The deaths of at least 174 people in a stadium stampede in Indonesia “is a tragic day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Sunday.
FIFA President: Indonesia Stadium Stampede a ‘Tragedy Beyond Comprehension’

Luxury Vehicle Found Floating in Mekong River Near Vientiane
A Mercedes-Benz SUV was found floating in the Mekong River in Vientiane’s Hatsaifong District yesterday and is believed to be connected to another crime.
Hundreds Killed in Indonesian Football Stadium Stampede
At least 129 people died in a stampede at a football match in Indonesia on Saturday in one of the world’s worst stadium disasters.
Become a Master of the Future Economies: National University of Singapore Postgraduate by Coursework Fair 2022
Learn about NUS’s offerings and explore a variety of world-class postgraduate by coursework programmes at a two-day virtual education fair with 14 booths, 14 masterclass sessions, 23 information sessions, and more than 30 distinguished speakers.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 October 2022 – More than a tourist destination, Singapore is renowned for being an academic hub in Southeast Asia. It is home to the National University of Singapore (NUS), a top-tier university with cutting-edge research facilities and highly-regarded Postgraduate by Coursework programmes. In the QS World University Rankings 2023, NUS came in at 11th globally and top in Asia for the fifth year running, with sixteen of its academic programmes placed in the top 10 worldwide.

As part of the university’s efforts to encourage lifelong learning, NUS announced it is organising the NUS Postgraduate by Coursework Fair (NUS PGCF 2022) from October 4 to October 5 2022, from 10am to 9:30pm daily. The event aims to impart to attendees the value of lifelong learning and the knowledge and skills needed in a digital age. Attendees can get an inside look at how its postgraduate programmes and premier Colleges, Schools, Faculties and Institutes prepares one for the emerging economies. The event’s theme is “Become a Master of the Future Economies”, and attendees can expect to gain new insights into how the future is evolving and how an NUS Master’s Degree by Coursework can help them advance their careers and leverage key growth sectors including the Digital Economy, Green Economy, Care Economy, and Industry 4.0 Economy.
Organised by the Academic Programmes Business (APB) unit under the NUS Office of the Vice Provost (Masters’ Programmes & Lifelong Education), the event is an avenue for attendees to explore postgraduate study options. By providing more in-depth information about programme structures and curricula, this event could help prospective students in their decision-making process. The Colleges, Schools, Faculties and Institutes that will be present at the event are: Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, NUS Business School, School of Computing, School of Continuing and Lifelong Education, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Design and Engineering, Faculty of Law, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Faculty of Science, Institute of Systems Science and Risk Management Institute.
The event has been thoughtfully designed to provide attendees with a rewarding experience while addressing most of their questions and concerns. One of the highlights is the virtual booth exhibition featuring NUS Colleges, Schools, Faculties and Institutes as well as their Master’s Degree by Coursework offerings.
There are also Masterclasses shared by esteemed NUS faculty members who are experts in their fields, which prepare attendees for economic transformations brought on by key growth areas. The Masterclasses cover various trending topics, including Industry 4.0, Maritime Technologies and the Internet of Things.
One of the Masterclasses will be presented by Dr Prahlad Vadakkepat, a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the College of Design and Engineering, who will be sharing insights from his three decades of experience in the field of robotics and exploring how individuals and organisations can stay competitive in the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) by adapting to change and leveraging on the latest technological developments.
The fair will also showcase Information Sessions, where speakers discuss particular Master’s Degree by Coursework programmes and respond to live questions. Attendees can learn more about the curricula and determine which one best suits their interests and needs. Computing, Science, Supply Chain Management, Energy Systems, Business Analytics, and the Arts are among the programmes featured in these sessions.
Attendees can also participate in an event-exclusive contest and stand a chance to win an iPad Air. This is done by signing in to the event portal at any time throughout the event and answering a few questions correctly.
This two-day virtual education fair gives attendees a rare opportunity to deep dive into what NUS has to offer. By registering just once, individuals will be able to participate in all the activities at the fair. To learn more about NUS Master’s Degree by Coursework programmes, sign up for the NUS PCGF 2022 here: https://www.gevme.com/nuspgcf2022
Hashtag: #NationalUniversityofSingapore
2022 Taitung Blue Ocean Daily—Taitung’s First Ever Long-Distance Outrigger Canoe Challenge Rediscovers the Glory of the Austronesian Origin Point

The Austronesian Culture feat. Indigenous Tribal Life Experience was held on Thursday, September 22, marking the first time Taiwan has ever sailed in the Pacific Ocean along the coast on an outrigger canoe. When the outrigger canoe sailed near Pacefongan, the traditional waters of the Duli tribe, sailors blew through conch shells to announce their visit. Meanwhile, the people shoreside responded friendly by blowing bamboo horns in a canoe welcoming ceremony. After the outrigger canoe successfully landed on the shore, the elders presented the oarsman on the outrigger canoes with the traditional Amis ornaments to express their welcome. The outrigger canoe was named Pera (meaning the sea water splits) after the rocks on the river mouth at the Duli tribe as a means to re-establish tradition and camaraderie among the islands of the Austronesian tribes.
After the canoe welcome ceremony, the Duli tribe invited the representatives from the Kimokeo Foundation of Hawaii to visit the Amis Folk Center to conduct a house worship ceremony and fired blanks from bamboo cannons to salute and bless the visitors as well as to share the legacy of the Amis culture.
The Taitung County Government claims that Taiwan is the home of the Austronesian tribes. Taitung is home to 6 Austronesian tribes: Paiwan, Bunun, Rukai, Pinuyumayan, Yami (Tao), and Kavalan tribes. As Taitung is the only county with the most indigenous tribes in Taiwan, these tribes help form Taitung’s diverse local culture. As the Austronesian tribes have over 3000 years of history building connections and friendships amongst the island nations by sailing across the Pacific Ocean on outrigger canoes, hence Taiwan is the homeland of the Austronesians. The Taitung County Government intends to re-create the cultural legacy of the Austronesian tribes and introduce the diverse tribal cultures, the longest and the most beautiful coastline in Taiwan, as well as the unique charm of the local seaside city to the world.
For more information, please visit Taitung Blue Ocean Daily’s FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083162535238
Hashtag: #2022TaitungBlueOceanDaily
Irish Developer Bartra To Repay Over €90 Million To Immigration-By-Investment Clients – Projects Delivered on Time and on Budget and Sold to Institutional Investors
The construction of Bartra’s social housing and nursing home schemes is funded by investors participating in the Irish Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP). The IIP was introduced by the Irish government in 2012 and uses the immigration system to incentivise foreign investment into critically needed infrastructure such as social housing and nursing homes. The programme is managed by the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) Unit, a dedicated department within the Irish Department of Justice.
The key benefit of the IIP for many investors is the prospect of residency rights in Ireland within a short timeframe. It typically takes six months for approval and Ireland does not require investors to spend any more than one day per year in the country to maintain their residency. Due to Ireland’s strong and robust economy, high-quality education system, and excellent accessibility to its EU and UK neighbours, the IIP is currently growing at a fast pace, particularly in Asia. According to the Irish Ministry of Justice, from 2016 to 2021, there were 2,226 IIP applications with most investments made into the Enterprise option (61%).
Bartra provides social housing and nursing home IIP investment opportunities under the Enterprise investment route for high-net-worth families who are interested in emigrating to Ireland.
“Both of these asset classes are priority investment areas for the Irish State and Bartra has a strong track record of delivering projects in line with business plan and repaying investors. The total successful repayment amount of over €90 million to be made this year will mark one of the largest IIP repayments in history from a single Irish developer.” Daniel Hinds, Bartra Wealth Advisors Chief Operating Officer commented.
Hinds added: “Bartra Wealth Advisors was established to provide one-stop-shop Irish immigration services. With our unique business model and the backing of our parent company, we are able to support clients throughout the investment and immigration process, from immigration consulting and applying for qualified IIP programmes to landing services and ensuring investments are repaid. To date, Bartra has maintained a 100% application approval rate, 100% renewal rate and 100% repayment rate.”
Bartra intends to continue to raise funds from the IIP to develop bundles of social housing and nursing home projects on sites it owns, providing full visibility to IIP investors on the nature of the projects that they are investing in.
Batra launched its social housing business to focus on the provision of much-needed family homes and has completed three projects to date, with three more under construction. The company has established a dedicated social housing team, which is tasked with identifying development sites suitable for social housing where Bartra can deliver attractive investment opportunities to investors. Andrew Ennis, Director of Investments and Structuring at Bartra, says, “Our plan is to deliver at least 3,000 new homes between now and 2030, with our primary focus on the continued delivery of sustainable social housing. We want to build more homes for social and affordable tenants and believe social housing – the right homes, in the right places – could play a bigger role in reducing the impact of the housing supply crisis.”
In the healthcare sector, Bartra builds, manages and operates projects from start to finish, providing premium clinical care services for residents. Led by Declan Carlyle, Bartra’s Healthcare division delivers a nursing home portfolio with superior elderly care facilities designed to meet the Irish government’s highest standards as imposed by the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA). Bartra intends to build more much-needed healthcare homes in Ireland, in proximity to major hospitals and transport hubs, to service an ever growing elderly population cohort.
And as nursing homes qualify as essential infrastructure, institutional investors with long-term investment horizons are contributing to elderly care projects as part of their investment portfolios. Selling the healthcare developments to institutional investors is also part of Bartra’s development exit strategy to repay their IIP investors. Last month, Bartra sold a portfolio of nursing homes to Belgian Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Aedifica for approximately €161 million. The portfolio, which has capacity for 617 residents, consists of two brand new nursing homes located in Loughshinny (Skerries) and Northwood (Santry), an HSE transitional care unit in Beaumont (Artane), and the forward purchase of Clondalkin Lodge nursing home, which is currently in development.
Hashtag: #Bartra
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Bartra Wealth Advisors
Bartra Wealth Advisors (Bartra) is part of the wider Bartra Group, specialising in providing independent Irish immigration investment advisory services. With well-established business, extensive Irish immigration experience, expertise in the investment field, professional landing teams and strong business network support, Bartra Group has successfully carried out a significant number of social housing and nursing home Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) projects and has helped hundreds of families successfully immigrate to Ireland.
Bartra Wealth Advisors prides itself on delivering streamlined, in-group, end-to-end services. Its unique business model supports clients throughout their investment and immigration journey, from immigration advisory and government backed IIP projects through to exit executions. It maintains a 100% application approval rate, a 100% renewal rate and a 100% repayment rate. For details, please visit to the company website https://www.bartrawealthadvisors.com/.
Bartra team and project images
Bartra Insights
-
Belgian REIT Aedifica Acquires Four Bartra Healthcare Properties
-
Poplar Row social housing – client Bruce Zheng shares his IIP journey
-
Loughshinny Nursing Home repayment – client Luna Wu on her successful IIP journey
-
Premium nursing home care in Ireland
-
Relocating to Ireland
-
The 4 things you must know about Ireland IIP
For more insights about Ireland, visit Bartra Wealth Advisors’ blog:
https://www.bartrawealthadvisors.com/insight/
Equities First Holdings News: Collaboration with The Economist Group to Launch Podcast Series, “Shelter from the storm: Investing in the Era of Uncertainty”on Podcast Channel “Asia Perspectives by Economist Impact”
Equities First Holdings Partnership
Equities First Holdings Limited is thrilled to announce a collaboration with Economist Impact to bring forth a new series on the massively popular podcast channel, Asia Perspectives by Economist Impact. The new podcast series, Shelter from the storm: Investing in the Era of Uncertainty, 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.
A subsidiary of The Economist group, Economist Impact works with corporations, foundations, NGOs and governments across big themes and pressing issues, such as climate change, health security and gender equality, and drives value and change through uncovering insights from benchmarks, economic and social impact analysis, white papers, forecasting and scenario modelling. The new partnership sees the marriage of Economist Impact’s extensive geographical reach and evidence-based policy research, and Equities First Holdings’ abundance of experience and knowledge in the financial industry and economy at large.
Securing the future amidst troubled waves
‘Can Asia Pacific benefit from deglobalisation?’ , the first episode of Shelter from the storm, inspects the globalised economy under threat from COVID-19, deteriorating trade relations between superpowers, Russian invasion of Ukraine, and more. This episode will explore the longevity of the ‘friendshoring’ trend and the possible consequences on industries and economies, as well as investment strategies to mitigate risks and capture opportunities.
Managing risks with Equities First Holdings Financing
Be prepared for the coming storm. Equities First Holding’s equities-based financing service provides a strong alternative to traditional financing solutions, allowing our partners to unlock liquidity without giving up the potential upsides of current holdings or existing positions at unfavourable prices. While the financing itself is non-purpose, Equities First Holdings’ holds a stringent standard in risk management and diversification of its portfolio. As the world economy looks poised to continue polarising, it is made a priority for Equities First Holdings’ risk management policy to adapt and hedge against incoming adversities and protect Equities First Holdings Limited and our partners’ assets.
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. 2199/2021). 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 subjec to change without notice.
Hong Kong asset management sector steers through regulatory evolution, KPMG says
Growing emphasis seen on sustainability, investor protection and technology
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 September 2022 – Policymakers are responding to the emerging geopolitical and economic landscape by reviewing regulatory approaches and priorities, KPMG says in its recent report “Navigating uncertainty – Evolving Asset Management Regulation”. The report also noted that Hong Kong, a city that boasts an abundance of asset management institutions, is steering through this regulatory evolution, which is placing a stronger emphasis on sustainability, investor protection, and the embrace of technology.
Andrew Weir, Regional Senior Partner, Hong Kong and Global Chair, Asset Management and Real Estate, KPMG, says “Just as regulators and industry were adjusting to the ‘new reality’ we outlined in last year’s report, the geopolitical and economic landscape is again undergoing major change. Policymakers are responding to developments and reviewing regulatory approaches and priorities. All stakeholders need to navigate the widespread uncertainty.”
Since the 2021 Glasgow COP 26 summit, momentum has continued to build around sustainable finance initiatives as investor demand increases, the report said. KPMG believes, initiatives to increase corporate reporting, which will improve information flow to asset managers, and promote greener capital markets, are gathering pace. Asset managers need to implement a complex range of new requirements while meeting the evolving expectations of their clients.
Hong Kong regulators, meanwhile, are changing their overall approach to investor protection as well as amending specific rules. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has proposed extending the scope of its enforcement powers to bolster investor protection and requiring compensation of investors under certain circumstances.
Bonn Liu, Regional Head of Asset Management (ASPAC), KPMG in China, says: “Policymakers are striking a balance between expanding the available range of products to retail investors, like allowing for alternative assets and strategies to assist economic recovery, while recalibrating their approaches to investor protection in an increasingly digital world.”
The SFC has issued new rules requiring more than 1,800 fund managers to consider climate-related risks in their investment and risk management processes. This regulation adopts a two-tier approach, including a baseline set of requirements for all fund managers managing collective investment schemes, and an “enhanced requirements” that applies to fund managers with asset under management greater than HKD 8 billion. In addition, the securities and futures markets watchdog has provided additional guidance on disclosures and reporting for authorized funds that incorporate ESG factors and for funds with a climate-related focus.
Meanwhile in China, the government continues to open its capital markets to both domestic and foreign firms. Part of such effort involves deepening the mutual stock market access between Mainland China and Hong Kong (“Stock Connect”) and the prompt development of both capital markets. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the SFC agreed in principle on the inclusion of eligible exchange-traded funds (ETFs). China and Hong Kong exchanges in Stock Connect, the trading of which commenced in July 2022.
The CSRC has published new rules standardizing the framework for public pension investments and allowing Chinese investors to purchase pension funds that meet certain eligibility and size criteria. As part of a program to increase the scope of regulation and to promote investor protection, the Chinese authorities introduced various changes that impact the structure of derivatives markets and market participants.
New requirements have been introduced for China’s derivatives market relating to investor suitability, risk disclosure, control and transaction reporting. Supervision of China’s national futures market will be centralized and cross-border futures trading will be allowed for the first time. The requirements relating to total return swap transactions have also been updated and broadened.
Hashtag: #KPMG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About KPMG China
KPMG China has offices located in 30 cities with over 14,000 partners and staff, in Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Xiamen, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. Working collaboratively across all these offices, KPMG China can deploy experienced professionals efficiently, wherever our client is located.
KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.
KPMG firms operate in 144 countries and territories with more than 236,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.
KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.
In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in mainland China. KPMG was also the first among the Big Four in mainland China to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership, as of 1 August 2012. Additionally, the Hong Kong firm can trace its origins to 1945. This early commitment to this market, together with an unwavering focus on quality, has been the foundation for accumulated industry experience, and is reflected in KPMG’s appointment for multidisciplinary services (including audit, tax and advisory) by some of China’s most prestigious companies.