Q P Group’s 2024 Interim Net Profit Surges by 50.9% to HK$54 Million ACN Newswire

Q P Group’s 2024 Interim Net Profit Surges by 50.9% to HK$54 Million

HONG KONG, Aug 26, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - 23 August 2024, Q P Group Holdings Limited (“Q P Group” or the “Group”; Stock code: 1412), a paper product manufacturing and printing services provider, today announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (“6M2024” or the “Period”).During the Period, the Group achieved revenue of approximately HK$538.6 million, representing an increase of approximately 16.9% as compared with the six months ended 30 June 2023 (6M2023). The gross profit increased by approximately 25.1% to approximately HK$192.5 million year-on-year. The gross profit margin increased to approximately 35.7% (6M2023: approximately 33.4%). Meanwhile, net profit also significantly increased by approximately 50.9% from approximately HK$35.8 million for 6M2023 to approximately HK$54.0 million for 6M2024. The increases in both gross profit and net profit were primarily attributable to the positive effects of better economies of scale driven by the increase in revenue from both original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) sales and web sales, as well as the continuous enhancement in operational and production efficiency. Basic earnings per share was approximately HK10.15 cents (6M2023: approximately HK6.72 cents).The board of directors has resolved to declare an interim dividend of HK3.0 cents per share for 6M2024 (6M2023: HK2.0 cents).Business ReviewDuring the Period, leveraging the consistently outstanding performance in engineering and production efficiency and quality, the Group successfully secured additional orders from its major OEM customer driven by the increasing market demand, which boosted its overall OEM sales. Meanwhile, the Group pushed forward steady business development in different product lines, which included the development of trading card game manufacturing business in the PRC. The Group’s OEM sales revenue increased by approximately 19.3% to approximately HK$438.8 million for 6M2024. (6M2023: approximately HK$367.8 million), mainly attributable to the increased demand for the Group’s tabletop game products from its major OEM customer.In respect of web sales business, the Group continued to allocate resources to online and offline marketing initiatives including digital marketing, crowdfunding and participation in overseas exhibitions. During the Period, the Group’s web sales revenue increased by approximately 7.4% to approximately HK$99.8 million for 6M2024. The number of active registered user accounts, which refers to the registered user accounts with order(s) placed on the Group’s major websites, increased from approximately 64,100 as at the end of last year to approximately 70,400 as at 30 June 2024.During the Period, the Group’s original brand manufacturer (“OBM”) business launched a number of card products and crowdfunding projects, which included card products published under brand licensing initiatives, progressively carving out the Group brand’s reputation and recognition in the relevant markets.On the operational front, the new Vietnam factory officially commenced full-scale operation during the Period, and has become a key production hub of the Group, leading to a new landscape and opportunities for the Group’s overall supply chain operation and business.ProspectsLooking ahead, the global economy is expected to continue to recover and grow in the second half of 2024, but the manufacturing industry may still face challenges amidst uncertainties such as high inflation and geopolitical volatility. The Group will continue to strive for steady business diversification and expansion as well as improvement in operational efficiency, thereby elevating its competitive advantage.In the OEM business, the Group intends to further explore the trading card manufacturing business in USA’s and European markets, so as to seize the opportunities in both domestic and foreign markets and maximise economies of scale. In the web sales business, the Group will attempt to embark on diverse marketing campaigns that put emphasis not only on customer acquisition but also the growth of existing customers. Furthermore, Q P Market Network (“QPMN”), an e-commerce platform under the Group, has initiated collaborations with enterprises in different regions to offer online solutions for product customisation. The Group looks to promote QPMN’s services to more brands and licensors with the successful cases, making a step towards the realisation of a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) model. In terms of the OBM business, the Group will actively seek collaborations with more brands and licensors and develop additional product categories and product customisation to enrich customer experience.On the operational front, the Group will stay focused on enhancing the efficiency and capacity of the new Vietnam plant, and continues to drive digital transformation and smart operations. The Group is in the process of preparation for the certification of Level 2i of Industry 4.0 maturity for the Dongguan plant, moving forward to achieve more extensive smart operations.Mr. Cheng Wan Wai, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Q P Group concluded: “While the global economic landscape continues to present headwinds such as slowing growth and inflationary pressures, we remain confident in the Group’s long-term prospects. Our solid operational and financial foundations position us well to capitalise on future opportunities. We will continue to adopt a proactive and prudent management approach, pursuing steady business expansion and driving improvements in operational efficiency. By closely monitoring market changes and swiftly adapting our strategies, we will strive to minimise the impact and delivering long-term value for our stakeholders.”– End –About Q P Group Holdings Limited (Stock code: 1412)Established in Hong Kong in 1985, Q P Group is one of the leading paper-based tabletop games and greeting cards manufacturers in the PRC, with production sites in Dongguan and Heshan in Guangdong Province, the PRC, and Phu Ly City in Ha Nam Province, Vietnam. Its principal product categories include tabletop games, greeting cards, educational items and premium packaging. Since 2010, the Group has been operating web sales businesses to provide online solutions for diversified customised paper products and gift items. Currently, the number of its active registered users has reached over 70,000.Q P Group’s major websites are:www.makeplayingcards.comwww.boardgamesmaker.comwww.createjigsawpuzzles.comwww.printerstudio.comQ P Market Network: www.qpmarketnetwork.comFor more information, please visit:https://www.qpp.comMedia EnquiriesStrategic Financial Relations LimitedVicky LeeTel: (852) 2864 4834Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hkPhoebe LeungTel: (852) 2114 4172Email: phoebe.leung@sprg.com.hkLinda KwanTel: (852) 2114 4951Email: linda.kwan@sprg.com.hkWebsite: http://www.sprg.com.hk Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Data Center Xpo Announces Winners of Data50 Awards ACN Newswire

Data Center Xpo Announces Winners of Data50 Awards

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Aug 26, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Data Center Xpo is excited to announce the winners of the Data50 awards, which highlight the top technology leaders to watch in 2024. This year’s winners were chosen through a thorough process involving nominations, applications, data from our records, interviews, company websites, and other public sources.The Data50 awardees, known for their passion and innovation, drive impact across data analytics and emerging tech. The Data Centre Xpo transforms knowledge into actionable insights, fostering connections and partnerships. This year’s event will take place on September 3-4, 2024, at Voca in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This summit is a premier venue for exploring trends, networking, and engaging in sessions on data analytics, AI, and technology advancements. Join us to collaborate and discover transformative solutionsMeet the Data50 winners:Mohamed Abdeen, Head of Digital Services, Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Co.Muhammad Ghunaim, Head of BI & Analytics, Abdul Latif Jameel United Finance Company.Abdullah Rhwanjy, CITO, Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets.Rafe Ismail, Datacenter Operations Senior Manager, Ad Diriyah Gate Development Authority.Abdullah Abdulwasa, Chief Digital Officer, Al-Faisaliah Group.Yehia Taqsira, CIO, Alfaris Group.Saad Chammah, Head of Information Technology Department, Almabani General Contractors.Dr.Faisal AlNasser, Head of Enterprise Information Technology (EIT), Almarai.Abdullah Karabilo, Director of Strategy and Digital Transformation, Arabian Shield Cooperative Insurance Company.Adrian Blanck, Chief Digitalization Officer, Aramco.Ali Hummadi, VP QHSSE, ARASCO.Krish Jangal, Director of IT, ARASCO.Abdullah AlOmari, Information Technology Director & CIO, ARO Drilling.Saeed Ahmed Mughal, IT Director, Al Safwa Hospital by MajestyAbdulaziz Al-Ghufaili, Chief Technology Officer, Bank Albilad.Adel Mazen Ammari, Director of IT Operations, Cenomi Centers.Faisal Alshammari, Deputy CEO & Chief Innovation Officer, Tameeni.Nawaf Alghamdi, Director of Data and Artificial Intelligence, Council Of Health Insurance.Ghulam Murtaza, Head of Information Technology, The Coca Cola Bottling Company of Saudi Arabia.Faraz Manzoor, Head of IT & Technology, DAR Engineering.Tariq Al-Issa, Chief Information Officer, Enjaz.Ahmed Ali Larik, Head of IT Demand & Delivery and PMO, EMKANAbbas Natto, Group Chief Information Officer, Geidea.Wael Alfattani, Director of Information Technology (CIO), General Authority for Competition.Ali AlThuwaini, Director Business Intelligence, General Authority For Statistics - GASTAT.Sivakumar Seshadri, Head of Digital, General Organization for Social Insurance.Majed Shahin, Chief Technology Officer, Global Healthcare Co.Faisal Khashouf, Regional CIO Middle East & Africa, Hitachi Energy.Nasser Alamri, Cybersecurity Executive Director (CISO), Institute of Public Administration.Majed Alangari, Head of Cloud and Infrastructure, Integrated Telecom Company(Salam) Riyadh.Abdulrahman Almazroua, Manager of Cybersecurity Operations at JHAH, John Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH).Rayed Saad Altukhais, Director of Digital Excellence, King Saud Medical City.Hamad Almutairi, Head of IT and Assets, King Saud Medical City.Abdulrhman AlKhnaifer, CIO, King Saud University.Muath Aloufi, Director of Digital Transformation, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital.Mubarak Alshahrani, Chief Information Officer, King Saud Medical City.Mohammed Shah, IT and Smart City Director, Knowledge Economic City.Jad H Abdulsalam, VP, Cybersecurity and Digitization, Maaden.Mohammad Hazazi, IT&Sports Innovation Director, Mahd Academy.Syed Mubashir Ahmed, Head of IT & Projects Mobilization, Masah Construction Company.Naif Alharbi, Head of IT, MELSA (Mitsubishi Electric Saudi LTD).Osama Almujalli, Chief Data Officer, Ministry of Economy and Planning.Yousef Hamdan Alofey, Director of the Technical Affairs Department, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing.Ahmad Mishkhas, Chief Information Security Officer,National Bank Of Bahrain.Ibrahim Al-Ammar, Chief Information Technology Officer, National Medical Care Company (NMC).Amin Aljaber, CIO, Nesma & Partners.Azwar Shah, Head of IT, Noon.Abdulrahman Alsarami, ICT Senior Director, NUPCO.Muhammad Uzair, CIO, PepsiCo.Anas Mosa, Director of Information Technology - PIF Projects, Public Investment Fund (PIF).Hala Mohammed AlSamnan, Vice President of IT Internal Audits, Riyadh Bank.Alok Srivastava, Director - IT Applications, ROSHN.Faisal Jamil, Associate Director IT & Cyber Risk, RSM Saudi Arabia.Mahmood Mubarak, Head of Technology O&M, Sahm Capital.Ali Alzahrani, Head of Cyber Security, SAMI Advanced Electronic Company.Asim Badhuralam, Director of Digital Transformation, Sanabel Alsalam for Food Manufacturing Company.Nader Alsinani, IT & Digital Services Director, Saudi Downtown Company – PIF subsidiary.Eyad Buhulaiga, Chief Data Management & Digital Strategy Officer, Saudi Electricity Company.Sayed Naser, Group IT Director, Saudi Industrial Development Company.Fahad Bin Moselekh, VP, Information Technology, Saudi National Bank.Mashari Almussaed, Digital Transformation Operations Manager, Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee.Ahmed Docrat, Executive Director - Digital Transformation, Saudi Tourism Authority.Saleh Alharbi, CIO, Shaqra University.Sameer Joshi, IT Director, SPIMACO.Zakir Shaikh, Group Head IT Operations, Tanmiah Food Company.Omar Albilali, CIO, Tasnee.Abdulrahman Alghabban, Director of Infrastructure & Data Center Operations, Tawuniya Riyadh.Abdullah Al-Zahrani, Director of Personal Data Protection, Tawuniya Riyadh.Eng.Syed Kareemuddin, Head of IT Infrastructure,Network & Security, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Saudi Arabia.Saud Alabdulaziz, Head Of Information Technology, The Financial Academy.Mohamed Fathy Zeineldin, Head of Enterprise Architecture and Data Governance, The Saudi Investment Bank.Shahzad Sultan, Director of Information Technology, U.S. Renal Care Riyadh.Abdullah Biary, Chief Information Security Officer, United Cooperative Assurance.Irfan Ul Haq, Director of Information Technology,Warehousing & Logistics Services Co LSC.Don’t miss the chance to connect and learn from the winners of the Data50 awards. This is an excellent opportunity for those eager to stay at the forefront, explore the possibilities of data analytics, or investigate the future of emerging technologies. The Data Center Xpo provides a unique platform to engage with leading experts in technology.For more information about Data Center Xpo and the Data50 awards, click on the Link.For Media Enquiries, contact:Kasturi Nayak (Sr. Marketing Executive) Kasturi.nayak@exito-e.com Enquiry@exito-e.com Exito Media Concepts Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Toni Bou Wins 18th Consecutive FIM Trial World Championship Title JCN Newswire

Toni Bou Wins 18th Consecutive FIM Trial World Championship Title

TOKYO, Aug 26, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou (Spain, 37 years old) has won the 2024 FIM* Trial World Championship. He has clinched his 18th consecutive title, extending his own record, by winning the Round 6 in France, held on August 25.This year’s Trial World Championship is contested over seven rounds (12 trials). Bou was off to a good start to the season by winning both trials at the TrialGP of Japan, held for the first time as a season-opener, at Mobility Resort Motegi. Although he dominated Round 2 in Andorra, and was victorious in the first trial of the following TrialGP of Italy, Bou’s second place finish in Trial 2 put an end to his winning streak. Undeterred, he dominated Round 4 in Germany for his third perfect GP of the season, and Round 5 in Belgium. Going into Round 6, the TrailGP of France, Bou had already amassed 8 wins out of 9 trials in pursuit of his 18th consecutive TrailGP title. Once again Bou was victorious, and with a sufficient point gap to his closest contender, teammate Gabriel Marcelli (Spain, 24 years old), was crowned champion with one round remaining.Since clinching his first world championship title in 2007 on HRC’s Montesa COTA 4RT factory bike, Bou has increased his unparalleled consecutive outdoor championship titles to 18, and has also won his 17th consecutive X Trial World Championship, an indoor competition raced on artificially prepared sections. He currently leads the 2024 indoor championship which resumes in October, aiming to claim his 18th consecutive title.Toni Bou | Repsol Honda Team“First of all, I would like to thank the team for the incredible work they have done this season. When there is a chance to win the title, there is always more pressure and the possibility of best and we got a great victory. If we can win the title by winning the race, then it's even better. It has been a very good season in which we have worked very well. It is one of the best seasons of my professional career and I am very happy.”Takahisa Fujinami | Repsol Honda Team Manager“It was an incredible day and I want to congratulate Toni for the victory and the title. He has once again shown how great his talent is and the effort he puts in race after race to achieve the best results. I am also happy with Gabri’s race. It will be important to continue at this level in Ripoll to achieve the runner-up position. I want to thank HRC, all the sponsors and the team for supporting us on the way to the title and making it possible once again.”Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Toni Bou on his unprecedented 18th consecutive win in the Trial World Championship. He has dominated this season with a series of victories since the opening round in Japan, and we look forward to him extending his records in the future. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our team manager Takahisa Fujinami, the entire team staff, and the many sponsors who support our racing activities. Last but not least, I would like to thank once again all the trial fans around the world who have always given us their enthusiastic support!”About Toni BouBirth Date: October 17, 1986 (37 years old)Birthplace: SpainCareer Highlights:2003Trial World Championship debut2007Joins Repsol Montesa HRC, Wins his first Trial World Championship and X-Trial World Championship2008 - 2023Wins every Trial World Championship & X-Trial World Championship (17 each, 34 total)2024Wins his 18th Trial World ChampionshipMontesa COTA 4RT OverviewEngine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke OHC single-cylinder engineFrame: Aluminum twin-tubeTires: 21-inch (front) 18-inch (rear)*FIM: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Fujitsu tackles ‘drug loss’ in Japan through ecosystem to accelerate digitalization of clinical trials JCN Newswire

Fujitsu tackles ‘drug loss’ in Japan through ecosystem to accelerate digitalization of clinical trials

KAWASAKI, Japan, Aug 26, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu today announced that it will begin initiatives to attract global clinical trials to Japan and tackle the ‘drug loss’ issue by working with pharmaceutical companies and medical institutions to build a new medical data ecosystem. The efforts come under the Fujitsu Uvance Healthy Living, which aims to improve people’s well-being.In July 2024, Fujitsu formed a strategic partnership with Paradigm Health, Inc., a US startup that provides one of the world’s most advanced clinical trial platforms. Through utilizing this platform, Fujitsu’s Healthy Living Platform, and the Fujitsu Kozuchi AI service, Fujitsu and Paradigm will facilitate the collection and processing of data stored at medical institutions and speed up the clinical trial planning process.In addition, starting today, Fujitsu will release Patient-centric Clinical Trials, a new service for automatically creating clinical trial documents using Fujitsu’s proprietary large language model (LLM). This service will be positioned in the company’s Healthy Living portfolio.Fujitsu will continue to expand its support to include not only clinical trial planning, but also implementation, and will work to solve issues throughout the entire clinical trial process. Through these efforts, Fujitsu aims to secure 20.0 billion yen in revenue in fiscal 2030, as well as contribute to achieving a society in which patients can quickly obtain the medicine they need and choose the treatment that best suits them.BackgroundIn Japan, patients who participate in clinical trials are dispersed across multiple hospitals making the process costly and time consuming. There has been an increasing number of cases in which Japan is excluded from regions targeted for global clinical trials. The impact of Japan’s drug pricing policy is also contributing to this situation.As a result, the number of drugs that are in use outside of Japan but are not approved for use in Japan had risen to 143 as of March 2023 (source: the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan).Overview of the Initiatives1. Accelerating Digitization in the Area of Clinical Trials through Fujitsu’s Partnership with ParadigmFujitsu will work with Paradigm, a US startup that provides pharmaceutical companies and medical institutions with one-stop support for the clinical trial process, to develop a new clinical trial data ecosystem that utilizes medical data. Paradigm’s clinical trial platform, which hosts many global clinical trials and has a long track record of success, will be combined with Fujitsu’s operational support expertise and cutting-edge technologies in the area of healthcare and life sciences in Japan.Clinical data, such as medical data and genomic data, will be collected from medical institutions through Fujitsu’s Healthy Living Platform. Fujitsu’s AI service, Fujitsu Kozuchi, will process this data so that it is compliant with the necessary laws and regulations, and it will be provided to Paradigm. In addition, Paradigm will use its clinical trial platform to analyze the data and provide pharmaceutical companies with the insight needed to plan and conduct clinical trials. This will allow pharmaceutical companies to better understand the situation at the medical institutions as well as the distribution of patients during the planning phase of the clinical trial, and significantly optimize the clinical trial design process.Medical institutions will also be able to quickly access information about clinical trials in which patients are able to participate through Paradigm’s clinical trial platform, making it easier for medical institutions to encourage patients to participate in clinical trials at the appropriate time.Fujitsu will launch these solutions starting in September 2024, beginning with providing support to core clinical research hospitals.2. Providing Patient-centric Clinical Trials, a New Offering for Optimizing Clinical Trial Workflows through a Specialized LLMIn Japan, the hundreds of clinical trial-related documents that pharmaceutical companies need to produce to develop a new drug are still being created and managed manually. However, by using its LLM specialized for clinical trials, Fujitsu will offer a service that can automatically create these documents and ensure that they are in compliance with regulations. This service will be provided in Japan as the Patient-centric Clinical Trials offering as part of its Healthy Living portfolio.In conducting a PoC of this offering with a pharmaceutical company, the LLM was able to automatically create approximately 80% of each document. According to Fujitsu’s estimates, this is expected to lead to a reduction in the total time required to create documentation of up to 50%. Through this offering, Fujitsu aims to make a significant contribution to optimizing the clinical trial planning and implementation workflow.Future PlansFujitsu will work to accelerate the digitalization of the clinical trial environment in Japan by providing total support for the entire clinical trial process, including planning and implementation. Through these efforts, Fujitsu aims to create the groundwork for increasing the number of global clinical trials conducted in Japan, solve the issue of drug loss and contribute to achieving a society in which all individuals can choose to live their lives in the way that suits them.Statement from Kent Thoelke, CEO of Paradigm Health, Inc.Paradigm is excited to be partnering with Fujitsu to maximize clinical trial efficiency in Japan. This collaboration will modernize the clinical trial model and provide unprecedented access to clinical trials for patients across Japan. The partnership will leverage Paradigm’s industry leading Platform and Fujitsu’s expansive healthcare solutions to increase clinical trial patient accrual, decrease overall drug development timelines and costs, while working to eliminate drug loss in Japan. We believe that this collaboration will establish Japan as an essential part of the global clinical trials and drug development ecosystem while ensuring that Japanese patients have equitable access to the best possible care options.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Kekacauan Karnival Notting Hill UK Meninggalkan 3 Orang Ditikam, 90 Ditangkap, 15 Pegawai Polis Diserang berita

Kekacauan Karnival Notting Hill UK Meninggalkan 3 Orang Ditikam, 90 Ditangkap, 15 Pegawai Polis Diserang

(SeaPRwire) - Sekurang-kurangnya tiga orang telah ditikam semasa hari pembukaan Karnival Notting Hill pada hari Ahad, dengan seorang masih disenaraikan dalam keadaan kritikal, menurut polis bandar.Perkhidmatan Polis Metropolitan London berkata di X bahawa mereka sedar akan tiga kes tikaman, salah satunya melibatkan seorang wanita berusia 32 tahun yang dikejarkan ke hospital dengan kecederaan yang mengancam nyawa.Turut ditikam ialah seorang lelaki berusia 29 tahun dan seorang lelaki berusia 24 tahun, yang pertama disenaraikan dalam keadaan tidak mengancam nyawa. Polis sedang menunggu keadaan lelaki berusia 24 tahun pada masa siaran."Beratus-ratus ribu orang datang ke Karnival Notting Hill hari ini untuk menikmati sambutan yang hebat. Pegawai kami telah bertugas untuk memastikan keselamatan mereka sebagai sebahagian daripada operasi kepolisan yang dirancang dengan teliti," kata perkhidmatan polis itu. "Sayangnya, segelintir kecil datang untuk melakukan jenayah dan terlibat dalam keganasan."Polis berkata 15 pegawai diserang ketika keadaan menjadi ganas, walaupun tiada seorang pun pegawai mengalami kecederaan serius.Polis membuat 90 tangkapan untuk pelbagai kesalahan.Sepuluh orang ditangkap atas kesalahan menyerang, 18 atas kesalahan memiliki senjata berbahaya, empat atas kesalahan seksual, seorang atas kesalahan mencuri, empat atas kesalahan merompak, enam atas kesalahan menyerang, seorang atas kesalahan ketenteraman awam, lapan atas kesalahan memiliki dadah dengan niat untuk pengedaran, dan 30 atas kesalahan memiliki dadah – empat tangkapan adalah atas kesalahan memiliki nitrous oxide.Sebelum karnival, London Metropolitan Police Service telah diberi kuasa untuk memerintahkan penyingkiran penutup muka yang digunakan untuk menyembunyikan identiti seseorang. Sesiapa sahaja yang menolak arahan, kata polis, boleh ditangkap.Karnival Notting Hill menarik beratus-ratus ribu pengunjung setiap tahun, yang memenuhi jalan-jalan di barat London selama dua hari, semasa salah satu sambutan terbesar di dunia untuk muzik dan budaya Caribbean.Tahun ini, sambutan berlangsung pada 25-26 Ogos.Karnival ini bermula sejak tahun 1958, apabila aktivis hak asasi manusia Trinidad Claudia Jones mula menganjurkan perhimpunan untuk menyatukan komuniti selepas siri serangan rasis terhadap orang-orang kulit hitam di kawasan Notting Hill.Dimulakan pada tahun 1964 dengan beberapa kumpulan muzik keluli Trinidad, ia telah berkembang menjadi pesta jalanan tahunan yang besar yang melibatkan kereta-kereta api yang berwarna-warni, ribuan penari calypso dalam kostum berbulu yang menakjubkan, hampir 20 kumpulan muzik keluli dan lebih daripada dua dozen sistem bunyi.Karnival ini kembali ke jalan-jalan sempit di kawasan itu pada tahun 2022 selepas dua tahun ia terpaksa diadakan dalam talian kerana pandemik koronavirus.Artikel ini disediakan oleh pembekal kandungan pihak ketiga. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) tidak memberi sebarang waranti atau perwakilan berkaitan dengannya. Sektor: Top Story, Berita Harian SeaPRwire menyampaikan edaran siaran akhbar secara masa nyata untuk syarikat dan institusi, mencapai lebih daripada 6,500 kedai media, 86,000 penyunting dan wartawan, dan 3.5 juta desktop profesional di seluruh 90 negara. SeaPRwire menyokong pengedaran siaran akhbar dalam bahasa Inggeris, Korea, Jepun, Arab, Cina Ringkas, Cina Tradisional, Vietnam, Thai, Indonesia, Melayu, Jerman, Rusia, Perancis, Sepanyol, Portugis dan bahasa-bahasa lain.
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TRENDE Acquiring Renewable Energy Business from ONE Energy JCN Newswire

TRENDE Acquiring Renewable Energy Business from ONE Energy

TOKYO, Aug 26, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TRENDE Inc., a renewable energy company that develops and provides renewable energy solutions to residential customers in Japan, announced plans to acquire ONE Energy Corporation’s renewable energy business. The acquisition includes ONE Energy’s battery storage rental, solar leasing, and rooftop solar generation businesses. The transaction is expected to close on October 1, 2024.Considering the numerous environmental risks posed by climate change, the transition to renewable energy sources is advancing with the goal of creating a low-carbon society. However, one significant challenge remains: stabilizing the electricity supply generated from renewable sources. To address this issue, battery storage systems are emerging as a vital solution, enabling the widespread adoption of renewable energy. This development underscores the need for more competitive and efficient energy services to support this transition.TRENDE is developing a battery storage and solar power system leasing business called "Teraris." The company anticipates synergies in providing similar services to ONE Energy's customers, leading to the decision to acquire the business. TRENDE plans to introduce ONE Energy's customers to the "Teraris" solar power system leasing, as well as the home battery storage system series "Smart Star." The "Smart Star" system enables remote charge and discharge control using AI "Grid Share" technology.In the future, TRENDE aims to introduce peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading technology. This innovative approach allows customers to buy and sell excess solar energy directly with each other, creating a decentralized energy marketplace. By incorporating P2P trading, TRENDE can further optimize the use of renewable energy and provide additional value to its customers.The acquisition of ONE Energy's business and the integration of "Teraris" and "Smart Star" systems will enable TRENDE to offer a comprehensive suite of renewable energy solutions to a wider customer base. This strategic move aligns with the growing demand for clean energy and energy storage systems, driven by the need for sustainable and reliable power sources.About TRENDETRENDE Inc. is a renewable energy company that develops and provides renewable energy solutions to residential customers in Japan via its Teraris (https://teraris.jp/) service website. TRENDE’s mission is to accelerate the widespread adoption of renewable energy and redefine the energy ecosystem in Japan with a customer-centric business model and innovative P2P platform. The company’s investors include Itochu, Idemitsu and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. For more information, please visit http://trende.jp/.For inquiries, please contact:TRENDE Inc.Email: pr@trende.jp Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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GoKardz launches an innovative digital cards platform to make businesses and networking more sustainable ACN Newswire

GoKardz launches an innovative digital cards platform to make businesses and networking more sustainable

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - GoKardz, a new-age digital business card platform, launched its innovative solution to redefine modern networking. GoKardz, a Malaysia-based tech startup that hosted a soft launch event in Kuala Lumpur, promises to be a game-changer in how professionals manage and share their digital identities. Based on the available statistics, five million trees are cut down each year to produce business cards. And hundred billion paper business cards are printed every year, of which 88% of business cards are thrown away or lost within a week, making it is big and meaningful problem to solve. With GoKardz, users can now seamlessly connect, network, and present themselves in the most dynamic and personalized way, using a solution that is highly sustainable.Amaresh Panda, Founder of GoKardzGoKardz is not just a digital business card platform; it is a comprehensive solution for creating a distinct professional identity in the digital era, coupled with a platform-enabled services ecosystem. With GoKardz, users can seamlessly connect, network, and present themselves in the most dynamic, personalized and sustainable way. And, its platform-enabled services ecosystem is the foundation for delivering real value to business & enterprise users by offering them solutions for identity & access management, programmatic advertising & marketing solutions, job listings and an online store with exclusive GoKardz branded merchandise.Guests Downloading the GoKardz AppAmaresh Panda, the visionary founder of GoKardz, has always been passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. He envisages GoKardz to be the world’s leading platform for professional digital identity, modern networking, and opportunity discovery. He says, with ‘One Card, Infinite Opportunities’ as its tag line, the company’s mission is to revolutionize professional networking by bridging gaps, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for professionals worldwide through simple and user-empowering technology that is sustainable. He continues to add, ‘While there are a few other similar products in the market that offer digital cards, we have made a bold attempt to take the game to a whole new level by keeping the digital business card at the centre and curating the whole digital identity and product-enabled services ecosystem around it. I am confident it will offer tremendous added value to our users, individual as well as corporates.’ When asked about, who could benefit the most by using the GoKardz solutions, Amaresh replied, ‘While any individual or business user is welcome to experience our product, we believe entrepreneurs & business owners, professionals in sales & marketing, freelancers who need to promote their products & services, event attendees and the professionals in the recruitment & talent industry stand to benefit the most out of the current features on the platform.’GoKardz, is a venture from the venture building studio of Kuber Ventures, a Singapore-based venture studio with presence across India, Malaysia & Australia. The venture-building partnership and investment from Kuber Ventures has significantly bolstered GoKardz’s time to market, innovation capabilities & growth. With this strategic support, GoKardz will be able to enhance its technology infrastructure, expand its range of features, and improve user experience, quite rapidly. The market access provided by Kuber Ventures will also enable GoKardz to accelerate its market expansion beyond Malaysian shores as the company grows its footprint, reaching a broader audience and establishing a stronger presence in the industry.Guests with Kuber Ventures TeamAccording to Alok Kumar, the visionary Partner of Kuber Ventures, GoKardz is the first product in 2024 to be launched from our venture studio and has tremendous potential for growth. With their digital & NFC-enabled cards, tracking & managing contacts for individual as well as business or enterprise users is a breeze. On top of it, the platform also offers certain curated services specially designed for businesses and an online store with GoKardz merchandise, which will be launched soon.Karunjit Kumar Dhir, the Partner at Kuber Ventures added, with attention spans getting shorter and information overload everywhere, it is time to simplify fundamental things like managing our digital identity and the way we network or keep in touch with our friends, colleagues, business partners and professional network at large. Paper business cards are often misplaced, outdated, or discarded. For companies, paper cards mean lost control over sharing, no analytics to measure effectiveness, and the inability to update contacts in real-time, limiting their use for marketing and brand consistency. We are excited to witness the growth and engagement of early adopters on the platform, and the fact that GoKardz team has already started onboarding paying customers gives us high confidence about this latest venture from our studio this year. I am excited to start using the GoKardz mobile app and my personalised NFC-enabled card powered by GoKardz and the fact that I will never have to worry about printing or managing my paper business cards ever again.Showcasing GoKardz NFC Card and MerchandiseAbout GoKardz GoKardz is a digital business card platform dedicated to redefining professional networking. It offers a vibrant networking environment, a dynamic job platform, and various professional services, all designed to make advanced technology accessible, inclusive, and impactful. The platform supports multiple languages and provides robust customization options to reflect unique professional identities. Above all, it enables all of us in going green by adopting a more sustainable alternative than paper-based cards, which are difficult to track & maintain.For more details on GoKardz, visit our website. Join us to witness the future of professional networking with GoKardz.Experience GoKardz and redefine your professional networking by downloading our app from the following links:GoKardz for iOS: https://apple.co/3wdzhJDGoKardz for Android: https://bit.ly/3UsJvxQGoKardz: Digital Business Cards to Elevate Networking & Amplify SuccessEmpower your professional network with GoKardz digital cards. Create your digital business card, download our iOS or Android app, or get started on our web dashboard today!For more information, please contact:Email: hello@gokardz.com ; komal@mianext.comWebsite: www.gokardz.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Hektar REIT’s Q2 Realised Net Income Up 42.8% Backed by Enlarged and Diversified Asset Portfolio ACN Newswire

Hektar REIT’s Q2 Realised Net Income Up 42.8% Backed by Enlarged and Diversified Asset Portfolio

Gross Revenue surged by 34.4% year-on-year to RM36.6 million.Net Property Income increased by 33.7% to RM20.7 million, bolstered by new revenue stream from its recently acquired non-retail asset - Kolej Yayasan Saad.Strong performance across Hektar Malls with 6.4% Positive Rental Reversion and close to 90% overall committed occupancy.Announces first interim income distribution of 1.9 sen per unit together with Income Distribution Reinvestment Plan.KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hektar Asset Management Sdn. Bhd., the Manager of Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust (“Hektar REIT”) is pleased to announce the second quarter results for the financial year ending 30 June 2024 (“Q2 FY2024”), highlighting a significant improvement in financial performance driven by new revenue contribution from Kolej Yayasan Saad and effective operational management.Sabrina Halim, Chief Operating Officer of Hektar Asset Management In Q2 FY2024, Hektar REIT reported revenue of RM36.6 million, an increase of 34.4% compared to RM27.2 million in the preceding year’s corresponding quarter (“Q2 FY2023”) largely attributed to the rental income recognised from its newly acquired education asset, Kolej Yayasan Saad (“KYS”). Net Property Income (“NPI”) increased by 33.7% from RM15.5 million to RM20.7 million, and Net Realised Income surged by 42.8% to RM9.9 million in Q2 FY2024.Hektar REITSummary of Financial Results for 2Q24Q2’ 2024RM’000Q2’ 2023RM’000Variance%Total Revenue36,55727,20734.4Nei Property Income (“NPI”)20,71315,42733.7Net Realised Income9,9336,95642.8 The quarter under review saw an encouraging rental reversion rate across all Hektar Malls with overall rental reversion recorded at 6.4%. On its tenancy expiry profile, a total of 28 renewals and new tenancies were secured which make up to 3.2% of the portfolio’s net lettable area. Cumulatively, a total of 62 renewals and new tenancies representing 259,676 sf of 12.7% of its retail portfolio’s net lettable area have been completed to-date with other expiring tenancies are currently in advanced negotiations stage, on track for conclusion by year-end.Supported by the strong financial performance, the Manager of Hektar REIT has declared an interim income distribution of 1.9 sen per unit for Q2 FY2024, totalling RM13.4 million. This translates to an annualised dividend yield of 6.4% based on the closing price of RM0.595 on 28 June 2024. The Income Distribution Reinvestment Plan (“IDRP”) will be applied, allowing unitholders to reinvest their dividends into new units. Unitholders are presented with this option to enhance their investments in Hektar REIT, in alignment to Hektar REIT’s capital growth and preservation objectives.As at Q2 FY2024, the overall occupancy rate at Hektar Malls was recorded at 87.2%. On the other hand, secured occupancy rate has further improved to 89.3% with tenants committed to open their doors to customers in the coming quarters. The encouraging numbers resulted from Hektar REIT’s enhance leasing strategies, continuous Asset Enhancement Initiatives (“AEI”) together with the strong retail industry outlook for the remaining half of 2024.To further extract values from its portfolio of retail assets, the Manager’s focus remains to be on Subang Parade’s overall repositioning. Urban Agenda Design Sdn Bhd was recently appointed as the lead architect for the rejuvenation project which covers Subang Parade’s interior and exterior facelifts to be implemented over three (3) years. Urban Agenda Design Sdn Bhd is an experienced party with extensive redevelopment portfolio ranging from REX KL, Semua House, The Five and Maximin Office (PJ). The management foresees improved occupancy levels, positive rental reversions, property valuation and increase in visitor traffic post-renovation works. The project is currently at the detailed design stage with the actual works on-site targeted to commence by Q1 2025.Sabrina Halim, Chief Operating Officer of Hektar Asset Management Sdn. Bhd. commented, "The positive results derived from the successful acquisition of our first non-retail asset marks a significant milestone in our diversification strategy. This strategic move not only broadens our portfolio but also enhances our resilience against market fluctuations. We believe that diversifying our asset base with high-quality, income-generating properties will provide a more stable revenue stream and reduce our dependency on retail assets alone.”She further added, “As we move forward, we are actively exploring further accretive opportunities that align with our long-term growth objectives, ensuring that we continue to deliver sustainable and attractive returns to our unitholders. Our commitment to optimising our asset portfolio and implementing prudent capital management practices will drive Hektar REIT’s growth and position us strongly in an increasingly competitive market environment."The Manager recently announced the intention to double Hektar REIT’s portfolio size to RM3 billion by 2027. Presented by various opportunities, the Manager is carefully appraising the prospects for their financial feasibility, strength of income stream, growth potential and contribution to the portfolio’s blended returns. With a target of having a well-balanced portfolio, the Manager is focusing on its core which is underserved retail assets with value creation potential, while also eyeing for resilient assets such as education properties within the K-12 segment and light industrial properties. Meanwhile, the Manager is continuously enhancing the leasing and marketing initiatives at Hektar Malls, with pockets of minor AEIs implemented on-site to further enhance the value propositions of the shopping centres.ABOUT HEKTAR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTHektar Real Estate Investment Trust (“Hektar REIT”) is Malaysia’s first listed retail-focused REIT. The primary objectives of Hektar REIT are to provide unitholders with sustainable dividend income and to achieve a long-term capital appreciation of the REIT. Hektar REIT was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 4 December 2006 and currently owns 2 million square feet of retail space in 4 states with assets valued at RM1.2 billion as at 31 December 2023. Hektar REIT is managed by Hektar Asset Management Sdn Bhd and the property manager is Hektar Property Services Sdn Bhd. Hektar REIT’s portfolio of diversified properties includes Subang Parade in Subang Jaya, Selangor; Mahkota Parade and Kolej Yayasan Saad in Melaka; Wetex Parade & Classic Hotel in Muar, Johor; Central Square in Sungai Petani, Kedah; Kulim Central in Kulim, Kedah and Segamat Central in Segamat, Johor. For more information, please visit www.HektarREIT.comFor more information or inquiries, please contact:Hektar Asset Management Sdn BhdD1-U3-10, Solaris DutamasNo 1, Jalan Dutamas 150480 Kuala LumpurMalaysia Investor RelationsTel: +603 6205 5570Fax: +603 6205 5571Email: ir@HektarREIT.comWeb: www.HektarREIT.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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EPB Group Berhad Debut on the ACE Market with a 16.07% Premium Opening Price of RM0.65 ACN Newswire

EPB Group Berhad Debut on the ACE Market with a 16.07% Premium Opening Price of RM0.65

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - EPB Group Berhad (“EPB”), and its group of companies (the “Group”), an established one-stop food processing and packaging machinery solutions provider, proudly made its debut today on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Securities”). The shares opened at RM0.65 per share, representing a significant 16.07% premium over the IPO price of RM0.56 per share.Ms. Tan Poh Lin, Senior Vice President of Malacca Securities Sdn. Bhd.Mr. Fok Chuan Meng, Head of Dealing of Malacca Securities Sdn. Bhd.Mr. Stephen Chua Chee Keong, Independent Non-Executive DirectorEn. Noor Azman Bin Nordin, Independent Non-Executive ChairmanMr. Liew Meng Hooi, Deputy Managing Director of EPB Group BerhadMr. Yeoh Chee Min, Managing Director of EPB Group BerhadMs. Ooi Kim Kew, Executive Director of EPB Group BerhadMr. Khor Chai Tian, Independent Non-Executive Director of EPB Group BerhadMr. Ooi Hun Pin, Independent Non-Executive Director of EPB Group BerhadMr. Wong Yoke Nyen, Director of WYNCORP Advisory Sdn, Bhd.[L-R] EPB is listed under the stock name "EPB" with the stock code “0317”.Specialising in the design, customisation, fabrication, integration, and automation of production lines, the Group is a recognised leader in the food processing and packaging machinery industry. The Group’s innovative technologies and dedication to operational efficiency have been crucial in enhancing the quality of food processing and packaging solutions, supporting clients' environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") goals, including improving operational efficiency and product quality.The successful initial public offering of EPB raised RM40.08 million from the Public Issue, which will be allocated for the following: -RM24.60 million towards factory expansion, including acquisition of land, construction of factory, and purchase of machinery;RM3.00 million for the repayment of bank borrowings;RM8.48 million for working capital purposes; andRM4.00 million for listing expenses.En. Noor Azman Bin Nordin, Independent Non-Executive Chairman, stated: "We are deeply appreciative of the overwhelming response to our IPO. This significant occasion marks a milestone for EPB, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our team and the market's confidence in our vision and strategy. The increasing demand for automation and advanced machinery in the food processing and packaging sectors presents tremendous opportunities for us. With our listing, EPB is well-positioned to drive growth and innovation. Our plans include expanding our business footprint in Penang by building a new corporate office and a factory to enhance our production capabilities and provide additional warehousing space to meet future demand. We look forward to leveraging these opportunities to deliver greater value to our stakeholders.”Ms. Lim Chia Wei, Managing Director of Malacca Securities Sdn. Bhd., shared: “The successful listing of EPB Group Berhad marks an important milestone for the company and highlights the strong prospects of the industry. The sector continues to evolve with increasing consumer demand for high-quality, efficient automated solutions for food processing and packaging. Concurrently, EPB Group’s strategic focus on technological advancements and customisation uniquely positions it to capitalise on these trends. We are excited to support EPB Group in leveraging these opportunities to drive growth and innovation in the food processing and packaging machinery industry.”Malacca Securities Sdn. Bhd. is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Underwriter and Placement Agent, and WYNCORP Advisory Sdn. Bhd. is the Corporate Finance Adviser of EPB Group Berhad.About EPB Group Berhad and its group of companies (“EPB Group”)Since EPB Group Berhad (“EPB”) and its group of companies (the “Group”) inception in 1992, EPB Group has established itself as an experienced player in the food processing and packaging machinery industry in Malaysia. Starting with trading manual packaging machines, EPB Group has grown and diversified its offerings to include comprehensive solutions such as the design, customisation, fabrication, integration, and automation of production lines specifically for the food manufacturing and processing sectors. Additionally, EPB Group has expanded into trading of cellulose casings and manufacturing and trading of flexible packaging materials, enhancing its portfolio to cater to the dynamic needs of the food industry. Known for its dedication to innovation, customer-centric solutions, and operational excellence, EPB Group continues to strengthen its position in the market, driven by a commitment to advancing food processing and packaging technologies and expanding its presence both locally and regionally. For more information, visit https://epb.group/Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of EPB Group BerhadFor more information, please contact:Jazzmin WanTel: +60 17-289 4110Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.bizXinyi ChingTel: +60 19-337 9099Email: x.ching@swanconsultancy.biz Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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