• First Half EBITDA surges 255% YoY to S$3.9m on the back of higher revenue and margin expansion
• Positive signs have emerged recently, indicating the sector downturn may be bottoming-out

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 14 May 2021 – Marco Polo Marine Ltd. (SGX:5LY) (“Marco Polo Marine” or the “Company“, and together with its subsidiaries, “the Group“), a reputable regional integrated marine logistics company, today announced its financial results for the half year ended 31 March 2021 (“1HFY2021“).

Marco Polo Marine reported a net attributable profit of S$5.9 million for 1HFY2021, compared to a 1HFY2020 net loss of S$0.7 million. Group revenue for the period gained 13.8% to S$21.1 million, from S$18.6 million in 1HFY2020, as sales from its Ship Building & Repair division surged 34.5% year-on-year.

1HFY2021 Financial Highlights

*Excludes foreign exchange losses (mainly unrealised in nature) and one-off gain arising from the acquisition of debt

Gross profit surged 47% to S$5.0 million in 1HFY2021 from S$3.4 million in 1HFY2020, with gross profit margin increasing to 24% in 1HFY2021 from 18% in 1HFY2020. This was mainly due to the absence of one-off reactivation costs incurred for its fleet of offshore vessels during the current period.

Excluding foreign exchange losses and the one-off gain from the acquisition of debt, the Group’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased to S$3.9 million in 1HFY2021, from S$1.1 million in 1HFY2020.

Other operating income increased significantly to S$7.3 million in 1HFY2021 from S$2.4 million in 1HFY2020, following a S$6.2 million gain from the acquisition of debt (as announced by the Company on 13 October 2020).

The share of losses from jointly controlled companies decreased to approximately S$20,000 in 1HFY2021 from S$1.0 million in 1HFY2020. The share of losses was attributable to a lower utilisation of the vessel held by Pelayaran Era Sdn Bhd. The Group has ceased to recognise the share of results from its joint venture, PT Pelayaran Nasional Bina Buana Raya Tbk (“PT BBR”) in the current period, since the losses to be recognised have exceeded the Company’s cost of investment in PT BBR.

Segmental Breakdown

Revenue from the Group’s Ship Chartering Operations fell by 5% to S$9.4 million in 1HFY2021 from S$9.9 million in 1HFY2020, mainly due to lower charter rates for the Group’s fleet of tugboats and barges. Average utilisation rates for both its fleet of tugboats and barges as well as OSVs have remained comparable to that of the same period last year.

The Group’s Ship Building & Repair Operations recorded a 34% rise in revenue to S$11.7 million in 1HFY2021 from S$8.7 million in 1HFY2020, mainly due to increased ship repair jobs during the period. Its Ship Building division has also commenced new projects in relation to the construction of two Smart Fish Farms, as announced by the Company on 17 August 2020, which led to the higher revenue.

Moving Forward

The outlook for the offshore marine industry remains challenging, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to crimp oil demand as well as oil and gas activities, resulting in a slowdown in the Group’s ship chartering and shipyard operations. However, positive signs have emerged recently, indicating that the sector downturn may be bottoming-out gradually. The Group has also taken steps to capitalise on emerging opportunities in certain segments.

For the Group’s ship chartering business, it will continue to step up marketing efforts to improve its performance and explore additional revenue sources by venturing beyond Southeast Asia, in particular, into the offshore windfarm renewable energy segment. The utilisation of its fleet of tugboats and barges is also expected to improve as construction activities in Singapore progressively resume. For the Group’s shipyard division, it will continue to focus on securing ship repair and maintenance orders from regional ship owners.

Mr Sean Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Marco Polo Marine, commented: “Despite the industry’s challenging backdrop, we were able to register a creditable performance for 1HFY2021, returning to profit from a net loss in the previous period. Our efforts to diversify into the renewables sector has started to bear fruit, and the Group will continue to focus on transitioning into green energy. “

About Marco Polo Marine

Listed on the Mainboard of the SGX-ST since 2007, Marco Polo Marine Ltd is a reputable regional integrated marine logistics company which principally engages in shipping and shipyard operations.

The Group’s shipping business relates to the chartering of Offshore Supply Vessels (“OSVs”) for deployment in the regional waters, including the Gulf of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan, as well as the chartering of tug boats and barges to customers, especially those which are engaged in the mining, commodities, construction, infrastructure and land reclamation industries.

Under its chartering operations, the Group has diversified its activities beyond the oil and gas industry to include the support of the construction of offshore windfarm projects. The burgeoning offshore wind energy industry in Asia is at a nascent stage where structures are in the process of being installed, which presents tremendous opportunities for the Group whose fleet is able to support the development of these projects.

The Group’s shipyard business relates to ship building as well as the provision of ship maintenance, repair, outfitting and conversion services, which are carried out through its shipyard located in Batam, Indonesia. Occupying a total land area of approximately 34 hectares with a seafront of approximately 650 meters, the modern shipyard also houses three dry docks, which have boosted the Group’s technical capabilities and service offerings to undertake projects involving mid-sized and sophisticated vessels.

For more information, please refer to our corporate website: www.marcopolomarine.com.sg

iBEAM to assess 450,000 building and sustainable development project data every year

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 May 2021 – BEAM Society Limited (“BSL”) announces today the launch of iBEAM – the first-ever locally developed integrated green building cloud data platform in Hong Kong. iBEAM is capable of analysing 450,000 entries of project data related to built environment and sustainable development every year, which would turn into a data warehouse for the prediction of green building development trends and making visionary suggestions for implementing sustainable development in the industry. iBEAM also enables paperless assessment workflow through uploading all building data to a single cloud platform, which enhances transparency, security and integrity of the assessment process while reducing carbon emission, contributing to a greener built environment in Hong Kong.

Data warehouse advocates green building development, provides concrete solutions and creates benefits for the public

The rising awareness on environmental protection and sustainable development has drawn increasing public attention to the overall quality of the built environment. In 2010, “BEAM Plus”, a leading, impartial assessment tool designed for the sustainability performance of buildings in Hong Kong was first launched by BSL. BEAM Plus assesses the sustainability of buildings during planning, design, construction, testing, commissioning, management, operation, and maintenance stages. Assessment results are recognised and certified by the Hong Kong Green Building Council. To date, BEAM Plus has certified green building developments encompassing over 18.6 million square metres of space, equivalent to over 2.5 square metres per capita. BEAM Plus is one of the most widely used voluntary green building labelling schemes of its kind in the world on a per capita basis.

Ms Ivy LEE Siu Wing, Chairperson of BSL, shares, “iBEAM will be the first-ever 24/7 project assessment submission platform in Hong Kong. It enables BSL to streamline BEAM Plus assessment process, enhances BEAM Pro experience and its efficiency, and upholds the core values of BSL – integrity, consistency and transparency.

iBEAM is a new generation platform that collects, manages, standardises, submits, reports, discloses and processes data related to built environment and sustainable development. Its major features include:

● Intelligent integration platform: With customisable user interface and settings, this platform enables project teams to share information and manage workflow. Where necessary, participating parties can download the data collected for other purposes such as submission of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) reports, and as benchmark data necessary for the application of green finance investments. In the long run, iBEAM will contribute to building a smarter, greener and more resilient city as envisioned in the HK2030+ and the Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint 2.0.

● Paperless cloud platform: After uploading the data to the cloud portal, project teams can update or retrieve them by logging in the portal round the clock anywhere. The platform also enables paperless e-form submission of data for archiving and real time processing at both multiple and centralised ends.

● Reliable and consistent security platform: After receiving data uploaded by project teams, the platform will automatically execute the approval process and match with assessors, raising the transparency, security and integrity of assessments. iBEAM also centralises and securely executes workflow, from data collection, approval, to online management of BEAM Plus assessment fee.

Mr LIU Chun San, JP, Under Secretary for Development, mentions, “BEAM Society, has been a close partner of the Government to promote green building environment ever since her establishment in the 1990s. The development and adoption of iBEAM is most welcome by the Development Bureau. iBEAM aligns with and supports our two major visions: to develop smart, green and resilient new towns; and Construction 2.0 in adopting innovation including digitalization technology for the construction industry.”

Mr Frankie So, Chairperson of iBEAM Project Steering Committee, mentions, “We anticipate an annual uptake of 10,000 users and 200 building assessment applications after the launch of iBEAM, with growth in subsequent years. The system can process 450,000 entries of data from built environment and sustainable development projects every year, and analyse big data such as Green Building Attributes, Management, Site Aspects, Materials and Waste, Energy Use, Water Use, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovations and Additions, Community Aspects and Outdoor Environmental Quality. It will empower a greener built environment in Hong Kong and create benefits for the public.”

Consultations and experience workshops obtain recognition from the industry

BSL commenced the development of iBEAM in April 2020. 5 engagement talks were held throughout the development stage, garnering more than 1,100 industry participations and constructive feedback. Before the launch of iBEAM, BSL has organised the iBEAM Xperience Studio, an experiential workshop that engaged over 100 construction professionals and 14 consultancy firms in the industry.

Ms Ivy LEE adds, “iBEAM is a part of a bigger green building journey. Looking ahead, BSL will continue to work closely with the governments of the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong, as well as our strategic partners, professional and educational institutes. Working hand in hand, we will create a sustainable and liveable environment for mankind.”

Please click HERE to download the event photos

Photo 1

（From Left to Right）Mr. So Hung Fai, Frankie, Chairperson of iBEAM Project Steering Committee ,Ms. Guo Jianhua, Director of Department of Educational Scientific & Technological Affairs from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong SAR, Mr. Liu Chun San, JP, Under Secretary for Development, Ms. Lee Siu Wing, Ivy, Chairperson of BEAM Society Limited and Sr Prof Wong Bay, Past Chairman of HKGBC officiated at the “Beyond Green with iBEAM” Launch Ceremony.

Photo 2

Ms. Lee Siu Wing, Ivy, Chairperson of BEAM Society Limited said iBEAM is a part of a bigger green building journey. Looking ahead, BSL will continue to work closely with different parties to create a sustainable and liveable environment for mankind.

Photo 3

Mr. Liu Chun San, JP, Under Secretary for Development pointed out BEAM Society Limited has been a close partner of the Government to promote green building environment ever. The development and adoption of iBEAM is most welcome by the Development Bureau.

Photo 4

Mr. So Hung Fai, Frankie, Chairperson of iBEAM Project Steering Committee believed big data will empower a greener built environment in Hong Kong and create benefits for the public.

Photo 5

BEAM Society Limited today（13 May）announced the launch of a pioneering locally developed integrated green building cloud data platform in Hong Kong and the iBEAM launch ceremony was held virtually on the same day.

Photo 6

Group Photo of the Launch Ceremony

About BEAM Society Limited (BSL)

BEAM Society Limited (BSL) is a non-profit organization. Since the development of Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM) in 1996, and BEAM Plus in 2010, BSL has committed to administering and developing the BEAM Assessment Tools, offering impartial assessment on building sustainability and training BEAM practitioners – BEAM Professionals (BEAM Pro) and BEAM Affiliates. BSL has become a public body under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance since 2016.

BSL has committed to improving the overall quality of the built environment in Hong Kong. BEAM assessment tools available include: BEAM Plus New Buildings, BEAM Plus Existing Buildings, BEAM Plus Interior and BEAM Plus Neighbourhood. They assess the impact of overall planning, design, construction and maintenance on the environment.

To get more information about BSL, please visit www.beamsociety.org.hk

#BEAMSocietyLimited #BSL

Furthering our Commitment to Sustainability with Demonstrated Resilience under the Pandemic

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 May 2021 – Hang Lung Group Limited (Stock Code: 00010) and Hang Lung Properties Limited (Stock Code: 00101) today published their online Sustainability Reports 2020. The reports highlight the steps and progress made to advance sustainability initiatives in the course of the year and continue the journey towards becoming one of the most sustainable real estate companies in the world.

Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties publish their online Sustainability Reports 2020 featuring the sustainability framework and a set of 2030 sustainability goals and targets

Major initiatives and achievements during the year include: 1) measures implemented to protect the wellbeing of our employees, customers and communities – our topmost priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) the launch of an enhanced sustainability framework that focuses on Climate Resilience, Resource Management, Wellbeing and Sustainable Transactions; 3) the establishment of a set of long-term sustainability goals and targets to be achieved by 2030, with 35 strategic environmental, social and governance (ESG) key performance indicators (KPIs) set for 2021; and 4) marked progress made on sustainable finance which accounted for 13% of total debts and available facilities at the end of 2020.

Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties, said, “I would like to thank all of my colleagues for their tenacity and dedication through such a challenging year in working as one team towards our sustainability goals. In response to the pandemic, multiple measures were adopted to provide our colleagues with support and safeguards against the risk of infection including a dedicated pandemic response team, provision of protective equipment, and the formalization of flexible work arrangements. Through our concerted efforts, we achieved zero infection for all personnel at Heartland 66 in Wuhan. In support of the communities in which we operate, we also donated RMB10 million to establish the Hang Lung Novel Coronavirus Relief Fund.

On our path to achieving sustainability leadership, ESG KPIs are established across the company, which are directly tied to our annual performance reviews and which embed sustainability principles and practices directly in our daily work. These initiatives reaffirm our commitment to instilling sustainable values, and mark important steps forward on our leadership journey.”

Mr. Adriel Chan, Vice Chair of Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties and the Chair of the Sustainability Steering Committee, said, “Despite the uncertainties and challenges of last year, we have made significant strides forward in our sustainability efforts. Our new expression of our Vision, Mission and Values – of which sustainability is an integral part – demonstrates our determination to embed sustainability throughout our business lifecycle for the long-term. While creating compelling spaces that enrich lives, we are also deepening our sense of responsibility to our communities and to future generations.”

In addition to the key highlights and achievements mentioned above, other highlights include:

• The issuance, by the Boards of Directors of Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties, of a Joint Statement on Oversight and Management of ESG Issue, elaborating on the Boards’ ESG management approach and strategy, and their role in reviewing progress against ESG-related goals and targets
• The development of Hang Lung’s Sustainability Policy, which provides clear guidance to employees on the pursuit of sustainability leadership, including the principles and processes for implementing relevant initiatives aligned with the sustainability framework
• Achieving a 21.5% reduction of electricity intensity by construction floor area compared to 2019
• Obtaining first LEED Platinum pre-certifications for two office towers at Westlake 66 in Hangzhou
• The donation of HK$25 million for a wide array of sustainable community investment programs

Recognition Earned

In 2020, Hang Lung Properties was included as a constituent of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index for four consecutive years, received a three-star performance rating and an A-grade disclosure rating under GRESB for three consecutive years and was selected as a constituent of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index and the Hang Seng (Mainland and Hong Kong) Corporate Sustainability Index with an “AA-” rating or above for 11 consecutive years.

The Sustainability Reports 2020 of Hang Lung are now available for download at the links below:

Hang Lung Group

https://www.hanglung.com/en-us/group/media-center/publications/sustainability

Hang Lung Properties

https://www.hanglung.com/en-us/media-center/publications/sustainability

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is recognized for leading the way in enhanced sustainability initiatives in real estate as it pursues sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit www.hanglung.com.

#HangLungProperties #HangLungGroup

Recognized for Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 May 2021 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced that it has been positioned by Gartner as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platform for its offering, Trend Micro Apex One. The evaluation was based on specific criteria that analyzed the company’s overall completeness of vision and ability to execute.

Trend Micro is continually innovating and anticipating emerging threats. Our flagship Apex One endpoint protection platform features broad coverage against today’s most critical threats. Our customers are protected using a range of techniques including virtual patching, which immediately protects against exploits until the vendor patch is applied.

Read the full Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platform report at: https://resources.trendmicro.com/Gartner-Magic-Quadrant-Endpoints.html

“The endpoint has become a key battleground as determined threat actors try to take advantage of the pandemic to target distributed workforces and vulnerable remote access infrastructure. But throughout this difficult period, we’ve been there for our customers,” said Wendy Moore, vice president of product marketing for Trend Micro. “I’m delighted to see us recognized again for doing what we do best: Protecting global organizations through innovative, cloud-first and platform-based security. We will continue to focus on offering simple, robust and industry-leading protection through our cybersecurity platform.”

At the heart of the company’s cybersecurity platform is Trend Micro Vision One, which delivers visibility and XDR using telemetry from Apex One in addition to email, servers, cloud workloads and networks for faster detections and investigations.

Magic Quadrant reports are a culmination of rigorous, fact-based research in specific markets, providing a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the providers in markets where growth is high and provider differentiation is distinct. Providers are positioned into four quadrants: Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries and Niche Players. The research enables you to get the most from market analysis in alignment with your unique business and technology needs.

* Gartner disclaimer: Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.trendmicro.com.hk

#TrendMicro