSL .

Jardine Engineering Corporation Commemorates 100th Anniversary with Noonday Gun Ceremony

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Jardine Engineering Corporation (“JEC”), a kick-off ceremony of Noonday Gun firing was held at Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, on 15 February. The company’s Chief Executive Noky Wong and longest-serving employee, Mr. Kim Wai Pang have joined forces to officiate at the opening ceremony. Mr. Pang has worked in JEC for over 50 years in Maintenance and Renovation team.

Chief Executive Noky Wong remarks, ‘This is a proud moment for JEC. My heartfelt appreciation goes to our staff, customers, business partners and stakeholders for their unswerving support that enables JEC to grow along with Hong Kong over the past Century. Looking ahead, we will manifest upon our motto “Engineering a Century, Leading the Future” for another brilliant chapter.’

First founded in Shanghai in 1923, JEC has since called Hong Kong home with operations in Macau, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar. The slogan of the centennial celebration is Engineering a Century, Leading the Future”. Through a deep commitment to innovation and on-the-ground expertise, JEC strives to continue to explore new ventures and assist partners to achieve engineering breakthroughs in ever more efficient and sustainable ways.

Hashtag: #JEC #JEC100Anniversary #Engineering #sustainability #ESG #SmartEnergy

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

About Jardine Engineering Corporation

Jardine Engineering Corporation (JEC) is a leading provider of products and services that engineer a better Asia. The group provides products & sourcing, engineering contracting, and technical services for buildings, the energy and transport sectors, and environmental infrastructure.

JEC specialises in the provision of electrical, mechanical, and building technologies. The group provides contracting expertise to deliver large-scale installations and ongoing operation and maintenance services which help our customers to operate their facilities to a world-class standard.

Established in Shanghai in 1923, JEC is now headquartered in Hong Kong and operates throughout Asia. JEC is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Company website: