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Logan Group Announces 2021 Interim Results Steady, Long-term Development Strategies Pave Way for Future Growth

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 August 2021 – Logan Group Company Limited (stock code: 3380.HK) has announced its 2021 interim results. In the first half of the year, despite the global spread of the coronavirus pandemic, China’s economy managed to continue its steady recovery. The Group proactively implemented business development plans in accordance with real estate industry trends and policies, strengthened the “two stability and one new” business orientation and applied the “four-wheel-driven” strategy, together with its “precise investment, fine management, refined products, meticulous service, capable team, sincerity and responsibility” strategies, achieving satisfactory growth in performance and starting a new model of development.

 

Financially sound – Maintained “green line” status. Ratings continued to improve with debt ratio and financing costs reduced

Logan Group adhered to its long-term sustainable development and prudent financial strategies, continued to consolidate stable cash flow and a sound capital structure. As at 30 June 2021, its net gearing ratio had decreased to 60.8%, asset/liability ratio (after deducting receipts in advance) had decreased to 69.0%, and cash to short-term debt ratio had risen to 1.85 times. The “three red lines” indicators were further optimized, with all maintaining positions within the green line.

 

The Group’s international credit rating was further upgraded. Fitch confirmed the rating as “BB”, with the outlook upgraded to “positive”. Moody’s upgraded the rating to “Ba2”, Standard & Poor’s maintained the rating at “BB”. Lianhe Ratings Global and China Chengxin (Asia Pacific) rated the Group as “BBB-” and the domestic credit rating maintained the highest “AAA” level, demonstrating the Group’s achievements were highly recognized by the capital market.

 

In the first half of the year, Logan Group’s diversified financing channels remained unobstructed, with new financing costs decreased by 15% to 4.6%, the weighted average borrowing interest rate was 5.4% at the end of the period, the debt structure continued to be optimized, the financing costs continued to decline, and the liquidity was reasonable and abundant, which further enhanced the Company’s long-term development competitive strength.

 

Stable operation — Steady growth of revenue and profit, and continuous stability of profitability

As a result of the Company’s refined products, meticulous service, abundant saleable resources and strong strategic execution, Logan Group maintained a stable operation. In the first half of the year, the Company’s attributable contracted sales amounted to approximately RMB73.64 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 59%, and the Company has already achieved 51.0% of its annual sales target. Revenue amounted to RMB35.17 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 13.3%. Core profit attributable to owners of the Company amounted to RMB5.58 billion, representing an increase of 4.6% compared with the same period last year, helping Logan Group maintain a steady growth on top of a high base level.

 

In the first half of the year, Logan Group strengthened its fine management, continuously improved the efficiency of development management and control, and shortened the average time period from land acquisition to presale for new projects to 6.6 months. The Company’s per capita efficiency continued to improve thanks to its lean team structure. During the period, the per capita contribution to attributable contracted sales increased by 60.0% year-on-year to RMB25.46 million, and the per capita contribution to core profit was about RMB1.93 million.

 

In the context of a general decline in industry profit margins, the gross profit margin of the Company was 27.0% in the first half of the year, a slight decrease of 3 percentage points compared with 2020, which was significantly less than the average decline of the industry. The Company’s profitability and competitive advantage remains stable, with attributable net profit margin of 17.6%, and the core net profit margin was 16.7%.

 

Develop new business model — Focus on four major business segments and provide professional services through a diversified industry chain

Amidst new trends in the industry, Logan Group enhanced its position as the “city’s comprehensive service provider” and will continue to focus on four major business segments of “residential development, urban redevelopment, commercial operations, and industrial operations”, to improve the development ability and overall competitiveness. Meanwhile, Logan Group has developed new business models based on the property industry chain, to elevate professional services quality. The Group has four business segments, which are design, construction, landscape, and decoration, with complete supporting structure and talents,  established business development and clear business models.

 

Logan Group’s professional services are highly recognized by the industry. It has a “Grade” A qualification in Design Institute as well as general contractor of construction, and “Grade B” qualification in municipal public engineering projects. In the first half of the year, customer satisfaction in landscape services and construction services were 93% and 88% respectively, which are industry-leading levels.

 

In the foreseeable future, Logan Group will take advantage of its professional services, continuously increase market share and market value, through a diversified industry chain and professional qualifications.

 

Precise investment – Reasonable structure of land bank and sustainable urban redevelopment

Logan Group focuses on valuable core metropolises in China, based on its regional penetration strategy, and precise investment. In the first half of the year, the Group acquired GFA of 3.63 million sq.m through public tendering, auction and listing. The land price was less than 40% of relevant projected selling price. Logan Group develops regional expansion efficiently with excellent performance in the Yangtze River Delta metropolitan area,  covering 7 cities and 27 projects, with a total saleable resources of approximately RMB50 billion.

 

Urban redevelopment business has been a differentiated segment which requires less capital with more potential, with sustainable competitive advantages. For the six-month period ended 30 June 2021, the urban redevelopment business covers 11 cities, 125 projects with GFA of 46.26 million sq.m. In total, 93% of which is located in the 7 core cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

 

Logan Group’s abundant premium land bank provided a solid foundation for the Group’s long-term sustained growth in results. For the six months ended 30 June 2021, the Group had a total land bank of 85.56 million sq.m. The Group focuses on high-performing cities and the saleable resources in first-tier and second-tier cities accounted for 94.0%. The land bank structure remained reasonable. The near-term land bank area was 39.3million sq.m., accounting for 46.0% of total land bank. And the near-term saleable resources reaches RMB 532 billion, which guarantees development within next 3 years. The area of urban renewal land bank accounted for 54.0% of total land bank, with great value potential, sustainable conversion, and long-term profitability.

 

Sincerity and responsibility — Contribute to common prosperity, actively participate in public welfare and charity, continue to give back to society

While steadily developing, Logan Group has effectively fulfilled its corporate citizenship responsibilities, actively participated in public welfare and charity, and continued to give back to society. In July 2021, there was a severe flood in Henan province. Logan Group quickly responded to emergency assistance and jointly donated RMB10 million via Logan Charity Fund to support flood prevention and disaster relief.

 

With 26 years of social responsibility and public welfare experience, Logan Group’s public welfare undertakings cover 9 provinces, 38 counties and districts across the country and has carried out more than 560 public welfare projects. The Group teamed up with Logan Charity Fund to donate a total of RMB1 billion across education, rural revitalization, pandemic prevention efforts and disaster relief, industrial poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and community services. The Group won the China Charity Outstanding Contribution Award and ranked 9th and 11th in the 2021 China Charity List and Forbes China Charity List respectively.

 

Logan Group strives to ensure product quality, corporate governance, green development, public welfare investment, employee care, etc. to continuously improve the level of sustainable development. The Group has been rated “BB” in ESG ratings by MSCI and is included in the Hang Seng ESG 50 Index. The Group has also won the China Real Estate Enterprise ESG outstanding property developers. In 2021, Logan successfully issued overseas green bonds, marking a new milestone in its ESG development strategy.

Laos Reaches More than 15,000 Cases of Covid-19

Covid-19 Update Vientiane

Laos has confirmed 199 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases to 15,015.

Prince Foundation Celebrates Sixth Anniversary with Rebranding & Strategic Review

Charity arm of Prince Group aims to be more strategic and investment-oriented in approach

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach – 31 August 2021 – Prince Foundation, formerly known as the Prince Charitable Foundation, has announced the adoption of a new logo, a new name and a new vision statement – “Together, Building a Better Future for Cambodia”. Prince Foundation is the charity arm of Prince Holding Group (“Prince Group”), one of the largest conglomerates in Cambodia, with its various units focusing on three core areas: real estate development, financial services and consumer services. Prince Foundation will be known in Chinese as 太子慈善 (translated as “Prince Foundation”).

 

The rebranding exercise comes after an exhaustive review its past six years of high-impact philanthropic activities during which Prince Foundation conducted more than 250 charity events benefitting more than half a million Cambodians, with cumulative donations exceeding US$14 million. In line with the emerging trend among similar foundations in Asia – more charitable foundations in the region are seeking to become more strategic and investment-oriented in their approach – as such, Prince Foundation endeavors for its activities to be more holistic and closely integrated with Cambodia’s national development goals.

 

“A new logo, a new vision statement and new processes have been introduced to signal our determination to create the right framework that can bring about necessary long-term sustainable and responsible societal changes,” said Neak Oknha Chen Zhi (陈志公爵), Chairman of Prince Group. “Following the government’s lead in driving economic development, human capital upskilling, improving gender equality, we felt it was important and timely to conduct a comprehensive review and chart a new roadmap for the future.” 

 

During the COVID-19 epidemic in Cambodia, Prince Foundation acted swiftly and came to the aid of Cambodia by donating 110,000 PPE and over US$1 million to vaccination and relief efforts in May. It came after Prince Group’s donation of US$3 million to the Cambodian government’s anti-pandemic efforts in March as well as a US$3 million donation by the Group to help Cambodia purchase 1 million COVID-19 vaccines at the end of the previous year. This year, Prince Group has won awards for its COVID-19 Corporate Response at the eighth annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards and the 2021 International Business Awards. Prince Foundation’s decisive action during a crisis period was commended by various international judging panels.

 

“We hope ‘Together, Building a Better Future for Cambodia’ will guide our team at Prince Foundation, just like how the Group has, through its corporate strategy of “Building a Better Life” for Cambodians, led to over US$2 billion in investment towards local projects,” added Chen Zhi. “Ensuring Cambodia’s recovery will be a long-term effort and we remain invested in the future of Cambodia and will offer the necessary financial and operational support to ensure Prince Foundation’s continued success.”

 

About Prince Holding Group

Prince Holding Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Cambodia, with its various units focusing on three core areas: real estate development, financial services and consumer services.

Prince Holding Group’s key business units in Cambodia include Prince Real Estate Group, Prince Huan Yu Real Estate Group, Prince Bank, Cambodia Airways, Belt Road Capital Management, as well as Awesome Global Investment Group. Via its subsidiaries, Prince Holding Group has over 80 businesses in Cambodia operating in real estate development, banking, finance, aviation, tourism, logistics, technology, food and beverages, and lifestyle sectors etc.

Rising foreign direct investment, free trade agreements with leading countries and future participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership are expected to act as key drivers for the Cambodian economy, supported by pro-industry policy initiatives by the government.

Leveraging a network of industrial, business and financial professionals across Asia, Prince Holding Group has laid the foundation to be a vital conduit for local and international capital. The Group is firmly committed to the long-term development of Cambodia. For example, Prince Holding Group is developing Ream City, an upcoming tourism and residential project that will be one of Cambodia’s first sustainable real estate projects, aiming to secure $16 billion in total investment for the region. Located conveniently within a 10-minute drive from the Sihanoukville International Airport, the project aims to contribute to economic recovery in Sihanoukville.

Moving forward, Prince Holding Group will continue to seek out opportunities to play an important role in Cambodia, through partnerships or direct investments into key industries for the betterment of Cambodians and the local economy.

#PrinceHoldingGroup

Desire to Improve Their Health Motivates Asia Pacific Consumers to Start Eating Breakfast More Often During the Pandemic – Herbalife Nutrition Survey

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 August 2021 – Premier global nutrition company, Herbalife Nutrition, today unveiled findings from its third annual Asia Pacific Breakfast Habits Survey 2021, which revealed that the desire to improve health and well-being was the top reason that motivated Asia Pacific consumers to adopt positive breakfast habits. Three in ten (30 percent) consumers began eating breakfast more often as a result of the current situation, and half of the respondents who started doing so said they ate breakfast six to seven more days per week.

 

To understand the impact of the current pandemic on Asia Pacific consumers’ breakfast attitudes and habits as well as the behavior preferences of different demographic groups, Herbalife Nutrition’s Asia Pacific Breakfast Habits Survey 2021 polled more than 5,500 consumers aged 18 and above across 11 markets – Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Approximately 50 percent of respondents in each market were Generation Zs (aged 18 – 24) or Millennials (aged 25 – 40).

 

“The pandemic has sparked noticeable changes in the breakfast eating habits of consumers in Asia Pacific,” said Stephen Conchie, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbalife Nutrition Asia Pacific. “With growing awareness of the need for a healthy and nutritious breakfast to support their well-being, many of them – including Generation Zs and Millennials – went from not eating breakfast before, to now consuming breakfast on a daily basis. This marks a step in the right direction to foster positive nutrition habits and lay the foundation for them to lead healthier lives.”

 

Higher Frequency of Breakfast Consumption More Evident Among Gen Zs, Millennials

Two in five (37 percent) Generation Zs and Millennials in Asia Pacific began eating breakfast more often as a result of the pandemic, higher than the region’s average of 30 percent across all age groups. The change in breakfast habits among Generation Zs and Millennials was particularly evident among those in Thailand (65 percent) and the Philippines (53 percent), with over half of consumers aged 18 to 40 now consuming breakfast more often.

 

When asked about the reasons for consuming breakfast more often, the top reasons given by Generation Z and Millennials were similar to the average Asia Pacific consumer. These include:

  • I want to improve my health and well-being (65 percent)
  • I have more time in the morning to prepare breakfast (48 percent)
  • I want to use this time at home to make a positive lifestyle change (41 percent)

In addition to increased breakfast frequency, four in 10 Generation Zs and Millennials (41 percent) also started eating healthier breakfasts. This change was more prevalent among those in the Philippines (66 percent), Indonesia (61 percent) and Vietnam (57%). Key changes made by Generation Zs and Millennials to their choice of breakfast include:

  • I incorporated more vegetables and fruits into my breakfast (57 percent)
  • I made sure I have a nutritionally balanced meal at breakfast (54 percent)
  • I drank more water at breakfast (52 percent)


Increased Awareness of the Importance of Nutrition among Asia Pacific Consumers

There is a remarkable increase in recognizing nutrition as an important element of their ideal breakfast among Asia Pacific consumers. When asked about factors that make up an ideal breakfast, respondents selected nutrition as the most important factor (50 percent), followed by quick and easy preparation (16 percent), taste (14 percent), and convenience (14 percent).

 

In the Asia Pacific Breakfast Habits Survey conducted in 2019 by Herbalife Nutrition, nutrition was of a lower priority to consumers, ranked after taste and convenience.

 

Asia Pacific Consumers See Value in Consuming a High-Protein Breakfast

When asked about the personal benefits of consuming breakfast, respondents cited having an energy lift in the morning (76 percent), kickstarting their metabolism for the day (49 percent) and helping them to focus better at work or in school (49 percent) as the key advantages.

In addition, the majority of the region’s consumers (73 percent) also saw value in consuming a high-protein breakfast:

  • 67 percent said a high-protein breakfast helps keep them fueled until their next meal or snack
  • 65 percent shared that it helps to support muscle health
  • 53 percent shared that it helps to boost their immunity

Inconvenience is the Top Barrier Preventing Consumers from Eating Healthier Breakfasts

While the majority (74 percent) of respondents believe that it is important to have a healthy breakfast on a daily basis, and intend to consume healthier breakfast options (85 percent), a minority continue to face barriers in making healthy breakfasts a key part of their daily routine.

Among those who do not intend to consume healthier breakfast options, the main reasons were:

  • Healthier breakfast options take too long to make (27 percent)
  • Healthier breakfast options do not matter to them (25 percent)
  • Healthier breakfast options are expensive (23 percent)

When asked about their willingness to spend for their ideal breakfast, the majority were unwilling to spend more than the equivalent of US$5 per meal. 

“A healthier breakfast does not necessarily take too long to make,” added Conchie. “There are a wide range of fuss-free breakfast options which include more nutrients, yet are easy and quick to prepare. These will provide consumers with energy to start their day whilst improving overall well-being in the longer term.”

About Herbalife Nutrition

Herbalife Nutrition (NYSE: HLF) is a global company that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed products, sold in over 90 countries by entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. Through the Company’s global campaign to eradicate hunger, Herbalife Nutrition is also committed to bringing nutrition and education to communities around the world.

#HerbalifeNutrition

Seminal Step: OctaFX Launches Its Apple iOS Trading App, Starting in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, MALASIA – Media OutReach – 31 August 2021 – The Forex broker OctaFX presents the test launch of its Apple iOS trading app in the Malaysian App Store. A complete app inauguration for all service regions will follow towards the end of 2021.



 

The international Forex broker OctaFX has delivered the first release of their Apple iOS trading app. The company decided for Malaysia to be the first region for this test launch.

 

The App’s current rendition of its user interface is in the English language only. Live trading will be available later, but Malaysian users can already download the app, create an account, manage their investments, and even engage in direct communications with client support.

 

OctaFX will activate the primary function of trading assets in the near future. As for now, the team employs a minimal basic functionality approach. The immediate next natural steps are ensuring smooth and fast performance of the core feature set.

 

After that follows a full app release, with all features unlocked, for all regions, at the end of this year⁠—incorporating all other languages served by the company on its established platforms so far.

The app’s test launch constitutes a crucial element for the developer team to gather real-time data, feedback, and interaction with the user base.

 

A brief run-down of the app’s features in test mode

●      Control over investments, replenishing balance and transferring of funds between accounts instantly

●      A one-stop solution for managing all OctaFX trading accounts and funds in one place

●      Instant deposits to all trading accounts and Wallet

●      Fast withdrawal times from several seconds up to a maximum of three hours

●      Instant transfers between trading accounts

●      Full integration with the most popular trading platforms (MT4, MT5), as well as introducing OctaFX’s very own trading platform

 

The quiet launch of the OctaFX iOS went ahead on 4 August 2021. Users can download the trading app for Malaysia on the App Store.

About OctaFX

OctaFX is a global Forex broker that provides online trading services worldwide since 2011.

It offers a state-of-the-art trading experience to over 7 million trading accounts worldwide. In addition, the company is well-known for its social and charity activity, supporting infrastructure and humanitarian projects in many joint ventures. OctaFX has won more than 40 awards since its foundation, including the 2020 ‘Most Transparent Broker’ by Forex Awards and, more recently, the ‘Best ECN Broker 2021’ award from World Finance to name a few.

#OctaFX

Marquee tech investors back coding bootcamp start-up Rocket Academy to address global talent shortage

  • Fundraise: Rocket Academy raises $1.1m in pre-seed funding from consortium of business angels 
  • Demand: Over the past 3 months, demand for their Coding Basics course has increased 10x 
  • Growth: Rocket Academy is actively hiring to double its headcount by end 2021 to address global talent shortage of developers, expected to reach 85.2m in 2030 
  • Impact: 100% of students who graduate from Rocket Academy bootcamp course secure jobs 

SINGAPORE – News Direct – 31 August 2021 – Rocket Academy, a Singapore-based start-up providing online coding courses, today announced it has raised $1.1 million in pre-seed funding. The investment comes from a consortium of 50 marquee tech investors and venture capitalists including entrepreneurs Darius Cheung from 99.co, Marcus Tan from Carousell and Stanley Tang from DoorDash, former Singapore Ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani, SEA tech leaders’ investment network XA Network, and VC firms Taurus Ventures and Hustle Fund. Rocket Academy will use this funding to grow the company into the leading coding school in Southeast Asia helping to address the current industry-wide shortage in software engineers.

 

Rocket Academy has developed two courses to date: Coding Basics, an introductory course for beginners to learn the basics of coding; and Software Engineering Bootcamp (SEB), which prepares students for a career in software engineering. All course material is pre-recorded for students to review and complete at their own pace. Rocket Academy holds regular live classes over Zoom for students to clarify concepts with instructors, apply learning in pair exercises and network with classmates. Classes are online allowing greater flexibility and efficiency, and the course platform allows high levels of engagement between students and teachers.

 

Kai Yuan Neo, Founder and CEO at Rocket Academy commented: “There is a mounting global talent shortage of developers around the world. As of December 2020 this amounted to 40 million developers worldwide. By 2030, that is expected to reach 85.2 million. Not only this but companies worldwide risk losing $8.4 trillion in revenue because of the lack of skilled talent. Rocket Academy exists to solve this equation and we are on a mission to scale further and faster.”

 

In addition to teaching, Rocket Academy helps its SEB graduates find their dream software engineering jobs through resume development, portfolio development and interview preparation. Rocket Academy leverages its network of companies sourcing for software engineers, makes referrals and helps set up job interviews for SEB graduates. To date, Rocket Academy has a 100% success rate in placing SEB graduates in software engineering jobs within companies and organisations such as 99.co, Xfers, Glints, GovTech, and GoTrade.

 

“Getting our students good jobs is our top priority. The better jobs our students get, the stronger our alumni network becomes, which enables us to find better jobs for future students,” said Kai Yuan Neo. “Over the past months the demand for our SEB graduates from businesses has doubled. So far we have successfully placed all SEB graduates. We are so confident that our SEB graduates will find coding jobs that we will refund their fees if they still cannot find a job 6 months after graduation.”

  

Although Rocket Academy is a small start-up, it has lofty ambitions – to train and supply the best software engineers in the region. Rocket Academy will invest its pre-seed funding in two key areas. First, further developing its flagship products, Coding Basics and Software Engineering Bootcamp courses. This involves strengthening course curriculum and improving the learning platform to boost the student experience. Second, expanding to new markets, specifically Hong Kong and Australia in the short term, other Southeast Asian markets in the medium term, and then globally in the long term.

 

To succeed, Rocket Academy will need the best software engineering and education talents to craft its student experience. The company prides itself on a work environment with highest-calibre peers, transparent company progress, decentralised decision making, and flexible work arrangements. Rocket Academy is actively hiring and targets to double its headcount by end 2021.

 

“Over the past 3 months we have seen a 10-fold increase in demand for our Coding Basics course and a 4-fold increase in demand for our SEB course. We are regularly in touch with businesses to understand technical skills that software engineers need. This allows us to refine our curriculum to make it relevant and appropriate for students looking for rewarding software engineering careers,” added Kai Yuan Neo.

 

“Rocket Academy is exactly what Singapore needs now. To get good middle-class jobs, young Singaporeans need to be globally competitive in the digital space. Rocket Academy provides these critical skills. This initiative couldn’t be more timely!” said Kishore Mahbubani, Former Singapore Ambassador to the UN and angel investor in Rocket Academy’s pre-seed round.

Annex 1 – Business angels participating in Rocket Academy’s pre-seed round

 

The following are notable business angels who participated in Rocket Academy’s pre-seed round. Some chose not to be listed.

 

1)    XA Network’s members from global and regional tech companies, such as Google, Facebook, Grab, Ruangguru, StashAway, 99.co, Affinidi and DataRobot

2)    Frank Chen, Founding Engineer, Coursera

3)    Jefferson Chen, Co-Founder, Group Chairman and CEO, Advance Intelligence Group

4)    Vicki Cheung, Founding Engineer, Duolingo, OpenAI

5)    Clarence Chio, Co-Founder & CTO, Unit21

6)    Tiger Fang, Co-Founder & CEO, Kargo

7)    Eric Feldman, Co-Founder, Bolt

8)    Veni Johanna, Head of Frameworks Engineering, Asana

9)    Joel Kek, Software Engineer, GovTech

10)  Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner, Hustle Fund

11)  Hendra Kwik, Co-Founder & CEO, Payfazz; General Partner SEA, Magic Fund

12)  Timothy Lee, Former Sequoia Partner

13)  Junxu Lye, Chief Product Officer & Partner, Endowus

14)  Kishore Mahbubani, Former Singapore Ambassador to the UN

15)  Alex Ng, Sino Group

16)  Daniel Ong, CTO, Care

17)  Jonathan Sim, General Manager Singapore, Flexport

18)  Hester Spiegel-van den Steenhoven, Former Head of Germany, 42 School

19)  John Tan, Founder & CEO, Doyobi and Saturday Kids

20)  Marcus Tan, Co-Founder, Carousell

21)  Stanley Tang, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, DoorDash

22)  Norman Wanto, Co-Founder & CTO, GoTrade

About Rocket Academy

Rocket Academy is an online coding bootcamp that trains software engineers and helps graduates find their ideal jobs. Rocket Academy has a Basics course for beginners and a Bootcamp course for aspiring software engineers. Rocket Academy’s comprehensive courses support students at every level as they progress to become professional programmers. For more information please visit: www.rocketacademy.co and follow via YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.

#RocketAcademy

About XA Network

The XA Network was founded in 2018 as an investment network comprising senior executives from leading global and regional technology companies. Our purpose is to foster inclusive innovation by empowering the tech community in Southeast Asia.

XA focuses on early-stage investments. Founders value our members’ distinguished backgrounds as entrepreneurs and senior business builders. Furthermore, our portfolio companies are able to tap into the collective power of deep-rooted networks and expertise across business strategy, product development, and fundraising. XA has invested in a wide variety of sectors and over 30 companies since 2018, including Spenmo, Neuron, Sampingan, Intellect, and Bukukas. XA Network is also an LP in Vertex Southeast Asia and India’s latest fund. For more information, please visit www.xanetwork.co

Mayor of Vientiane Orders Curfew, Increased Covid Restrictions

Prime Minister of Laos Orders Vientiane Lockdown

The Mayor of Vientiane Capital has issued an urgent order increasing Covid-19 restrictions and imposing a curfew in the nation’s capital from today.

Quad Lock Accelerates Their Smartphone Mount Development with Ultimaker

3D Printing Enables Quad Lock to Keep Up with Shorter Product Lifecycles of Smartphones

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 31 August 2021 – Ultimaker, the global leader in professional 3D printing, today announces that Quad Lock, an award-winning smartphone-mounting solutions provider from Australia, utilizes Ultimaker 3D printing solutions to keep up with the shorter product life cycles of smartphones. For Quad Lock it is key to react quickly when new smartphone models come to market that require different levels of protection and vibration dampening from a smartphone bike mount. To stay ahead of competition, Quad Lock uses 3D printing to speed up the development of new mounts. This led to the development of the award-winning Quad Lock Vibration Dampener, already trusted by millions of bikers worldwide to protect, and stabilize their new smartphones in extreme use conditions such as motorcycling. Imaginables, partner of Ultimaker in Australia, served as a support partner to Quad Lock delivering various types of Ultimaker 3D printers.  

 

The latest generation of smartphone cameras hold multiple lenses, image stabilization, and AI software which rivals the sophistication of professional SLR cameras. However, they don’t always stabilize and perform well when mounted on motorcycles that produce high levels of vibration. To stay leading and have new products in market quickly that solve these issues, Quad Lock developed a flexible research, design and development process that is based on iterating quickly and gather lab and field test feedback almost as quickly as they can design and print a new part. Various types of Ultimaker printers were used to print prototypes strong enough to withstand hours of testing on a vibration test rig, from which the team gathered valuable feedback and data. This resulted in the Quad Lock Vibration Dampener, an innovative smartphone mount that fully protects and stabilizes the newest generation of smartphones models in extreme use conditions. 

 

Chris Peters, Co-founder & Chief Innovation Officer: “In some instances, it was possible to produce multiple design iterations in a single day, which inspired new levels of creativity and ingenuity in the team. Ultimaker’s 3D printing solutions helped us design a unique product with much lower development cost and time. The quick feedback loops and high strength of the 3D printed physical components allowed us to develop a solution that now serves millions of bikers across the globe. Additive manufacturing technology is here to stay and fully embedded in our design, prototyping and production processes.” 

 

Jürgen von Hollen, CEO at Ultimaker: “3D printing has become a genuine transformative business solution and Quad Lock’s award-winning Vibration Dampener project is an exciting proof point. This team has discovered the level of flexibility and sustainable value they can achieve with flexible technologies like 3D printing, which sets the company up for great continued success. They are in a market where things change at a fast clip. Their deployment of 3D printing is exemplary and no doubt one of their keys to continued market leadership.” 

 

About Ultimaker

Established in 2011, Ultimaker is on a mission to accelerate the world’s transformation to flexible, empowering and sustainable solutions. 380 employees deliver a platform that enables customers to take full advantage of the unique Ultimaker Ecosystem that offers the largest diversity of 3D printing products and services in the industry. Ultimaker provides a seamless integration of hardware, software and materials that simply works.

Read more in our blog on ultimaker.com


#Ultimaker