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Laos Reaches Over 14,000 Cases of Covid-19 as Community Spread Continues

Covid-19 Update

Laos has recorded 195 cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total number of cases to 14,104.

Authorities to Convert University and National Stadium to Field Hospitals in Vientiane

Field hospital at Lane Xang Indoor Stadium
A field hospital at Lane Xang Indoor Stadium (Photo: Happy Sisomphone)

Authorities in Vientiane Capital are considering converting the club hall of the National University of Laos (NUOL) in Dongdok, Xaythany District, and the National Stadium at Km 16 of Xaythany into field hospitals to accommodate people infected with Covid-19.

DHL Supply Chain recognized as a Great Place to Work® across Asia

  • Its commitment to build a team of #ConnectedPeople has won itself this accolade across nine countries in the region, including a re-certification in four countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam) which also won this accolade in 2020
  • Notably, this marks the first time the company has earned this honor in Australia, the Philippines and Thailand

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 26 August 2021 – DHL Supply Chain (“DHL”) has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® in a record number of nine countries across Asia Pacific including Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The global market leader in contract logistics has steadfastly promoted a #ConnectedPeople culture in the past year, which contributed to this accolade where respect, pride, credibility, camaraderie and fairness are encouraged and celebrated.

Terry Ryan, CEO, DHL Supply Chain Asia Pacific said, “The pandemic has upended the way we live, work, play and interact with one another as different countries in the region continue to battle the rollercoaster waves of infections. Throughout this testing period, the management team prioritized the well-being of our employees so they can deliver the best results for our customers by working in a world-class safe and healthy working environment. By keeping our people at the heart of our business, it fills me with pride to know how hard-fought our success is, and how much further we can go as one.”

Despite the ongoing constraints and restrictions posed to workplace arrangements across the region due to Covid-19, DHL has continued to maintain high employee engagement levels. To promote team spirit in the hybrid workplace that defines current practices, the company has been actively engaging its workforce by organizing virtual get-togethers and team-building exercises. In fact, over the last 20 months, employees have continued to participate in different community initiatives such as beach cleaning, meal preparation and food delivery to underserved communities – all while maintaining strict social distancing.

“Engagement with our employees and their wellbeing take centerstage at DHL pre- or post-pandemic. Constantly adapting and innovating, we now leverage digital tools and platforms more than ever to maintain camaraderie and promote learning and development,” said Declan J Byrne, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, DHL Supply Chain Asia Pacific. “We have been very successful in rolling out fully-virtual internal training program to on-board new joiners, upskill managers and conduct regular virtual town halls and feedback sessions to lean in to employees on the business, ask questions, share feedback and provide insights.”

Every year, Great Place to Work®, a global people analytics and consulting firm, assesses the work experience of employees through their certification program. This time around, more than 15,000 DHL employees participated in the Great Place to Work survey to provide their feedback about the company. Submissions were judged according to the following criteria: Credibility, Fairness, Pride and Camaraderie.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 66 billion euros in 2020. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.

#DHL

Military Sheep Farming Program Continues in Xieng Khouang

Army Sheep Farming Program in Xieng Khouang
Mongolian embassy officials observe farming of donated sheep in Xieng Khouang Province (Photo: Lao People's Army Newspaper)

A sheep farming program conducted by the Lao military in Xieng Khouang Province is producing well, according to reports by state media.

Crypto Exchange Bybit Backs Esports Heavyweight Virtus.pro

  • Russia’s most decorated esports club teams up with the go-to platform for crypto lovers
  • Bybit closes its fourth professional gaming sponsorship deal this summer

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach – 25 August 2021 – Bybit, a crypto exchange growing in popularity and recognition, is rapidly expanding its esports portfolio. It brings on board a new partner, Virtus.pro (“VP”), one of the most influential and time-tested professional gaming clubs in the CIS region, with a global reach.

Founded in 2003, VP is the most prestigious pro league in its native Russia, dominating the country’s most popular game DOTA 2 with 25.6 million viewing hours in 2020. VP teams’ achievements in nearly two decades have been rewarded an awe-inspiring $16m in prize money globally.

Bybit is having its own “Grand Slam” moment in building esports clout. The crypto exchange branched out to the competitive gaming community in 2021 and has struck four high-profile esports partnership deals to date.

The outfits captivate global audiences with the most coveted divisions and athletes in this genre, winning international tournaments and championships in virtually every popular video game on the planet. As of Aug. 25, Bybit’s esports portfolio cover three out of the top five teams in the CS:GO World Ranking according to HLTV.org[1].

With the latest addition of VP, the sponsorships will get the Bybit name across to a combined global fanbase of over 28.7 million.

Winners Take All: Esports Teams and Crypto Traders to Divide $7.5m Prize Pool

The announcement makes official Bybit status as VP’s NFT Partner and exclusive Official Cryptocurrency Platform Partner of VP, backing VP’s formidable DOTA 2 and CS:GO teams.

Apart from logo displays on branded platforms and team jerseys, the partnership spans across a diversity of engagements and activations, with a focus on impact-driven community initiatives — including social causes and inclusive financial education, NFT developments, and player participation in the crypto trading competition of the year.

VP’s esports sensations will be competing with traders worldwide in Bybit’s flagship crypto trading event, the World Series of Trading (WSOT) 2021. Each team in Bybit’s esports family is presenting their best players in the trading competition, leading cohorts towards victory for a lion’s share in the record prize pool of $7.5m this year.

With the advancements in software, hardware and mobile technologies, and accelerated by societal changes brought upon us by the ongoing global pandemic in every corner of the globe, esports is on an unstoppable course to challenge competitive sports and entertainment as we know it.

“The coming of age of esports is testament to technology’s ability to touch our lives, redefine entertainment and inspire our imagination in only a few decades. Crypto and its underlying technologies tell a similar tale — the potential of digital assets has transformed our thinking of value and wealth. We are witnessing only the beginning of profound changes for generations to come,” Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit, explained his fascination with esports.

“Esports is now as much a spectator sport as it’s a participation sport, and WSOT will also be such an occasion for crypto lovers everywhere. We want to build an arena where anyone who believes in crypto and enjoys trading can achieve their personal best,” said Zhou.

VP will be curating content on crypto and financial education across the club’s channels during the three-year partnership, expanding the intersection between the esports and the crypto communities.

“Both digital financial assets and esports are relatively new industries. Despite their fast growth and the fact that everyone is talking about it, a lot of people may still find it complicated and not easy to understand. That is where our goals with Bybit are aligned: we are constantly improving and trying to make what we do best as simple as possible to understand for the audience. We are delighted to have Bybit joining esports with their large-scale projects and proud to be their partners in Russia!” said Sergey Glamazda, CEO of VP.

WSOT 2021 troops formed by Bybit’s esports partners and affiliates are listed on the official event page: bybit.com/wsot2021, where fans can track their performance. The final results will be ranked by profit and loss ratio.

About Bybit

Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange established in March 2018 to offer a professional platform where crypto traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, excellent customer service and multi-lingual community support. The company provides innovative online trading services and cloud mining products, as well as API support, to retail and professional clients around the world, and strives to be the most reliable exchange for the emerging digital asset class.

For more information please visit: https://www.bybit.com/

For updates, follow Bybit’s social platforms on Twitter and Telegram.

#Bybit

About Virtus.pro

Virtus.pro is the most decorated Russian esports club, founded in 2003. The club’s rosters are six-time Champions of Major international tournaments in Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Virtus.pro is in the top 5 clubs in the world in terms of prize money won. The amount of prize money earned by Virtus.pro is more than $16 million. At the moment the club has rosters in Dota 2, CS:GO, Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, PUBG and PUBG MOBILE.

About WSOT

The World Series of Trading (WSOT) is a global cryptocurrency trading competition powered by Bybit championing the spirit of competition, fair play, and cultivating camaraderie between crypto lovers from around the world. WSOT celebrates the positive changes cryptocurrency and technologies have brought to our lives.

WSOT ranks contestants by the “profit vs. loss” percentage where traders compete on a level playing field regardless of the depth of their pockets.

Read the rules and sign up for WSOT 2021: bybit.com/wsot2021

Final Call for FUNtastic Summer – Explore Discovery Bay with Keigo Family Characters and enjoy FUNtastic Summer Double Rewards

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 August 2021 – Summer is coming to an end soon, and you should seize the opportunity to eat and play as much as you want! This summer, the animal characters created by famous Japanese illustrator Keigo have landed Discovery Bay! And the latest “FUNtastic DB Guide” has featured three popular itineraries – Family Day Out, Island Romance and The Great Outdoors for those who are planning for a memorable getaway with loved ones. So make a perfect end note for this summer vacation at Discovery Bay.

At Discovery Bay, you can show-off your skating skills at the international-standard DB Ice Rink, have a leisure stroll along Tai Pak Beach, seek an outdoor adventure various hiking trails or enjoy a wide range of international cuisines at D’Deck and take a staycation at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong resort hotel.

Double Rewards! FUNtastic Summer Rewards x Summer Lucky Draw

During 1st to 31st August 2021, each electronic payment of HKD500 or above (maximum two same-day receipts) at designated Discovery Bay outlet(s) will be entitled to ONE FUNtastic Summer Pass#, which includes one HKD50 F&B voucher, one HKD50 shopping voucher# and one pass to participate in the Keigo Family mobile game. A limited-edition Keigo x Discovery Bay premiums can be redeemed upon completion of the mobile game. Purchase payment made via AliPay, Octopus, WeChat Pay or Tap&Go will be rewarded with an extra HKD50 Discovery Bay F&B voucher#.

FUNtastic Summer Rewards Redemption Details

Redemption period: 1st to 31st August 2021

Time: 12:00 – 21:30

Location: Concierge, DB Plaza

# Terms and conditions apply. Limited daily quota for the gifts and vouchers, once per person per day, first come first served. Available while stock lasts.

FUNtastic Summer Lucky Draw To Win a Staycation at Discovery Bay

From now on until 31st August, 2021, each electronic payment of HKD200 or above (one same-day receipt) at selected retail shops from Monday to Friday, or electronic payment of HKD800 (one same-day receipt) at selected retail shops on Saturday and Sunday will be entitled to one lucky draw ticket^ and have a chance to win fabulous prizes as part of the FUNtastic summer fun!

10 winners will be drawn on 1st September 2021. Each of them will receive the following prizes:

  • Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong Mountain View Suite two days one night accommodation with buffet breakfast (two sets)
  • Discovery Bay shopping voucher HKD1,000
  • Discovery Bay dining voucher HKD1,000
  • Discovery Bay Ice Rink Skating voucher HKD400

(Total prize valued at HKD 68,000)

FUNtastic Summer Lucky Draw Ticket Redemption Details

Redemption period: now till 31st August 2021

Time: 12:00 – 21:30

Location: Concierge, DB Plaza

*Trade promotion competition license number: 54586-7

#Terms and conditions apply ^One ticket per person per purchase

For more information of Discovery Bay FUNtastic DB Guide and Summer promotions, please visit:

Website:

www.visitdiscoverybay.com

Facebook:

@VisitDiscoveryBay

Instagram:

@visitdiscoverybay

Emailďą•

explore@visitdbay.com

Official Photos:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PoCkHXhm7BI2TgyQZqFtDlFbm-iLytq0?usp=sharing

Appendix 1: Discovery Bay FUNtastic DB Guide

Appendix 2: Specialty Shops and Check-in Spots at Discovery Bay

Retail Shops:

European Touch

European Touch is passionate about bringing the flavours of Europe to consumers. It offers goods that reflect our vision – making it possible for everyone to Eat Better and Feel Better. The picks of “european touch’s choice” consist of products that are fairly and sustainably produced or products that have earned the choice for their premium quality. When the catalogue is curated, it strives for creating Value for Value.

felix & mina

The concept of “felix & mina” together with our philosophy “live the moment, live with consciousness” originated in Frankfurt Germany, by passionate mums who love “Mini” Fashion. We wanted to create children’s wear that has great design, but is also safe for both kids and the environment. The family concept store by felix & mina in Discovery Bay merges fashion, art, design and fun, creating a sensory experience, punctuates with curated spaces of stunning visual merchandising and collaborations. It provides customers with a great selection of modern children’s wear and family orientated lifestyle products which ensure every family member can enjoy shopping in the store.

Islandwake

Established in 1995, ISLAND WAKE is the first one-stop shop for extreme sports shop equipment in Hong Kong specialized in water sports and skiing equipment and apparel. It carries 100 brands including Billabong, Roxy, Quiksilver, Reef, Sun Bum, Smoothstar, Havaianas, Liquid Force, Hyperlite, Thirtytwo, Gentemstick, K2 Snowboarding, MasterCraft, Fliteboard, etc.

Lareina

Stylish collection of fashion and products that fit the need of any modern ladies in town. Targeting at bringing out the pride and style in all women, Lareina offers tailored consultation advice to shoppers at large.

Polishfood.hk

Featuring a vast selection of food and groceries sourced directly from Poland, Polishfood.hk is your one-stop boutique for Polish meats, dairy products, confectioneries, ethnic Polish cuisines and organic produce. With products flown to Hong Kong weekly, the newest and the best gourmet of Poland awaits your discovery.

Red Velvet Designs

Delicately designed by shop owner and designer Kavita Mathur, every piece in store is a bespoke piece of art that can be personalized in every way for you. Kavita loves sharing home decoration insights with customers and is a master in custom designed homeware, carpets or even furniture. Regardless of the size, pattern, style and space, Red Velvet is here to help you effortlessly build your dream home.

Slowood

Slowood is an eco-friendly lifestyle store that makes sustainable shopping so easy for you. Browse from a wide range of imported European homeware, personal care products, sundries, healthcare goods, groceries and more.

Tree of Joy

Promoting “Play, Learn & Grow in Joy”, Tree of Joy boasts a vast and high-quality selection of educational toys, interactive storybooks and specialty wooden toys imported from Europe to let children’s imagination take off.

YOPE

A family-friendly brand from Poland — YOPE continues to create wonders for ladies and gentlemen with sustainable personal care and home care products formulated with skin-safe, natural, environmentally friendly ingredients and distinctive fragrances.

Gourmet Dining:

Bones and Blades

A premium specialty butcher shop featuring grain-fed meat, with a wide range of cuts and grades for beef, as well as other gourmet meats. Select your favourite cut and have it prepared perfectly to your taste. Excite your palate with the rich and juicy Italian gourmet sausages made exclusively in-house. After a sumptuous meal, bring home meats and cold cuts for culinary fun with your family. Bones and Blades’ experienced team is here to provide professional advice according to your taste and recipe.

The Coffee AcademĂŻcs

The Coffee Academïcs Discovery Bay is the latest café concept by The Academïcs Group, the first dining outlet on the outlying island. The unique concept ties together a coffee dispensary and retail corner with a dine-in café & restaurant space. For the very first time, The Coffee Academics will feature a one-stop self-ordering system, customers can scan, order and enjoy at their own pace with ease. The Coffee Academïcs Discovery Bay is a new destination for coffee, nature, and lifestyle lovers.

Other check-in spots:

Seaside dining at D’Deck

Treat yourself with a feast at D’Deck, the renowned seaside alfresco dinning spot. Most of the restaurants have outdoor seating areas allowing you to enjoy cuisine with spectacular seaviews. Lovers of spicy Mexican delicacies must not miss the exquisite Mexican cuisine at Coyote Mexican Cantina. Its homemade nachos and traditional dishes will wake every taste bud up. Embrace yourself in sentiments français with the fine French cuisine and European cocktails at 22° North. The recently renovated Italian restaurant iL Bel Paese cooks fresh imported ingredients which refresh your taste and sight. Solera Spanish Restaurant near the pier is famous for its classic Spanish seafood and traditional dishes. Its innovative cuisine will surprise Spanish cuisine lovers.

New ice rink with international standard facility

Discovery Bay Ice Rink creates wonderful and unique memories for you. Whether you look for leisurely family time or a thrilling competition, this “Ice Dreamland” is here for you to explore. An international standard ice rink, DB Ice Rink is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a world-class professional coaching team which will take your skating experience to another level. The DB Ice Rink is just a starting point for your leisure and entertainment journey. A day of beach fun in Discovery Bay, or dining experience in open space is just a step away. Now head to DB Ice Rink and experience the wonder of Discovery Bay!

Discovery Bay North Love Lock Promenade

As the bus from Discovery Bay Pier arrives, the first landmark you see is the European style clock tower, and next you will arrive at the Love Lock Promenade. Parents may wish to relive their dating memories and seal their names here with their own love locks. The seaside promenade offers scenery of southern European architectures and coastline of sea and sky, you will feel if you are in Europe.

The Pavilion and Central Park

Along the seaside promenade past Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, you will find this glass-walled white pyramid. This seaside auditorium has hosted countless romantic weddings and brought back sweet wedding day memories of many couples. After only 10 minutes’ walk from Discovery North Waterfront, you will reach Central Park surrounded by large green patches, artificial lakes and fountains and verdant trees. The tranquil and pretty environment is perfect for walks and taking pictures or running and discharging for children.

About Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay is located in the northeast of Lantau Island. With a land area of approximately 650 hectares and surrounded by mountains and oceans, it is Hong Kong’s foremost premium international residential community and a unique leisure destination, boasting a quiet environment, sophisticated urban planning and a variety of waterfront facilities.

Situated next to Discovery Bay Pier, D’Deck is Hong Kong’s renowned oceanfront al fresco dining destination with numerous themed restaurants with spectacular views of the sea. The 400-metre-long Tai Pak Beach is an excellent venue for outdoor activities with related facilities. Featuring a shopping arcade, restaurants, an open piazza and Love Lock Promenade, DB North serves as the second social hub for the Discovery Bay community and visitors alike. Adjoining is Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, home to 325 superbly appointed rooms and suites, a seaside Pavilion with a one-of-a-kind design, offering a unique leisure experience.

Discovery Bay is served by a comprehensive transport network that includes ferry services to Central, bus services to Tung Chung MTR Station, Sunny Bay MTR Station and Hong Kong International Airport. A Free Ride is offered to diners at designated restaurants1 at Discovery Bay. Both urban and Lantau taxis can access Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong through the Discovery Bay Tunnel, providing a convenient alternative for residents and visitors alike.

1 Designated restaurant include: 22ËšNorth, Cali-Mex, Coyote Mexican Cantina, Ebeneezer’s, Figos, First Korean Restaurant, Shanghai Breeze, Hemingways, iL Bel Paese, Island Cafe, Koh Tomyums, McSorley’s Ale House, Moofish, Mirch Masala, MooFish, Pascucci Italian Caffe & Fine Food, PizzaExpress, Solera Spanish Restaurant, Taste of Thai, Three Sheets Marquee Bar, The Coffee Academics, Viet Bu Tong Kitchen & Bar and Zak’s

2 Dine ‘N Ride offer is valid only for dinner consumption (6pm to 11:30pm) from Monday to Friday, and for lunch / dinner consumption (12 noon to 11:30pm) on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Customers should redeem and use the offer within the day of consumption. The “Dine ‘N Ride Service Counter” is located at the glass house near Discovery Bay Pier.

#DiscoveryBay

Achiko’s rapid Covid-19 diagnostic test AptameX(TM) receives product and registration approval from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health

  • AptameX™, Achiko’s breakthrough DNA aptamer-based diagnostic test for Covid-19, received product and registration emergency use approval from the Ministry of Health in Indonesia, alongside its sister digital passporting service, Teman Sehat™ (“Health Buddy”).
  • PT Achiko Medika Indonesia, which is 50% owned by Achiko AG, and its manufacturing partner, PT Indofarma TBK, have signed an agreement for the production and registration of AptameX™.
  • The approval, together with the partnership with PT Indofarma TBK, will enable access to low-cost and accurate Covid-19 testing for over 270 million Indonesians.
  • Achiko closes funding with strategic investors for CHF 3.45 million. Proceeds will be used for working capital, business consolidation, and redemption of the Yorkville convertible note facility.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 25 August 2021 – Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR – Achiko AG (SWX: ACHI, ISIN CH0522213468) through PT Achiko Medika Indonesia (“Achiko”, the “Company”), is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia has granted product and registration approval for its proprietary low-cost, rapid Covid-19 diagnostic test, AptameX™, alongside its sister digital passporting service, Teman Sehat™ (“Health Buddy”). Achiko’s 50%-subsidiary, PT Achiko Medika Indonesia, and PT Indofarma TBK (“Indofarma) have entered into an agreement to manufacture AptameX™ and have received product registration approval in Indonesia.

The approval opens the door to the rapid scale-up of production and sale of Achiko’s AptameX™ test kits in Indonesia. Available at an affordable price, AptameX™ provides millions of Indonesian residents with access to accurate diagnostic testing for Covid-19, enabling the country to more effectively control and contain the pandemic. Indonesia passed 50,000 daily Covid-19 cases in mid-July, amid the spread of the Delta variant in Southeast Asia.

“We are proud and excited to receive the official approval for our breakthrough test kit AptameX™. It is an immense achievement for us to be able to market it with Indofarma,” said Steven Goh, CEO of Achiko. “At the projected vaccination rate, and considering likely mutations of the virus, the next few years may be very challenging not only for Indonesia, but also quite possibly for the entire world. The combination of AptameX™ and Teman Sehat™ provides communities and governments with an affordable, easy-to-use test and a digital passporting service, empowering them in their fight against Covid-19 and all its variants.”

Covid-19 poses a challenge to traditional testing methods, as low viral loads evade most rapid tests, calling for a new paradigm. AptameX™ uses a proprietary, novel chemistry matching the speed of lateral flow rapid tests, while improving on sensitivity. At a significantly lower price point than other tests, it also offers a better user experience. Those that test positive are alerted promptly through the Teman Sehat™ digital passporting service and asked to follow local guidelines on isolation and quarantine. Its affordability, scalability and superior performance make it an ideal tool in Indonesia’s fight against Covid-19.

Indofarma’s President Director, Arief Pramuhanto, explains: “Testing regularly is crucial in containing the pandemic. AptameX™ is a Covid-19 diagnostic test produced domestically by and for the people of Indonesia that has been designed to be integrated into dental hygiene routines. Access to reliable and affordable testing will allow us to lead normal lives again and at the same time work to control the spread of Covid-19. Indofarma, in partnership with Achiko, aims to make this diagnostic readily available at an affordable price for everyone.”

Dr Morris S. Berrie, President of Achiko, added: “Our team has been tireless in developing our technologies for rapid, affordable, diagnostic testing for Covid-19 and other forthcoming indications. AptameX™ is designed to be easy to use and affordable, and therefore accessible to anyone. We believe AptameX™ and our digital passporting service Teman Sehat™ will be vital diagnostic resources for many years to come.”

In the cooperation between Achiko and Indofarma, a member of Indonesia’s Holding BUMN Farmasi, which is partly owned by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX: INAF), Achiko will provide the technology and all materials for diagnostic kits while Indofarma will carry out the production and product registration processes.

Following the Ministry of Health’s approval for AptameX™, Achiko is looking forward to securing a CE mark and introducing AptameX™ and Teman Sehat™ swiftly in further countries and regions. In parallel, Achiko is also investigating applications of AptameX™ to a range of other pathogenic diseases and therapeutic indications.

Achiko, on product approval, has raised a total amount of CHF 3.45 million through share placement at an average price of CHF 0.192 per share to a leading Swiss venture capital group, OCS International Commodities & Investments FZCO and other private investors. The funds are to be used as working capital and production funds as well as for the redemption of the Yorkville convertible note facility from 25 November 2020.

“We’re grateful for the support of all our investors and shareholders,” said Achiko CEO Goh. “These most recent investments provide a solid platform to consolidate our strategy as a global leading diagnostics company, connecting our capabilities in Europe and Asia in the fight against the challenge of Covid-19.”

ABOUT ACHIKO AG

Achiko creates and develops new innovations in healthcare technology through its biotechnology division, AptameX™, and its sister digital mobile health technology division, Teman Sehat. The Company has created a unique healthtech capability that provides user-friendly diagnostic testing integrated with a digital passport solution for the management of Covid-19.

AptameX™ comprises of DNA aptamer-based technology that is cost-effective, chemically synthesised and widely applicable to the evolving diagnostic field of healthcare. Together with the digital mobile health app Teman Sehat™, Achiko is developing potential technologies that seek to deliver rapid, affordable diagnostic testing for a range of pathogenic diseases and therapeutic indications. The AptameX™ technology is licensed from Regenacellx.sl and Achiko has exclusive commercialisation rights.

Headquartered in Zurich, Achiko has offices in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Seoul and Singapore.

Further information can be found at www.achiko.com.

#Achiko

ABOUT PT ACHIKO MEDIKA INDONESIA

Achiko AG and PT Indonesia Farma Medis (“IFM”) have established the joint venture company PT Achiko Medika Indonesia (“AMI”) for the production and marketing of its testing platform developed from AptameXTM, a non-invasive DNA aptamer technology for the detection of Covid-19, for Indonesia. Its partner, IFM, is a medical device and pharmaceutical distribution company with a large network of relationships and distribution channels that includes hospitals, pharmacies and clinics across the main islands of Indonesia.

Further information can be found at https://achikomedika.com.

ABOUT PT INDOFARMA TBK

PT Indofarma TBK is one of Indonesia’s oldest pharmaceutical companies that was founded in 1918 and in January 2020 became part of the BUMN Farmasi Holding.

PT Indofarma TBK continues to support the Government of the Republic of Indonesia programs in the health sector and contribute to improving health status and a better quality of life by committing to provide medicines with guaranteed quality and affordable prices for the community. In addition, the Company also supports the efforts of the government of the Republic of Indonesia in accelerating the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic by providing pharmaceutical products and medical devices, as well as health services. To date, Indofarma has had 321 distribution licenses for medicinal products and medical devices with distribution coverage spread across 29 branches throughout Indonesia.

Further information can be found at https://indofarma.id.

Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Achiko AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Achiko AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Achiko AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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

Razer Delivers Record High Revenue And Net Profit Of US$31 Million For The First Half Of 2021

Invest for growth to achieve long-term growth ambitions

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 August 2021 – Razer™ (“Razer” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”, Hong Kong Stock Code: 1337), the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, announces unaudited financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2021 (“1H 2021”).

“Razer had a phenomenal first half of the year. In addition to the ongoing growth in the broader industry that benefitted our core business segments, Razer’s stellar results were driven by our strong brand position and intensely loyal user base, our proven capabilities in rolling out innovative, category-defining products and services, and effective operational execution,” said Min-Liang Tan, Co-Founder and CEO of Razer.

“Looking ahead, the robust momentum in our business, strong fundamentals and the exciting opportunities we see in the market, give us the confidence that it is the right timing to further scale our business. We intend to reinvest part of our full year profits into high potential areas such as Razer Gold and Razer Fintech, as well as step up investments in new growth opportunities in the Razer ecosystem. We believe these strategic investments will allow us to build a greater platform for Razer to achieve long-term growth ambitions and deliver outstanding value to shareholders.”

Key highlights for 1H 2021 earnings

COMPANY

  • Record-high Revenue of US$752.0 million with 68.0% year-on-year growth driven by robust demand, market share leadership for the Hardware business, and ongoing growth in the Services segment.
  • Gross Profit Margin improved to 27.1%, as compared with 22.0% for the same period in 2020, primarily due to improving margins in the Hardware segment.
  • Adjusted EBITDA* (a non-GAAP measure) of US$59.5 million, soaring by 1,759.4% year-on-year growth from US$3.2 million for the same period in 2020.
  • Net Profit of US$31.3 million, as compared with a Net Loss of US$17.7 million for the same period in 2020, driven by exceptional revenue growth, continued gross margin expansion, and productivity improvement.

CORE SEGMENTS

HARDWARE:

  • Revenue grew 77.0% year-on-year to US$677.3 million.
  • Peripherals business has maintained its market leading position for gaming peripherals across the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific[1]
  • Systems business has maintained its market leading position in the premium gaming laptop segment in the U.S. while growing market share in new markets outside of the U.S.[2] .
  • New gaming growth categories have continued to gain market share such as broadcast and gaming chairs.

SOFTWARE:

  • Total user accounts increased 50.0% year-on-year to approximately 150.0 million with monthly active users surging by over 51.4%.
  • The increase was attributable to strong growth across all Software offerings, boosted by increases in gaming, esports, and livestreaming activities.
  • Razer continued its efforts to further enrich user experience and drive stickiness to the Razer ecosystem:
    o During 1H 2021, Razer Cortex PC Squad Rewards Seasons 6 and 7 continued to drive high engagement with over 200,000 gamers joining the competition each season. Players logged in a total of over 3.5 million hours of PC game time each season.
    o Razer ChromaTM RGB continued to reinforce its partner-of-choice position, working with leading hardware partners through its connected devices programme. As of June 30, 2021, over 180 games and applications are natively integrated with Razer ChromaTM RGB Software Development Kit (SDK).

SERVICES:

  • Services business, comprising of Razer Gold and Razer Fintech, grew 13.8% year-on-year to US$72.8 million for 1H 2021.
  • Gross margin was 41.9% and contributed 15.0% of the Group’s gross profit in 1H 2021.

RAZER GOLD

  • Recorded a 13.8% year-on-year increase in total payment volume (“TPV”), driven primarily by the increase in the number of transactions conducted through the Razer Gold platform.
  • As of June 30, 2021, Razer Gold recorded approximately 30 million registered users, representing 25.3% growth year-on-year.
  • Further expanded its footprint and added more channel touchpoints in places such as Southeast Asia and Latin America covering users from more than 130 countries and more than 5.6 million channel touchpoints.
  • Reinforced its position to be a partner of choice for content partners with over 42,000 digital entertainment titles supported and added popular new games.
  • Put in place longer-term initiatives that will well-position Razer Gold for the next level of growth, such as:
    o Further increasing Razer Gold’s penetration in high growth regions such as Latin America, with its gaming market expected to reach US$3.6 billion in 2023.
    o Bolstering localization strategy in both content and channel to cater to the specific tastes and needs of the regions Razer operates in.

RAZER FINTECH

  • Recorded 63.7% CAGR in TPV over the last 3 years.
  • Over 95% of the TPV was driven by Razer Merchant Services (“RMS”), the Group’s B2B payment processing business which powers over merchants 60,000 merchants across Southeast Asia.
  • RMS has made significant progress in the first half of 2021 in the following areas:
    o TPV: Recorded 79.5% year-on-year growth to US$3.2 billion in 1H 2021, driven mainly by e-commerce marketplace purchases, food deliveries and e-wallet top-ups.
    o Merchant adoption: Recorded 88.6% year-on-year growth to over 60,000 merchants, coming from the retail, food and beverage industries, and professional/commercial services.
    o Key licences and network expansion: Strengthened core infrastructure, expanded business footprint, and secured additional licenses across the Southeast Asia region.

ESG

  • Formalized its commitment to the environment with a 10-year roadmap as part of its #GoGreenWithRazer initiative, supported by four main initiatives– green organization, green products, green community and green investments.
  • Announced short-, mid- and long-term plans to bring Razer closer towards building a greener future:
    o By the end of 2021:
    Green Organization: Say no to single-use plastics
    Green Products: Greener packaging
    o By the end of 2025:
    Green Organization: 100% powered by renewable energy
    Green Products: 100% products are recyclable with Razer
    o By the end of 2030:
    Green Organization: 100% carbon neutral
    Green Products: Made of 100% recycled and recyclable materials
  • As part of the Group’s drive to galvanize its community to contribute and support the global green movement, the Group partnered with Conservation International in October 2020 and introduced Sneki Snek campaign, led by Razer’s fan-favourite sustainability mascot. As of August 25 2021, the Group has saved over 500,000 trees.

INVEST FOR GROWTH

  • Razer’s gamer-centric ecosystem has expanded rapidly over the last few years, and the Group expects the growth to continue as exciting new market opportunities emerge.
  • Gaming, esports, and fintech are all on a significant growth trajectory as they become more entrenched in people’s lives.
  • Key investments area include:
    o Hardware: additional investments will be allocated for research and development of both existing gaming Peripherals and new Hardware categories.
    o Software: to develop new services to increase user acquisition, engagement, and retention, explore new monetization initiatives and deepen big data analytics capabilities to drive user acquisition and nurture user activity.
    o Services:
    Razer Gold:
    expand into new regions internationally and deepen penetration in high growth regions such as Latin America, Middle East and Southeast Asia, as well as enhance core infrastructure and recruit talent to improve user experience, acquire new users and drive usage/ spending per user.
    Razer Fintech: additional investments will be allocated for continued geographical expansion across SEA, scale TPV aggressively with expanded merchant base, enhance service capabilities for existing customers and M&A/ investments.

FY2021 OUTLOOK

Razer is closely monitoring the market environment in light of the continued COVID-19 situation, and intends to carry on the momentum and strength of its operations and are on track to deliver strong revenue growth and operational enhancements, while amping up the investments for growth for full year 2021.

Its outlook for the full year will be:

  • Strong Revenue Growth:
    o New Hardware product introductions
    o Growth of Software user base
    o Continue scaling Services business
  • Continued Operational Enhancements:
    o Track record of cost discipline
    o Improvement of Hardware margins
    o Expansion of higher-margin Hardware and Services as part of the revenue mix
  • Amp Up Investment For Growth:
    o Reinvesting profits in high potential areas such as Razer Gold and Razer Fintech
    o Such investments will involve additional spending in operating expenses as we scale our Services business
    o Step-up investments in new growth opportunities in the Razer ecosystem

For more details, please refer to the 1H 2021 results announcement for the results of the Group which are published in accordance with the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Details of Razer’s ESG initiatives can be found on the website: http://www.razer.com/go-green.



* The Group defines adjusted EBITDA as profit/(loss) from operations added back with depreciation and amortisation, share-based compensation expense, restructuring expense, and merger and acquisitions expense.

[1] [2] Internal sources and market research

ABOUT RAZER

Razer™ is the world’s leading lifestyle brand for gamers.

The triple-headed snake trademark of Razer is one of the most recognized logos in the global gaming and esports communities. With a fan base that spans every continent, the company has designed and built the world’s largest gamer-focused ecosystem of hardware, software and services.

Razer’s award-winning hardware includes high-performance gaming peripherals and Blade gaming laptops.

Razer’s software platform, with over 150 million users, includes Razer Synapse (an Internet of Things platform), Razer Chroma RGB (a proprietary RGB lighting technology system supporting thousands of devices and hundreds of games/apps), and Razer Cortex (a game optimizer and launcher).

Razer also offers payment services for gamers, youth, millennials and Gen Z. Razer Gold is one of the world’s largest game payment services, and Razer Fintech provides fintech services in emerging markets.

Founded in 2005 and dual-headquartered in Irvine (California) and Singapore, Razer has 18 offices worldwide and is recognized as the leading brand for gamers in the USA, Europe and China. Razer is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 1337).

Razer – For Gamers. By Gamers


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