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Baisha’s San Yue San Festival: International Students Immersed in Vibrant Ethnic Culture

HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – From March 30 to 31, Baisha Li Autonomous County in Hainan Province, China, hosted celebrations for the traditional Li and Miao ethnic festival “San Yue San”. Two college students, Assima Bissen and Cyrus Huang, were invited from the Lingshui Li’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone to experience the festivities. Guided by Zhang Chaoying, a local intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Li brocade, they joined in dancing around a bonfire, sharing a long-table banquet, and participating in a tea garden treasure hunt, immersing themselves in the vibrant fusion of ethnic cultures. On Mar. 31, two college students, Assima Bissen and Cyrus Huang, from Hainan Lingshui Li’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone, participated in the celebration of the traditional Li and Miao festival “San Yue San” in Baisha Li Autonomous County, Hainan Province, China. Assima Bissen, a Kazakh student at the Hainan International Institute of Beijing Language and Culture University, donned traditional Kazakh attire and danced alongside locals. Cyrus Huang, an art major at the Minzu University of China, captivated the crowd with improvised performances using his beloved suona (a traditional Chinese instrument), deeply engaging with Baisha’s folk culture. The third day of the third lunar month marks the traditional “San Yue San” festival of China’s Li and Miao ethnic groups, celebrated with vibrant festivities in their cultural heartlands. In these gatherings, communities strengthen ethnic unity and collaboration through antiphonal singing, ancestral rituals, traditional costume displays, and demonstrations of intangible heritage skills like Li brocade weaving, while innovatively bridging traditional culture with modern society. Nestled in the lush mountains of central Hainan, Baisha Li Autonomous County—renowned as “Hainan’s Green Lung” and the hometown of China’s earliest spring tea—boasts a tropical climate, dense forests, and rich ethnic traditions. This unique blend of natural beauty and cultural vitality makes it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Hashtag: #SanYueSanFestival The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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YOFC Unveils Game-Changing Hollow-Core Fibre Advances at OFC 2025

SAN FRANSICO, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – At the OFC Conference, from March 30 to April 3, 2025, at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) (stock tickers: 601869. SH, 06869.HK) highlighted several new developments in hollow-core fibre technology. During a workshop entitled “How will future submarine systems look like”, Dr. LUO Jie, YOFC’s Chief Technology Officer, presented groundbreaking advances in the field of hollow-core fibre technology. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to YOFC’s latest products at the OFC 2025. YOFC’s presentation focused on its latest strides in reducing attenuation to a record-low of 0.05dB/km and extending the manufacturing length of single fibres to over 20 kilometers—achievements that not only set new global benchmarks but also starkly outperform traditional solid-core fibres. These technological advancements were demonstrated through a 21.7 km long hollow-core fibre with a proprietary supporting tube structure (ST-HCF). This drew considerable attention at the exhibition for its potential implications in optical communications. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to YOFC’s latest products at the OFC 2025. Hollow-core fibre technology represents a paradigm shift in optical communications, enabling light to be transmitted through an air core. The design facilitates a 47% increase in transmission speed and a 31% reduction in latency compared to conventional fibres, showcasing the significant potential for applications requiring rapid and efficient data transmission such as in data centers, AI models, and financial trading. Additionally, the technology’s exceptionally low attenuation and nonlinearity could potentially address the capacity bottlenecks faced by submarine communication networks and long-distance terrestrial communication lines. In his presentation, Dr. LUO Jie explored both the practical and theoretical enhancements that hollow-core fibres could bring to submarine cable systems, emphasizing their ability to increase data throughput and reduce transmission times in future deployments. YOFC has been at the forefront of hollow-core fibre technology development, leveraging its comprehensive research capabilities and autonomous raw material research system to overcome significant industrial challenges. As the digital economy grows, YOFC’s continued innovation in hollow-core fibre technology is set to play a crucial role in supporting the evolution of global digital infrastructure, ensuring it is robust, efficient, and equipped to meet future demands. Hashtag: #YOFC The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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FiinRatings upgrades F88’s credit rating outlook to ‘positive’

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – FiinRatings has upgraded F88’s credit rating outlook from ‘Stable’ to ‘Positive’, citing significant improvements in asset quality and the company’s strengthened leadership position in the alternative lending market. F88’s ability to secure diverse capital sources ensures stable liquidity and a strong financial foundation to support its growth. Photo courtesy of F88 FiinRatings, a leading credit rating agency in Việt Nam, made the announcement just weeks after S&P Global Ratings – one of the world’s top independent credit rating organisations – announced to acquire a 43.6 per cent stake in the company this past February. This marks FiinRatings’ eighth update on F88 since its initial credit rating report on October 12, 2021. The upgraded outlook is expected to help F88 attract more lenders and reduce its cost of funds, further supporting its expansion. According to FiinRatings, the decision to improve F88’s outlook reflects notable progress in business operations, capital mobilisation, liquidity and risk control. “We assess that F88’s funding capacity and liquidity have improved compared to the previous rating, thanks to its continued success in diversifying funding sources from both domestic and international partners. The company’s plan to increase charter capital in 2026, along with a significant reduction in its average cost of funds, further strengthens its financial foundation,” FiinRatings stated in its report. The agency also highlighted that F88’s ability to secure diverse funding sources ensures stable liquidity and a strong financial foundation to support its growth. FiinRatings emphasised F88’s dominant position in the alternative lending market, noting its aggressive expansion plan to reach 1,000 stores by 2026, as a key factor behind the rating upgrade. In 2024, F88 recorded loan balance growth of 22.7 per cent, significantly outperforming the consumer finance industry average of 3.84 per cent. The company also made strides in revenue diversification, with insurance services revenue growing 11.8 per cent, contributing 9.5 per cent of total revenue. Financially, F88 remains well-positioned compared to industry peers. The company’s Debt-to-Equity (D/E) ratio remained at 1.7, notably lower than the consumer finance industry median of 4.6, showcasing a healthy balance between risk and capital efficiency. A liquidity stress test, which simulated a 50 per cent drop in loan mobilisation and no charter capital increase in 2026, showed that F88 would still maintain stable liquidity and meet all financial obligations. F88 reported a net profit of VND351.3 billion in 2024, alongside a sharp decline in Cost to Income Ratio (CIR). Key financial indicators, including Net Interest Margin (NIM), Return on Equity (ROE), and Return on Assets (ROA), have all improved beyond 2023 levels and currently exceed industry averages. “We project that F88 will continue to achieve strong after-tax profits, ranging between VND500-700 billion in 2025-2026, driven by its lending expansion strategy and disciplined cost control,” FiinRatings said. A major contributor to F88’s favourable rating is its enhanced risk management framework and effective debt collection strategies. FiinRatings noted that F88 has strengthened its ability to manage bad debts, supported by notable improvement in customer repayment capacity, stricter credit policies, enhanced risk appetite controls and effective cross-functional coordination. The company’s debt collection rate also saw a strong recovery, reaching 41.7 per cent in 2024, compared to just 15.6 per cent in 2023. “We expect F88 to further improve debt collection efficiency and reduce credit losses, while maintaining prudent policies on debt classification, provisioning, and bad debt resolution. If this trend continues, F88’s credit cost/average adjusted loan balance ratio could decline to 19 per cent by 2026,” the report added. Hashtag: #F88 https://f88.vn/english The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About FiinRatings FiinRatings is Việt Nam’s leading credit rating agency and a subsidiary of FiinGroup. Recognised by the Ministry of Finance, FiinRatings plays a crucial role in evaluating the financial health and creditworthiness of businesses, organisations and investment projects. Its ratings help investors, credit institutions, and the broader financial market assess risk, improve corporate transparency and attract capital. About F88 F88 Business Joint Stock Company is the market leader in Vietnam’s alternative lending segment, focused on providing secured loans via vehicle titles, as well as insurance distribution and financial support services. As of December 2024, F88 had 868 stores across 63 provinces and cities and aims to expand to 1,000 locations by 2026.

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“Cardboard Grannies Art” Exhibition: Transforming Trash into Treasure to Support Hong Kong’s Unsung Heroes

An empowering art and social change initiative supported by The Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Services – Hong Kong and YWAM Tuen Mun, featuring artist Go Hung, to raise awareness and funding for Hong Kong’s hardworking elderly recyclers HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – Despite Hong Kong’s prosperity, nearly one million of the city’s residents live in poverty, and elderly women are among the most vulnerable. Many toil as “Cardboard Grannies,” collecting recyclables for as little as HK$700 a month—without insurance, labor protection, or societal recognition. Based on NGOs’ statistics, Hong Kong has 4,000 to 7,000 cardboard collectors, and most are elderly women. These “Cardboard Grannies” collectively recycle approximately 138 to 159 metric tons of materials daily. They are spending more hours and more days each week collecting cardboard, and more elderly individuals are entering the field, as they have few other options, according to NGOs’ survey. To spotlight their plight and provide tangible support, The Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong (ELCSS – HK) and YWAM Tuen Mun present “Cardboard Grannies Art,” a special one-day exhibition featuring meaningful and symbolic artworks by acclaimed Hong Kong artist Go Hung, who transforms cardboard collected by these women into thought-provoking pieces critiquing inequality and waste. Details of the Exhibition: Date: 7 April 2025 (Mon) Time: 12 PM – 9 PM Venue: M4 Atrium, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par St, Tsuen Wan Featured Artist: Go Hung How It Works: This initiative is built on a sustainable three-part model designed to create immediate and lasting change. First, Fair Pay for Labor: Cardboards used in the artworks were collected directly through the cardboard grannies —ensuring that they are compensated well for their tireless work. Next, Art with Purpose: The collected cardboard is handed over to artist Go Hung, whose socially conscious practice breathes new life into discarded materials. Through his creative vision, the grannies’ cardboard is transformed into 25 powerful artworks that challenge perceptions about value, waste, and inequality. Finally, Impact Through Purchase: Every artwork sold at the exhibition will directly benefit the Cardboard Grannies, with the proceeds funding essential support for them, such as food and insurance, to provide them with long-overdue security. By bridging art and activism, this project doesn’t just raise awareness—it creates a tangible and environmentally-friendly cycle of empowerment for the elderly recyclers. Appendix – About the Artwork Name & Description Price (HKD) “I’m a Collector” “I’m a Collector” was created in response to the hype surrounding “Art Month,” where the spotlight often highlights the exclusivity and glamour of art collecting at fairs. In contrast, this work turns attention to the city’s elderly “cardboard grannies,” who collect cardboard and tin cans to resell, just to make ends meet. Often well past retirement age, these individuals work outdoors year-round, exposed to harsh weather as they push heavy metal carts loaded with their “collections” through back alleys, steep streets, and traffic-heavy roads. The works shine a light on their quiet resilience, documenting a raw, overlooked reality while questioning societal values around labor, dignity, and what it truly means to “collect.” HKD30,000 The Coin Series: “1kgdp” “1kgdp” highlights the challenges faced by cardboard grannies during periods of economic instability. Inspired by the drop in street-recycled cardboard prices to HK$0.5 per kilogram in previous years, the design captures the impact of external factors such as China’s ban on importing certain types of waste and disruptions in Hong Kong’s wastepaper export industry. Each 50-cent coin weighs 1 kilogram and features a large-scale design with a diameter of 62 centimetres. Like its predecessor, it is crafted using three types of paper—cardboard, A4 paper, and newspaper. It symbolizes the ongoing struggles of the cardboard grannies and the precarious nature of their livelihoods. HKD26,000 The Coin Series: “Spare Charge” “Spare Change” reflects the struggles of Hong Kong’s cardboard grannies, who collect and sell cardboard as a means of survival. The design draws inspiration from the average price of cardboard in earlier years, when it was sold for HK$0.7 per kilogram. To symbolize this, each edition consists of seven 10-cent coins with a total weight of 1 kilogram. Crafted from materials commonly collected and resold by the grannies—cardboard, A4 paper, and newspaper—the coin serves as both a tribute to their daily efforts and a reflection of how seemingly insignificant contributions play a vital role in sustaining livelihoods. HKD10,400 “So.call Mobility” “So.call Mobility” (a play on “social mobility”) features 180 cardboard pillows suspended in six layers. The number 180 symbolizes the maximum days homeless individuals can stay in temporary shelters in Hong Kong, after which they face immense challenges finding housing due to high rents. The increasing gaps between the layers represent the widening wealth gap and diminishing social mobility. HKD500 each pillow “Shelter” “Shelter” draws inspiration from the intricate nests of weaver birds to explore the concept of home. In nature, nests symbolize safety and stability—the desire for which is a universal instinct shared across species. Yet for humans, particularly in Hong Kong, the idea of home is often overshadowed by challenges such as skyrocketing property prices and economic struggles. The nests in this installation are crafted from plastic straps commonly used by cardboard grannies to secure and bundle cardboard. These humble materials, repurposed into intricate forms, highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of those on society’s margins. The installation features 14 “Shelters,” representing the number of government-recognized temporary shelters available for homeless individuals in Hong Kong. It serves as both a reflection on these physical spaces and a call to confront the city’s growing housing crisis. HKD24,000 《同人》 《同人》 is a wordplay based on the Cantonese phrase 同人唔同命. Created for Art Month, this piece mimics paintings sold at auction houses by recreating them directly onto cardboard. Once the painted layer is torn off, it reveals the message “Sold for HK$0.5/kg” to the audience—a powerful commentary on the local and global wealth gap. HKD4,550-HKD6,550 Hashtag: #CardboardGranniesArt The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About ELCSS – HK: Evangelical

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HGC Strengthens International Business Leadership with More Focused Roles for Cliff Tam and Ravindran Mahalingam

Strategic realignment enhances performance of HGC’s international business and fosters closer cooperation to achieve business globalisation HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – HGC Global Communications (“HGC” or the “Group“), a fully-fledged ICT service provider and network operator with extensive global coverage, today announced the evolution of its international business (“IB”) leadership structure, with Cliff Tam and Ravindran Mahalingam taking on more focused roles to drive the Group’s international business growth. This strategic move underscores HGC’s commitment to strengthening its IB operations, ensuring agility and leadership in an evolving industry landscape. Photo caption: (Left) Cliff Tam, Senior Vice President, International Business & Global Data Strategy of HGC; (Right) Ravindran Mahalingam, Senior Vice President, International Business & Digital Infrastructure of HGC Under the new structure, Cliff Tam, Senior Vice President, International Business & Global Data Strategy, will broaden his responsibilities from data strategy development and operations to also oversee the Global Carrier Management and Wholesale, OTT Business and International Corporate Business, managing overall IB operations; while Ravindran Mahalingam, Senior Vice President, International Business & Digital Infrastructure, will focus on in-country business expansion and digital infrastructure, overseeing voice, carrier and cloud communications, mobile identity and authentication. Andrew Kwok, Chief Executive Officer of HGC, said, “Our international business is entering an exciting new chapter of growth, driven by the evolution of market demands in AI, cloud, and global digital infrastructure. Our belief remains steadfast: 1) We are committed to delivering solutions for our customers far beyond just connectivity; 2) Building and maintaining our enduring infrastructure; 3) Embracing the philosophy of shared use and collaboration with our partners and customers. This leadership evolution strengthens our focus, resource utilization, and ability to deliver on our promises. Please join me and our executive team members, with whom you have shared a longstanding relationship, in celebrating the journey towards a promising future filled with success.” Cliff has held key leadership positions in HGC’s IB for over 20 years and has extensive expertise in telecommunications, with a career spanning 30 years in the industry. In his expanded role, he will spearhead the international data business, driving accelerated growth the carrier wholesale and international enterprise businesses. Cliff will continue to shape HGC’s leadership as the partner of choice for OTT providers, cloud/SaaS companies, and digital media platforms, ensuring cutting-edge solutions for customers worldwide, while strengthening enterprise offerings to support businesses in their AI adoption and digital transformation journeys in line with market demands. Cliff Tam, Senior Vice President, International Business & Global Data Strategy of HGC, said, “HGC’s international business has always been at the forefront of innovation, and I am excited to further contribute to its success. Leveraging my deep understanding, experience and expertise in international business, our team will continue to empower our customers with AI-led digital solutions. Together with HGC veteran Ravindran and our talented teams, we will further reinforce HGC’s position as a trusted global partner.” With 33 years of experience in telecommunications, including 23 years at HGC, Ravindran Mahalingam has been instrumental in formulating the group’s strategic global business plans and driving its development. In his new capacity, Ravindran will focus on business expansion and exploring HGC’s investments in digital infrastructure, including subsea cables, Data Center Interconnect clusters, and more, to secure strategic partnerships that will bolster HGC’s international footprint and enhance its service capabilities. Ravindran Mahalingam, Senior Vice President, International Business & Digital Infrastructure of HGC, said, “HGC’s shared network philosophy and commitment to global investment is enabling us to unlock new opportunities in digital infrastructure. As demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity grows, we will continue to explore and invest in innovative solutions that support the global digital economy, accelerating the Group’s international expansion and reinforcing HGC’s commitment to global connectivity and innovation.” Photo Caption: Paul Lai, Senior Vice President, Global Carrier Management and Wholesale of International Business of HGC The leadership evolution will also reinforce carrier’s collaboration at HGC. Paul Lai, Senior Vice President, Global Carrier Management and Wholesale of International Business, brings 26 years of telecom experience including more than 20 years at HGC. His extensive expertise in global carrier business and strong relationships with over 400 global carriers have been pivotal in driving HGC’s growth. Additionally, his successful leadership in the in-country project of digital infrastructure development in the Philippines underscores his strong readiness to thrive in this expanded role. Paul Lai, Senior Vice President, Global Carrier Management and Wholesale of International Business of HGC, said, “HGC’s global carrier business has been propelled by our dedication to delivering agility and flexibility solutions to meet partners’ needs. I look forward to working closely with both Cliff and Ravindran to accelerate global carrier business growth as well as deepen collaboration with partners worldwide.” Hashtag: #HGC #HGC環電 #Leadership #HGCInternationalBusiness #GlobalGrowth #ICT #DataStrategy #DigitalInfrastructure #CarrierCollaboration #Telecommunications #CloudCommunications #GoAhead #GotYourBack https://www.hgc.com.hk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/hgc-global-communications/https://www.facebook.com/hgc.intlhttps://www.instagram.com/hgc.broadband The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About HGC Global Communications Limited HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC) is a leading Hong Kong and international telecom operator and ICT solution provider. The company owns an extensive network and infrastructure in Hong Kong and overseas and provides various kinds of services. HGC has 20 global offices and staff presence in 33 cities worldwide. It provides telecom infrastructure service to other operators and serves as a service provider to corporate and households. The company provides full-fledged telecom, data centre services, ICT solutions and broadband services for local, overseas, corporate, SME and mass markets. HGC owns and operates an extensive fibre-optic network, five cross-border telecom routes integrated into tier-one telecom operators in mainland China and connects with hundreds of world-class international telecom operators. The company is committed to further investing and enriching its current infrastructure and, in parallel, adding on top the latest technologies and developing its infrastructure services and solutions. In 2019, HGC Group completed the acquisition of Macroview Telecom Limited (Macroview), a leading digital technology solution and managed services provider. The addition of Macroview further accelerates HGC Group’s digital transformation path and positioning as a pioneering

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ZENCE OBJECT Announces Additional RMB10 Million Investment, Forms Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Green Technology Expansion

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – ZENCE OBJECT, a pioneering eco-materials company, has secured an additional strategic investment of over RMB10 million from AB Global Opportunities LPF, a fund under Hong Kong-listed AB Builders Group Limited (Stock Code: 1615.HK) and Gobi Partners. The deal was successfully closed at the end of last year. Notably, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on the overseas expansion, R&D and marketing promotion of its flagship eco-materials project, CHAZENCE. ZENCE OBJECT, AB Builders Group and Gobi Partners signed a MoU focusing on overseas expansion. Accelerating global expansion with green materials solutions As part of the MoU, AB Builders Group has placed a RMB30 million purchase order with ZENCE OBJECT to drive innovation in green technology development. These three parties will work closely to penetrate international markets; AB Builders will integrate ZENCE OBJECT’s eco-materials into large-scale infrastructure and construction projects, while Gobi Partners will provide strategic guidance and resources for global expansion. This collaboration strengthens ZENCE OBJECT’s ability to scale operations in Asia, the United States, and other major international markets. The company is setting up overseas offices and teams to provide sustainable material solutions across industries. Over the past year, the company has actively participated in key initiatives such as the Hong Kong Science Park Accelerator Program, the US BOOSTER Program, and a series of international exhibitions in major markets, including Singapore. These efforts have strengthened the company’s global reach and positioned it for further growth. Dedicated to addressing global waste and carbon emission challenges, ZENCE OBJECT continues to innovate in bio-based material technology, transforming waste into commercially viable, eco-friendly materials while integrating Eastern cultural aesthetics with cutting-edge design concepts. The company is particularly focused on construction and engineering applications, expanding its international business reach in this sector. This not only aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National 14th Five-Year Plan but also leads the market toward a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. (From left to right) Mr Henry Mio, Chief Financial Officer of AB Builders Group Ltd; Mr David Cheang, Executive Director of AB Builders Group Ltd; Ms Athena Lao, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of AB Builders Group Ltd; Ms Jessy Wang, Regional Partnerships and Channel Development Executive of HKSTP; Mr Fred Li, Managing Director of Gobi Partners; Mr Bob Lei, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Zence Object; Mr David Chan, Chief Strategy Officer of Zence Object; and Mr. Kenneth Wong, Investment Manager of AB Builders Group Ltd attended the 2025 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF). Empowering multiple industries with green innovation ZENCE OBJECT is pioneering the development of the “ZENCE ECOSYSTEM”, a comprehensive waste upcycling platform that combines carbon data analytics, biotechnology, and industry-specific applications to advance circular economy solutions, providing carbon footprint assessment, carbon trading, and consulting services. This system has already been adopted across multiple industries, providing sustainable solutions to prominent clients, including MGM Macau, Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) and Andaz Macau and Four Seasons Hotel Macao in hospitality, TCL, CASIO in electronics, HEYTEA, Nayuki, CHAGEE and Starbucks in F&B, Macau Science Center in construction, and spaceflight industry, etc. With ongoing advancements in eco-materials, the company is expanding into the beauty and automotive sectors, driving sustainability in the Greater Bay Area and global markets. “CHAZENCE” offers “tea paper”, “tea board”, and “tea plastic”, made from biodegradable waste like tea leaves, bamboo, bellflower, and Chinese herbs, providing sustainable alternatives to plastics, paper, and wood. The company is advancing green regenerative technology, fibre processing, and bio-based composites, promoting agricultural waste reuse. Recent breakthroughs in material transparency, durability, and eco-friendly production have enhanced efficiency and expanded applications across consumer goods, tech, construction, and hospitality, solidifying the company’s leadership in sustainable materials innovation. Hashtag: #ZENCEOBJECT #CHAZENCE https://www.zenceobject.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/zenceobject The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ZENCE OBJECT HOLDING (HONG KONG) LIMITED ZENCE OBJECT is a pioneering enterprise in the Greater Bay Area dedicated to addressing global waste and carbon emission challenges. Through advanced green regeneration technology, including bio-based purification, degradation, synthesis, and modification techniques, the company transforms waste into sustainable materials and develops the ZENCE ECOSYSTEM to provide low-carbon solutions across industries. The company has secured multiple rounds of funding and formed strategic partnerships with leading brands. Its smart factory has obtained ISCC PLUS certification for international sustainability and carbon verification and has collaborated with Sumitomo Group to establish China’s first and only bio-based material molding R&D center. With a mission to leverage regenerative technology from the East, ZENCE OBJECT is committed to reshaping the future with sustainable innovations. For more details, please visit: www.zenceobject.com About Gobi Partners Gobi Partners is a leading Asia-focused venture capital firm with US$1.6 billion in assets under management (AUM), headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Founded in 2002, Gobi now has a network of 15 locations, raised 21 funds and invested in over 400 startups, with 62 companies focused on the circular economy. The firm supports entrepreneurs from early to growth stages, with a particular focus on emerging markets. As a UN Global Compact Participant, Gobi aligns its strategies with universal principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. In June 2024, the firm released its third sustainability report. For more details, please visit: https://gobi.vc About AB Global Opportunities LPF AB Global Opportunities LPF is an innovative investment fund registered under Hong Kong’s Limited Partnership Fund Ordinance, focusing on high-growth global opportunities with a tax-efficient structure. Managed by Delphinium Capital Partners Ltd, a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission-licensed asset management firm, and a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-listed AB Builders Group Limited (Stock Code: 1615.HK), the fund primarily targets the renewable energy sector. Leveraging the group’s expertise in infrastructure, real estate development and green technology, the fund provides comprehensive risk management, industry insights and access to global markets.

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Market cycles: leveraging seasonal trends with Octa Broker

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – Understanding the rhythm of financial markets can give traders a significant edge. Seasonalities—lasting trends that repeat themselves during some periods of the year—tend to influence the value of assets and the overall market state. Identifying these cycles allows traders to adapt their strategies better and make more informed decisions. In this material, experts at global broker Octa explain how traders can integrate seasonal insights into their strategies for better timing and stronger risk management. Understanding seasonal patterns Seasonality in the financial markets refers to anticipated fluctuations which recur annually, influencing asset prices and market behaviour. Several phenomena well documented outline this phenomenon: ‘Sell in May and go away’ The stock market typically performs poorly between May and October compared to the November-to-April period. Historically, individuals who reduced equity exposure in May and returned in November normally experienced better returns. However, it is important to remember that market tendencies may change even though this pattern has been observed. The January effect The January Effect is a situation where the prices of stocks, particularly small-cap stocks, rise more during January than any other month. This often happens due to investors selling shares in December for tax-loss harvesting and subsequent reinvestment in January, which results in higher demand and, therefore, higher prices. Although the effect has weakened over recent years, it remains a topic of interest for traders. Santa Claus rally This phenomenon indicates the rise in stock prices during the last five trading days of December and the first two of January. While the causes are unsure, holiday-season optimism and institutional investors closing out their books may be reasons behind this rally. A lack of a Santa Claus Rally activity can occasionally predict a bearish future for the upcoming year. Commodity seasons Seasonal trends also occur in commodity markets. Oil prices, for instance, rise ahead of increased usage during the summer driving season as refineries produce more prior to increased usage. Prices then fall in September as usage decreases. Similarly, farm commodities like wheat and corn experience seasonal price trends because of planting and harvesting patterns. Recent observations in late 2024 and early 2025 In late 2024, the traditional Santa Claus Rally did not occur. The S&P 500 experienced a 0.2% decline over this period, marking a departure from the typical year-end uplift. This absence raised concerns among investors about potential market softness heading into 2025. ​ The January Effect appeared subdued in early 2025. Small-cap stocks, which traditionally benefit from this phenomenon, showed modest gains. The SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) recorded a 9.8% increase over the past year as of 6 January 2025, compared to the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust’s (SPY) 25.4% gain, indicating a lag in small-cap performance. ​ Applying seasonal patterns in trading Developing strategies based on a variety of factors Basing trading on seasonal trends involves analysing past results to identify recurring patterns. However, one must pair this tactic with other types of analysis so that irregularities and extraneous factors are considered. For example, seasonal patterns can be blended with technical signals to determine the best entry and exit points. If a trader observes a seasonal pattern in a commodity to rise and a related buy signal from a technical indicator like a Moving Average crossover, this convergence can support the rationale of the trade. Applying risk management While seasonality trends are helpful, they are not always accurate. The market may change the bullish or bearish trajectory because of fundamental factors. ‘For example, in 2018, there was no Santa Claus Rally. In December 2018, the S&P 500 fell by nearly 10%, marking one of the worst Decembers since the Great Depression. This was due to fears of a global economic slowdown and rising trade tariffs.’ — adds Kar Yong Ang, financial market analyst at Octa Broker. In such cases, risk management involves conducting a thorough analysis and applying moderate position sizes and tools like stop-loss orders. Seasonality analysis platforms Dedicated websites like Seasonsax can provide traders with detailed analysis of seasonal patterns and trends, enhancing their analysis and decision-making. For example, Seasonsax studies historical data to identify recurring trends and anomalies that may affect asset value. Seasonal trends can offer traders an advanced insight into market dynamics if comprehended and factored into trade strategies. Traders make more informed choices by combining historical insights with technical analysis and sound risk management. One must continue to learn and be responsive because market conditions continually evolve. Staying current is the key to maintaining a competitive edge. ___ Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision. Hashtag: #Octa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Octa Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools. The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities. In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

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“CGTN: China-India ties at 75: ‘Dragon-Elephant Tango’ will benefit both”

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – CGTN published an article on China-India relations as the two Asian neighbors celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, exploring the bilateral cooperation and exchanges and emphasizing why working together will benefit both countries, the region and the world. China and India celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Tuesday with mutual congratulatory messages from their leaders. In his message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Chinese President Xi Jinping described China-India ties as the “Dragon-Elephant Tango,” symbolizing a harmonious partnership between the countries’ emblematic animals. He noted that realizing the “Dragon-Elephant Tango” is the right choice for the two sides, as it serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. China-India relations have made positive strides over the past year. Last October, President Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Kazan, Russia, signaling a new phase of engagement. Since then, both sides have worked to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, strengthening exchanges at various levels and achieving a series of positive outcomes. ‘Partners of mutual achievement’ Noting that China and India, as ancient civilizations, major developing countries and important members of the Global South, are both at a critical stage of their respective modernization efforts, Xi called on the two sides to be partners of mutual achievement. In an interview with CGTN, Harsh Pant, vice president for Studies and Foreign Policy at the leading Indian think tank Observer Research Foundation, pointed out that the two major economies should engage with each other much more substantively on economic matters amid simmering global trade tensions. “If they continue to work according to the principles of free and open global trade, I think that can inspire other countries to do the same,” he noted. He added the cooperation between the two sides could bring long-term sustainability to the current global economic order. China reclaimed its position as India’s top trading partner last year, surpassing the United States after a two-year gap, according to the latest report from the Global Trade Research Initiative. Bilateral trade between the two Asian giants reached $118.4 billion in 2024, reflecting a four-percent increase from $113.8 billion in 2023. Both countries have leveraged their strengths in technology and production. While China remains a vital supplier of industrial goods such as electronics, machinery and chemicals, it imports pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and software services from India. Beyond trade, cultural exchanges have also played a vital role in strengthening ties. In January, China and India agreed to resume direct passenger flights and take steps to facilitate travel and journalist exchanges. In the first quarter of this year, around 70,000 visas were issued, representing about a 15-percent year-on-year increase, according to Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong. ‘Sound, steady development’ of ties President Xi called on both sides to enhance strategic mutual trust, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, deepen communication and coordination in major international affairs, jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the China-India border area, promote a sound and steady development of bilateral relations, and contribute to world peace and prosperity. In a recent interview, Modi emphasized the need to strengthen ties with China despite past tensions, advocating dialogue over discord and cooperation over conflict. Recent months saw frequent exchanges between the two sides at all levels. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met several times at multilateral events. The two countries held the 23rd meeting of Special Representatives for China-India Boundary Question in Beijing in December, 2024, as well as China-India Vice Foreign Minister-Foreign Secretary Dialogue in January, reaching broad consensus on bilateral relations, practical cooperation, and boundary issues. Ambassador Xu noted that such frequent and constructive interactions have been rare in recent years, signaling that China-India relations are at a crucial stage of improvement and development. Moving forward, both sides will need to further overcome obstacles, remove disruptions, and take proactive steps to sustain and build on this positive momentum, he said. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-02/Why-realizing-Dragon-Elephant-Tango-is-right-choice-for-China-India-1Cf7KsMpJiU/p.html Hashtag: #CGTN The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Media OutReach

China-India ties at 75: ‘Dragon-Elephant Tango’ will benefit both

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – CGTN published an article on China-India relations as the two Asian neighbors celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, exploring the bilateral cooperation and exchanges and emphasizing why working together will benefit both countries, the region and the world. China and India celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Tuesday with mutual congratulatory messages from their leaders. In his message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Chinese President Xi Jinping described China-India ties as the “Dragon-Elephant Tango,” symbolizing a harmonious partnership between the countries’ emblematic animals. He noted that realizing the “Dragon-Elephant Tango” is the right choice for the two sides, as it serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. China-India relations have made positive strides over the past year. Last October, President Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Kazan, Russia, signaling a new phase of engagement. Since then, both sides have worked to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, strengthening exchanges at various levels and achieving a series of positive outcomes. ‘Partners of mutual achievement’ Noting that China and India, as ancient civilizations, major developing countries and important members of the Global South, are both at a critical stage of their respective modernization efforts, Xi called on the two sides to be partners of mutual achievement. In an interview with CGTN, Harsh Pant, vice president for Studies and Foreign Policy at the leading Indian think tank Observer Research Foundation, pointed out that the two major economies should engage with each other much more substantively on economic matters amid simmering global trade tensions. “If they continue to work according to the principles of free and open global trade, I think that can inspire other countries to do the same,” he noted. He added the cooperation between the two sides could bring long-term sustainability to the current global economic order. China reclaimed its position as India’s top trading partner last year, surpassing the United States after a two-year gap, according to the latest report from the Global Trade Research Initiative. Bilateral trade between the two Asian giants reached $118.4 billion in 2024, reflecting a four-percent increase from $113.8 billion in 2023. Both countries have leveraged their strengths in technology and production. While China remains a vital supplier of industrial goods such as electronics, machinery and chemicals, it imports pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and software services from India. Beyond trade, cultural exchanges have also played a vital role in strengthening ties. In January, China and India agreed to resume direct passenger flights and take steps to facilitate travel and journalist exchanges. In the first quarter of this year, around 70,000 visas were issued, representing about a 15-percent year-on-year increase, according to Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong. ‘Sound, steady development’ of ties President Xi called on both sides to enhance strategic mutual trust, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, deepen communication and coordination in major international affairs, jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the China-India border area, promote a sound and steady development of bilateral relations, and contribute to world peace and prosperity. In a recent interview, Modi emphasized the need to strengthen ties with China despite past tensions, advocating dialogue over discord and cooperation over conflict. Recent months saw frequent exchanges between the two sides at all levels. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met several times at multilateral events. The two countries held the 23rd meeting of Special Representatives for China-India Boundary Question in Beijing in December, 2024, as well as China-India Vice Foreign Minister-Foreign Secretary Dialogue in January, reaching broad consensus on bilateral relations, practical cooperation, and boundary issues. Ambassador Xu noted that such frequent and constructive interactions have been rare in recent years, signaling that China-India relations are at a crucial stage of improvement and development. Moving forward, both sides will need to further overcome obstacles, remove disruptions, and take proactive steps to sustain and build on this positive momentum, he said. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-02/Why-realizing-Dragon-Elephant-Tango-is-right-choice-for-China-India-1Cf7KsMpJiU/p.html Hashtag: #CGTN The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Media OutReach

Money20/20 Launches The Money Awards, the New Global Fintech Awards and Unveils Prestigious Jury President Line-Up

The premier benchmark for fintech excellence recognizes transformative innovation with winners unveiled at Money20/20 USA in October 2025 BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – Money 20/20, the world’s leading fintech show and the place where money does business, today announces the launch of The Money Awards, a premier global awards program recognizing transformative innovation across the financial technology ecosystem. Backed by a rigorous, merit-based judging process and a globally diverse panel of industry leaders, The Money Awards will recognize companies that are redefining industries, pushing the boundaries of technology, and setting new standards for product quality and innovation. Source: Money 20/20 “The Money Awards are more than an awards program—they are a platform to showcase those leading the fintech revolution and will become the ultimate benchmark for innovation and impact in financial services,” said Scarlett Sieber, Money20/20’s Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. “Winning a Money Award is a powerful catalyst for growth, investment, and global validation.” The program features five awards: Startup, Banking, Payments, Partnerships & Strategic Alliance, and the Diamond Award. Each Award will be led by a distinguished Jury President, including Joanne Hannaford, CIO & CPO Corporate Bank of Deutsche Bank (Banking), Lynn Martin, President of NYSE Group (Diamond), Anthony Thomas, MD, FinTech at Delivery Hero (Partnerships & Strategic Alliance), Howard R. Fields, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Mastercard (Payments), and Chetan Puttagunta, General Partner at Benchmark (Startup). “I’m thrilled to serve as a Jury President for the inaugural Money20/20 Awards, recognizing the companies shaping the future of financial services,” said Lynn Martin, President of the New York Stock Exchange. “As the listing venue where big ideas come to life, the NYSE looks forward to celebrating the next generation of visionaries redefining the industry and setting the pace for global innovation.” “As a Jury President for the Money20/20 Awards, I’m honored to recognize the most prestigious global achievements in fintech,” said Joanne Hannaford, CIO & CPO Corporate Bank, Deutsche Bank. “A global fintech award not only celebrates outstanding accomplishments in our industry but also raises the bar for excellence, fosters innovation, and inspires the next generation of fintech leaders. I look forward to celebrating the groundbreaking companies and leaders redefining the future of financial technology.” “I am honored and thrilled to be selected as a Jury President for the prestigious Money20/20 Payments Award,” said Howard R. Fields, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, Mastercard. “This award represents the pinnacle of innovation in the payments industry, recognizing groundbreaking ideas that shape the future of financial technology. I look forward to engaging with the brightest minds in the field and celebrating the transformative advancements that will define the next era of payments.” “I’m thrilled to serve as Jury President for this year’s Money20/20 Awards for Startups,” said Chetan Puttagunta. “Money20/20 has long been an important global platform for recognizing fintech innovation and propelling the industry forward. As an investor focused on early-stage startups, I’m particularly excited about the Startup Award—not only to elevate individual companies and entrepreneurs but also to create further collaboration in the ecosystem to drive the next generation of financial technology.” Anthony Thomas, MD, FinTech at Delivery Hero, commented: “I’m excited to be a part of the Money20/20 Awards as Partnerships & Strategic Alliance Jury President. The fintech landscape thrives on collaboration, and I look forward to recognizing the companies and leaders who are forging impactful partnerships and shaping the future of financial services.” Entries are now open. For more information on categories, judging criteria, and how to enter, visit www.money2020/awards.Hashtag: #Money20/20 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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