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Q P Group Announces 2021 Interim Results: Total Revenue Increases by 16.6% to HK$589.6 million

Web Sales Business Revenue Surges 37.1% to HK$93.2 million

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 27 August 2021 – Q P Group Holdings Limited (“Q P Group” or the “Group“; Stock code: 01412), one of the leading manufacturers of paper-based tabletop games and paper-based greeting cards in the PRC, today announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021 (“6M2021” or “the Period”).

 

During the Period, the Group recorded total revenue of approximately HK$589.6 million, representing an increase of around 16.6% from approximately HK$505.6 million for the six months ended 30 June 2020 (“6M2020”), which was mainly attributable to the increase in original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) sales. Net profit decreased by approximately 17.2% to approximately HK$32.5 million for 6M2021. Without taking into account the non-recurring listing expenses for 6M2020, the net profit would be decreased by approximately 19.6% for 6M2021 as compared with that of 6M2020.

 

The Board has resolved to declare an interim dividend of HK2.0 cents per ordinary share for 6M2021 (6M2020: HK2.0 cents).

Business Review

 

COVID-19 continued to pose extensive adverse effects to businesses across the globe during 6M2021. However, global economy has shown signs of recovery and retail activities have been resumed thanks to the effective disease control measures and growing vaccination rates. Still, the global supply chain faced extensive disruption due to the shortage of containers and port congestion problems partially caused by the blockage of the Suez Canal earlier this year as well as the restricted operations of ports in South China due to the implementation of more stringent COVID-19 control measures. As the U.S. and European markets are the Group’s primary delivery destinations, such disruption has affected its order fulfilment and the realisation of its sales revenue and financial performance.

 

Despite the challenges and uncertainties in the macro environment, the revenue from the Group’s OEM sales increased by 13.4% to approximately HK$496.4 million for 6M2021. The increase was primarily due to the recovery of the global retail market following the gradual easing of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in orders from the Group’s major customers who principally purchase greeting cards, tabletop games and puzzles.

 

Web sales also increased, with revenue rising from approximately HK$68.0 million in 6M2020 to approximately HK$93.2 million in 6M2021, representing an increase of approximately 37.1%. The increase was primarily due to the surging demand for playing cards during the pandemic-driven e-commerce boom.

For 6M2021, the Group’s gross profit was approximately HK$178.6 million, representing an increase of around 10.7% as compared with gross profit of approximately HK$161.4 million for 6M2020. The gross profit margin decreased from approximately 31.9% for 6M2020 to approximately 30.3% for 6M2021, primarily due to the appreciation of the renminbi against the Hong Kong dollar and the absence of reductions and exemptions of several corporate social insurance premiums for enterprises in the PRC during the Period.

 

Prospects

 

The web sales business remains the Group’s long-term strategic focus and growth driver. With its well-established foundation and broad customer base, the Group has been expanding its IT and digital marketing teams to support its goal of achieving greater market penetration and diversification. In alignment with its strategy of developing professional websites for high-potential product categories, the Group kicked off the development of another e-commerce website during the Period — the MakeToteBags (“MTB”). This web platform for personalised bags products is targeted to be officially launched in the third quarter of 2021.

 

Moreover, the Group is working on the development of a new business-to-business-to-consumer platform, the Q P Market Network (“QPMN”). Targeting global online markets, QPMN will make it possible for worldwide online shops and designers to offer print-on-demand services for personalised products to their end customers, powered by plugin programmes that connect with the Group’s backend systems and production facilities. The orders will be fulfilled by the Group to the end customers directly. The Group intends to launch QPMN’s first plugin programme in the third quarter of 2021 which will enable online shops to offer customised puzzles to their customers.

To achieve the long-term strategy of developing a new production base in Vietnam, the Group entered into a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with a lessor in June 2021 in respect of the sublease of land in an industrial park in Ha Nam Province, Vietnam. With an area of approximately 40,000 m2, the land will be used to establish the Group’s first self-owned production plant outside the PRC. The plant will be equipped with comprehensive end-to-end production machinery and production lines. It will serve as the Group’s manufacturing hub in Vietnam and is expected to maximise the synergy of its supply chain in the region. Construction of the factory is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2022 and the production plant is expected to commence operations in the middle of 2023.

 

Mr. Cheng Wan Wai, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Q P Group concluded: “The COVID-19 pandemic situation is expected to remain volatile and affect various economic activities, stunting global economic growth. We will stay highly alert to the challenges and uncertainties that arise in the economic and political environments, while remaining focused on internal operational improvement and steady business expansion. We will strive to consolidate our capacity, efficiency and cost-optimisation with enhancement of workflows and production planning as well as extended use of smart operations, with the ultimate aim of achieving better business performance and creating greater value for our shareholders.”

About Q P Group Holdings Limited (雋思集團控股有限公司; Stock code: 01412)

Established in Hong Kong in 1985, Q P Group is one of the leading paper-based tabletop games and paper-based greeting cards manufacturers in the PRC. It has established stable and long-term business relationships with major OEM customers including an international greeting cards publisher and multinational children educational products and toys brands. Its principal product categories include tabletop games, greeting cards, educational items and premium packaging, which are sold on an OEM basis or through online sales channels. It operates two key production sites in Dongguan and Heshan in the PRC.

The five major websites are: https://www.makeplayingcards.com

https://www.boardgamesmaker.com

https://www.createjigsawpuzzles.com

https://www.printerstudio.com

https://www.gifthing.com

For more information, please visit: https://www.qpp.com/

#QPGroup

Uni-Bio Science Group: 2021 Interim Results

Successful Turnaround to Profit-making with Record-High Turnover

Expanding R&D Activity in Nanobody Drug to Diversify Product Portfolio

HONG KONG SAR – EQS Newswire – 27 August 2021 – A fully integrated biopharmaceutical company – Uni-Bio Science Group Limited (“Uni-Bio Science”, together with its subsidiaries referred to as the “Group”, stock code: 0690.HK), is pleased to announce its interim results for six months ended 30 June 2021 (the “Period”), as well as its comparative figures for six months ended 30 June 2020.

 

Key Accomplishments in the First Half of 2021

During the Period, the Group achieved a spectrum of accomplishments, for both of its marketed products and innovative biologics. The key highlights include:

 

1.    Coupled with its ongoing cost control measures, the Group achieved a profit for the Period of HK$1.9 million as compared with a loss of HK$11.5 million for the corresponding period of last year. This is the first time that the Group has recorded profit solely from its core business operations. It signifies that the Group has started yielding fruits and has entered the path of sustainable profit growth.

 

2.    On 3 February 2021, the Group’s Pinup® (Voriconazole Tablets 50mg) was the first one to be selected among the same category in the Fourth Batch of the National Centralized Procurement. After being included in the volume-based procurement, Pinup® recorded a noticeable increase of 257.3% YoY in turnover from approximately HK$15.7 million to approximately HK$56.1million during the Period. Market access, especially hospital listing, had always been the biggest challenge to Pinup®. After being included in the volume-based procurement, Pinup® is in a great position to quickly penetrate into the public hospital markets. Moreover, being listed in the national volume-based procurement is the local regulator’s push to reduce intermediaries in the sales channel, further enhancing the efficiency and reducing the cost of the healthcare industry in China.


3.    During the Period, GeneTime® and GeneSoft® generated remarkable turnover, sales of GeneTime® and GeneSoft® registered significant increase of 116.8% YoY and 45.8% YoY respectively.The sales of GeneTime® exceeded the pre-epidemic level and the demand for the product was far beyond the supply during the first half of 2021.

4.    Boshutai® was officially approved for marketing in China by the National Medical Products Administration (“NMPA”) and being qualified for GMP manufacturing in 2020, the Group had started the production of Boshutai® in the first quarter of 2021 and the sales of Boshutai® had made immediate contribution to the Group during the Period.

 

5.    During the Period, the Group was in preparation for the bridging clinical trial for 2nd Generation liquid form Uni-PTH as planned. The clinical trial will be officially launched in August 2021 and is expected to be finished by the end of 2021, following by a New Drug Application (“NDA”) in 2022.

 

6.    The Group has been preparing for the clinical trial-related works for Uni-GLP, which is expected to carry out in the third quarter of 2021. The Group has been in constant communications with the NMPA regarding the optimization of the bridging clinical trials. If the results are satisfying, phase III of the clinical trials may not be needed and this will accelerate the approval process of Uni-GLP.

 

7.    During the Period, the Group developed strategic partnership with DotBio Pte. Ltd. (“DotBio”) to co-develop multi-specific nanobodies for people with retinal diseases. Leveraging on DotBio’s unparalleled technology capability in the ophthalmology space, together with the Group’s extensive experience in fermentation, purification, quality assurance and quality control of E.coli-expressed proteins, this partnership is able to diversify the Group’s pipeline and capture the rising needs of the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment market.

 

Interim Results

During the Period, the Group recorded a turnover of HK$ 157.0 million, representing a noticeable increase of approximately 132.8% year-on-year (first half of 2020: HK$ 67.4 million). The increase in turnover was mainly attributable to the strong rebounded sales of the Group’s core products after the effective pandemic control of COVID-19 in China and the resumption of hospital services. Turnover generated from GeneTime® reached HK$82.4 million, representing a significant increase of 116.8% from approximately HK$38 million in first half of 2020, mainly due to the strong recovery from hospital sales as well as the additional turnover from the digital marketing and pharmaceutical e-commerce platform. Sales of GeneSoft® had been fully recovered during the Period, recorded an increase in turnover from approximately HK$11.8 million to HK$17.2 million. Pinup® has recorded a noticeable increase of 257.3% in turnover from approximately HK$15.7 million to approximately HK$56.1million during the Period. Turnover of the Group’s newly launched product Boshutai® (Acarbose tablet) was approximately HK$1.3 million.

 

Gross profit was HK$124.4 million, representing an increase of 117.1% as compared with approximately HK$57.3 million for the first half 2020.  Gross profit margin was at 79.3% (first half of 2020: 85.0%) as the pricing of Pinup® for the centralized procurement was significantly lower but was partly offset by the economies of scale from mass production volume. The Group continued its strict control in general and administrative expenses, which only accounted for 14.2% of turnover for the Period as compared with 29.0% for the same period last year. The selling and distribution expense for the Period also decreased to 48.5% of turnover from 63.1% that of the same period last year due to the Group’s further optimization of its direct salesforce. The R&D expenses increased by 164.6% to HK$21.4 million and the amount was in step with the Group’s product research status.

 

For the Period, the Group recorded a profit of HK$1.9 million with a basic earnings per share of HK$0.03 cents, registering a turnaround from a loss of HK$11.5 million or a basic loss per share of HK$0.18 cents in the first half of 2020. This was the first half-year that the Group achieved a profit from operations, which marked the beginning of yielding fruits of the Group’s biopharmaceutical investment and efforts over the past years.

 

Prospects

China’s healthcare industry has been growing rapidly over the past few years and has become the second biggest in the world since 2016. The growth is not only driven by the aging population, which leads to an increasing number of people diagnosed with chronic diseases, but also with the support of government policies. As one of the innovative pharmaceutical companies in China, the Group believes that these catalysts will drive greater business growth in the future.

 

As the Group’s exclusive distribution and promotion rights of GeneSoft® with its partners, CR Zizhu, came to an end in June 2021, the Group has started leveraging its well-established direct sales team to promote GeneSoft® in multiple channels. With shared resources with GeneTime®, the sales as well as the profitability are expected to significantly improve going forward. To address the unmet need of medical aesthetic, the Group is in discussion with various potential partners to explore innovative formulations of EGF products. Leveraging on its innovative material technology, the Group is able to diversify the formulation of EGF products and potentially expand its application scope.

 

Looking into the future, Mr. Kingsley Leung, Chairman of Uni-Bio Science said, ” This was the first half-year that the Group achieved a profit solely from its core operations. It also marked the beginning of profit-making of the Group’s biopharmaceutical investment and efforts over the past years as it is expected to enter the path of sustainable profit growth. In order to expand the product capacity to meet the growing demands of GeneSoft® and GeneTime®, we decided to relocate the production site to Dongguan. The new production base will be equipped with new technology that would further reduce production and transportation costs as well as overheads while enhancing the overall production capacity. To explore new business opportunities in ophthalmology field, the Group is cooperating with Dotbio and potential partners to develop potential best-in-class therapeutic products that can compete in a global setting. To capture more value in the dermatology space, we may also develop a third molecule with Dotbio. The Group will also continue to focus on the research and development of the innovative drugs, including Uni-PTH and Uni-GLP. We believe that aforementioned strategies will enhance operational efficiency, accelerate product pipelines and sustain its growth momentum. These would in turn generate more fruitful returns for its shareholders.”

About Uni-Bio Science Group Limited

Uni-Bio Science Group Limited is principally engaged in the research and development, manufacture and distribution of pharmaceutical products. The research and development centre is fully equipped with a complete system for the development of genetically-engineered products with a pilot plant test base which is in line with NMPA requirements. The Group also has two GMP manufacturing bases in Beijing and Shenzhen. The Group also has a highly efficient commercialization platform and marketing network. The Group focuses on the development of novel treatments and innovative drugs addressing the therapeutic areas of endocrine such as diabetes and osteoporosis, ophthalmology and dermatology.

#Uni-BioScienceGroup

China Mobile Hong Kong Triumphs Hong Kong’s Fastest 5G Network Award by Ookla®

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 27 August 2021 – Hong Kong’s leading 5G network provider China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) has been recognised as Hong Kong’s Fastest 5G Network Award – First Half of 2021* by Ookla® the company behind Speedtest®.  This triumph follows its recognition by Ookla as the Fastest 5G Network in the Fourth Quarter of 2020 in Hong Kong**, and reaffirms CMHK’s commitment to leading Hong Kong into the new era of 5G.

According to the Hong Kong 5G network performance report awarded by Ookla, as of Q1 – Q2 2021, the median upload, download data speed of CMHK’s 5G network achieved market-leading results**.

 

 

CMHK 5G network median speed

Average market 5G network median speed

Percentage***

Upload (Mbps)

32.61

25.23

29% higher

Download (Mbps)

212.76

153.82

38% higher

 

CMHK’s latency is lower at 11ms versus average market 5G latency at 13ms.

Full report can be accessed https://www.speedtest.net/awards/hong_kong/

 

Ookla®, the company behind Speedtest®, is a global leader in data analysis for fixed and mobile network test applications. Over 10 million daily tests are actively initiated by users across all Speedtest® platforms, with nearly 37 billion tests completed to date. As a result, Ookla® boasts the most comprehensive analytics on internet performance and accessibility worldwide. Ookla® is available in over 30 languages for thousands of businesses, governments, universities and trade organizations, and is used by a significant number of internet service providers and mobile carriers around the world.

 

Mr Sean Lee, Director & Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, said: “After achieving a milestone of 5 million customers in June, we are proud to announce that CMHK’s 5G network speed has once again been recognized by Speedtest®. This award recognizes the resources and efforts we continue to invest in building a fast, high-quality and reliable 5G network for Hong Kong, and strengthens our commitment to being the city’s preferred digital partner. Through our state-of-the-art 5G network and other cutting-edge technology, CMHK will continue to provide leading 5G services to pave the way into a new era of connectivity and smart living in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.”

 

“Speedtest Awards, presented by Ookla, are reserved for an elite delegation of network operators that have delivered exceptional internet performance and coverage within a market. It is our pleasure to present China Mobile Hong Kong with the award for Fastest 5G Network in Hong Kong. This recognition is a testament to their exceptional performance in the first half of 2021 based on Ookla’s rigorous analysis of consumer-initiated tests taken with Speedtest.” Attributed to Doug Suttles, CEO of Ookla.

*Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data Q1–Q2 2021. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

** Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data on 5G median download and upload speeds in Hong Kong for Q4 2020.Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

***Based on analysis by CMHK of Speedtest Intelligence®️ data Q1-Q2 2021. Ookla®️ trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

About China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited

China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (“CMHK”) is the wholly owned subsidiary of China Mobile Limited (HKEx: 941) (NYSE: CHL), which ranks 56th on the Fortune Global 500. CMHK was incepted in January 1997 and was the first mobile network operator to launch PCS services in Hong Kong.

The Company offers innovative and comprehensive communications services, including voice, data, IDD and international roaming through 5G, 4G LTE and 3GHSPA and other technologies. The Company is committed to the development of 5G with new technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, cloud computing and big data, integrating 5G applications in different industries, and promoting the construction and development of smart city groups in the Greater Bay Area.

#ChinaMobileHongKong #CMHK

PolyU fashion design graduates shines at Fashion Show 2021 in Campus – Creative responses to the “New Normal”

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 27 August 2021 – The Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) staged the PolyU Fashion Show 2021 Award Ceremony on August 27 at the PolyU Alumni Atrium . In response to the pandemic, this year’s fashion show integrates online video broadcast and mini catwalk show at PolyU campus as a runway stage, to reveal students’ talents in a unique platform. Thirty show finalists have overcome multiple challenges during the pandemic, showcased their outstanding creations to the industrialists, fashion designers and fashionistas from all over the world, and competed for ten awards and scholarships.

The winner of the Overall Grand Award was Lee Pui Kwan, Cady. Her awarded design was titled “Emotion: The Shift Of The Self”. She was also the winner of Chamberlain Most Promising Idea Award, Scholarship of Creativity, and Lilian Kan Creativity Scholarship (see the Appendix for the list of awardees). Under the special circumstances this year, Cady gained valuable experience throughout her design development process. “It took me some time to adapt to the online design lessons at the beginning. In light of the shifted class delivery mode, the schedule is more flexible and it allows me to have an in-depth exploration about my creation and define goals clearly. “Cady recalled. “Although it is unfortunate that the graduation show cannot be held on a large scale as before, I still look forward to showcasing my works in this new hybrid mode and interacting with more audiences,” said Cady.

The judging panel was comprised of well-known fashion designers and seasoned practitioners of the fashion industry. They included: Ms Janet CHEUNG, Vice-Chairman, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association; Ms Lu Lu CHEUNG, Creative Director, Rolls Group Limited; Mr Anthony KEUNG, President and C.E.O., Fenix Group Holdings Ltd; and Mr Walter MA, Director, Walter Ma & Co. Ltd.

The Show was officiated by Prof. WONG Wing-tak, Deputy President and Provost (DP) of PolyU, Prof. WONG Wai-yeung, Dean of PolyU’s Faculty of Applied Science and Prof. FAN Jin-tu, Chair Professor of Fiber Science & Apparel Engineering and Head of Institute of Textiles and Clothing, PolyU. Prof. FAN said, “This year, ITC has shown our prescience in response to the “New Normal” under the epidemic. Instead of organising the fashion show in a conventional way, we utilized PolyU campus as a runway stage for the catwalk models, to showcase our finalists’ designs through a creative journey in the exclusive online video. It breaks through the social, geographical and time constraints of the physical showcases. This is also a telling testament of the resilience of our students, which has inspired them to transform their experience into creative thinking, and to present the local designs from multiple perspectives on this interactive fashion stage. ”

Appendix

PolyU Fashion Show 2021 – List of awardees

Awards

Awardees

Collection

1

Overall Grand Award

Cady LEE Pui Kwan

Emotion: The Shift Of The Self

2

1st runner-up

Ken YEUNG Chun Shing

This Brutal World

3

2nd runner-up

Kunis CHEN Wai Ming

III

4

Excellence Award (sponsored by Fenix Group Holdings Limited)

Wa LEUNG Hiu Man

The Fool Dreamer

5

Chamberlain Most Promising Idea Award
(sponsored by Chamberlain Educational Services Centre)

Cady LEE Pui Kwan

Emotion: The Shift Of The Self

6

M.ORO INTERNATIONAL LTD. Award

(sponsored by M.ORO INTERNATIONAL LTD.)

Coco LAM TingTing

Take Your Cards

7

Tove & Libra Made Better Award
(sponsored by Tove & Libra)

Jane LI Wai Ping

nonameyet

8

Scholarship of Creativity

(sponsored by Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association)

1) Cady LEE Pui Kwan

2) Kunis CHEN Wai Ming

1) Emotion: The Shift Of The Self ;

2) III

9

Lilian Kan Creativity Scholarship (sponsored by KanaLili)

1) Cady LEE Pui Kwan

2) Debbie CHOI Ka Ling

3) Bloomy TSE Ting Ting

1) Emotion: The Shift Of The Self ;

2) DO NOT DISTURB, exploring the world ;

3) 404 NOT FOUND

10

Best Use of Australian Merino Wool Award

(sponsored by Flinders Merino Group)

Bailey TAI Pui Lei

Hometown

About the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) of PolyU

Since its inception in 1957, ITC has developed into a world-renowned institution in fashion & textile education, research and technology transfer. More than thirty thousand alumni are the backbones of the fashion and textile industry in Hong Kong, China and beyond.


As one of the leading institutions in fashion, textiles and research, ITC’s mission is to nurture its graduates to be creative, critical, innovative and ethical leaders, to advance knowledge and push the boundaries in fashion, textiles and design. ITC supports and collaborates with fashion, textiles and design industries to achieve sustainable progress, and apply professional knowledge for the betterment of mankind.

PolyU ITC website: www.polyu.edu.hk/itc/

#InstituteofTextilesandClothing #ITC #PolyUITC

Kerry Logistics Network Core Net Profit Up by 81% Profit Attributable to the Shareholders Up by 215%

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 27 August 2021 – Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics Network’ or together with its subsidiaries, the ‘Group’ or ‘KLN Group’; Stock Code 0636.HK) today announced the Group’s interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021.

Group’s Financial Highlights

  • Revenue increased by 68% year-on-year to HK$36,709 million (2020 1H: HK$21,885 million)
  • Core operating profit increased by 70% to HK$2,536 million (2020 1H: HK$1,489 million)
  • Core net profit jumped by 81% year-on-year to HK$1,530 million (2020 1H: HK$845 million)
  • Profit attributable to the Shareholders for 2021 1H was HK$3,380 million (2020 1H: HK$1,073 million)
  • Integrated Logistics (‘IL’) business recorded a segment profit of HK$1,292 million (2020 1H: HK$1,139 million) and International Freight Forwarding (‘IFF’) business recorded HK$1,437 million (2020 1H: HK$379 million), which represent an increase of 13% and 279%, respectively
  • Interim dividend of 21.1 HK cents per Share, to be payable on Tuesday, 28 September 2021

William MA, Group Managing Director of Kerry Logistics Network, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has entered into a new phase with the worldwide spread of the Delta variant, which has been severely affecting global and domestic supply chains and disrupting business operations at different levels around the world. These disruptions and capacity chokeholds, together with different government approaches and restrictions in tackling the pandemic, have compelled the logistics industry to move towards a growing focus on service customisation. Leveraging our core competency in providing highly customised solutions, KLN Group capitalised on the opportunities in this new environment and achieved record growth in both revenue and core net profit in 2021 1H.”

IL Grew

The IL business reported a 13% segment profit growth, mainly riding on a booming manufacturing sector in Mainland China.

In Hong Kong, the warehousing business grew 18% backed by a higher occupancy. The logistics operations business increased by 9% as the pandemic remained largely under control since 2021 Q2.

In Mainland China, the IL business continued its rebound in 2021 1H, expanding by 82% year-on-year in segment profit. This was supported by the accelerated resumption of production, revived domestic consumption and thriving online shopping.

In Taiwan, the segment profit for the IL division maintained stable with a 5% growth.

In Asia, the IL division suffered a drop of 12% in segment profit as the pandemic continued to rumble across the region with prolonged lockdowns, restrictions and quarantine measures.

IFF Thrived

The IFF business recorded a 279% segment profit growth in 2021 1H, mainly riding on the change in consumer behaviour and strong exports from Mainland China to the world.

The IFF business is experiencing a rapidly changing market and the Group is adjusting its strategy on a monthly basis depending on the development of COVID-19 pandemic, as well as unpredictable events.

The air freight sector continued to operate with scarce international belly cargo capacity provided by passenger aircraft, prompting the market to rely on freighters of limited space, which resulted in serious fluctuation in air freight capacity and rates.

In the ocean freight sector, congestion in destination ports has caused severe delays to vessel turnaround time and exacerbated the container equipment shortage in Asia. Currently, there are still huge backlogs in Mainland China where plenty of cargo vessels destined for the Americas and Europe were cancelled or delayed.

Proposed Strategic Investment from S.F. Holding

Upon the completion of S.F. Holding’s investment in the Group, the Group’s profit will have a significant adjustment in light of the disposal of the Hong Kong warehouse and the Taiwan businesses to Kerry Holdings Limited.

The cooperation will bring together the core competencies of S.F. Holding and the Group across multiple verticals to create a leading Asia-based global logistics platform to meet ever-changing demands.

William Ma concluded, “With no end to the pandemic in sight, KLN Group will continue to support our customers counter various supply chain challenges through customised and comprehensive solutions across major gateways. We are also ready to capture the growing opportunities in the booming and evolving e-commerce business. Meanwhile, our ongoing efforts in humanitarian logistics will expand our service capabilities to assist in disaster relief operations. Moving forward, the Group will further strengthen our product offerings to navigate a highly inefficient and volatile global supply situation.”

About Kerry Logistics Network Limited (Stock Code 0636.HK)

Kerry Logistics Network is an Asia-based, global 3PL with a highly diversified business portfolio and the strongest coverage in Asia. It offers a broad range of supply chain solutions from integrated logistics, international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal), industrial project logistics, to cross-border e-commerce, last-mile fulfilment and infrastructure investment.

With a global presence across 60 countries and territories, Kerry Logistics Network has established a solid foothold in half of the world’s emerging markets. Its diverse infrastructure, extensive coverage in international gateways and local expertise span across China, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, Middle East, LATAM and other locations.

Kerry Logistics Network generated a revenue of over HK$53 billion in 2020 and is the largest international logistics company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

#KerryLogistics

SSY Group Limited announces 2021 interim results

Net profits HK$276 million; Interim dividend HK$0.05/share

Continuous innovation & scientific research;

Whole-industry-chain approach development

Result summary:

  • Total revenue HK$2,443 million, representing a growth of 37.0%;
  • Net profits HK$276 million, representing a growth of 11.6%;
  • The Board resolved to pay interim dividend of HK$0.05 /share

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 27 August 2021 – SSY Group Limited (“SSY” or the “Company”; Stock Code: 2005.HK) and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) presents the interim results of the Company for the six months ended 30 June 2021.

During the first half of 2021, the Group achieved a revenue of HK$2,443 million, representing an increase of 37.0% with gross profit margin 60.2%, representing a decrease of 3.8 percentage point compared to the corresponding period of last year. The Group achieved a net profit of HK$276 million, representing an increase of 11.6% compared to the corresponding period of last year. Amidst the normality under novel coronavirus epidemic domestically and internationally and despite the severe challenges brought by the unexpected outbreak of the epidemic in Shijiazhuang in early 2021, the Group managed to cope well with unfavorable factors arising from the epidemic with its endeavor in production and implementation of various measures to ensure market support. The Group continued to promote its business strategy of scientific research, innovation and structural optimization, increased its effort in promoting the formation of the operation pattern of integrated and collaborative development in relation to the whole industry chain and diversified dosage forms from medical materials, bulk pharmaceuticals to high-end preparations. During the first half year, the Group actively took measures to make new breakthroughs in enhancing the market share of dominant products, and to accelerate the access and growth of new preparation products and common bulk pharmaceuticals. Taking the opportunity brought by National Centralized Procurement as well as provincial and regional Group Purchasing Organization Programme, the Group took various measures to strengthen the market-driven effect brought by the centralized procurement policy to continuously expand the market accessibility of the Group’s products.

The Board of directors proposed to pay an interim dividend of HK$0.05 per share for year 2021, which is unchanged from the corresponding period of last year. The total amount of interim dividend this year to be paid is approximately HK$151 million.

Amidst the normality under epidemic, the supply and demand in the domestic pharmaceutical market was undergoing a gradual recovery, and the production and sales of the Group’s infusion solutions, especially therapeutic infusion products, was showing a steady increase in growth. During the first half year, the sales volume of infusion solutions reached 632 million bottles (bags), representing an increase of 31% compared to the corresponding period of last year. The revenue of infusion solutions reached RMB1,273 million, representing an increase of 19% compared to the corresponding period of last year. Ampoule products have become an important growth driver for the Group’s injection segment as it has become increasingly rich in varieties with its production and sales gradually scaled up. During the first half year, the revenue of ampoule products was RMB406 million, representing an increase of 53%, which continued to maintain a rapid growth momentum.

In respect of bulk pharmaceuticals business, the domestic and international market demand was showing a recovery growth. After continuous optimization and improvement of production process, transformation and enhancement of environmental protection treatment capacity, the production capacities of the Group were released rapidly, and the product advantages such as cost and quality were further demonstrated. Solid preparations business segment has been accelerated its cultivation and expansion. Leveraging on tender awarded for National Centralized Procurement, the Group gradually enhanced the sales proportion of solid preparations from year to year. In respect of medical materials, Jiangsu Best New Medical Material Co., Ltd. continued to strengthen the build-up of innovation capability and enhance the supporting capacity of the downstream production chains in medical materials, which facilitate the improvement of production capacity and market coverage. Newly developed multi-layer co-extrusion bioprocessing films for single-use system in liquid dosing, has been put into industrial production and resulted in sales. The product is widely used in the fields of research and development and production of vaccines and biopharmaceuticals. Currently, it is the only domestic manufacturer of bioprocessing films in China that can replace those imported and has broad market development prospects.

Upholding the innovation-driven strategy and based on the cooperation with several universities and scientific research institutes, the Group promoted scientific and technological innovation and accelerated industrialization of scientific and technological achievements by establishing a technology platform of innovative drug research and development integrating production, education and research. Type 1 new drug NP-01, the first innovative drug type of the Group, has completed sample preparation, and its clinical trial research has fully commenced. The Group will continue to push forward the preliminary research on anti-liver fibrosis Type 1 innovative drug AND-9, anti-epileptic compound QO-83 and anti-tumor Type 2 chemical innovative drug Miriplatin. During the first half of the year, a total of 7 production approvals were obtained for various types of products. At present, the Group has submitted a total of 61 new product projects for approval, including 35 items for liquid and solid preparations, 13 products for consistency evaluation and 13 items for bulk pharmaceuticals, facilitating the changes of Group’s production and sales structure with the accumulated strength of innovation results. The research results of products for passing the consistency evaluations was convincing. 15 types with 20 product specifications of the Group passed consistency evaluation or were regarded as passing the consistency evaluation.

Looking forward in the second half year, as the global epidemic is still evolving, the overall domestic and international economic situation remains complicated and dynamic. Facing the pressure arising from external factors that may persist and bring new challenges to the Group’s production and operation, the Group will continue to keep its composure, uphold its development focus. The Group will also do its best in maintaining the momentum in sustainable and stable development, promote development by innovation, and improve efficiency by management. Through the combination of the national and provincial Centralized Medicines Procurement, we will strive to do our best in market access. The Group remains its leading position in the infusion market. In respect of the intravenous infusion solutions segment, we will ensure a significant growth of its sales volume as compared to last year and continue to strengthen the proportion in sales of therapeutic and specialized infusion products. At the same time, we will push forward the promotion and usage of bioprocessing films in China, so as to strengthen the Group’s position in the industry and product influence in the field of medical materials. On the other hand, with the goal of reducing costs and improving capacity utilization, we will actively cultivate and expand the bulk pharmaceuticals business. Moreover, the Group will adhere to the development idea of “combination of generic and innovative drugs” and will strengthen development of new types of oral preparations, bulk pharmaceuticals and medical materials. Meanwhile, the Group will further develop the development and technology of bioprocessing films and form core advantages of research and development of domestic bioprocessing film production with comprehensive functions, sound system and leading technologies.

Mr. Qu Jiguang, Chairman and CEO of SSY Group Limited said, “As one of the top 100 enterprises in China pharmaceutical industry and the top 30 best industrial enterprises with China pharmaceutical research and development product line, the Group will take full advantage of the market, policy opportunities arising from the positive changes in the domestic pharmaceutical market, we will firmly grasp the initiative of development, maintain the resilience and vitality of innovation and development, overcome difficulties and tackle barriers, assume our mission with courage, and strive for facilitating the quality development of the Group. By virtue of the scale advantages, quality advantages, management advantages and brand advantages accumulated in the industry over the years that continuously stimulate innovation momentum, we firmly believe that we are possible to bring satisfactory returns to our investors with stronger development achievement.”

About SSY Group Limited

SSY Group Limited is one of the leading pharmaceutical manufacturers in China with over 7 decades of operation history and a well-established brand name. The Group went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in December 2005 with stock code 2005. The group has become a component stock of Morgan Stanley Capital International Index (MSCI) China Index from June 2018. The Group is principally engaged in the research, development, manufacture and sale of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, which includes finished medicines of mainly intravenous infusion solution and ampoule injection to hospitals and distributors, bulk pharmaceuticals and medical materials. The manufacturing plants of the Group locates in Hebei Province and Jiangsu Province in China. Its products take leading position in the high-end hospital market in China.

#SSYGroupLimited

Importance of Technology Development Under Pandemic – Satellite Smartphone Innovator AdvanceTC Seeks Nasdaq Listing

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 27 August 2021 – Global development has been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, Advance Technology Innovator (AdvanceTC) as part of the satellite technology industry chain, stay firm with the development plan and targeting a listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market by second quarter of next year.

AdvanceTC Breaking Highlight | Interviewed by BC WORLD NEWS CHANNEL LIVESTREAM

AdvanceTC Marketing Sdn Bhd Director Lim Seh Jiang (Left), AdvanceTC Limited Chairman Lim Hooi Beng, and Marketing Director Dr Ang Kong Hiap, is presenting company’s satellite mobile phone.

The funding from IPO will be utilize on the mass production of satellite smartphone products.

The new norm under pandemic Covid-19 has changed the global operational model, and the mindset of human being, further highlighting the importance of technology and satellite development. Due to the current technological development, AdvanceTC has more sufficient strength and time to prepare for the listing plan.

AdvanceTC director Jiang Lim says, “The epidemic has slowed down the global operation, but AdvanceTC stay firm by aiming to be listed on the Nasdaq exchange by second quarter of year 2022.”

The company is currently dual listed on the National Stock Exchange of Australia (stock code:A88) and the US Over-The-Counter QB (OTCQB) Venture Market. The US OTCQB Venture Market caters for US and international companies that are in the entrepreneurial and development stage.

According to the valuation report conducted by professional valuer, Roma Appraisals Limited, stated the company’s market value was approximately US$3.015 billion as at 26th May 2021.

For the Nasdaq listing plan, AdvanceTC is now interact with international financial industry players, helps gain more exposure of institutions investors to participate in company future growth.

Recently, special purpose acquisition companies (SPAC) have become a popular option for listing, but SPAC listing has less benefits to AdvanceTC. The company could independently list on the NASDAQ exchange with market value, which demonstrating the company’s strength.

After the U.S stock market performing a bull market trend, markets have been worried on adjustments and bubbles. Jiang Lim believes that there are three major industries will keep bullish, namely communications, new materials, and energy sector.

Focusing on the blue ocean market, bringing safety to the pockets of risk groups

Focusing on the blue ocean market, AdvanceTC will be utilizing the funding raised from IPO on mass production of Xplore X7U satellite smartphone, which will be available in September this year, as well as the production of Xplore X8, a product with additional satellite data functions. X8 comes with walkie-talkies and make calls via satellite function too.

“None of them in the market can achieve a product, with the combination of satellite phones and smart phones functions. Only we can do it. This is the strength of our company.”

“In Touch” is the company slogan of AdvanceTC, meaning “love and contact”. The pockets of high-risk industry groups can always keep in touch with safety first.

Jiang Lim hopes to bring the convenience of satellite communication to the world, begin with the mobile phone device.

The company main product Xplore X7U will be launched in September, with a target output of 500,000 units in the first year. For the coming year, the company’s production is expected to reach 2 million units.

Looking forward to the next 3 to 5 years, after AdvanceTC enters product selling stage, the company will be able to turnover from loss to profit with the high profit margins products, and the customer portfolio majority are government units. Previous loss is due to the company focusing on R&D, no sales recorded and yet to reach mass production status.

In addition, AdvanceTC have four marketing arms, mainly responsible for the US, Southeast Asia, and Asian markets. For United States as an example, they are facing various natural disasters such as wind disasters and floods. Therefore, satellite communication equipment is needed for assistance in rescue activities.

The major sales markets are The United States, Philippines, Indonesia, and Nepal. These are all island countries, and their fishery industry needs the communication devices to keep in touch. The main industries of AdvanceTC focusing include not only fishermen but also government-owned rescue, military, firefighting, and medical units. And field developments including construction, logging, agriculture, adventure, and maritime such as recreational yacht.

Satellite smart phone + StarzChat to keep in touch at all corners of the world

AdvanceTC will launch its new product Xplore X7U satellite smartphone in September, which integrates three functions: smart, satellite and intercom. The intercom function includes Tetra and DMR intercom channels.

Xplore X7U focuses on security, especially for special high-risk industries. The limitations of 5G smartphones unable to achieve remote communication functions. AdvanceTC wants to bring “safety” into everyone’s pocket, and you can be found no matter where you are.

Jiang Lim pointed out: “Only satellite services can provide remote communication. Our phones have security features. Even after 6 days, you can be found in all corners of the world.”

“Once this product is launched, we are ready to change the world and improve safety indicators.”

Taking marine as an example, satellite communication devices are only installed on the ships, they must get back to the ship to seek for emergency help button. AdvanceTC satellite phones, as well as smart devices, allow this group of users to put their safety in their pockets.

AdvanceTC will simultaneously launch the StarzChat software, which can be downloaded in major app stores, and everyone can get connected.

StarzChat allows ordinary smartphone and satellite phone users to keep in touch through the apps. This software can also be connected to the MATRIX software, which currently been using by the police, fire, and military systems in the European and American markets, with 25 million of ready users.

StarzChat has a port to connect with MATRIX, which will channel users to StarzChat and create huge potential value to the company.

In addition, after the launch of the X8, AdvanceTC will launch another Superphone, a three-in-one mobile phone comprising computers, smartphones, and satellites functions.

The world is moving towards 5G development, but 5G has no remote communication and needs backend satellite communication support. Satellite communication is an efficient tool that can replace fiber optic networks.

While 5G and satellite communication technology complement each other, low-orbit satellites can produce high traffic, thus it will be the development trend of telecommunication sector in future.

Download NSX announcement here: http://release-manager.media-outreach.com/i/Download/172650

Successful Job Movement Up 21% in Q2 2021 from Q1: Michael Page Thailand

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 27 August 2021 – Global recruitment specialists Michael Page Thailand witnessed the number of successful job moves rise in Q2 2021 compared to Q1 with an overall 21% increase. According to job placement data shared by Michael Page, growth was also observed within sectors such as Technology (up 83%), Consumer, Healthcare & Life Sciences (up 50%) and Industrial & Manufacturing (up 44%).



Kristoffer Paludan, Regional Director of Michael Page Thailand

Kristoffer Paludan, Regional Director of Michael Page Thailand observes, “The COVID-19 pandemic has required businesses to adopt digitisation. Over the course of last year and the first 6 months of 2021 it’s been impressive to see how well our customers in Thailand have adapted to the increase in digital demands. The virtualisation of businesses and the adoption of cloud access have allowed businesses to get as close to ‘business as usual’ as possible.”

This has no doubt surged the job movement in the technology space which is up by 83% quarter on quarter (H1 2021). “A large part of this forward momentum is driven by the country’s blossoming tech start-up community and the e-commerce marketplace, which is in turn supported by a comprehensive, well-established last mile logistics and supply chain network. comments Kristoffer Paludan.


Equally optimistic, job placements in consumer, healthcare & life sciences have seen a 50% increase. According to the Michael Page Thailand Talent Trends 2021 report, the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly renewed the focus on the Healthcare & Life Sciences industry. As an example, the med-tech market in Thailand, has seen significant growth in 2020 and 2021 and our expectation is that this trend will continue.

Hiring within industrial & manufacturing also rose 44% in Q2 2021 led by a resurgence of the automotive sector and some continued strong performances in food manufacturing, chemical and electronics. Automation and the continued investment in sustainable practises, has become one of the top pillars of investment for the Manufacturing industry, in line with the Thai government’s 4.0 strategy. Naturally, businesses are focused on cost efficiencies and operational excellence to improve productivity and companies continue to invest in this area through people and technology,” says Kristoffer Paludan.


Source: Michael Page Thailand proprietary data