HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 February 2022 – Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics Network’; Stock Code 0636.HK) has won the distinction of “Excellent Logistics Enterprise” at the Top 100 Hong Kong Listed Companies Selection 2021 (the ‘Awards’) for its exemplary service and exceptional performance. The Awards winners were announced today.
Kerry Logistics Network always strives to maximise value for its stakeholders. The accolade was a recognition of both Kerry Logistics Network’s endeavours to help its customers navigate the transforming logistics landscape as well as its timely and transparent communication with its shareholders.
William Ma, Group Managing Director of Kerry Logistics Network, said, “As the world adapted to considerable changes and challenges in the last two years, Kerry Logistics Network has set itself apart by providing innovative and customised solutions to steer the ever-emerging complexities in the global supply chain. This award spotlights Kerry Logistics Network’s position as the largest international logistics company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a position which we will continue to strengthen by enhancing business synergies to create more value for shareholders.”
Organised annually by the Top 100 Hong Kong Listed Companies Research Centre, a programme jointly established and run by Chinese technology giant Tencent Holdings and financial media Finet Group, and co-hosted by the Hong Kong Investor Relations Association, Finet Group and Farseer Limited, the Awards are in its ninth edition this year. The results were evaluated by a judging panel comprising leaders in the finance, business, legal, education and cultural sectors and were taken as the benchmark for investment.
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 58 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 the Mainland of 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
About Top 100 Hong Kong Listed Companies Selection
The Top 100 Hong Kong Listed Companies Selection was jointly inaugurated in 2013 by Tencent Holding’s qq.com and Finet Group. Organised annually, the event selects and awards excellent Hong Kong listed companies listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that demonstrate robust development and investment value, in order to facilitate the prosperous development of the Hong Kong capital market. The event is held concurrently with an industry summit and an awards presentation ceremony to explore the trends in the financial market.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 February 2022 – The year 2022 marks the 50th edition of the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF), one of Asia’s premiere international cultural festivals. To celebrate this important milestone, the HKAF is presenting an array of online performances covering music, dance, theatre and more from late February through March for the enjoyment of a global audience.
The 50th Hong Kong Arts Festival features an eclectic host of online performances for a global audience, including Korngold’s Die tote Stadt (The Dead City), by Germany’s Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera) (photo credit: W. Hösl)
The 50th Hong Kong Arts Festival features an eclectic host of online performances for a global audience, including and To Be A Machine (Version 1.0), by Irish theater company Dead Centre (photo credit: Ste Murray).
Underpinning the significance of staying in touch with the world in the Covid era, this year’s HKAF uses “connections” and “arts and technology” as key themes. It continues to pivot to more online offerings, like last year, which should come as music to the ears of a global audience, as they can enjoy the specially curated performances regardless of geographical boundaries.
Highlights of the online performances include:
Opera
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series
Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera) (Germany)
Korngold’s Die tote Stadt (The Dead City)
An epic psychological drama of love and obsession, composed by one of music’s greatest prodigies, now retold with superlative conducting by Kirill Petrenko and starring tenor Jonas Kaufmann and soprano Marlis Petersen.
Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera) (Germany)
Shostakovich’s The Nose
Acclaimed Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov’s brand-new interpretation of a classic comedic opera, exploding with surreal imagery and human absurdity.
Under the baton of Czech chief Jakub Hrůša, the concerts celebrate life, death and tradition with Smetana’s stirring Má Vlast and Bruckner’s and Mahler’s epic Ninth Symphonies.
Radical interpretations of two of the great French playwright’s major works in celebration of the 400th anniversary of his birth. Directed by Stéphane Braunschweig—renowned Molière specialist and Artistic Director of the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe—these landmark productions explore the depths of timeless human frailty and foolishness.
A theatrical adaptation of a prize-winning non-fiction book of the same title to be live-streamed by Game of Thrones star Jack Gleeson from a stage in Dublin.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 February 2022 – KWG Group Holdings Limited (“KWG Group” or the “Group”; HKSE Stock Code: 1813. HK) was conferred the “Best Investor Relations Award” at the 9th Top 100 Hong Kong Listed Companies Selection, reaffirming the Group’s excellence in investor relations.
Since its listing in 2007, the Group has maintained close communication with various stakeholders to update the Group’s business status, strategic planning and organisational structure in a timely manner in a bid to enhance the transparency of the Group. During the pandemic, the Group has been actively communicating with the capital market through various means such as online and offline roadshows and company research. The Group has participated in over 350 investor-sharing sessions in 2021, enabling stakeholders to keep abreast of the Group’s latest developments and increasing analyst coverage. Moreover, in May 2021, the Group officially launched the “Green Financing Framework” and successfully received overseas financing, which was the first step towards the implementation of green finance. Its efforts continue to be widely recognised by the capital market.
KWG Group’s Investor Relations Team said, “We are honoured to receive the ‘Best Investor Relations Award’ from the Top 100 Listed Hong Kong Companies Selection. The award is strong proof of the recognition and encouragement of the team’s efforts in the areas of investor relations over the years. In the future, we will remain committed to improving the Group’s corporate governance and investor relations management as well as enhancing the corporate governance and transparency of the Group, in order to strengthen the Group’s ability to achieve high-quality development and create greater value for our shareholders.”
The 9th “Top 100 Hong Kong Listed Companies Selection” is organised by the Top 100 Hong Kong Listed Companies Research Centre and co-organised by Finet, Hong Kong Investor Relations Association and Farseer Technology. Since its inauguration in 2012, the event has become one of the annual events for the financial and economic sectors in Hong Kong. The selection has been vetted and approved by an expert judging panel of financial, accounting and legal professionals from Mainland China and Hong Kong, and the accuracy and objectivity of the results are well recognised and trusted by professional institutions and investors. The “Best Investor Relations Award” recognises the Group’s investor relations efforts and sets an example of good investor relations practices to elevate the quality of investor relations in the capital market.
About KWG Group Holdings Limited (HKSE stock code: 1813)
Established in 1995, KWG Group has been focusing on mid- to high-end premium properties with the core value of “build home with heart, create future with aspiration”. After 27 years of development, the Group has established a diversified property development regime and a balanced portfolio which includes mid- to high-end residential properties, serviced apartments, villas, office buildings, hotels, and shopping malls. In recent years, the Group has actively expanded its national footprint with a comprehensive development layout. In the Greater-Bay-Area, the Group’s development focus covers Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan and Hong Kong; in Yangtze-River-Delta Area, it focuses on Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Hefei, while in the Pan Bohai Rim Region, it centres in Beijing and Tianjin which complements the development in Chengdu, Chongqing, Nanning and other local divisions.
#KWGGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
RM118.8 Million Net Profit and 10.5 sen dividend declared – highest since becoming an investment bank
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
FY2021 vs FY2020
· Net Profit at RM118.8 million, up by 16.2%
· Net Income at RM784.5 million, down by 5.1%
· Operating Expense at RM648.5 million, down by 7.4%
· Return on Equity at 11.5%, up from 10.7%
· Earnings Per Share at 16.3 sen, up by 11.9%
· Net Equity Trading Investment Income at RM65.8 million, up by 0.5%
· Market Share of Retail Stockbroking at 24.2%, up from 22.2%
· Asset Under Administration (AUA) at RM18.8 billion up by 35.8%
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 25 February 2022 – Malaysia’s leading independent investment bank, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga” or the “Group”) delivered a new all-time high performance with its full year results ended 31 December 2021, surpassing its record performance from the year before.
Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad
Profit Before Tax (“PBT”) increased to RM148.2 million, up from RM134.7 million the year before, while Profit After Tax (“PAT”) increased to RM118.8 million, a 16.2% increase from the corresponding period. Revenue stood at RM891.5 million.
Annualised Return on Equity (ROE) stood at 11.5%, up from 10.7% and Earnings Per Share rose by 11.9% to 16.3 sen compared to 14.6 sen the year before.
The Board of Directors has declared a dividend of 10.5 sen per share, highest since becoming an investment bank.
“The year 2021 was a year of two halves for the Malaysian capital markets. The first half was largely shaped by the same robust momentum that fuelled our bumper year in 2020. The retail-driven strong trading volumes on Bursa Malaysia led to the excellent performance in our stockbroking business,” commented Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.
“However, this momentum moderated sharply in the second half of the year, as the country was hit by multiple headwinds, including the reintroduction of lockdown measures in the middle of the year due to surging COVID-19 cases. The FBM KLCI which hovered above 1,600 points at the start of the year, slipped below 1,500 points during second half. Daily average trading value weakened to RM4.1 billion in December from a high of RM10.6 billion in February,”
“Despite the tumultuous year, our stockbroking business continued to contribute the lion’s share of our 2021 bottom line that was further reinforced by the significant strides made by both our asset management and private equity businesses. This enabled us to thrive through the volatilities to deliver a stellar performance that beat the odds – a testimony to the strength of our diversified strategy,” added Datuk Chay added.
Its Stockbroking division maintained a PBT of RM86.4 million for the year ended 2021, similar to the PBT of year before. Its retail market share grew to 24.2%, from 22.2% driven by the continuous expansion of its joint venture Rakuten Trade, Malaysia’s first fully digital stocktrading platform.
Its Investment Management division surged by almost three folds, to a record PBT contribution of RM34.9 million. This is due to the higher performance fee and management fee income generated from increased asset under administration (“AUA”) to RM18.8 billion and a 60% growth in sales agency force. Meanwhile, Kenanga’s private equity arm had an exceptional year in 2021, with Fund I vintages maturing and in the harvesting period. RM24.6 million gains were recognised during the year.
“Looking forward, digital which has been central in shaping our growth journey, will continue to play a pivotal role in powering our next phase of advancement,” explained Datuk Chay.
Kenanga Investment Bank recently launched Malaysia’s latest robo-advisor, Kenanga Digital Investing (KDI). This follows the successful introduction of Rakuten Trade, which recently launched stock trading in the US markets at the same competitive commissions as trading on the local bourse.
About Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (197301002193 (15678-H))
Established for more than 45 years, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (the Group) is a financial group in Malaysia with extensive experience in equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending and trade financing.
The Group’s digital ambition includes building a robust digital ecosystem that meets the needs of its clients and businesses. Some of its game-changing products includes Malaysia’s fully online digital stockbroking platform Rakuten Trade and a fully A.I. robo-advisor, Kenanga Digital Investing.
The Group has garnered a host of awards and accolades reflecting its strong market position. It was awarded under the categories of Highest Returns to Shareholder Over Three Years, Best Overall Equities Participating Organisation by Bursa Malaysia, Best Overall Derivatives Trading Participant, Best Structured Warrant Issuer, Best Retail Equities Participating Organisation, Best Institutional Equities Participating Organisation Investment Bank; along with Best Trading Participant and Best Institutional Equities Participating Organisation and for Equity and Financial Derivatives for 18 consecutive years. The Group was also accorded the title of Best Institutional Derivatives Trading category by Bursa Malaysia.
The Group continues to be a regular and repeat recipient of distinguished industry accolades, such as the Lipper, Fundsupermart and Morningstar awards. For its continued efforts towards community outreach and employee volunteerism, the Group was awarded the coveted Company of the Year award for environmental and sustainability at Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2021. The Group is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principle-based approach to responsible business.
Today, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad is an award-winning leading independent investment bank in the country with a continuous commitment towards driving collaboration, innovation, digitalisation and sustainability in the marketplace.
#Kenanga
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Large numbers of vehicles on the roads in Vientiane Capital (Photo: Security News)
With the reopening of schools and businesses as Covid cases fall, Vientiane Capital is once again experiencing crippling traffic jams during peak hours.
Commitment to SBTi accelerates the Group’s long-standing contribution to climate action, which has led to carbon emissions reduction in its Central Portfolio by 38% since 2008.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 February 2022 – Hongkong Land is proud to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”) campaign to set emissions reductions and net-zero targets in line with climate science consistent with the Paris Agreement which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Joining other leaders in the private sector to support climate action, Hongkong Land has set itself ambitious emission reduction targets covering its operations across the region. This includes targeting a 46% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 22% reduction in carbon intensity for Scope 3 emissions by 2030 from 2019 levels. Measures include continuing to retrofit and deploy smart green technologies in existing portfolios to drive efficiencies, increasing the use of renewable energy, and focusing on low carbon construction to reduce emissions in development projects.
The SBTi was established in 2015 as part of a partnership between CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature to provide businesses with a clear plan to reduce emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement to combat climate change.
“Climate change is an issue we have attached great importance to for many years and is a business priority for the Group. We are proud to be strengthening this dedication by committing to this initiative,” said Mr Ben Keswick, Chairman of Hongkong Land. “Sustainability is fully integrated into all of our operations, with strong backing from the Board.”
“Hongkong Land has an established track record of adopting green building standards and innovating to deliver long-term value to stakeholders. This commitment, which works towards independent and clearly defined goals for carbon emissions reductions, is a natural next step in Hongkong Land’s sustainability journey,” he concluded.
Key sustainability initiatives across the portfolios in recent years include the consistent retrofitting of existing assets to drive energy efficiency – with annual reinvestment in the Central Portfolio in Hong Kong totalling more than US$50 million – and increasing renewable energy generation onsite. The Group has also implemented a robust green building certification programme, with all buildings in Hong Kong and Singapore achieving BEAM Plus Platinum and Green Mark Platinum certifications. Energy consumption in the Central Portfolio has been reduced by 30% when compared to the baseline year of 2008.
At a Group level, Hongkong Land has issued green bonds and sustainability-linked loans amounting to US$548 million and US$2.1 billion, respectively.
Mr Robert Wong, Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, added “Developers must take responsibility for mitigating their impact on the environment and pushing the sustainability agenda forward on behalf of the community they serve, including their tenants who are increasingly prioritising greener buildings and services.
“We have made considerable investment into our existing portfolios and new developments to reduce our carbon footprint, and committing to the SBTi targets is the latest step in our journey as we seek to accelerate our efforts,” he said.
Hongkong Land
Hongkong Land is a major listed property investment, management and development group. Founded in 1889, Hongkong Land’s business is built on excellence, integrity and partnership.
The Group owns and manages more than 850,000 sq. m. of prime office and luxury retail property in key Asian cities, principally in Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing and Jakarta. Its properties attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands.
The Group’s Central Hong Kong portfolio represents some 450,000 sq. m. of prime property. It has a further 165,000 sq. m. of prestigious office space in Singapore mainly held through joint ventures, four retail centres on the Chinese mainland, including a luxury retail centre at Wangfujing in Beijing, and a 50% interest in a leading office complex in Central Jakarta. The Group also has a number of high quality residential, commercial and mixed-use projects under development in cities across China and Southeast Asia, including a 43% interest in a 1.1 million sq. m. mixed-use project in West Bund, Shanghai. In Singapore, its subsidiary, MCL Land, is a well-established residential developer.
Hongkong Land Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group’s assets and investments are managed from Hong Kong by Hongkong Land Limited. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group. #HongkongLand
About the Science Based Targets initiative
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.
The initiative is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets. www.sciencebasedtargets.org @sciencetargets
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach – 25 February 2022 – CEIBS has once again placed in the top tier of schools in the world in the Financial Times‘ annual ranking of MBA programmes released today. The school secured the #16 spot in the latest ranking, making it the only non-US/non-European school to appear in the FT‘s top tier in 2022. It also marks the sixth consecutive year CEIBS has finished both in the top tier and as the top school in Asia.
CEIBS in top tier of FT MBA ranking for sixth straight year
The FT‘s ranking is widely considered to be the most influential of its kind in the world and takes into consideration a range of factors such as career progress, diversity, research and ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) efforts. In compiling the ranking, the FT divides 100 short-listed business schools into four major tiers according to their scores.
The twelve months leading up to today’s ranking proved to be a bounce-back time for both the world economy and business schools following the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many US and European business schools fared well according to the FT‘s employment and salary indicators.
As China’s economy has matured, it has created a more dynamic labour market and steadily raised the bar for MBA prospects, many of whom now bring professional degrees and both China and international work experience to the programme.
CEIBS MBAs have remained highly sought-after in the job market, with the most recent graduating cohort achieving job offer received and accepted rates of more than 95%. Meanwhile, the salary percentage increase of CEIBS MBA graduates was the highest amongst top tier schools in the FT‘s ranking.
Interested in pursuing an MBA at CEIBS? The admissions window for our October 2022 intake is now open! For more information about life on the programme in Shanghai, available scholarships and our upcoming Beyond Borders MBA Experience Day, click here.
Amulets made from plastic waste in Thailand (Reuters).
Two Thai companies have partnered to produce Buddhist amulets from recycled plastic, rather than from traditional materials like metal or wood, in hopes of motivating wearers to be mindful of the environment.
