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Watsons x Cantopop Super Boy Band MIRROR Empower 18 Million Members to GO GREEN with MIRROR First Regional Carbon-Neutral Event Across 4 Asian Markets

HONG KONG / KUALA LUMPUR / TAIPEI / SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 22 February 2023 – Sustainability is a top priority for Watsons, so the brand introduced the “Greener Stores Global Framework” last year to make its stores more sustainable and to empower customers to make better choices to lower environmental impacts. To further the mission, today, Watsons has announced its cross-over campaign with MIRROR to inspire 18 million of its loyal customers to Go Green across 4 Asian markets including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore.

Cross-over with MIRROR, Go Green Together

The Go Green with MIRROR campaign aims to encourage customers to take positive actions in their daily lives to make more sustainable choices. The idea is that if everyone makes a small difference every split second, the impact would be enormous if we do it together. During the kick-off event, MIRROR performed their brand new song: “GO GREEN” and shared with the audience the green actions they have taken in their daily lives. Overseas Watsons followers enjoyed the livestreaming event as representatives from the 4 Asian markets interacted with MIRROR onstage to promote sustainable lifestyle.

Super boy band MIRROR is named as the ambassador of Watsons' GO GREEN sustainability campaign, to lead the public to pursue a more sustainable lifestyle.

Super boy band MIRROR is named as the ambassador of Watsons’ GO GREEN sustainability campaign, to lead the public to pursue a more sustainable lifestyle.

Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe) says, “A.S. Watson is the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer based in Hong Kong. MIRROR is also a very popular and successful singing group, born and made in Hong Kong. Both of us are representing Hong Kong’s spirit. Mirror reflection means infinite possibilities, which coincides with our brand’s belief and inspires our collaboration.”

“I hope MIRROR will go beyond Hong Kong and move towards the international markets like Watsons, and inspire more people to live a greener lifestyle that contributes to a sustainable future. Together, by sharing happiness, positivity, care and love to ourselves, our communities and our planet with “The New Beautiful” initiative, Watsons strives to create a better world for all.”

GO GREEN with MIRROR goes everywhere! Theme song

GO GREEN with MIRROR goes everywhere! Theme song “GO GREEN” is aired in digital billboard on the busiest street of Pavilion KL in Malaysia and also across 100 digital Out-Of-Home media screens in Singapore. Multi-storey Xi Men Ding store in Taiwan and Causeway Bay store in Hong Kong are also turned into MIRROR GO GREEN Flagships to promote sustainable living.

The Low-Carbon Virtual Green Garden

At the same time, Watsons has developed an interactive inapp game in Watsons SG App to promote sustainability where Watsons members can create their own virtual Green Garden. By completing various green tasks from 11 February – 30 March 2023, Watsons members can establish a greener lifestyle through “Skip it” (Reduce); “Bring it” (Reuse) and “Keep it” (Recycle). The App will then estimate the carbon emission savings for each green task completed and Watsons will then match the carbon emission savings and sponsor relevant tree-planting projects in Rimba Raya, Indonesia. The project is estimated to offset 900 tonnes of CO2 and make a bigger impact on our planet in parallel to its green actions. Customers in Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan can play the game on the Watsons App, while customers in Hong Kong can play the game via the MoneyBack app.

To reward Watsons members for completing the green missions, Watsons’ all-time favourite Sustainable Choice products will be awarded when the designated number of virtual trees have been planted in the virtual Green Garden. The sustainable products include Watsons Green Tea Bamboo Toothbrush (1’s), Naturals By Watsons Lavender Hand Sanitising Spray 60ml and Watsons Love My Glow Moisturising Capsule Mask (5’s). Qualified members would be able to collect them from their preferred Watsons store upon receiving email notification.

Dance Challenge for Greener Lifestyle

“GO GREEN” is MIRROR’s brand new song composed by the group. It will be aired in Watsons stores across Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan and it will be strategically aired in Singapore, reminding customers that green actions can be a part of their lives, and it can be as simple as snapping their fingers. Stores at selected participating Asian markets will be turned into MIRROR GO GREEN Flagship Stores to promote the message of low-carbon living. Furthermore, customers can participate in a dance challenge on social media to spread the impact of MIRROR across Asia and to create a more sustainable future.

For more information, download the Watsons SG App now to engage in a more sustainable lifestyle with MIRROR!

Hashtag: #Watsons

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

About Watsons International

Watsons is Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer, currently operating over 8,000 stores and more than 1,500 pharmacies in 15 Asian and European markets. Watsons takes care to provide personalised advice in health, beauty and personal care on top of its market-leading product range, helping customers to LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT every day.

Watsons has launched a variety of GO GREEN programmes to encourage customers to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Its Greener Stores Global Framework provides customers with more than 1,600 sustainable products to reduce the use of plastic and has launched a cross-regional plastic container recycling programme. Up until now, more than 1 million plastic containers have been recycled for creating a better world.

Watsons believes in a new kind of beautiful, that everyone’s body, mind and spirit can bring positive energy and loving care to the people around us, the community and the planet. Learn more about #TheNewBeautiful at .

About Watsons Singapore
Watsons is Singapore’s leading beauty and health retailer with close to 100 stores located islandwide, including their enhanced health platform with 38 pharmacies located within the key stores. Their aim is to bring more value to customers’ lives, and enable them to “look good, do good and feel great”. Watsons clinched the top spot for ‘Personal Care Store’, ‘Best Retail Loyalty Card’ and won the ‘No. 1 in Asia’s Top 1000 brands’ by Nielsen and Campaign Asia for the 13th consecutive year this year. Watsons is also Retail Asia Awards’ winner for ‘Health & Beauty Retailer of the Year – Singapore’ consecutively from 2021-2022; besides being conferred the title of 2021-2022 Top Employer by Influential Brands and HR Asia Best Companies to Work for by Asia Award 2021.

Greenbriar Recognized As a Top 50 Toronto Venture Exchange Company

Newport Beach, California – Newsfile Corp. – February 21, 2023 – Greenbriar Capital Corp. (TSXV: GRB) (OTC Pink: GEBRF) (“Greenbriar”) is pleased to announce that that it has been named as one of the top performers on the Toronto Venture Exchange.

The 2023 TSX Venture 50 celebrates the strongest performances on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV” or “the Exchange”) over the last year. Comprised of 10 companies from each of five industry sectors, the ranking rec
gnizes the strongest performance on the Exchange based on market capitalization growth, share price appreciation and trading volume.

“We are extremely proud to have earned a 2023 TSX Venture Top 50 ranking, selected from 1,713 TSXV public companies. Since inception, Greenbriar has demonstrated its ability to successfully make and develop accretive acquisitions resulting in year-over-year hard asset growth. This is evident in our Sage Ranch acquisition in 2011 where the current ROI on project value alone is worth over 51% annually since 2011.”

“We have had a tremendous start to 2023 where there is significant value creation in our portfolio, which we plan to begin constructing on this year. We are looking at graduating to the NYSE/AMEX in the near future. These factors combined with a robust acquisition pipeline will enable us to continue to create value for our shareholders,” concluded Mr. Ciachurski, who won Top 50 in 2010, 2012, 2014 and now 2023.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
“Jeff Ciachurski”
Jeffrey J. Ciachurski
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Phone: 949.903.5906
Fax: 604.608.9572
www.greenbriarcapitalcorp.ca

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute “forward-looking statements” and include any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Company’s strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management’s expectations or estimates of future performance.

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

About Greenbriar Capital Corp:

Greenbriar is a leading ESG developer of renewable energy and sustainable real estate. With long-term, high impact, contracted sales agreements in key project locations and led by a successful, industry-recognized operating and development team, Greenbriar targets deep valued assets directed at accretive shareholder value.

Global C-Pop Artist and Fashion Icon Tia Lee makes waves at London Fashion Week

Her inaugural appearance at the fashion extravaganza peaked with her exclusive reveal of a stunning Julien Macdonald FW23 couture to the world for the first time

LONDON, UK – Media OutReach – 21 February 2023 – Tia Lee (Lee Yu Fen), a global C-pop singer and fashion icon, made waves at the London Fashion Week (LFW) on Sunday (19 Feb) as she arrived at Julien Macdonald’s Fall-Winter 2023 (FW23) show in a stunning one-of-its-kind couture dress and cape, specially hand-picked by the leading British fashion ace himself. Tia’s outfit was then later presented to the world for the first time as part of Julien Macdonald’s FW23 collection show.

Tia was specially selected by Julien Macdonald as the only celebrity to be dressed in a Julien Macdonald couture prior to it being presented for the first time in the Julien Macdonald FW23 collection show. Traditionally, the Sunday evening shows during the London Fashion Week are one of the most anticipated shows, of which this prime time slot was given to the Julien Macdonald FW23 collection show.

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Tia Lee in a tailored lace slip dress and flowing black chiffon cape, exclusively handpicked from Julien Macdonald’s FW23 collection

The breath-taking and delicately tailored couture dress designed by Julien Macdonald for the new FW23 collection was hand-embroidered with crystals. Together with a flowing cape, a pair of glittering heels from Gina and Jessica McCormack jewellery, Tia’s glamourous look outlined a feminine silhouette that celebrates endless female strength and empowerment.

Tia was amongst the exclusive international of A-list celebrities who covet Julien Macdonald’s work to be dressed by the King of Glamour, including Beyonce, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell.

Tia Lee at the FROW of the Julien Macdonald showcase L to R: Lorraine Pascale, Dennis O'Brien, Tia Lee, Amber Le Bon

Tia Lee at the FROW of the Julien Macdonald showcase
L to R: Lorraine Pascale, Dennis O’Brien, Tia Lee, Amber Le Bon

On arrival to the Julien Macdonald fashion showcase, Tia was seen in the FROW amongst international A-list celebrities and fashion icons where Julien Macdonald’s FW23 collection was unveiled.

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Tia Lee with Julien Macdonald, in couture from his FW23 collection

Julien Macdonald was appointed by Karl Lagerfeld as the head designer of knitwear at Chanel at very young age and later in 2001 was appointed as successor to Alexander McQueen as the creative director of the French fashion house Givenchy. He launched his own label in 1997 and swiftly became a leading British fashion designer.

Julien received various awards including British Designer of the Year at the Elle Style Awards in 2001, British Glamour’s Designer of the Year and GQ ‘s Womenswear Designer of the year in 2003. He was also nominated at the Olivier awards and awarded an order of the British empire (OBE) in 2004 for his services to the fashion industry.

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Tia Lee at Richard Quinn’s FW23 runway show

In addition to the Julien Macdonald FW23 collection show, Tia was also invited to a number of top-notch brand showcases of London Fashion Week, such as David Koma, Richard Quinn, Moncler Genius and the ES & Perfect Magazine fashion bash – joining actress Joan Collins, TV presenter Ashley Graham, supermodel Sara Sampaio, British Vogue’s editor in chief Edward Enninful, singers Alicia Keys, Ronan Keating, Pharrell Williams, socialite Lennon Gallagher and many others. As a front row celebrity at the shows amongst other A-listers, Tia’s appearance at London Fashion Week is testament to her stature in the fashion scene as a style icon.

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Tia Lee at the FROW of the Richard Quinn showcase
L to R: Tia Lee, Sara Sampaio, Ashley Graham

In an embroidered coat from his Spring 2023 collection, Tia was spotted alongside supermodel Sara Sampaio, TV presenter Ashley Graham enjoying front row views of Richard Quinn’s latest reveal. Her elegant outfit was further elevated with a teardrop-shaped headpiece from Victoria Grant, suede platform sandals from Jimmy Choo and pearl earrings from Theo Fennel.

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Tia Lee with Richard Quinn

Tia attended the David Koma FW2023 runway show, her first appearance at London Fashion Week this year.

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Tia Lee arriving at the David Koma FW23 runway show

A nod to David Koma’s signature body-contouring statement pieces, Tia arrived in a shimmering silver two-piece suit over bomber and boots from his collection.​ Amina Muaddi’s stunning Diamond Chain earrings added shine to Tia’s outfit, while Noir Sleek Sunglasses from Gentle Monster were the ultimate statement accessory to finish her look.

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Tia Lee at the FROW of David Koma’s FW23 runway show
L to R: Tia Lee, Tade, Elodie Russell

Tia was also present at David Koma’s invitation only exclusive after party, enjoying the night with David Koma himself, in celebration of the success of the collection’s reveal.

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Tia Lee with David Koma

Just as styles come and go and clothing evolves, Tia has taken on a metamorphosis of epic proportions from a highly scrutinized artist into a strong independent woman, ready to take on the world.

“Goodbye Princess” pays homage to the struggles of life, but ultimately showcases Tia’s determination to rise from the negativity, stereotypes and bias being placed on her. In fact, it is even more iconic because the track is the first ever Chinese song produced by Grammy-Award-winning producer Swizz Beatz, who has previously worked on mega-hits with music icons such as Justin Bieber, Jay-Z and Madonna.

In the spirit of female empowerment, Tia launched the #EmpowerHer campaign, and she has used her song as a vehicle to spread awareness for women-centric charities to further their missions. Some of the charities include Beats By Girlz and Women in Music in the United States, Daughters Of Tomorrow in Singapore and Teen’s Key in Hong Kong, all of which are committed to supporting women and girls around the world. One of the highlights was the #EmpowerHerDance challenge, where 16 KOLs across 15 geographies in the world have led the charge in this dance challenge to gain the attention of more than 158m followers globally, to support and empower fellow females. The infectious beat of the song also saw top Grammy-Award-winning female DJ duo NERVO coming onboard in support of the #EmpowerHerMusic campaign, creating an electrifying remix of the record-breaking Goodbye Princess. Together, these female powerhouses around the world have pushed the song to great heights, enabling Tia to become the fastest artist to break 100M views on YouTube with a Chinese pop song.

With an empowered mission and vision, redefining her career as a musician and fashion icon, Tia is stepping out of her comfort zone and saying goodbye to her past self.

Official press materials:

Tia Lee at Julien Macdonald FW23 show https://youtu.be/EfWv7FOcUaI
Tia Lee at Richard Quinn FW23 show https://youtu.be/hEwaMvRFXeI
Tia Lee at David Koma FW23 show https://youtu.be/YorrDVjmYFQ
Tia Lee at London Fashion Week FW23 photography https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7o7eg1mxdc8et7m/AAA1lLy7gtP4pkvsAZTeurn5a?dl=0

Tia Lee Official Channels:

Instagram @leeyufen: https://www.instagram.com/leeyufen/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tialeeofficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leeyufentialee/
Weibo: https://weibo.com/u/1396928042/

Hashtag: #TiaLee

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

About Tia Lee:

Tia Lee (李毓芬), is a global C-pop singer and international fashion icon. In addition to being an award-winning musician and setting the record for the fastest C-pop music video ever to achieve a 100 million views, Tia appears frequently at major fashion shows. As a trend-setter, Tia has graced the covers of fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and shares her beauty and fashion tips through a number of Vogue’s social media channels.

HKAES International Bay Area Summit 2023 officially kicks off Experts around the world deliberate on the sustainable development of Greater Bay Area

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 20 February 2023 – Organized by the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Science and supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Hong Kong SAR, the HKAES International Bay Area Summit (“the Summit”) was unveiled today (20 February). Officiated at the opening ceremony were The Hon Chun-ying Leung, Vice-Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR; The Hon John KC Lee, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR; Prof. Xiaohong Li, President of Chinese Academy of Engineering; Prof. Guangjun Zhang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China; and Ms Xinning Lu, Deputy Director of The Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR. The two-day Summit has convened tens of speakers from across the world to deliver themed presentations and panel discussions around innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and ecosystems that explore challenges, opportunities and sustainable development of the Greater Bay Area.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area, GBA) comprises the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao, and the nine municipalities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province with a total area of around 56 000 km2, population of over 86.7 million and GDP of USD 1,958 billion. The development of the GBA is a key national development strategy. It is important for Hong Kong companies to capitalize on cross-border opportunities by leveraging on the unique positioning and reap the benefits of the immense market of the GBA.

The Hon Chun-ying Leung, Vice-Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR said, “The nine Guangdong cities are huge and diverse, each offering Hong Kong its own special prospects. For Hong Kong to effectively work with the GBA, we need to prioritize geographical advantages. Hong Kong cannot cover all nine cities fully and equally in one go. In the initial cooperation stages between the nine cities, we need to establish a Hong Kong bridgehead. We need to establish a forward base and then a cluster for Hong Kong to acclimatize. This will allow us sharpen our skills, to build networks and grow a critical mass from which we can in due course more fully engage all the Guangdong-GBA cities. In the Guangdong area, Hong Kong brings to the table the capabilities as a financial trade, innovation and technology and professional service centre. Hong Kong additionally brings its international connection with the rest of the world. Hong Kong is the super connector.”

In his opening remarks at the Summit, The Hon John KC Lee, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR shared, “With the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is determined to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. The Northern Metropolis is linked with Shenzhen and will take up an area about one-third the size of Hong Kong. It will not only provide much-needed land for the advancement of innovation and technology, but also create a platform that pools together local talents and experts from other GBA cities and overseas. To meet the strong construction output, we will uplift our overall productivity and sustainability by adopting high productivity construction methods such as Modular Integrated Construction, or MiC. For that, we have established a steering committee to strengthen the MiC supply chain, and to foster collaboration with the strong manufacturing bases in the GBA. My thanks to the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences for organising this dynamic and rewarding Summit. I am certain that you will all enjoy the invaluable opportunity to share insights on bay area development from around the world.”

Prof. Guangjun Zhang, Vice Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (Video) said, “The Hong Kong SAR Government has invested more than HKD150 billion to support the development of innovation over the past five years, and published the ‘Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint’ in December 2022 which outlined four broad major directions and eight major strategies that establish a clear development path and formulate systematic strategic planning for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development over the next five to 10 years. The Blueprint is a testament to the Government’s determination and actions on the development of innovation and technology. As we stand in a new onset in history, the Technology Division will work closely with the Hong Kong SAR Government, as we have always been, with building a top-quality Great Bay Area as our major goal and supporting the establishment of Hong Kong as a global innovation and technology hub as our key theme, and promote the collaboration of innovation and technology effort in the two regions. Thank you.”

Ms Xinning Lu, Deputy Director of The Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong SAR said,” At the start of the new year, the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences seizes the opportunity to focus on hot topics of innovation from the Greater Bay Area, bringing together elites from all walks of life to share their insights. This is a timely and historic moment, the GBA serves as a model for high-quality development in the new era and plays a critical role in realizing China’s modernization and achieving the two centennial goals. The Greater Bay Area takes on the important mission of leading high-quality development in China’s new era, and strive for continuous, high-quality progress and breakthroughs in national development.”

Ir Dr Otto Poon, BBS, Immediate Past President of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences and Chairman of ATAL Engineering Group mentioned in his welcome speech, “GBA offers a unique opportunity for people from all parts of the world to work together in an undisturbed environment where culture, education, professional practice and economy converge. It is a space where three borders, cultures, languages, legal systems, standards and currencies meet, an exemplar of how differences are overcome, and institutions and businesses co-exist in harmony. GBA is open to everyone from various professionals and jurisdictions. We meet challenges and opportunities in a global scale. Standing at the crossroad of globalization and deglobalisation, this is an opportunity where global citizens of the 21st century like us cannot miss.”

The Summit has showcased a powerful line-up of speakers. Experts, government officials, scholars and market leaders from Hong Kong, mainland China and other regions gather to share their views on the development and operation of Bay Area economies.

On day 1 of the Summit, Dr Victor Fung, Group Chairman of Fung Group shared his views on how local and global businesses can leverage on Hong Kong to enter the vast and growing consumer market in the GBA, while taking advantage of the thriving digital production base in Peal River Delta to get a share in the global market. Prof. Zexiang Li, Professor of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, also Founder of XbotPark and Shenzhen InnoX Academy reviewed the establishment and achievement of the startup ecosystem in the GBA and examined key elements of its success under the theme “From Labs to Startups: Building of a Startup Ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area”.

The afternoon plenary session gathered presidents and professors from tertiary institutions across Hong Kong and the mainland to discuss the role of higher education in the GBA. Elites from innovation industry also deliberated on the opportunities and challenges from start-ups in different arenas, and evolution and applications of smart technology.

At the Academicians Forum that followed, Ir Prof. Ching Chuen Chan, SBS, Senior Advisor of Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences, also Honorary Professor, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering of The University of Hong Kong opined that with its global innovation resources, Hong Kong could synergize with GBA cities to strengthen the collaboration amongst industry, academia and research, thereby realizing its blueprint for innovation and technology development, as well as building a global hub for innovations. Ir Prof. Anderson Shum, President of The Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciencesdeliberated on the growth, contribution and inter-connection of young scientists in an innovation and technology hub.

Day 2 of the HKAES International Bay Area Summit will be opened tomorrow (21 February) by Ir Prof. The Hon Dong Sun, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong SAR. Activities of the day will include keynote lectures by heavyweight entrepreneurs including Mr George Hara, Group Chairman and CEO of DEFTA Partners, and Mr Fan Yang, Co-founder, VP, President of SenseCore Business Group of SenseTime.

Themed around “The Role of Research and Innovations” and “Ecosystem for the Innovation & Technology Industry”, plenary sessions in the morning will continue to explore industries and trends relating to innovation and the GBA. The Forum on Bay Area Economy Outlook 2023 will gather experts to deliberate on topics around “Challenges of the 5th Pillar: Innovation, Technology & Industrialization”, “Guangdong-Hong-Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA): A New Economic Pathway”, “How the Greater Bay Area can help China overcome the ‘middle technology trap'” and “Hong Kong – A Springboard for Growth in the Greater Bay Areas”

Please click here to download photos

Hashtag: #HKAES

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

About the organiser

Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences (HKAES)

Founded in 1994 by eight distinguished engineers in Hong Kong under the leadership of Dr Sze-yuen Chung, GBM, GBE, FREng, JP; Nobel Laureate Prof Charles Kao, GBM, KBE, FRS, FREng; and Prof Yau-kai Cheung, SBS, OBE, FREng, the HKAES is an organisation of Hong Kong’s most eminent engineers of various disciplines and leaders of the profession with distinguished achievements in engineering sciences or applications. It aims to promote the advancement of science, art and practice of engineering for the benefit of the public, and to pursue excellence in all fields of engineering.

For details, please visit:

PolyU to roll out International Summer School 2023, offering students in-person experience of inspiring courses and cultural exchange activities

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 21 February 2023 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is rolling out its International Summer School 2023 from July to August this year. Participants will be able to experience face-to-face summer classes, local tours and enrichment activities. The five-week programme comprises credit-bearing courses from PolyU’s globally renowned disciplines including hotel and tourism management and, for the first time, optometry and rehabilitation sciences, enabling students to experience quality education at PolyU, which is ranked among the world’s top 100 institutions.

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PolyU’s International Summer School comprises credit-bearing courses and a series of cultural activities, offering a rewarding and fun-filled experience in terms of learning and cultural exchange.

The credit-bearing courses offer an array of intellectually stimulating subjects in three thematic areas, namely “Chinese Language, Culture and Society”, “Design, Innovation and Technology”, and “Business, Entrepreneurship and Global Leadership”.

PolyU’s School of Optometry and Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, both well-recognised in their respective industries, will offer courses providing elementary knowledge of the two disciplines and their related professions for the first time this year. Furthermore, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, ranking first in Asia in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022, will also offer a course in the history and culture of the wine industry complete with a wine appreciation class.

To provide a memorable experience of the vibrant and unqiue culture of Hong Kong, the programme features a series of local tours and enrichment activities. In parallel, a Buddy Programme to help overseas students blend into local life and culture will be in place matching incoming participants with their PolyU peers, thus encouraging intercultural communication between PolyU students and the global community.

Since its launch in 2016, PolyU’s International Summer School has received positive feedback from participants. CHEN Meihui, an incoming student from Mainland China who joined the programme last year applauded the learning experience and said, “The teaching style at PolyU was very creative and encouraging. Overall my summer school experience has been awesome, both study and social life.” Meanwhile, FAISAL Rameen, an international student at PolyU also remarked, “The programme was an excellent opportunity to experience cultural exchange.”

The International Summer School 2023 is now open for undergraduate student applications from overseas, Mainland China and Taiwan until 31 March 2023. For details and sharing from past participants on the programme, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/summerschool/.Hashtag: #PolyU

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

Thailand to Penalize Migrants Employed in Restricted Jobs

Thailand to Penalize Migrants Employed in Restricted Jobs
Migrant Workers in Thailand. (Photo Credit: Nikkei Asia)

The Thai Labor Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin recently urged for a crackdown on migrants in Thailand who have taken up jobs reserved for Thai citizens.

Equities First Holdings Podcast Series, Shelter from the Storm: Investing in the era of uncertainty on Responding to global recession prospects in 2023: West vs. Asia Pacific

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 21 February 2023 – Equities First Holdings Limited is delighted to announce the fourth episode of podcast series, Shelter from the storm: Responding to recession prospects in 2023: West vs. Asia Pacific.

The new podcast series aims to help listeners understand the financial risks in the current climate, hear from wealth management experts about how these risks can be managed, and identify emerging investment opportunities. From the Sino-American trade war to hiking interest rates, the series will explore current geopolitical and economic events with seasoned wealth management professionals, and weigh up strategies they employ to protect financial assets against these threats.

Equities First Holdings Financing: Weathering a potential global recession in 2023

Entitled Can Asia Pacific benefit from de-globalisation?, the first episode of Shelter from the Storm, elaborated on the globalised economy under threat from the pandemic, deteriorating trade relations between superpowers, Russian invasion of Ukraine, and more. The second episode explored the longevity of the ‘friendshoring’ trend and possible investment strategies and economic consequences; whilst the third episode considered risks, impacts and investment opportunities economies and investors alike would need to adapt amid climate change entails.

In 2023, there is fear looming large over a potential global recession. Central banks across the world are hiking interest rates in response to higher inflation and predicting a financial crises where different countries will respond in varying ways. In the US, a potential recession is likely to be mild, whereas a more severe and prolonged situation will hit the EU and UK. Conversely, China might recover quicker than expected economically, as it slowly reopens to the world.

The fourth episode of the Equities First Holdings podcast considers both the positive and negative implications a Western recession would have on emerging markets, especially those in Asia Pacific. Moreover, as China loosens its borders to the world, the repercussions of this new approach in the global economy will also be discussed. Finally, considering a potential recession, short- and long-term planning in case of high inflation and rising interest rates, as well as new investment opportunities for investors will be highlighted.

Managing risks and capitalising on opportunities with Equities First Holdings Financing

Regardless of the status quo, Equities First Holdings’ portfolio is diversified across global markets and industry sectors. Through robust fundamental and technical analysis, Equities First Holdings adheres to its long-term vision and innovative solutions so that investors can maintain their competitive edge during the toughest of challenges.

Hashtag: #EquitiesFirstHoldings

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

About Equities First Holdings

Founded in 2002, Equities First Holdings is a global investment firm specialised in long-term equities-based financing. Equities First Holdings’ equities-based financing approach overcomes traditional limitations and redefines the financing experience through providing efficient access to capital for listed companies and accredited investors, sophisticated investors, professional investors, and otherwise qualified investors (who have sufficient knowledge and experience in entering into securities financing transactions), against publicly traded securities. The total value of loans transacted is more than US$4 billion as of May 2022. Equities First Holdings’ investment strategy involves a diverse portfolio across global markets and sectors. The talented investment team analyses the alpha of its portfolio, investing in quality securities based on robust fundamental and technical analysis, risk management, and ongoing trading and portfolio rebalancing activities. Equities First Holdings’ risk management policy forbids short-selling or lending equities to third parties.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, United States, Equities First Holdings’ international footprint reaches twelve offices in eight countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, China, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and Australia. Equities First Holdings is licensed and/or registered in all jurisdictions where required. As both an equities-based financing provider and a value investor, Equities First Holdings is the pioneer of Progressive Capital – a partnership approach to investment, rooted in respect, mutual interest and understanding. Equities First Holdings delivers liquidity solutions that are vital, transformative and move partners forward.

Disclaimer:

China, Hong Kong, Singapore- Equities First Holdings Hong Kong Limited (“EFH”) is licensed in Hong Kong by the Securities Futures Commission to undertake Type 1 regulated activity and under the Money Lender Ordinance (Money Lender’s License No. 1780/2022). EquitiesFirst (“EquitiesFirst” refers to Equities First Holdings LLC, and all subsidiaries of such company in all countries where they are engaged in business activities of any nature). This document is prepared by EquitiesFirst. It is not intended as an offer to sell securities or a solicitation to buy any product managed or provided by Equities First and it aims to provide general information on the EFH loan facility which is not authorized for retail use in Hong Kong. This document is directed to accredited investors, sophisticated investors, professional investors, and otherwise qualified investors (who have sufficient knowledge and experience in entering into securities financing transactions), and it is not directed to individuals or organizations for whom such offers or invitations would be unlawful or prohibited. Past performance is not a guarantee or a reliable indicator of future results. All investments contain risk and may lose value. The information contained herein may be incomplete or incomprehensive. Accordingly, the information is qualified in its entirety by the terms applicable to the facility as set out in its constitutive documents (Loan Documents) and should be read together with such Loan Documents.

This document has been prepared without consideration of the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any individual investor. You should consider your own investment objectives, financial situation, and particular needs before taking any action with respect to a financial product referred to in this presentation. In preparing this document, EFH is assuming your organization is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of any financial transaction described herein and its suitability for your organization’s purposes and its legal, taxation, accounting, and financial implications and that in making this evaluation you are not reliant on any recommendation or statements made by EFH. Before entering into any transaction EFH strongly encourages you to independently assess these things and fully understand the transaction in its entirety. EFH does not act as an adviser in any capacity and strongly recommends all borrowers seek independent advisement when assessing the transaction and its suitability. To the extent it is permitted by applicable law, Equities First, its affiliates, and any officer or employee of Equities First or its affiliates do not accept any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from the use of this presentation or its contents, including for negligence. Trading in equities, futures, options, commodities, currencies, or derivatives can have risks and is not appropriate for all persons. Under some market conditions, it may be impossible to liquidate a position. Copyright protections exist in this presentation. The contents of this presentation are strictly confidential and may not be disclosed, reproduced, distributed, or published by any person for any purpose without the expressed written consent of EFH, LLC. EFH makes no guarantee, representation, or warranty and accepts no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness. Expressions of opinion are those of Equities First only and are subject to changes without notice. Further information is available upon request.

Korea- The foregoing is intended solely for sophisticated investors, professional investors or otherwise qualified investors who have sufficient knowledge and experience in entering into securities financing transactions such as securities repo or securities loan transaction. It is not intended for, and should not be used by, persons who do not meet that criteria. Information provided herein is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to purchase) the securities or investments referenced herein (“Offer”). Any such Offer shall only be made through a relevant offering or other documentation which sets forth its material terms and conditions. The foregoing does not provide or purport to provide investment advice, nor does it provide or purport to provide any legal or financial advisory or other professional advice or services which are regulated in jurisdiction in which EquitiesFirst (Equities First Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries) operates, does business, resides, including, Republic of Korea or that may otherwise have regulatory authority over EquitiesFirst. The foregoing has been prepared by EquitiesFirst based on or derived from sources EquitiesFirst reasonably believes to be reliable. However, EquitiesFirst has not independently examined or verified the information provided herein and no representation is made that it is accurate or complete. Opinions and information herein are subject to change without notice.

Thailand- EquitiesFirst (“EquitiesFirst” refers to Equities First Holdings LLC, and all subsidiaries of such company in all countries where they are engaged in business activities of any nature). The foregoing is intended solely for certain, or certain class of, recipient who is qualified to independently consider and act on the information provided herein pursuant to laws and regulations applicable to such recipient. As such, the information provided herein is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to purchase) the securities or investments referenced herein, to participate in any particular trading strategy, or to provide any particular advisory services (“Offer”), in any jurisdiction in which such Offer would be illegal. Any Offer shall only be made through the relevant offering or other documentation which sets forth its material terms and conditions pursuant to applicable laws and regulations. The foregoing and any non-public information contained therein are confidential and have been provided solely for the benefit of the intended recipient and for the limited purpose of the potential transaction that the intended recipient has already discussed with the Company. Except with the Company’s prior written consent, such confidential information may not be shared with any party other than with professional advisors and affiliates of the intended recipient, in which case the information may be shared for such limited purpose and on a need-to-know basis. If you are not the intended recipient of the foregoing, any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of its content is strictly prohibited. The foregoing does not provide or purport to provide investment advice and has been prepared by the Company based on or derived from sources the Company reasonably believes to be reliable. The Company has not independently examined or verified the information provided herein and no representation is made that it is accurate or complete. Before acting on any information, the recipient is thus encouraged to seek independent financial and/or legal advice. Opinions and information herein are subject to change without notice.

ASEAN Integrated River Management Project Launched in Manila

ASEAN Integrated River Management Project Launched in Manila

A five-year regional project on Reducing Pollution and Preserving Environmental Flows in East Asian Seas Through the Implementation of Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) was launched in Manila to develop practical and innovative ways for communities, industries, and governments to work together to revitalize Southeast Asia’s rivers.