THUN, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 1 May 2023 – Meyer Burger Technology AG is now offering its premium solar panels in Australia, a significant and growing market. The company will present its product portfolio “Made in Germany, designed in Switzerland” at the country’s largest solar trade show, the Smart Energy Conference and Exhibition from May 3 to 5 in Sydney.

BayWa r.e. will be Meyer Burger’s first distributor in Australia. “BayWa is well known in the Australian market as a supplier of German-made solar panels, and we believe Meyer Burger will fill an important gap in the Australian market,” said Durmus Yildiz, managing director of BayWa r.e. Solar Systems in Australia. “For us it is particularly important that Meyer Burger is adhering to sustainable manufacturing and sourcing practices, aiming to continuously reduce the carbon footprint of its high-performance modules.”

The products available in Australia are Meyer Burger White, Meyer Burger Black and Meyer Burger Glass, all of which contain highly efficient heterojunction solar cells produced in the company’s own production facilities in Germany’s “Solar Valley”. Compared to conventional technologies, the solar panels feature higher energy yields over their expected lifetime of more than 30 years.

“The Australian solar market, with its high demand for sustainable products manufactured to high social and ethical standards, offers an excellent opportunity for Meyer Burger,” says Brendan Kay, Head of Sales of Meyer Burger in Australia. “With our solar panels, the customer can harvest more solar energy from the rooftop – even at very high temperatures. This advantage is even larger with the glass-glass product, which, when installed appropriately, converts sun into electricity even on the back side with a bifacial efficiency of over 90 percent.”

Meyer Burger’s Australian sales team will give a presentation at the trade show on May 4 at 9:30 a.m., detailing the product portfolio and patent-protected heterojunction/SmartWire technology and providing insights into the company.

Interested parties can register for the presentation at the following link:
https://www.meyerburger.com/en/smart-energy-council-conference-and-exhibition

Hashtag: #MeyeBurger

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

About Meyer Burger Technology AG

Meyer Burger (www.meyerburger.com) has started production of high-performance solar cells and solar modules in 2021. Its proprietary heterojunction/SmartWire technology enables the company to set new industry standards in terms of energy yield. With solar cells and modules developed in Switzerland and manufactured in Germany according to high sustainability standards, Meyer Burger aims to become a leading European photovoltaic company. The company currently employs around 1200 people at research facilities in Switzerland, development and manufacturing sites in Germany and sales offices in Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia.

Meyer Burger was founded in 1953 in Switzerland. As a provider of production systems, the company has shaped the development of the global photovoltaic industry along the entire value chain in recent decades and has set essential industry standards. A large part of the solar modules produced worldwide today are based on technologies developed by Meyer Burger.

The registered shares of Meyer Burger Technology AG are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker: MBTN).

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 28 April 2023 – The Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank – HOSE: HDB) has successfully organised its 2023 annual general meeting with a high approval rating. The bank has approved a number of targets, plans and proposals, including a target of VND13.2 trillion ($562.67 million) in profit for 2023, a growth of 29 per cent on-year. After more than 30 years of development, HDBank is always committed to bringing the highest benefits to customers, partners and employees, and will continue with its spirit of “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – STRIVING FOR THE LEADING POSITION“.

With the message “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – STRIVING FOR THE LEADING POSITION“, HDBank continues this year to pursue its sustainable development orientation in its corporate governance, creating sustainable assets for society, bringing values to local and foreign partners and investors, and creating a professional working environment with excellent remuneration for its employees.

Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the bank’s innovation progress and five years since its IPO.

Its unceasing efforts over the years have brought HDBank significant achievements with its total assets exceeding VND416 trillion (USD18 billion) at the end of 2022, total deposits topping VND366 (USD15.6 billion) trillion and total credit being nearly VND268 trillion (USD11.4 billion).

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting, Pham Quoc Thanh, CEO of HDBank, said the Bank always focuses on risk management, constantly strengthening its systems and processes and using technology to monitor, forecast and promptly identify risks.

Despite the market volatility in 2022, all of HDBank’s activities went smoothly, with its safety performance indicators meeting State Bank of Viet Nam norms.

HDBank’s asset quality was also at a good level with the consolidated and separate non-performing loan ratio at 1.67% and 1.3%, respectively, much lower than the industry’s average.

HDBank’s capital adequacy ratio (Basel II) was 13.4%, among the highest in the industry.

HDBank’s Loan to Deposit ratio was 76.6%, lower than the maximum ratio of 85% required by the SBV.

Other quantitative and qualitative indicators were also consistently good:

• HDBank’s profit before tax exceeded VND10 trillion (USD427 million) for the first time
• HDBank’s return on equity and return on assets were 23.5% and 2.08%, both higher than last year and among the highest in the sector.
• The HDB stock is attractive to investors. Amid the stock market volatility, foreign investors continue to buy the stock.

With the positive business results of 2022, shareholders have approved dividends distribution of 10% in cash and 15% in shares for 2022.

At the meeting, the Chairman of Board of Directors – Independent BOD Member, Mr. Kim Byoung-ho said: “The macroeconomic landscape of the world and Viet Nam have brought significant challenges to Viet Nam but also provided great opportunities for those who have the know-how. By taking the initiative and being flexible in a volatile period, HDBank last year achieved strong yet sustainable growth. We ensured the prudent and asset quality ratios were well-managed within safe levels, and the growth of both credit and deposits topped the industry.”

Amid the global financial crisis and increased uncertainty this year, HDBank continues to pursue its sustainable development orientation and strategy to become a leader in retail, SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) and consumer banking, creating sustainable assets for itself and for society.

The bank will provide more products and services targeting industries and sectors that are key contributors to economic growth such as agriculture and rural development, green financing, manufacturing and trading, renewable energy, waste treatment, and recycling besides focusing on retaining its leading position in supply chain financing.

It will continue to offer preferential loans to those affected by the pandemic and workers and for digitisation of business and operations, and others.

Thanks to a large and promising customer ecosystem and a number of branches and transaction offices, after more than three decades of development, especially during the past five years since the bank’s IPO, Mr. Pham Quoc Thanh, CEO, said the bank is set to maintain strong growth in 2023.

• Total assets to exceed VND520 trillion (USD22.2 billion), up 25% from last year.
• Charter capital to reach nearly VND29.3 trillion (USD1.25 billion), up 16%.
• Total deposits to rise to nearly VND460 trillion (USD19.6 billion), up 25%.
• Total credit to exceed VND333.5 trillion (USD14.2 billion) (in line with the credit growth target prescribed by the State Bank of Viet Nam).

HDBank also aims to maintain the non-performing loan ratio at a low level of less than 2%. It will focus on sustainable strategies to enhance both return on equity and return on assets. Its profit before tax for 2023 are likely to be VND13.197 trillion (USD564 million), up 29%.

HDBank is also a pioneer in implementing Basel III standards for corporate governance, internal risk management regulations and others to improve its operations. It is committed to mobilising all resources to implement the strategy of “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – STRIVING FOR THE LEADING POSITION” making it a bank that creates sustainable assets for society.

Mr. Tran Dinh Cuong, deputy director of the State Bank of Viet Nam’s HCM City branch, said: “The State Bank of Viet Nam appreciates HDBank for its sustainable development strategy, especially its risk management to ensure safety, keeping its consolidated NPL ratio below 2% and complying with Basel III.

“Its Board of Directors is also highly rated for its corporate governance capacity to ensure openness and transparency.”

Mr. Le Nhi Nang, chief representative of the State Securities Commission (SSC) in HCM City, said: “Based on SSC’s monitoring and the reports presented today, we consider HDBank one of the large enterprises that fully complies with corporate governance regulations by disclosing transparent information and creating favourable conditions for investors to access information about its operations and periodically meet with its management.

“So investors and shareholders feel secure about their investment in the bank and have trust in the bank’s operations.”

At the meeting, 16 proposals made by the board of directors were approved with a 90%.

HDBank this year continues to proceed the plan to participate in the restructuring of weak credit institution and buy stakes in a securities company to complete its product and services portfolio.

99.42% of shareholders approved its growth strategy for 2023.

Concluding the meeting, Madam Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, HDBank’s Permanent Deputy Chairwoman of the Board of Directors said: “With its consistent achievements over the years, HDBank is confident of achieving the targets approved by its shareholders, winning the trust of the State Bank of Việt Nam and State Securities Commission and bringing the maximum benefits to customers, shareholders and employees.”

Hashtag: #HDBank

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

Seizing the opportunity of the Summit, various departments and levels of Fuzhou Municipal Government launched a one-month digital economy investment competition to achieve excellence, superiority, and efficiency. This generated a wave of digital investment fever, leading to the signing of many digital economy projects at the Summit.

For example, Gulou District and Minqing County have recently signed agreements with CCCC Urban Investment and IOT Solution Limited (Hong Kong) to invest in building metaverse industrial parks and metaverse systems. In addition, Cangshan District has deepened its efforts to attract business investment and promote the construction of a semiconductor equipment R&D center by the local leading enterprise Fushun Semiconductor, thus extending the chain of the integrated circuit industry.

As Fuzhou continues to advance its digital development, its digital economy concept has been widely accepted through the six summits held in succession, and all levels of the government are actively chasing the new wave of digital technology to empower the industry. For instance, Fuqing City signed a contract with Canheng Photoelectric Technology to invest 3 billion yuan to introduce CNC precision automatic production lines and other equipment to produce backlit display modules. The adoption of digital technology will bring about significant transformations to the production and management processes of the enterprise. Yongtai County signed a cooperation agreement with Shengyuan Textile for a total investment of about 3 billion yuan to introduce digital and intelligent systems to streamline production logistics management. Lianjiang County signed an agreement with Suzhou Cheerchem Advanced Material to invest 5 billion yuan in producing battery materials for new energy vehicles to achieve a production capacity of 300,000 tons/year of lithium (sodium) ion battery functional materials. Finally, Fuzhou Water Group signed a contract with Shenzhen Tongtaiyi to invest 1 billion yuan to build a manufacturing base for server & PC terminal products.

According to the relevant officials in Fuzhou, the Digital Summit has become an important platform for exchanging ideas, cooperation, and showcasing achievements in the construction of digital China, as well as an important position and distinctive business card for Fuzhou to develop its digital economy and build a digital city. Fuzhou will seize the opportunity of the Summit to continuously explore investment clues and promote the signing and landing of projects, establish the international brand of “Digital Fuzhou”, and implement actions to lead the digital economy, accelerate Fuzhou’s progress in high-quality development as a leader, pioneer, and model, and build the “No. 1 City of Digital Application”, thus injecting new impetus to the local economy.
Hashtag: #DigitalFuzhou #DigitalChinaSummit

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

Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris and Schneider Electric sign a sponsorship agreement

This includes in-kind donations and skills transfer of state-of-the-art energy management solutions

Representing Schneider Electric’s ability to rally in support of this centuries-old historical monument

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 April 2023 – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, and the public institution in charge of Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris have signed a sponsorship agreement in which Schneider is committed to contributing to the restoration of the cathedral through in-kind donations and the transfer of skills.

The fire that severely damaged the cathedral on April 15, 2019, triggered an extraordinary wave of solidarity that Schneider Electric wanted to be part of. “It is a matter of course for Schneider Electric to take part in this type of action for emblematic and prestigious sites, as we have done in the past for the Comédie Française or the Antarctic station,” emphasized Gilles Vermot-Desroches, Director of Citizenship and Institutional Affairs at Schneider Electric.

Advanced solutions…

For Notre-Dame de Paris, as for previous projects, Schneider’s commitment is to provide its expertise, equipment and state-of-the-art solutions. Schneider Electric will supply all the equipment needed to power the site: the transformer station, all the downstream electrical cabinets and breaker panels, and their components.

The agreement also includes a Building Management System (BMS), i.e., all the tools for energy management and power consumption control. Sensors, controllers, PLCs, communication buses and associated software will enable the Cathedral’s operators to fine-tune the site’s energy use and consumption. Schneider is also supplying an inverter, a distribution board and emergency lighting.

In addition to the equipment, Schneider Electric is responsible for maintaining the site’s electrical distribution systems, as well as the design, engineering, commissioning, and programming of the installed systems and training future users.

… for a site like no other

Cédric Larcher, Senior Project Manager at Schneider Electric France, is responsible for the implementation and follow-up of the project. Accustomed to tailor-made projects in special environments, he and his team are delighted to be working on this project, which, in addition to its prestigious nature, is anything but ordinary. The reasons for this include the cathedral’s historical monument status, which brings its own specific requirements, but also its scale, the logistics, space and access constraints (staircases, basements, vaults, etc.), and the resulting complexity of the work.

“For Schneider Electric, participating in the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is not only a technical partnership, but also a human one,” said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and CEO of Schneider Electric. “It gives us the opportunity to deploy our most innovative and secure energy management solutions at the service of an emblematic site dear to the citizens of France and the world. And this project is also a human adventure for the employees who will participate on the site.”

“We thank Schneider Electric for its support in the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris. Powering this monument is a major challenge for the work that will allow the cathedral to reopen in 2024. We are delighted to benefit from Schneider’s innovative energy management solutions, which will enable future operators to optimize their energy consumption. We are committed to integrating these concerns into the restoration of the Cathedral and we are pleased to count these technical advances among the French know-how at the service of our heritage,” said Philippe Jost, Deputy General Director of the Public Institution for the Restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris.

Work onsite will begin in a few months and will secure the power supply to the site. The BMS will make it possible to control and optimize the monument’s energy consumption, bringing 21st-century innovations to this cathedral, a world heritage site and a masterpiece of medieval art.

Hashtag: #SchneiderElectric #sustainability #ImpactCompany #MeaningfulPurpose #EnergyManagement

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

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

www.se.com/hk

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Experience the power of AI at our Generative AI Exhibition in Causeway Bay Flagship

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 28 April 2023 – Preface unveils the latest brand campaign in 2023: “The Power of Prompting” (學問 就是學問) – In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), learning begins with questioning. The campaign underscores the importance of questioning as a key skill in the pursuit of knowledge and encourages individuals to develop their questioning skills to enhance their learning experience. Preface has always been committed to integrating technology into daily life. Following the launch of Hong Kong’s first coffee blended with AI & big data in 2020, we have advanced further in 2023 with the highly anticipated debut of Hong Kong’s first cup of ChatGPT-generated coffee!

ChatGPT is a popular language model in recent years, with various functions such as language generation, image generation, question answering, and dialogue. After its launch, ChatGPT has sparked global discussion and widespread application, becoming an indispensable part of the new generation and bringing disruptive impact on human development. Earlier this year, Preface launched a series of Generative AI & ChatGPT training courses and held over 60 workshops in cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and London, allowing enterprises and the public to understand its practical applications in various industries and encourage future development of innovative solutions.

Preface is the first to combine ChatGPT with coffee, launching Hong Kong’s first cup of ChatGPT-generated coffee at Preface Coffee & Wine. When ordering, simply enter your name and select a few keywords. ChatGPT will generate a creative story for you, and our baristas will recommend a unique and personalised cup of coffee based on the story co-created by you and ChatGPT.

Preface will also use your creative story to generate a uniquely styled image using AI, for you to share on social media. Every image will be projected in real-time onto the store’s projector screen, forming an AI art piece co-created by Hong Kong people. In addition, anyone who orders an “AI Coffee” can receive a complimentary beverage, allowing more people to experience Generative AI technologies like ChatGPT, Dall-E, and MidJourney.

In addition, in anticipation of the era of AI, Preface looks forward to learning together with you and exploring more possibilities, understanding the application and development of AI in different industries. We will hold a series of “Future Symposium 2023”, inviting elite speakers from various fields such as Mr John Tsang, to speak on topics related to marketing, brand building, education technology, financial technology and human resources. The symposiums will be held at Preface Coffee & Wine Causeway Bay flagship store from May to June, and all interested parties are welcome to participate.

Preface AI Coffee
Date: From 29 April to 21 May 2023
Location: Preface Coffee & Wine Flagship, G/F – 1/F, The Sharp, 11 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay
Anyone who orders an “AI coffee” can receive a free non-alcoholic beverage on their next visit (redeemed latest by 31 May 2023).

Preface Future Symposium 2023
1. The Future of Consumer Engagement
2. The Future of Education
3. The Future of Financial Services
4. The Future of Work

Date: 10 May, 23 May, 6 June, 20 June
Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Preface Coffee & Wine Flagship, 1/F, The Sharp, 11 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay

Details and registration for the symposiums will be announced on Preface’s social media platforms in May. Register now for the AI & ChatGPT workshop: https://bit.ly/41ARDyF

Hashtag: #Preface #ThePowerofPrompting

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

About Preface

Preface is a leading technology training company headquartered in Hong Kong, with branches in Tokyo, London, and Singapore. We empower enterprises and individuals to stay ahead of the curve in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Our AI-powered tech training programmes provide fast and relevant content that helps our learners future-proof their businesses and careers.

At Preface, we aim to revolutionise learning by disrupting traditional education methods. We believe that learning should not be confined to a classroom setting. This is why we have established Preface Coffee & Wine, a lifestyle destination where everyone can enjoy quality coffee and wine, participate in diverse events, connect with like-minded individuals, and get a taste of the latest tech trends, all in a comfortable and inclusive environment that seamlessly bridges the gap between technology and learning for the community.

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