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Responding to International Mother Language Day, Taiwan builds an environment friendly to indigenous languages

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 23 February 2021 – In response to UN’s call for the preservation of mother languages, International Mother Language Day — Indigenous Language Revitalization Award Ceremony and Forum on Taiwan Indigenous Language Development was held in Taiwan on February 20 and 21. Indigenous languages and official languages were used together throughout the events, including Indigenous Language Revitalization Award Ceremony and a keynote speech on the Historical Truth of Indigenous Language Loss and National Language Revitalization Strategy.

President Tsai Ing-wen presenting Indigenous Language Children Award to the 5-year-old recipient, LregeaiRukai

Delegates from 14 countries including the Republic of Palau, and heads of local governments and NGOs were invited, reaching an attendance of 300 people. President Tsai Ing-wen and Premier Su Tseng-chang of the Executive Yuan presented a total of 12 awards to accredited individuals, groups and organizations for indigenous language revitalization. Among which, the recipient of the Indigenous Language Children Award, Lregeai, is a five-year-old with Rukai person, who has already won many awards in relation to indigenous languages. Kating Mulas, the recipient of the Indigenous Language Teacher Award is fluent in both Bunun, her mother language, and Pangcah/Amis, the language she teaches, and is extremely gifted in language learning.

Minister Icyang ‧ Parod of the Council of Indigenous Peoples delivered his remark entirely in Pangcah/Amis. Delegates attending the meeting on behalf of various organizations used a total of 10 different languages, including Truku, Drekay, Thakongadavane, Bunun, Kanakanavu, Pangcah/Amis, Atayal, Kavalan, Pinuyuanan, and Chinese. Simultaneous interpreting service for various indigenous languages was provided as per international conferences, showcasing indigenous languages for the nation to become acquainted with, so that together we can create an environment friendly to indigenous languages.

Enacted in 2016, the Indigenous Languages Development Act set in motion various measures for language revitalization, leading to the quintuple of budget with even more manpower invested towards language revitalization. With the government coordinating indigenous language promotion organizations, manpower and resources, we hope to effectively revitalize indigenous languages and cultures through such consensus meetings.

Minister Icyang ‧ Parod pointed out that without indigenous languages, there will be no indigenous rituals and ceremonies; without indigenous languages, indigenous cultures will cease to be passed on. As the origin of the Austronesian, linguistic diversity is Taiwan’s gift to the world in its most beautiful form. The two-day event sees consensus reached amongst indigenous language development organization and professionals, together we continue to promote the research, preservation, promotion and passing on of indigenous languages, and give voice to the beautiful Austronesian languages in Taiwan.

TikTok And Kuaishou Rival, Lomotif, Sells To ZASH

Lomotif Platform is One of the Top Worldwide Social Video-Sharing Apps Today Definitive Agreement Gives ZASH Majority Controlling Interest

 

Vinco Ventures, Inc. (NASDAQ:BBIG) – BETHLEHEM, PA AND SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 23 February 2021 – ZASH Global Media and Entertainment Corporation (“ZASH“), the entertainment industry disrupter led by co-founders Ted Farnsworth, financier and former MoviePass Chairman, early Musical.ly investor Jaeson Ma, and early Triller visionary and board member, Vincent Butta, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority controlling interest in Lomotif Private Limited (“Lomotif“), the Singapore-based top video-sharing social networking platform and budding rival to TikTok, and Kuaishou (1024.HK on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange). The closing of the Lomotif acquisition by ZASH is scheduled to occur concurrently with the closing of ZASH’s merger and business combination with Vinco Ventures, Inc. (“Vinco“), which was previously announced in a joint press release in January 2021. The closing of the Lomotif acquisition is subject to certain customary conditions to closing as described in the definitive acquisition agreement.

Upon completion of the merger between ZASH and Vinco, ZASH will become a public company and controlling shareholder of Vinco, making Lomotif one of the top global, pure play video-sharing social networking platforms to be owned by a US publicly traded company, competing with TikTok and Kuaishou in the space.

ZASH believes that Lomotif is one of the fastest growing video-sharing social networking platforms in its category over the last three years and in Latin America, Asia, Europe and West Africa, Lomotif has increased its average monthly community by over 400 percent in this time span. Historically, over 10 billion times atomic clips (User Generated Content (UGC)) have been used to create more than 740+ million videos on the platform since launch.

The following additional data further shows the Lomotif platform’s dominant, global user traction and reach that ZASH believes demonstrates massive untapped value and Lomotif’s potential growth:

  • 10+ billion video atomic clips usage
  • 740+ million super-clip videos (Lomotifs) created to date
  • 225+ million installations globally (in 200+ countries in 300+ languages)
  • 210+ million lifetime community
  • 160+ million total lifetime viewers (iOS/Android)
  • 120+ million total lifetime creators
  • 300+ million video views on the platform per month

Lomotif Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Yang, will continue to lead Lomotif upon completion of the acquisition. “With the partnerships ZASH has in place and has planned,” said Yang, “we’re a natural fit. As an emerging player in user generated video creation, we are excited to be part of ZASH’s overall content and distribution plans and strategies and are looking forward to accelerating growth and adoption of Lomotif worldwide.”

“Lomotif is the key piece of the ZASH strategy to merge the best-in-class media, entertainment and content-focused technology companies globally,” said Ted Farnsworth. “The platform is fun and engaging and its features are unique and innovative. We look forward to expanding the platform in the US market and around the rest of the world.”

“Having had experience building another video-sharing social networking platform, it became quickly apparent that Lomotif’s patented technology for mixing and video editing is second to none.” said Vince Butta. “ZASH will focus Lomotif on an advertising model going forward, as well as other means of monetization over the next several months.”

“Lomotif is a global platform with tremendous following in Latin America and Asia and together with ZASH it will replicate that success in the US and other markets,” said Jaeson Ma. “In today’s world of mass consumption of short-form content, we see Lomotif’s addition to the ZASH family as an incredible opportunity to leverage our content in all formats and broaden our distribution platform worldwide.”

Investment bank BTIG represented ZASH on the buy side of the transaction. Palladium Capital served as advisor on the capital raise to fund the transaction. The media and entertainment team led by Tom K. Ara and including Patrick Anding at law firm DLA Piper LLP negotiated and advised ZASH on the Lomotif deal and are also advising ZASH in its merger with Vinco. Cooley LLP represented Lomotif in the transaction.

For more information about ZASH’s proposed merger with Vinco, please see the press release (https://investors.vincoventures.com/press-releases/detail/78/musical-ly-tiktok-triller-and-moviepass-innovators-unite) and Vinco’s 8-K filed on January 19, 2021 (https://sec.report/Document/0001493152-21-001470/).

About ZASH Global Media and Entertainment Corporation

ZASH Global Media and Entertainment Corporation is an evolving network of synergetic companies working together to disrupt the media and entertainment industry as we know it today. The ZASH team is managed by a group of smart, if not somewhat brazen, consummate disrupters. ZASH believes its management team has an exceptional and unparalleled ability to pivot because their knowledge and experience is steadfast and unyielding. For additional information about ZASH Global Media and Entertainment Corporation, please visit ZASH’s website at www.zash.global.

A bout Lomotif

Lomotif is the leading video-sharing social networking platform that is democratizing video creation. Since the company was co-founded by video enthusiast Paul Yang in 2014, Lomotif has been granted three technology patents uniquely focused on empowering creators to share and watch short videos with ease through remix and collaboration. Paul’s bold vision is to build the world’s largest video vocabulary to accelerate the world’s transition to video-first expression. Lomotif, available in the Apple and Google stores, is a breakthrough downloadable app for hip hop, rap, and urban culture across the United States and Latin America. Lomotif is one of five partners selected by Snapchat for a bi-directional integration for posting stories between the two platforms.

About Vinco Ventures, Inc.

Vinco Ventures, Inc. (NASDAQ: BBIG) is a mergers and acquisition company focused on digital commerce and consumer brands. Vinco’s B.I.G. (Buy. Innovate. Grow.) strategy will seek out acquisition opportunities that are poised for scale and grow said acquisitions through targeted traffic and content campaigns. For more information, please view Vinco’s investor presentation or visit Investors.vincoventures.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Disclaimers

This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning or implying future financial performance, anticipated product performance and functionality of ZASH’s products or products incorporating ZASH’s products, and industry trends and growth opportunities affecting ZASH. Such information are based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, ZASH management as well as estimates and assumptions made by ZASH’s management. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. When used in this presentation the words “estimate,” “expect,” intend,” believe,” plan,” “anticipate,” “projected” and other words or the negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to ZASH or ZASH’s management identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the potential business synergies resulting from ZASH’s acquisition of Lomotif and ZASH’s proposed merger with Vinco, the potential market for ZASH’s and Lomotif’s product offerings, customer adoption and use of the Lomotif platform, and the ability of ZASH to monetize product offerings, including the Lomotif platform. Such statements and the other forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the current view of ZASH with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors relating to ZASH and Lomotif’s industries, operations and results of operations and any businesses that may be acquired by ZASH. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned. Although ZASH believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. ZASH is providing this information as of the date of this release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SunMirror AG Ramping Up Tin Exploration Efforts At Moolyella Project

– Expanding the development of existing Cassiterite (tin ore) assets and greenfield explorations
– Engagement of Geonomik Pty Ltd to detail Moolyella Project tin potential
– Strong tailwind from high tin prices

ZUG, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 23 February 2021 – SunMirror AG (“SunMirror”; XETRA Vienna: ROR1; ISIN CH0396131929), the mining and exploration firm specializing in raw materials such as gold, lithium and other metals and minerals, is increasing its efforts to discover potential tin reserves to meet new demands.

SunMirror has engaged Geonomik in Perth, Australia, to review and conduct the Moolyella Project, prospective for tin, lithium and rare earths. A review of the project in 2011/12 confirmed reconnaissance rock chip sampling over an area of two square kilometres, revealing the presence of highly anomalous lithium in a significant number of samples analysed.

After further assessing historical data, SunMirror’s management decided to ramp-up exploring the highly prospective Moolyella Tin and Lithium projects in the Pilbara region of Western Australia due to these sites’ history, location, infrastructure and record of rapidly bringing-to-market resources.

Dr. Heinz Rudolf Kubli, member of the Board of Directors of SunMirror AG, explains “Tin price levels are nearing multi-year highs. One of the reasons is the unprecedented demand for tin used in semi-conductors. We want to take advantage of the resulting opportunities.”

The Company is targeting a highly prospective exploration ground in the most attractive jurisdiction in the world for mining investment. The Moolyella Project is located 23 kilometers northeast of Marble Bar and consists of one exploration license covering 93 square kilometers. The license is held by Lithium 1 Pty Ltd, a fully-owned SunMirror subsidiary, and covers one of the most prolific historical tin, tantalum and lithium producing districts in Western Australia. In Australia’s oldest large-scale tin mining province, primarily artisanal mining took place between 1898 and 1986, which means the area has never been fully explored or drilled at depth. SunMirror’s tin tailings are scattered across the land holding.

About SunMirror AG

SunMirror is a natural resources holding company with a strategic focus on gold and other critical commodities – those metals and minerals that drive demand for sustainable next-generation technology. The company’s shares (ISIN CH0396131929) are listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange (ticker: ROR1) and the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange. For further information, please visit: www.sunmirror.com.

About Opus Group

Opus Capital Switzerland AG and Opus Capital Asset Management AG (“Opus Group”) specialize in bringing next generation companies to market by combining extensive industry expertise with one of Switzerland’s leading independent financial services firms. For more information, please visit: http://www.opus-capital.ch.

Tigre de Cristal Staff Receives Russia’s COVID-19 Vaccine, An Injection of Hope in the Resumption of International Travel

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 23 February 2021 – Suncity Group Holdings Limited (“Suncity“, Hong Kong Stock Exchange code: 1383) and Summit Ascent Holdings Limited (“Summit Ascent“, Hong Kong Stock Exchange code: 102), are pleased to announce that staff in Tigre de Cristal has started to receive Russia’s self-developed Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccination. This is a move by the Government to safeguard the health and safety of the Russian citizens, our staff and our guests, as well as a move to prepare the country to go back to normal soon.

As a number of countries in the world are rolling out mass COVID-19 vaccination programmes, the normalisation of the economy and the re-opening of international borders are just around the corner.

The Russian Federation has begun vaccinations in Moscow early in December 2020, among the first countries to launch its vaccination programme in the world, and has already approved mass use in other cities including Vladivostok, where Tigre de Cristal is located.

Tigre de Cristal has taken the highest precautionary measures recommended by the Russia authorities to the highest standards, such as turning off every other slot machine and capping the seating capacity in restaurants. Compliance to these rules has reduced the ability of Tigre de Cristal to generate revenue. A silver lining is that Tigre de Cristal is an integrated resort not only visited by international travellers, but also an integrated resort well-attended by locals. Since the reopening of Tigre de Cristal after the temporary closure in 2020, Tigre de Cristal has recorded a decent recovery in the mass table and slot businesses in the second half of 2020. The injection of the vaccine to our staff offers a glimpse of hope that business could soon return to normal. Currently, Tigre de Cristal’s Phase I upgrade on hardware such as the newly decorated Suncity VIP room, the brand-new authentic hot pot restaurant and the gentlemen’s club are now ready to welcome international travellers when the borders reopen.

Phase II of Tigre de Cristal is well under way, and will triple the existing number of hotel rooms, as well as doubling in the number in its current gaming facilities. Phase II will also feature additional leisure and entertainment facilities such as the finest restaurants serving authentic Asian delicacies, ranging from Korean barbecue to international flavours serving fresh seafood; as well as a state-of-the-art indoor beach club. With the COVID-19 vaccination programme now being available to the general public, we are certain that both the Phase I upgrade and Phase II will soon be generating accretive business volumes to the Group in the direct VIP, junket VIP, premium mass, mass and slots businesses as international travel gradually resumes.

Mr. Chau Cheok Wa, Chairman of Suncity, also Chairman of Summit Ascent, said, “The vaccine is a breakthrough in humanity because this is an indication that humans can win the pandemic. I cannot be more grateful to the Russian Government, the research and medical staff in Russia for their tireless work in developing the vaccine and their determination to go back to the normal lives where people are allowed to travel freely. Their decisive and ambitious actions to prioritise vaccinating Russian citizens, including our employees working in Tigre de Cristal, is a tell-tale sign to us that Asia is on its way back to normality. When our customers from across Asia are allowed to travel again, I am certain that this will mark a new era for outstanding business performance in Summit Ascent, especially Suncity will fully back Summit Ascent as it is now a subsidiary of Suncity.”

About Suncity Group Holdings Limited (HKEx stock code: 1383)

Suncity Group Holdings Limited (“Suncity“) is en-route to become a leading integrated resort operator in Asia. Originated from Macau, Suncity develops, operates and manages integrated resorts across Asia, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Russia, and Japan.

Suncity holds approximately 69.66% of Summit Ascent Holdings Limited (HKEx: 102), the operator of the largest integrated resort Tigre de Cristal in Vladivostok, Russia. Through Summit Ascent, Suncity participates in the development of future phases of Tigre de Cristal. Summit Ascent holds 77.5% in Tigre de Cristal, currently the largest integrated resort located in the Primorye Integrated Entertainment Zone of the Russian Far East. Situated midway from the Vladivostok International Airport to Vladivostok city, the administrative centre of the Russian Far East, Tigre de Cristal is ideally located geographically in the heart of Northeast Asia.

Hoiana is the first flagship integrated resort that Suncity jointly develops with our investment partners. Located in Central Vietnam, Hoiana is only 35 minutes away from the Danang International Airport and is located near to top tourist attractions in Danang and Hoi An. Hoiana is a world-class integrated resort with branded hotels, state-of-the-art gaming floors, multiple F&B restaurants, award-winning golf course and long pristine beaches.

Suncity is also the controlling shareholder of Suntrust Home Developers, Inc. (PSE: SUN), who is developing the Westside City Integrated Resort in the heart of Entertainment City in Manila, the Philippines. Suncity also offers consultancy services to large scale integrated resorts in Asia. In addition, Suncity operates in the travel related product and services segment and the property segment.

Adhering to the spirit of “Innovating With Diversity, Striving For Success”, Suncity spared no effort to develop entertainment and integrated resort products. Originated from Macau, Suncity actively explores integrated resort opportunities around the world.

For more information about Suncity, please visit http://www.suncitygroup.com.hk/?lang=en

About Summit Ascent Holdings Limited (HKEx stock code: 102)

Summit Ascent Holdings Limited (“Summit Ascent“) holds 77.5% in Tigre de Cristal, currently the largest integrated resort located in the Primorye Integrated Entertainment Zone of the Russian Far East. Situated midway from the Vladivostok International Airport to Vladivostok city, the administrative centre of the Russian Far East, Tigre de Cristal is ideally located geographically in the heart of Northeast Asia.

Summit Ascent holds a gaming license granted by the Russian government for an indefinite period, and Tigre de Cristal has opened for business since late 2015, offering a broad range of gaming options on a 24/7 basis. Tigre de Cristal has been certified as a five-star hotel with retail offerings, food and beverage outlets, private club, and named “Russia’s Leading Resort” by World Travel Awards.

For more information about Summit Ascent, please visit https://www.saholdings.com.hk/eng/

BDO announces winners of the BDO ESG Awards 2021

Third year of this pioneering awards conferment show exemplary HK-listed companies are moving beyond their stakeholders’ expectation from ESG reporting in response to the revised HKEx guideline and rising interest in ESG across the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic

 

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 23 February 2021 – BDO, the world’s fifth largest accountancy network, announced and honoured today the winners of the third BDO ESG Awards (“the Awards”). This competition has been widely supported by many listed enterprises and winners of different awards have been selected from 88 nominations that showcased excellence in ESG reporting and disclosure. Awardees are recognised for having implemented outstanding sustainability initiatives and they are selected by a panel of reputable and professional judges. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s BDO ESG Awards Presentation Ceremony was held online for the first time, where awards, our subscribers and the public were invited to witness the efforts of all awardees in relation to ESG reporting last year.

The first virtual BDO ESG Awards ceremony is held to pay tribute to businesses with strong ESG commitment and outstanding ESG efforts.

In addition to the three existing awards, ‘Best in ESG’, ‘Best in Reporting’ and ‘ESG Report of the Year’, two new categories have been added this year, namely ‘Theme Award’ in recognition of companies with outstanding performance in ESG under the COVID-19 pandemic and ‘ESG Report of the Year — Technology’ in recognition specifically of companies that demonstrate technological advancement in their business models and operations, and which perform well in the areas of ESG (see the full list below).

Dr William Yu, Chairman of the Judging Panel of the Best in ESG Awards, said,The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting recently everyone’s life. Despite challenging times, we are glad to see that HK-listed companies have implemented various ESG measures with heightened consciousness. During these unprecedented times, appropriate initiatives should be adopted to help protect against the spread of Covid-19, while at the same time showcasing how to perform well and drive business continuity. We are pleased to see that companies are becoming more aware of the roles of ESG integration and are enhancing their reporting quality, especially with regard to governance, risk management, target-setting and transparency. Thanks to BDO for its continuous efforts in ESG engagement which has attracted more local and international companies to value the sustainability bandwagon.”

Dr Carlye Tsui BBS JP, Chairman of the Judging Panel of the Best in Reporting Awards, said, “This year, we see that the quality of reports competing for BDO ESG awards highlights companies moving beyond compliance and meeting rising expectations. Companies that have great regard for ESG values and active board leadership in ESG implementations for reasons more than just compliance are now enjoying competitive advantages. The Panel of Judges highly commends the award-winning companies for their earnest efforts. The awardees have demonstrated immense ideas of originality and thoughtfulness in organising a state-of-the-art ESG presentation.”

Professor Yuk-Shan Wong SBS BBS JP, Chairman of the Judging Panel of the ESG Report of the Year (Technology) Award and Theme Award, said, “This year was not normal for everyone, including the investment community. Under the COVID-19 pandemic, all industries have been impacted in varying degrees of severity. Yet, it is heartening to see companies had implemented effective sustainability initiatives and achieved high standards in ESG engagement. With the new Theme Awards, it recognised the hard work that companies have done and their achievement with outstanding ESG performance amid these unprecedented times.”

Mr Clement Chan MH JP, Managing Director of Assurance, BDO in Hong Kong, said, “This year marked the third year of the BDO ESG Awards and we are glad to see that more listed companies have raised their awareness of the importance of their contribution in ESG. In particular, the Hong Kong Exchange launched the Revised Guide in late 2020 which is stricter and stipulates more demanding requirements in terms ESG reporting deadline. Echoing the theme of this year BDO ESG awards as ‘Revive & Innovate”, and in view of the shifted market focus on technology company and COVID-19 measures, we have specially created two new award categories — ‘Theme Award’ and ‘ESG Report of the Year — Technology’ in order to expand the scope of the BDO ESG Awards and encourage more listed companies in various industries to enhance their ESG reporting disclosure. And we are happy to see companies had intensified efforts to adopt appropriate measures to help protect against the spread of COVID-19 and at the same time sustain businesses. Going forward, we at BDO will continue to offer them support to help their companies raise ESG standards and performance and in turn contribute to overall ESG development in Hong Kong.”

Mr Johnson Kong, Managing Director of Non-Assurance, BDO in Hong Kong, said, “On behalf of BDO, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the judges who have committed precious time and their expertise in the judging process to ensure the credibility and representativeness of the Awards. Under the pandemic, we view that ESG issues will be increasingly central to investment decision making, and we are excited to acknowledge that not only large-cap companies but small mid-cap listed companies have increased their efforts in ESG and sustainability engagement. BDO, as a comrade of ESG facilitators, will remain committed as a keen advocate for continuous enhancements in the ESG and ESG reporting standards of Hong Kong-listed companies towards international standards, so as to promote Hong Kong as a green financial hub.”

Mr Ricky Cheng, Director and Head of Risk Advisory, BDO in Hong Kong, said, “Over the years, we have noted that ESG measure is a rising topic among Hong Kong and global investors to value listed companies and as an indication of a responsible and sustainable investment. Besides, with the Revised Guide that was launched last year, we expect more listed companies to wake up to the importance of ESG reporting in meeting not only stakeholders’ expectations but also those of investors and the public in the area of ESG performance. We are happy to see more and more companies appreciate the value of ESG reporting and are willing to put time and resources in various ESG areas. Riding on the trend, BDO will spare no effort to continue pushing ESG engagement and further strengthening the leading position of Hong Kong as an International Financial Centre.”

BDO ESG Awards 2021 Winners (listed in alphabetical order)

Best in ESG — Large Cap

CLP Holdings Limited (002.HK)

Lenovo Group Limited (992.HK)

New World Development Company Limited (017.HK)

Best in ESG — Mid Cap

COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited (1199.HK)

Xinyi Energy Holdings Limited (3868.HK)

Yuexiu Property Company Limited (123.HK)

Best in ESG — Small Cap

China Everbright Greentech Limited (1257.HK)

Sa Sa International Holdings Limited (178.HK)

Shun Tak Holdings Limited (242.HK)

Best in ESG — GEM

1957 & Co. (Hospitality) Limited (8495.HK)

Allied Sustainability and Environmental Consultants Group Limited (8320.HK)

Roma Group Limited (8072.HK)

Best in Reporting — Large Cap

CLP Holdings Limited (002.HK)

Lenovo Group Limited (992.HK)

Sino Land Company Limited (083.HK)

Best in Reporting — Mid Cap

COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited (1199.HK)

Fortune Real Estate Investment Trust (778.HK)

Yuexiu Property Company Limited (123.HK)

Best in Reporting — Small Cap

China Everbright Greentech Limited (1257.HK)

Landsea Green Properties Company Limited (106.HK)

Shun Tak Holdings Limited (242.HK)

Best in Reporting — GEM

1957 & Co. (Hospitality) Limited (8495.HK)

Allied Sustainability and Environmental Consultants Group Limited (8320.HK)

Roma Group Limited (8072.HK)

ESG Report of the Year — Large Cap

CLP Holdings Limited (002.HK)

ESG Report of the Year — Mid Cap

COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited (1199.HK)

ESG Report of the Year — Small Cap

Shun Tak Holdings Limited (242.HK)

ESG Report of the Year — GEM

Roma Group Limited (8072.HK)

Theme Award

Haier Smart Home Company Limited (6690.HK) (former Haier Electronics)

ESG Report of the Year (Technology) Award

Lenovo Group Limited (992.HK)

About BDO

BDO’s global organisation extends across 167 countries and territories, with more than 91,000 professionals working out of over 1,600 offices — and they’re towards one goal: to provide our clients with exceptional service. BDO was established in Hong Kong in 1981 and is committed to facilitating the growth of businesses by advising the people behind them. BDO in Hong Kong provides an extensive range of professional services including assurance services, business services and outsourcing, risk advisory services, specialist advisory services and tax services. For more details, visit www.bdo.com.hk.

Opening of Konica Minolta’s Newest Customer Engagement Center in APAC

The state-of-the-art facility showcases Konica Minolta’s unique print technologies in one central location, supporting the needs of customers in the Asia Pacific region.

 

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 23 February 2021 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia will be launching its new Customer Engagement Center (CEC) at Wisma Kemajuan in Petaling Jaya, Selangor in Malaysia. The new 8,106 square-foot center signals its continued strategic investment into the company’s industrial printing business.




With more professionals turning to digital printing, the new CEC enables customers to experience Konica Minolta’s printing solutions that can meet their ever-changing needs.

They can view first-hand how these machines bring their works from the digital workspace to life through real-time printing of decorative embellishments, labels and digital metallic colours on traditional print applications such as book jackets, direct mails, cards and more.

During the initial launch, customers can take a virtual tour of the Center from the comfort of their own homes or offices with a Konica Minolta representative, and in-person through scheduled appointments with its Virtual Showroom platform to create a new immersive experience for customers and prospects as part its holistic approach in the “new normal”.

Brimming with interactive features without any software download, customers will receive immersive one-to-one demonstrations from our experts focusing on the key product features and applications and how these bring many benefits to their business.

Digital print will continue to grow as it allows a greater variety of print customised to the recipient to be produced economically, and fundamentally the content can be determined much closer to the end-user. Digital’s share of the whole market increases in value terms from 15.7% in 2017 to 19.3% by 2022, as the next generation of presses pushes productivity and quality to boost the competitive position of digital technology.

A Word from Mr Osafumi Kawamura, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia

‘With this new center, we will be able to demonstrate the unique digital print capabilities of our industrial printers such as KM-1, AccurioPress C14000 and MGI JETvarnish range. On top of that, we are able to host virtual sessions directly from the center via the virtual showroom website so customers are able to experience the products without needing to be physically present. We hope that our customers will leverage on this technology hub to add value to their business needs.’ said Mr Osafumi Kawamura, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia.

With the new APAC CEC, Konica Minolta is underlining the commitment to customers in the professional and industrial printing markets. The new CEC gives customers hands-on experience through live and virtual demonstrations.

About Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia is transforming the workplace of the future with its customer-centric solutions and hardware for the digitally connected world. We are committed to create new values for the society with our expertise. From information management to technology enabling tools, the solutions help businesses improve time to information, support mobility, and optimise business processes with workflow automation. Konica Minolta, Inc. has also been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, one of the most prestigious global indices of ESG investment, for eight years in a row. For more information, please visit http://www.konicaminolta.sg/business/

Nine-Year-Old Car Thief Apprehended In Bolikhamxay

nine-year-old car thief in Bolikhamxay

A nine-year-old-boy and an accomplice have been arrested for stealing a car in Bolikhamxay Province.

ARB Berhad upbeat about its FY2021 prospects, driven by its cloud-based solutions

  • Lowest valuation among the peers
  • Net cash company with strong growth momentum
  • To offer cloud-based solutions for business sustainability and recurring income

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Media OutReach23 February 2021 – In the past three financial years, ARB Berhad (“ARB” or “Group”) has not only staged a very successful turnaround but has also consistently registered substantial net profit growth. As recent as the fourth quarter of the financial year 2020, the Group achieved a massive leap of 55% in the bottom line.

ARB Berhad’s Executive Director Dato’ Sri Larry Liew Kok Leong at a monthly business plan review meeting

The Group’s success in breaking away from its decade-long losses lies in its strategic diversification into the field of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.

To date, ARB is amongst the lowest in terms of valuations when compared to its peers in the technology sector. The Group had also managed to deliver meaningful growth to its shareholders despite facing the negative influence of the pandemic.

ARB is in a net cash position, with cash and cash equivalents worth RM24.5 million against zero borrowings as of 31 December 2020.

Looking ahead into 2021 and beyond, ARB’s upward growth momentum is poised to continue, underpinned by the immense potential in digitalisation among businesses and the Industry 4.0 agenda.

After posting its record-high net profit in the financial year of 2020 (FY20), the Group is confident of achieving a more robust performance in the current FY21.

ARB’s Executive Director Dato’ Sri Larry Liew Kok Leong said that the Group aims to expand its geographical presence and access various new industry sectors by taking advantage of cross-border business opportunities in 2021.

“In line with our regional expansion plan, we intend to collaborate with local partners to extend our footprint in our information technology (IT) Segment in other countries through the acquisition of business and technologies,” he said.

A key growth strategy for 2021 would be ARB’s move in providing more cloud-based product offerings, which would be achieved through the execution of partner-ecosystem in growing industries.

At the domestic front, Dato’ Sri Liew said ARB plans to work closely with government-linked companies, multinational corporations and public listed companies as envisaged under its 2021 business plan.

“Our cloud solutions have proved to improve management efficiency and accelerate a business’ digitalisation initiatives. At the same time, the solutions would also help to achieve cost-effectiveness,” according to Dato’ Sri Liew.

Moving forward, the Group also intends to expand into new horizontal markets such as providing cloud-based solutions to facilitate the new norm of business needs.

“As part of the growth strategy driven both organically and through strategic acquisitions, we are delivering innovative solutions in new categories, including Big Data analysis, e-commerce solutions, IoT platform for 5G and data cybersecurity, and expect to continue grow these businesses in the future,” said Dato’ Sri Liew.

He added further that the Group will accelerate rolling out IoT platform-based smart home solutions that have been gaining traction, especially among households in the urban area.

ARB’s IoT platform would be able to integrate a wide range of electrical appliances, allowing multi-connection and readiness of artificial intelligence learning features for the ease of use of home occupants.

According to Dato’ Sri Liew, ARB’s growth prospects are intact as it is well-positioned in two promising operating segments, namely, ERP and IoT. Our ERP and IoT segments will drive alignment, focus and growth while sharpening our partners’ focus. In addition, we are excited to see our IoT solutions business return to growth by serving more enterprises, further building on our annualised recurring revenue.

Based on the statistics by Frost & Sullivan, the Malaysian IoT market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.7% from US$2.2 billion in 2019 to reach US$10.3 billion by 2026.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian ERP market is projected to grow from US$120 million to reach US$255 million in 2026, growing at a CAGR of 11.4% in the same period.

“ARB’s unique cloud-based ERP business model reduces the Group’s dependence on external technology vendors and allows it to capture a bigger share of the value pool generated from the collaborations.

Dato’ Sri Liew expects the ERP segment to remain as the main revenue contributor for ARB in FY21, with continued recurring income potential.

The ERP segment is expected to deliver 65% of total turnover, while the remaining will be contributed by the IoT business. Both segments are expected to be in line with the global initiative in advancing into the new era of Industry 4.0.

“We create value by providing a tailor-made solution for our JV partners, designed to generate an immediate impact on sales and profits. At the same time, it also improves our business as we allow our JV partners to cross-sell their products and upsell packages to end customers, hence creating a synergistic relationship,” he added.

“The Group will continue to look for opportunities that might open up amidst the crisis, observe the market situation and adapt to what is needed in the current market to ensure the sustainable growth to the Group,” Dato’ Sri Liew said.

In FY20, the Group’s net profit grew by nearly 25% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM43.46 million, on the back of a 114% surge in revenue to RM219.45 million. It staged a turnaround in FY18 with a net profit of 4.23 million and continued to grow its bottom line to RM32.8 million for FY19. The Group has continually achieved its steady three-year earnings growth in revenue and net profit since 2018.

With 2021 set to be a year of recovery, underpinned by an improvement in business sentiment, ARB’s outlook appears to be positive.

ARB would be a key beneficiary of an increase in capital expenditure among businesses to digitalise their internal operations.

Currently, the Group has one of the lowest price-to-earnings ratios in the technology sector at just 4.6 times as of 22 February 2021 as compares with other technology industry players such as Mi Technovation Bhd (64.4 times), Inari Amerton Bhd (63.5 times) and ViTrox Corp Bhd (88.8 times).

About ARB Berhad

ARB Berhad (“ARB” or “Company”) is incorporated in Malaysia under the ACT in October 1997 and was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad in February 2004.

The Company is primarily an IT software and platform provider company.

It’s business operates predominantly in two (2) business areas:

1. Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) — designing and reselling of customised ERP solutions

2. Internet of Things (“IoT”) — integrated solutions in the systems, engineering, procurement, commissioning, and management of IoT systems

Its expertise lies in empowering businesses through digital transformation and technology integration