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HSBC And Chinachem Group Sign Bilateral Sustainability-linked Loan of HKD1 Billion

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 8 December 2021 – HSBC and Chinachem Group (the “Group” or “Chinachem”) announced today the arrangement of a three-year sustainability-linked loan facility of HKD1 billion to support the Group’s general working capital and capital expenditure in accordance with its sustainability objectives. The transaction reinforces the ongoing commitment of both corporations in promoting green developments in Hong Kong’s real estate sector.

HSBC and Chinachem Group announced today the arrangement of a three-year bilateral sustainability-linked loan facility of HKD1 billion. Photo includes Frank Fang, Head of Commercial Banking, Hong Kong, HSBC (second left); Donald Choi, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chinachem Group (second right); Sunny Poon, Head of Corporate (Commercial Real Estate & Infrastructure), Commercial Banking, Hong Kong, HSBC (first left); and Kam Por Chan, Chief Financial Officer, Chinachem Group (first right).

 

For high resolution photos, please click here.

 

As the sole lender and sustainability structuring bank, HSBC has innovatively structured the facility to meet the specific operation needs of Chinachem and incentivise the Group to fulfil a set of sustainability metrics, including reduction in energy consumption and water consumption in both its hotels and properties under management.

 

Recognising sustainability as one of its core values, Chinachem has been developing environmentally friendly properties and advocating green practices throughout its operations. In support of sustainable development, the Group has built green properties and promoted green construction technologies, implemented energy-saving measures throughout its buildings, as well as organised community activities to foster environmental awareness.

Frank Fang, Head of Commercial Banking, Hong Kong, HSBC, said: “Sustainability is an increasingly critical business agenda across different sectors. We are delighted to arrange the first sustainability-linked loan for Chinachem Group, extending our long-term relationship to support their dedication to contributing to the low-carbon economy. As a leading bank in the sustainable finance market, HSBC will leverage our expertise and comprehensive solutions to help clients navigate the net-zero transition.”

Donald Choi, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chinachem Group, said: “As a developer of ‘Places with Heart’, we strive to create vibrant, liveable, sustainable and socially inclusive communities, guided by our Triple Bottom Line of People, Prosperity and Planet. With this first sustainability-linked loan, we aim to promote and support environmentally and socially sustainable projects and minimise our carbon footprint. We look forward to working together with other like-minded partners to help Hong Kong transition to a brighter, zero-carbon future.”

 

HSBC has been embedding sustainability into its products and services, including access to capital markets, lending, transaction banking, advisory services and investments. In addition to participating in Chinachem’s first green development club loan for its project in Ho Man Tin, HSBC has also arranged and taken part in numerous sustainable financing solutions tailored for companies of different sectors and sizes.

 

In June 2021, Chinachem launched its Green Finance Framework to demonstrate how the Group intends to enter into Green Financing Transactions to fund projects that will deliver environmental benefits. To explore further opportunities to contribute to sustainable development, the Group is also formulating a Sustainability Development Framework that works towards realising the United Nations’ 17 wide-ranging Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, which epitomises the balance between financial return and community responsibility.

 

As part of these sustainability efforts and to respond to increasing customer demand for sustainable and responsible business practices, Chinachem has committed to meeting a series of Science-Based Targets (SBT) to support the long-term viability of its businesses and create enduring value for sustainable development. A review of the SBT in 2021 led to the “Chinachem Group Carbon Reduction Roadmap – CCG 3050+” with a new, more aggressive carbon reduction target to cut the Group’s carbon emissions by 51.8% in 2030 as compared with the base year of 2020.

Chinachem Group

Since 1960, Chinachem Group has been a leading property developer in Hong Kong, with a portfolio covering residential, commercial, retail and industrial buildings for sales and investment, in addition to operating hotels and property management services. The Group actively seeks to make a positive contribution to society through its adherence to the “Triple Bottom Line”, a commitment that its activities will benefit People, bring Prosperity to the community and preserve the Planet.

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 64 countries and territories in its geographical regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa. With assets of $2,969bn at 30 September 2021, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

#ChinachemGroup #HSBC

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

China Mobile International Commences Construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Hong Kong Fo Tan Data Center

The new data center will lay a strong foundation for digitalized and intelligent infrastructure in the Greater Bay Area while enhancing Hong Kong’s position as a global hub of innovation and technology.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 8 December 2021 –  China Mobile International Limited (CMI) today announced that construction of the China Mobile Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Hong Kong Fo Tan Data Center (Fo Tan Data Center) is now underway. Being built by CMI in Fo Tan, Hong Kong, with the Mainland as the hinterland, the new facility is expected to be operational in 2025. It will be an important part of a core data center cluster for the GBA, serving as an international communications hub to facilitate global connectivity.

Fo Tan Data Center will directly link to China Mobile’s other five self-built core data centers in the GBA and connect to the world via five international submarine cables and five core cross-border terrestrial cable systems. The new infrastructure will further enhance China Mobile’s value in self-owned data center network, cross-border connectivity resources, and local 5G and fibre optic network.

 

Mrs. Carrie LAM, The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr. SUN Xiangyi, Director-General of Economic Affairs Department of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R, Mr. Alfred SIT, Secretary of Innovation and Technology of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Ms. JIN Ping, Vice President of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, Mr. WANG Yan, Chairman of China Harbour Zhen Hua Engineering Company Limited, Dr. LI Feng, Chairman of China Mobile International and China Mobile Hong Kong, Mr. Sean LEE, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong and Mr. SHEN Weizhong, Director & Executive Vice President of China Mobile International attended the groundbreaking ceremony today to witness the milestone moment alongside other business leaders.

 

Amid a booming digital economy, emerging technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and the industrial internet are driving demand for data center services. The global market for internet data centers is expected to be worth US$143.4 billion by 2027[1], while China’s data center market is forecast to exceed CNY 320 billion by 2022[2]. With the new Fo Tan Data Center, CMI is supporting Hong Kong’s development and empowering the intelligent upgrade of the GBA to provide a strong foundation for digitalization across the region.

 

“Data centers are an important communication infrastructure for the development of digital economy and smart cities. In order to promote Hong Kong to become an outstanding data center hub in the Asia-Pacific region, the HKSAR government has also actively introduced preferential measures for data center development in recent years. China Mobile International has invested in this 1 million square foot site in Fo Tan. The large area of the industrial site signifies the active investment and great confidence of the communications industry, especially from China Mobile, in the development of its Hong Kong’s data center business. With the support of the country, Hong Kong’s excellent business environment and the participation of our communications industry, I believe that Hong Kong will make significant strides towards the future, of both innovation and our communications industry. Thanks to China Mobile for actively expressing opinions and providing strong support to the government’s various innovation, technology and telecommunications policies and measures.” said Mrs. Carrie Lam, The Chief Executive of the HKSAR.

 

Mr. YANG Jie, Chairman of China Mobile sent his congratulations to mark the groundbreaking ceremony, saying that the company sees the construction of the Fo Tan Data Center in Hong Kong as an opportunity to fully promote new infrastructure, integrate more new elements, and stimulate new momentum to help enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international information hub and support the vigorous development of the digital economy in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

 

“China Mobile places great emphasis to the development and future roadmap of Hong Kong. We are committed to enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international information hub and promoting the integration of 5G into Hong Kong’s diverse industries. The groundbreaking ceremony of the Fo Tan Data Center has opened a new chapter in China Mobile’s history in Hong Kong. In the future, it will further strengthen Hong Kong’s ‘new infrastructure’ advantages, add more digital intelligence to Hong Kong’s economic development, and make a greater contribution to Hong Kong’s integration into the overall development of our country.” said Dr. Li Feng, Chairman of China Mobile International and China Mobile Hong Kong.

 

Since its establishment in Hong Kong in 2010, CMI has ramped up its deployment of network resources to drive the digitalization of the city’s infrastructure. Following the opening of the China Mobile Global Network Center in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong in 2014, Fo Tan Data Center will be the second self-owned data center built by CMI in Hong Kong. The new facility will provide local and international users with seamless access to “massive” integrated services, spanning 5G communications, cloud, AI and edge computing, and other advanced technologies, enhancing Hong Kong’s position as a global hub of innovation and technology.

 

CMI continues to accelerate the development of a global Intelligent Network, leveraging its extensive submarine and terrestrial cable systems, Points-of-Presence (PoPs), and internet data centers. CMI currently has four self-owned data centers: the Global Network Center in Hong Kong, Singapore Data Center, London Data Center, and Frankfurt Data Center. It has over 70 terrestrial and submarine cable resources worldwide, with a total international transmission bandwidth of over 100T and 180+ PoPs. Combining these resources, CMI provides global access with ample bandwidth, flexible connectivity and comprehensive one-stop services, accelerating the development of networking infrastructure worldwide.

 

CMI is committed to building top-tier, green data center resources in Hong Kong. Hence, it is adopting a low-carbon approach for Fo Tan Data Center, which will have an average power usage effectiveness (PUE) rating of less than 1.3 and an extended life expectancy. The new data center will be equipped with an AI system to maximize efficiency in six critical areas: Material & Resources, Water Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Sites, Smart Building and Transportation and Indoor Environmental Quality. This approach aims to explore energy conservation and emissions reduction for a greener data center. With a focus on robust infrastructure, life-cycle impact reduction, sustainability, green-planting, renewable energy, AI technology and green certification, CMI is positioning Fo Tan Data Center as a reliable and environment-friendly data center and an industry leader. The new data center also aims for green building certifications such as BEAM Plus and LEED Gold.

 

Designed in accordance with international Tier III data center standards, Fo Tan Data Center will span a construction floor area of 103,660 sq. m., accommodating over 9,000 server cabinets in total.

 

Today’s groundbreaking ceremony was accompanied by an exhibition offering insights into the major plans of CMI in terms of global network development and the “Belt and Road” Initiative. With continuous efforts to expand its networking infrastructure, CMI provides enhanced data center services and network connectivity specifically for users in GBA. In the future, CMI will continue to advance its data center presence across the globe and fully leverage its own network synergies to achieve efficient convergence and agility, providing global access with large bandwidth connectivity to global carrier partners, enterprise customers and consumer users.

 

About China Mobile International Limited

China Mobile International Limited (CMI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile, mainly responsible for the operation of China Mobile’s international business. In order to provide better services to meet the growing demand in the international telecommunications market, China Mobile established a subsidiary, CMI, in December 2010. CMI currently has 70+ terrestrial and submarine cable resources worldwide, with a total international transmission bandwidth of over 100T, and a total of over 180 PoPs. With Hong Kong, China as its launchpad, CMI has significantly accelerated global IDC development, creating a strong network for data center cloudification. Leveraging the strong support by China Mobile, CMI is a trusted partner that provides comprehensive international telecom services and solutions to international enterprises, carriers and mobile users. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China, CMI has expanded its footprint in 37 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.cmi.chinamobile.com.

#ChinaMobileInternational

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

AXA Hong Kong launched exclusive mind health network and online counselling service for Employee Benefits customers

Provide all-round mental health support with innovative digital solutions

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 8 December 2021 – As a leading Employee Benefits insurance provider, AXA Hong Kong (AXA) continuously enhances its services to working individuals with a commitment to safeguarding all aspects of their physical and mental wellbeing. To enhance mental health support and to make related services and treatments more accessible to all insured employees and their dependents, AXA introduces two new services to its Employee Benefits insurance customers in Hong Kong[1] today. These comprise an exclusive mind health network encompassing General Practitioners (GP) with a psychology qualification, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, and an innovative digital one-stop psychological consultation platform named Mind Healer on Emma by AXA mobile app.

 

Exclusive mind health network to provide professional and tailored counselling

AXA understands that searching for suitable and reliable mind health specialists may possibly create an additional burden for people struggling with mental stress. To help alleviate this situation, AXA has assembled the market’s most comprehensive list of healthcare professionals ranging from GPs with psychology qualifications to certified psychiatrists and clinical psychologists in 27 locations across Hong Kong to provide the professional counselling services. More mind health specialists will be invited to join the network in the coming future. The network list is readily available to the insured employees and dependents of AXA’s Employee Benefits insurance policies1 via platforms including Employee Benefits Portal and the Emma by AXA app, significantly enhancing the accessibility of mental health consultation services for those in need. Moreover, those insured and their dependents are entitled to the benefits of psychiatric treatment and psychological counselling currently provided by the specialists within the AXA’s exclusive mind health network[2].  

 

Mind Healer – One-stop online consultation platform for instant mental health assessment and support

Readily available support is essential to sustaining a healthy mind. To accompany insured individuals on a journey to restoring mental health and achieving all-round wellbeing, AXA is thus launching Mind Healer on Emma by AXA to provide assistance to insured employees of AXA’s Employee Benefits policies1 who are suffering from stress or negative emotions. In partnership with TheraTalk, Hong Kong’s first technology-based psychological services provider, the user’s mental status can be assessed through Mind Healer. After completing a simple assessment, a counsellor will be assigned to the user for online text counselling according to the assessment result. Starting from today, all insured employees are offered an exclusive 5-day Mind Healer free trial on Emma by AXA during the 30-day trial period.  After the trial period, employees can opt to subscribe to Mind Healer’s paid services to continue usage of the platform.[3]

 

For more information on the new services of AXA Employee Benefits, please visit: https://www.axa.com.hk/en/employee-benefits-tailor-made



[1] Applicable to designated AXA Employee Benefits insurance policies in Hong Kong only.

[2] Co-payment for the mind health consultation is different from GP or Specialist (SP) consultation in the network. Benefit is up to each member’s entitlement under GP and SP. Members will be informed of the charges upon making appointment or registration.

[3] Relevant terms and conditions apply

About AXA Hong Kong and Macau

AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 54 markets and serving 105 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.

As one of the most diversified insurers offering integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance, our goal is to be the insurance and holistic wellness partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve.

At the core of our service commitment is continuous product innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers and leveraging technology and digital transformation.

We embrace our responsibility to be a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first insurer in Hong Kong and Macau to address the important need of mental health through different products and services. For example, the Mind Charger function on our holistic wellness platform “AXA BetterMe”, which is available via our mobile app Emma by AXA, is open to not just our customers, but the community at large. We will continue to foster social progress through our product offerings and community investment to support the sustainable development of Hong Kong and Macau.


THIS PRESS RELEASE IS AVAILABLE ON AXA’S WEBSITE: AXA.COM.HK


IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause AXA’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 – “Risk factors and risk management” of AXA’s Universal Registration Document for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA’s business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as part of applicable regulatory or legal obligations.

#AXA

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

Green Monday Movement Selected As One of The “Best Practices For Carbon Neutrality”

Recognised As A Model Of Promoting Quality Green Development And Building A Sustainable Future

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach – 8 December 2021 – The “Green Monday” Movement by Green Monday Group has been selected as one of the “Best Practices for Carbon Neutrality” in the China Green Economy Summit 2021, co-hosted by People.cn, All-China Environment Federation and the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The cases were reviewed by a panel of professionals to select an exclusive list of 25 corporates across the nation to receive the honour.

The 25 corporates chosen for the “Best Practices for Carbon Neutrality” meets the criteria of green transformation of social and economical development, and are prime examples of striding towards the goal of carbon neutrality. Since 2012, the “Green Monday” movement under social venture Green Monday Group combats climate change, food insecurity, health and animal welfare issues through innovative and diversified social platforms, encouraging sustainable living on a personal, social and corporate level, thus becoming a global pioneer in building a sustainable future. Green Monday provides solutions such as restaurant programmes, corporate solutions and school programmes to advocate for plant-based diets. The movement includes aiding restaurants to add vegetarian menus, providing corporate solutions to corporates, such as organising talks, workshops and educational activities on health, introducing the new trend of green industry, and how to lead a low-carbon, sustainable life. The above solutions are all efforts to lower China’s carbon footprint and to fulfil the promise of achieving sustainability goals. The school programme inspires students to become a green global citizen through making conscious diet choices. The Green Monday Movement has reached over 30 countries and regions, including Mainland China, Singapore, Thailand, US and the UK.

David Yeung, Founder & CEO of Green Monday Group, expressed his gratitude in receiving the award, “Carbon neutrality is a worldwide common goal, and a clear direction to bring the nation forward to a sustainable future. We are honoured to receive this prestigious recognition for being one of the best-practice companies. Green Monday looks forward to working with every enterprise, group and individual to promote plant-based diets, bringing sustainable food choices to all. Everyone should take the responsibility to take this important and necessary step towards a sustainable future.”

Corporate partners of Green Monday in Mainland China, Hong Kong and internationally include HSBC, UBS, BNP Paribas, MGM Macau, Sands China, Ernst & Young Greater China, Shui On Group, Vanke, Noah Holdings, KPMG, KWG, Foodpanda and others.

Other selected projects include Voov Meeting by Tencent, which encourages low-carbon office operations; Volvo Cars’ mission to drive a low-carbon value chain; Wynn Resorts’ efforts to upcycle food; Mengniu Dairy’s initiative to reduce food waste and other outstanding corporate initiatives aiming to promote sustainability.

 

About “Best Practices in Carbon Neutrality” in the 2nd China Green Economy Summit 

The 2nd China Green Economy Summit, co-hosted by people.cn, All-China Environment Federation and Center for Environmental Education and Communications of Ministry of Ecology and Environment, provides a platform for the discussion and exchange of ideas on carbon-emission reduction, upcycling, technology innovation and brand culture. The summit also analyses outstanding examples of corporate carbon neutrality, drawing from their experiences in green development to uplift all participating corporates.

Corporates regardless of industry are encouraged to submit projects, the summit focuses on cases which are industry leaders in carbon neutralisation, green industrial innovation, as well as green development fostering. The cases should also showcase and represent the new industry goal of carbon neutrality in the core values of the brand.

The cases submitted must be in line with related laws and policies, embodying authenticity, efficiency, growth and representativeness. The selected cases should also advocate for green development, safeguard ecological health, pave the way to a green civilisation and lead the green development trend. The entries (corporate or brand) should possess active social influence.

About Green Monday Group

Green Monday Group was founded in 2012 in Hong Kong SAR with the vision to “Make Change Happen, Make Green Common”. It is the pioneer in Asia to launch a large scale plant-based movement by advocating flexitarian lifestyle. The Group comprises Green Monday Holdings, the operational arm producing and distributing plant-based food products in Asia and beyond, Green Monday Ventures, the impact investment arm dedicated to supporting and accelerating growth of mission-aligned entrepreneurs and start-ups globally and Green Monday Foundation, the non-profit arm advocating sustainable plant-based living through community initiatives. Green Monday Holdings comprises OmniFoods and Green Common: OmniFoods is a global leading plant-based food company with a Canadian-based R&D team creating its own range of alternative protein food products includingOmniPork series, OmniSeafood series and OmniEat series; Green Common is a one-stop plant-based platform combining retail, distribution and dining service in over 20 markets, empowering communities in Asia and beyond with sustainable, innovative and wholesome food choices. The Green Monday Group is named to Fortune’s 2020 “Change the World” list, Fortune China’s “20 Most Socially Influential Startups in China” list, and “Best Practices for Carbon Neutrality” in the China Green Economy Summit 2021. For more information, please visit: www.greenmonday.org

#GreenMondayGroup

Asia logistics tech startup Pickupp raised US$37 million Series B funding, closing its third fundraise in 13 months

  • Closing its third fundraising in 13 months, the funding is led by Jardine Matheson, a diversified Asian-based group with a broad portfolio of market-leading businesses.
  • The US$37 million funding will be used to deepen Pickupp’s presence in Asia, including expansion of service and dispatch network in Singapore.
  • The funding also supports and strengthens Pickupp’s network infrastructure in Singapore amid the soaring growth of quick commerce and e-commerce.

 

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 December 2021 – Pickupp, the Asia tech startup redefining logistics, today announced it has raised another US$37 million in Series B funding. This third round of funding follows its initial Series A round in November 2020, and Series A+ round in July 2021.

Pickupp aims to improve the efficiency of deliveries during peak traffic hours and decarbonise its operations by increasing its walker and rider delivery agent pool.

 

Jardine Matheson led the Series B round. They were joined by existing investors including Reefknot Investments, Cathay Venture Inc., PChome Online Inc., DRIVE Catalyst (the corporate venture arm of Far Eastern Group), and Swire Properties.

 

The funding will be used to deepen its presence in Asia and to strengthen Pickupp’s regional logistics network infrastructure, ensuring that the company is better positioned to propel continued growth in quick commerce and e-commerce.

 

Building strategic partnerships through tech integration

 

The Series B funding is a significant step in Pickupp’s development; the funding will enable the company to execute a more holistic business plan, and from a strategic perspective, support investors’ businesses and online strategies. Crystal Pang, co-founder and CEO of Pickupp said: “This financing round is a major milestone for our rapidly growing business in Asia and it’s great to have such strong and continuous support from investors across the region in the past 13 months. We pride ourselves on being an innovative logistics technology company that supports our customers and strategic partners with tech integration and digital-first strategy amid exponential e-commerce growth.”

 

“As a diversified Asia-based group with unsurpassed experience in the region, we are delighted to be the lead investor in Pickupp’s Series B funding. Like Pickupp, Jardine Matheson shares a commitment to technology and innovation, and we see significant opportunities arising from future strategic partnerships,” said Anne O’Riordan – Group Director of Digital at Jardine Matheson.

“We are seeing more strategic partnerships growing across the e-commerce and logistics industries. Recently, we have been supporting PChome with our last-mile delivery service, which enables them to deliver the best seamless O2O experience driven by technology and innovation. This round of investment once again demonstrates our customers’ faith in the capability and reliability of our last-mile delivery services, which have earned the trust of notable MNCs and digital-first businesses,” said Crystal. “With digital infrastructure advancing in the region, the possibilities for mutually beneficial partnerships such as this are growing.”

 

Propelling growth in Singapore and Building “Logistics Network as a Service”

 

Founded in 2016, Pickupp is redefining logistics with its transparent customer-centric service and technology. Its customised last-mile delivery services and trademark technology have earned a loyal customer base from notable MNCs and logistics giants to retail and e-commerce.

 

In the last 13 months, Pickupp has expanded rapidly while continuously diversifying its product portfolio and offerings across all industries and verticals. Pickupp will introduce 10 new satellite warehouses across heartland areas in Singapore by mid-2022. The expansion of these service points, which provides pick up and drop services, micro-fulfilment and warehousing as well as cross-border services, is aligned with Pickupp’s goal of improving the efficiency of deliveries during peak traffic hours and decarbonising its operations by increasing its walker and rider delivery agent pool.

 

“Quick commerce is becoming more prevalent in Singapore, with more consumers venturing online to purchase groceries and daily necessities. This trend has increased the demand for flexible and faster deliveries, raising the bar for service standards in the last-mile delivery space,” said Lee Chee Meng, co-chief operating officer of Pickupp. “Investments in our technology and the expansion of our satellite networks will remain a vital part of our operational strategy as we aim to provide our customers with the most reliable and efficient delivery services.”

 

To date, Pickupp has worked with 24,000 merchants, with more than 100,000 delivery agents onboard across all regions. The company has seen a user base growth of 94% since 2021, driven by the growing demand of the digital economy.

About Pickupp

Pickupp is a data driven supply chain platform redefining logistics with its transparent customer-centric service and technology. Founded in 2016, the company has operations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan, providing logistics support to 24,000+ businesses spanning MNCs, logistics giants as well as retail and e-commerce. They also have a strong delivery team of over 100,000 delivery agents across all cities.

Pickupp provides flexible, tech-driven logistics solutions that enable businesses of all sizes to scale and thrive. Through highly optimised batching and chaining technology, customers can optimise seasonal fulfilment and delivery needs without sacrificing speed and cost, while real-time GPS tracking provides end-to-end transparency. Pickupp’s flexible delivery windows and their handy scheduling feature enable customers to be nimble and capitalise on local and cross border business opportunities. Pickupp launched Shop On Pickupp, a one-stop e-commerce platform offering all-rounded payment and tech-enabled delivery solutions for businesses in 2020. For more information, please visit our website at https://pickupp.io/en/.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgpickupp

Instagram: pickupp.sg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pick-upp

#Pickupp

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

Chubb appoints Kevin Bogardus to lead Singapore’s business

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 December 2021 – Chubb today announced the appointment of Kevin Bogardus as the Country President for its Singapore business, subject to regulatory approval. Mr. Bogardus replaces Scott Simpson who has been appointed as President for Chubb’s operations in Hong Kong and Macau.

 

In his new role as Country President for Singapore, Mr. Bogardus will have overall responsibility for the growth and financial results of the operations across all lines of business i.e.  Property & Casualty, Accident & Health and Personal Lines. He will also manage all affinity partnerships and drive efforts to deepen and grow these. Mr. Bogardus is currently the Country President for Chubb in China. He will relocate from China to Singapore for his role and will report to Edward Ler, Chubb’s Executive Vice President and Head of Southeast Asia. 

 

Mr. Bogardus has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry having begun his career at Winterthur Insurance where he helped establish offices for the company in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Ningbo and ultimately, securing the first operating license for a European insurance company in China. Over the years, he has worked for reinsurance and broking firms in roles of increasing responsibility. He joined Chubb in 2009 as Chief Advisor to Huatai Insurance Group Company Limited, where Chubb is the largest shareholder. Under his leadership, Chubb’s footprint in China grew and the business expanded into new product lines becoming the market leader in segments such as Life Sciences, Financial Lines and Chinese multinational programs.

 

According to Mr. Ler, “Kevin is entrepreneurial, driven and leads by example.  I’m confident of his leadership to grow and strengthen Chubb’s niche as a pre-eminent provider of risk management solutions in Singapore, a strategically important market for our business in the region”.

About Chubb

Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide.

Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com .

#Chubb

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

Chubb appoints new leader for Hong Kong’s general insurance business

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 December 2021 – Chubb today announced the appointment of Scott Simpson as the new President for its general insurance businesses in Hong Kong and Macau, subject to regulatory approval. Mr. Simpson replaces Doug White who will return to his former role as Chubb’s Head of Major Accounts for Asia Pacific, a premium service division dedicated to offering underwriting, risk engineering and claims for the region’s large, global and multi-national clients and business partners.

 

As the new President for Hong Kong and Macau, Mr. Simpson will have overall responsibility for the growth and financial results of the operations across all lines of business i.e.  Property & Casualty, Accident & Health and Personal Lines. Prior to this new appointment, he has been serving in a similar capacity as Country President for Singapore since 2018.

 

Mr. Simpson joined Chubb in 2005 as a Commercial Lines Underwriter in Sydney and since then, has held numerous leadership roles including Branch Manager for Melbourne and Head of Northern Region, spanning New South Wales and Queensland. In his new role, Mr. Simpson will relocate from Singapore to Hong Kong and will report to Paul McNamee, Regional President for Chubb in Asia Pacific.

 

On this change in leadership, Mr. McNamee said, “Scott is a strong leader with a proven track record of success. His business acumen and stewardship will help steer our business to a level that matches the ambition and opportunity which Hong Kong and Macau afford us.”

 

About Chubb

Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide.

Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

#Chubb

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

Manulife strengthens presence in Kowloon East with Grade A office building renamed ‘Manulife Place’

Renovated 145,000 sq ft office space to cater to rapid agency force expansion

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 8 December 2021 – Manulife Hong Kong today announced the official renaming of International Trade Tower (ITT) in Kowloon East to ‘Manulife Place’, effective December 8. As the anchor tenant occupying four floors, Manulife has moved part of its agency force to the newly renovated 145,000 square-foot office space. The new office marks another strategic investment Manulife has made in Hong Kong as the company targets long-term, annual double-digit growth in its agency headcount to accelerate its business performance.

 

Manulife Place (formerly known as International Trade Tower) will be home to up to 3,400 Manulife agents.

 

“We are excited to broaden our footprint into another Grade-A building, now called Manulife Place. This move is a significant milestone for Manulife in Hong Kong, demonstrating our continued commitment to investing in this important market and meeting the needs of Mainland Chinese Visitors as the borders gradually reopen,” said Damien Green, Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Hong Kong and Macau. “Our pre-eminent insurance agency force with over 11,000 advisors in Hong Kong has been the key contributor to the growth of our business. By equipping them with best-in-class facilities, they can further provide enhanced services as the company continues to expand and change the market order.”

 

Manulife Place is the company’s fourth office in Kowloon East, underpinning its ambitious long-term growth strategy in the city and the Greater Bay Area region. The newly refurbished four floors will initially be occupied by 2,400 agents, and can house up to 3,400 agents when used in full capacity. The open office space is designed to foster greater collaboration, promote learning, and nurture inclusion among agency teams. It includes digitally-enabled meeting and training rooms to allow for increased flexibility and productivity, spacious common areas to encourage communication and creativity, and a comfortable and expansive front of office to welcome and serve customers visiting their agents in Manulife Place.

 

The lease agreement signed in April this year is Hong Kong’s largest Grade A office leasing deal since July 2019 and the largest in Kowloon East since April 2018 in terms of net floor area[1].

 

“We are proud to have a strong and outperforming agency force that serves as the backbone to the success of our Hong Kong business,” said Mr. Green. “As a leading insurance player in health and retirement, Manulife will remain committed in our investment towards products, distribution capabilities, customer experience as well as community support so that people can live every day better.”



[1] Based on statistics of CBRE Hong Kong.

About Manulife Hong Kong

Manulife Hong Kong, through Manulife International Holdings Limited, owns Manulife (International) Limited, Manulife Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited and Manulife Provident Funds Trust Company Limited. As a member of the Manulife group of companies, Manulife Hong Kong offers a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individual and corporate customers in Hong Kong and Macau.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we provide financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for our global wealth and asset management segment, we serve individuals, institutions and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2020, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 118,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 30 million customers. As of September 30, 2021, we had CAD$1.4 trillion (HK$8.6 trillion) in assets under management and administration, and in the previous 12 months we made CAD$31.6 billion in payments to our customers.

Our principal operations are in Asia and Canada, and the United States, where we have served customers for more than 155 years. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under ‘945’ in Hong Kong. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

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