As at 8 January, GDA Secures 84.1% of MAHB Shares

January 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – Gateway Development Alliance Sdn Bhd (“GDA“) and its shareholders (collectively, the “Consortium“) announced that as at 5:00 p.m. today, it has received valid offer acceptances of 1,385.5 million shares and a further 18.2 million shares have accepted the offer pending verification, together representing 84.1% of the total number of issued shares in Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (“MAHB“).

The encouraging level of acceptances by the First Closing Date, despite the intervening holiday period, moves the Consortium decisively towards satisfying the 90% acceptance condition and thus the threshold required to de-list MAHB pursuant to the Offer.

For shareholders who have yet to submit their acceptances, the Consortium wishes to highlight that the offer period has been extended from 8 January 2025 to 17 January 2025. Save for the extension, all other terms including the offer price of RM11.00 and the 90% acceptance condition remain unchanged.

RM11.00 offer price higher than any price MAHB has traded

GDA remains firm that its offer price of RM11.00 per share is highly compelling and attractive to shareholders (see Chart #1¹). RM11.00 is higher than any price MAHB has ever traded at and represents a 49.5% premium YTD² and implies a Price-to-Earnings ratio of 37.7x³.

All 14 licensed equity research analysts that currently cover MAHB⁴ have target prices that are either lower than or equal to RM11.00, and most also explicitly recommend that shareholders accept the offer.

MAHB needs to address shortcomings to compete regionally

The Consortium reiterates its view that MAHB’s shortcomings in maintaining its core assets and systems, and prolonged history of underperformance both operationally and financially, will only be properly addressed if it is not constrained by a public market listing and is able to take a fresh approach.

A case in point is the Aerotrain at KLIA Terminal 1 which has suffered multiple service failures over the last 10 years and continues to be challenged by ongoing and unresolved issues. As it nears the second anniversary of total service suspension, the re-opening date remains uncertain.

The Consortium believes one of the root causes of MAHB’s issues is its continuous underinvestment in critical operational infrastructure and in projects to drive growth and expansion.

Over the last 5 years, MAHB spent RM1.3bn in capex compared to RM18.9bn by Singapore’s Changi, RM8.1bn by Indonesia’s Angkasa Pura and RM6.8bn by Airports of Thailand (“AOT”)⁵(see Chart #2).

This prolonged underinvestment by MAHB has resulted in an ageing asset base and led to a number of high-profile operational failures. Meanwhile, the passenger experience has deteriorated markedly, as noted by Skytrax whose ranking of KLIA has plummeted from 2^nd best airport in the world in 2001 to 71^st in 2024. MAHB’s airports are in urgent need of significant remediation and expansion capex.

Unsurprisingly, MAHB has been losing ground in the ASEAN aviation market. Over the last 10 years, KLIA has lost passengers while key regional peers have grown significantly⁶ (see Chart #3). This has resulted in MAHB’s market share declining from 20% to 16%⁷ (see Chart #4). Throughout this time, KLIA’s regional peers, including Changi Airport in Singapore and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, continue to make significant investments to increase their capacity and further distance themselves from KLIA.

Operational challenges have contributed to MAHB’s financial underperformance

Over a 10-year period⁸, MAHB has consistently underperformed listed APAC peers across a number of key financial metrics (see Charts #5 – #7):

Moreover, MAHB’s dividend has remained stagnant over the last 10 years and MAHB distributed only RM0.11 per share in 2024. This implies a 1.0% dividend yield⁹, which is four times lower than the KLCI Bursa Malaysia Index¹⁰ and three times lower than the DJ Airports index¹¹ (see Chart #8). The RM11 per share offer price compares to RM0.82 of dividends MAHB has paid over the past 10 years (see Chart #9).

Consortium committed to turnaround MAHB

As highlighted in the offer document dated 6 December 2024, the Consortium intends to upgrade and modernise MAHB’s operations, enhance passenger service, improve airline connectivity and stimulate traffic growth. The Consortium believes that such objectives will be best achieved by MAHB as a private entity, taking a long-term approach to decision-making and capital investment, and benefitting from GIP’s airport expertise.

With its combined resources, control of the board and without the constraints of a public market listing, the Consortium together with management will be able to expedite necessary capital investments and provide the requisite technical expertise to realise MAHB’s full potential.

This offer presents a compelling opportunity for MAHB shareholders to achieve immediate and attractive returns and GDA therefore encourages all shareholders who have not yet accepted the offer to do so before the revised closing time and date of 5:00 p.m. (Malaysian time) on 17 January 2025.

¹ 15 May 2014 to 15 May 2024. Source: S&P Capital IQ.

² Year-to-Date, relative to MAHB’s closing share price on 29 December 2023 of RM7.36.

³ Based on RM11.00 offer price and MAHB’s latest audited consolidated annual financial statements.

⁴ As of 1 December 2024. Excludes Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad and UBS, who were appointed as MAHB’s independent advisers

⁵ Currency conversion at spot rate as at the end of each calendar year 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

⁶ Source: Company filings

⁷ Includes BKK and DMK.

⁸ Company filings, Bloomberg (excluding Covid period i.e. FY20-22)

⁹ Calculated based on RM 0.11 dividends per share in 2024 divided by the offer price of RM11.00.

¹⁰ KLCI Bursa Malaysia Index as of 13 December 2024.

¹¹ Dow Jones Brookfield Airports Infrastructure Index – yield as per December 2024 fact sheet.

Hashtag: #GatewayDevelopmentAlliance

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

NZ-AU: License Granted to Enable Test Mining at Halleck Creek

MIL OSI

January 9, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

DENVER, Jan. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) (“ARR” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc (“WRI”)., has been granted a License to Explore by Dozing at the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming, USA (“Halleck Creek”).

Highlights

License enables WRI to conduct test mining, trenching, and exploratory excavation, including collecting bulk material samples at the Cowboy State Mine project area within Halleck Creek.
Test mining will allow the company to procure the necessary volumes of ore to be processed at a pilot processing facility, a critical step in refining processing pathways and advancing toward commercial development.
Further demonstrates the State of Wyoming’s reputation as a mining-friendly jurisdiction.
Marks a key step forward in ARR’s strategy to establish Halleck Creek as a cornerstone rare earths project.

Strategic Importance

The ability to collect bulk samples is a pivotal step in advancing Cowboy State Mine at Halleck Creek’s development. Bulk samples are expected to provide feedstock for future pilot plant test work at the company’s recently acquired facility in Laramie, WY.¹ This enables ARR to refine processing techniques and optimize project design.

Chris Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “This approval is a testament to our team’s hard work and the collaborative relationship we have built within the State of Wyoming. Bulk sampling can allow us to advance pilot plant testing and strengthen the technical foundation for the Cowboy State Mine at Halleck Creek. This is a critical step forward as we work to unlock the project’s full potential. We’re committed to continue our work responsibly while meeting the highest environmental and community standards.”

Next Steps

These activities will play a crucial role in proceeding with pilot plant testing, metallurgical analysis, and process optimization, laying the groundwork for future project development.

ARR will continue to provide updates to shareholders as key milestones are achieved.

This announcement is authorized for release by the CEO of American Rare Earths.

ASX Announcement- 20 December 2024 – WRI Secures Strategic Facility to support Halleck Creek.

American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) owns Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. which is focused on the development of the Halleck Creek Project, WY.  It also owns La Paz, AZ rare earth deposit.  Both can potentially become the largest and most sustainable rare earth projects in North America.  The Company is developing environmentally friendly and cost-effective extraction and processing methods to meet the rapidly increasing demand for resources essential to the clean energy transition and US national security.  The Company continues to evaluate other exploration opportunities and is collaborating with US Government-supported R&D to develop efficient processing and separation techniques of (REEs) elements to help ensure a renewable future.

Further information
Susan Assadi
US Media Relations
sassadi@americanree.com
347 977 7125

Beverly Jedynak
US Investor Relations
Beverly.jedynak@viriathus.com
312 943 1123

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70004853-c610-49ac-965e-f7f3de06744f

– Published by The MIL Network

175 years of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen: Company starts anniversary year with growth strategy

MIL OSI

January 9, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Growth strategy: medium-term sales potential of more than € 300 million
Growth drivers in the core business: packaging, digital printing Software and lifecycle business
Industrial business: focus on further expansion
175 years: the company has been shaping the printing industry for decades with technological innovations, quality and reliability
Numerous anniversary activities throughout the year

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 8 January 2025 – Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is entering its anniversary year 2025 with a growth strategy: March 11, 2025, marks the 175th anniversary of the company’s founding. What began over a century and a half ago as a bell foundry in Frankenthal in the Palatinate region of Germany, has since developed into a leading global technology company and total solutions provider for print shops and packaging applications. HEIDELBERG is tackling the challenges of the future with a clear growth strategy.

March 11, 2025 marks the 175th anniversary of the founding of HEIDELBERG. The automatic platen press introduced in 1921 is HEIDELBERG’s best and longest seller with a printing capacity of 3,000 sheets per hour and is the epitome of precision, performance and reliability.

“To expand our market position, we are increasingly tapping into growth potential in our core business in packaging and digital printing as well as in the software and lifecycle business,” says Jürgen Otto, CEO of HEIDELBERG. “We will also continue to expand our offering in the growing green technologies market. This includes key areas such as high-precision mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, charging infrastructure and software, and new hydrogen technologies.” In total, HEIDELBERG sees growth potential of more than € 300 million in sales for all strategic initiatives by the 2028/2029 financial year, while at the same time consolidating performance and increasing efficiency.

Packaging market has seen significant growth since 2014

HEIDELBERG is benefiting from the constantly growing global demand for packaging. The end customer market for packaging has grown by more than 6o percent worldwide over the past ten years. In cooperation with Solenis, HEIDELBERG is responding to the global trend away from plastic and foil towards paper-based packaging and will in future offer solutions for printing recyclable packaging, particularly for the food industry. The company already generates more than 50 percent of its turnover in the packaging segment. And the trend is clearly upward.

HEIDELBERG seizes opportunities in growing industrial digital printing

According to market estimates, the global digital printing market accessible to HEIDELBERG, including service and consumables, will grow from around EUR 5 billion today to EUR 7.5 billion by 2029. HEIDELBERG has significantly expanded its offering, including through its cooperation with Canon. This will significantly increase sales of digital printing solutions. Incoming orders already confirm this from the next financial year.

International business with high potential

HEIDELBERG sees a lever for more sales growth in its strong international presence in around 170 countries worldwide, with one of the largest global sales and service networks. The company will continue to expand this internationalization, particularly in growth markets such as Asia, the USA and emerging markets. HEIDELBERG has the best prerequisites for this, particularly in China, thanks to its local production and partnership with MK Masterwork. More than 85 percent of the company’s business is already conducted outside Germany.

Focus on expanding industrial business in the Technology segment

Another focus is on HEIDELBERG’s industrial business to open up new product areas, markets, and industries. To this end, the company has extensive skills, expertise and resources that are currently already being used outside the printing industry, particularly in the fields of high-precision mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, electromobility and hydrogen. The company is also increasingly offering its expertise and installed capacities to other companies in order to efficiently industrialize or manufacture their products.

175 years: the company has been shaping the printing industry for decades with technological innovations, quality and reliability
HEIDELBERG has been shaping the printing industry for 175 years with innovations, top quality and maximum reliability. Throughout its history, the company has repeatedly set new standards with pioneering developments such as the “Original Heidelberger Tiegel” and the “Speedmaster” model series for sheetfed offset printing. “175 years of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen are a strong testimony to consistency, as well as innovative strength and thus future viability,” says Jürgen Otto. “Thanks to its impressive achievements over the past 175 years, the company is looking forward to further growth in the coming years with its current market position, the expertise of its employees and global customer relationships.”

Numerous anniversary activities throughout the year
Together with customers, employees and partners, HEIDELBERG is celebrating its anniversary year with numerous events and activities. In the summer, for example, there will be a week of celebrations at the Wiesloch-Walldorf headquarters in the newly designed demonstration center – the Home of Print – including an anniversary ceremony with guests from all over the world, i.e. customers, suppliers, partners and representatives from politics and society. Family days are planned for employees at individual locations. In addition, there will be an anniversary magazine in which the history of the company will be presented, and the future will be directed.

With around 9,500 employees worldwide, production facilities in several countries and regions, including China and the USA, as well as the densest sales and service network in the industry, HEIDELBERG is now a true global player and world market leader from Germany. “Our history impressively demonstrates how entrepreneurship, technical expertise and the genuine creative power of our employees can have a lasting impact on a company over such a long period of time and, far beyond that, on an entire industry to this day,” Otto continues.

Images and further information about the company are available on the Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG press portal at www.heidelberg.com.

Important note:
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates made by the management of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft. Even if the company management is of the opinion that these assumptions and estimates are accurate, actual future developments and future actual results may deviate considerably from these assumptions and estimates due to a variety of factors. These factors may include, for example, changes in the overall economic situation, exchange rates and interest rates as well as changes within the graphic arts industry. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft provides no guarantee and assumes no liability that future developments and the actual results achieved in the future will correspond to the assumptions and estimates made in this press release.

Hashtag: #HEIDELBERG

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Hong Kong’s Innovations Radiating Impact at CES 2025

MIL OSI

January 8, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,000 technology companies from 25 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.

Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Transport – Congestion charging plans have some fishhooks for road freight

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

2025 is set to be a big year for transport policy, with Parliament set to debate legislation enabling time-of-use or congestion charging, the Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill.

National road freight association Transporting New Zealand is backing the draft legislation, but says the Bill should be amended to allow goods-vehicle exemptions to avoid efficiency benefits being offset by freight fees and surcharges.

Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that all New Zealanders are currently indirectly paying for congestion, either through unproductive time spent in gridlock, or increased freight and delivery costs for everyday goods.

“According to the TomTom Traffic Index, New Zealand’s largest cities are significantly more congested than comparable Australian centres, with Kiwis spending up to 35 per cent more time commuting. That’s a massive drain on labour productivity, and we need time of use charging as a tool to address it,” he says.

The Bill would allow councils to propose time-of-use schemes, with design and implementation being led by NZTA and subject to Ministerial and Cabinet approval.

Kalasih says this centralised control will be good for ensuring national consistency and effective delivery, but it risks deterring council participation.

“The Bill has a backstop allowing the Government to propose schemes through NZTA if councils don’t act within three years, but it’s difficult to see a congestion charge successfully going ahead without joint buy-in from local government.

“The Select Committee considering the Bill will have to take careful note of submissions from councils to ensure the enabling legislation will actually deliver enduring time-of-use schemes within a reasonable timeframe.”

While the proposed legislation would allow congestion charging to be adopted across the country, Auckland is clearly the primary candidate. Ministry of Transport modelling suggests that effective charging could cut peak Auckland traffic by 8-12 per cent, reducing road congestion at peak time to around school-holiday levels.

Kalasih says that depending on the design of the scheme, congestion charging could be a game changer for freight movement around Auckland.

“While the individual cost benefit calculation will be different for all road freight companies, meaningful improvements in trip times should outweigh modest congestion charges during peak times. According to Ministry of Transport analysis, an Auckland time-of-use charge could reduce freight vehicle kilometres travelled in severe congestion by between 1.6-25.7 per cent.”

While broadly supporting the Bill, Transporting New Zealand is concerned that the proposed legislation strictly limits exemptions to emergency vehicles only.

“This restriction on exemptions is bad news for bus users and road freight businesses who will have to pass those costs on to consumers. Overseas schemes allow for wider exemptions. Around half of all vehicles in the London charge area are exempt or qualify for a discount. Ruling them out entirely will prevent a context-specific assessment being completed, such as where a scheme operates on key freight routes or around freight or passenger hubs.

“Heavy goods vehicles represent only around six per cent of total vehicle kilometres travelled, making trucks a small element of urban congestion.

“Where at all possible, road freight firms already avoid peak-travel, with the overwhelming proportion of freight movements occurring during the inter-peak period. When a truck is travelling at rush-hour, it is almost certainly due to the customer’s “capacity to receive” being restricted by staffing and logistical constraints.”

A practical illustration of this is the Port of Auckland’s container booking system that hikes charges for trucks picking up or dropping off containers during peak times. The end result has seen only small shifts in demand to off-peak times, due to inelastic customer demand. As a result, businesses and consumers have been stuck with higher freight rates and charges.

Kalasih says Transporting New Zealand will work with its members to ensure freight considerations are addressed during select committee deliberations later this year.

“With bipartisan support and constructive engagement, this legislation could be a game-changer for New Zealand’s transport system and economic productivity, as long as supply chain considerations are taken into account.”

Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.

MIL OSI

Singaporeans Can Save Up to S$500 Monthly Through Digital Optimization, New ROSHI Study Reveals

MIL OSI

January 8, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – ROSHI, a leading fintech company reshaping digital lending across Southeast Asia, today released its comprehensive “Inflation Survival Guide 2025,” revealing how Singaporeans can leverage digital tools and smart spending strategies to combat inflation, which is projected to moderate between 2.5-3% this year.

The study highlights that while essential expenses consume over 63% of household budgets, strategic use of digital payment solutions and lifestyle optimization can lead to significant monthly savings.

“In today’s economic climate, saving potential isn’t just about cutting back – it’s about spending smarter,” said Amir Nada, CEO of ROSHI. “Our analysis shows that by optimizing digital payment methods, transport choices and food delivery subscriptions, the average Singaporean household can save between S$300-500 monthly without compromising their lifestyle. These savings are essential for Singaporeans facing rising costs across all aspects of daily life.”

Key findings from the report include:

Top credit cards offer between 5-8% cashback on groceries, dining, and online spending
Food delivery subscriptions like GrabUnlimited ($5.99/month) save users an average of $45 monthly
Smart utility management and telco optimization can reduce bills by up to 20-30%
Digital gig platforms offer earnings from $13.80 per testing task to $350 per content piece

The transformation we’re seeing in consumer behavior isn’t just about savings – it’s about adapting to a new economic reality,” said Trịnh Mai Thanh, Head of Research at ROSHI. “Our data shows that Singaporeans who embrace digital optimization tools consistently achieve better financial outcomes.”

The full report, is available at https://www.roshi.sg/inflation-survival-guide-singapore/

https://www.roshi.sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/roshi-marketplace/
https://www.facebook.com/ROSHI.Singapore

Hashtag: #ROSHI

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

CamScanner Elevates AI Offerings for Smarter Work and Learning in 2025

MIL OSI

January 8, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Advanced portfolio of cutting-edge features showcases tech’s transformative role in document management and demonstrates CamScanner’s commitment to accelerating the AI revolution

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – CamScanner, a global leader in document-scanning apps with over 300 million users, is advancing the integration of Artificial Intelligence in 2025 with innovative features designed to improve user productivity. The company’s portfolio of cutting-edge AI solutions allows students and professionals alike to manage documents and solve complex challenges with ease.

CamScanner Elevates AI Offerings for Smarter Work and Learning in 2025

A pair of new AI features, CamScanner AI and Solver AI, enables users to analyze content in real time while simultaneously simplifying complex formulas into smaller and more-understandable pieces. CamScanner AI specializes in interpreting documents with its content-analysis feature and an interactive chatbot. Solver AI boasts the ability to assist students with problem-solving by delivering responses to even the most challenging prompts in just seconds and providing an interactive chatbot for follow-up questions.

“AI will continue to be one of the most transformative forces in 2025,” said Kevin Cao, General Manager of CamScanner. “At CamScanner, we began adopting AI on our app several years ago. In 2024 alone, we launched several impactful features that allow users to digitize, interpret, and interact with their documents, solving real-world challenges.”

Features from 2024 include CamScanner’s proprietary AI-Scan Engine technology, which uses advanced AI to automatically fix distortions and restore documents’ original layout so even complex and curved pages scan flawlessly. Powering the AI-Scan Engine, CamScanner’s Magic Pro Filters automatically remove shadows, blurs and creases, then smooth-out curved surfaces to deliver clear, distortion-free scans in just one tap. The app’s Formula Extraction Feature identifies math equations, converts them to LaTeX, and enables easy export and editing, making problem-solving more efficient.

“With a relentless pursuit of R&D, we’re dedicated to delivering exciting new features this year,” Cao said. “CamScanner is and continues to evolve as a powerful efficiency tool for students, professionals, remote workers, and creatives, empowering everyone to work smarter.”

Follow CamScanner on X/Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram for our latest updates and campaigns.

Hashtag: #CamScanner

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

GAOC Group of Companies Shines at Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2024 Philippines with Triple Win

MIL OSI

January 8, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – GAOC Group of Companies (GGC) is the largest dental conglomerate in the Philippines, led by its flagship clinic, Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC). GGC provides comprehensive dental services, including advanced surgeries and implantology. The group encompasses a plethora of reputable brands, including Novodental, a mid-tier chain offering general and cosmetic dentistry and Samura Dental Laboratory, a leading provider of dental prosthetics.

Recognized for its impressive achievements, GGC took home 3 accolades at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2024 Philippines Chapter. The group was honored with the Corporate Excellence Award while the company’s chairman and CEO, Dr Steve Mark Gan, was awarded the Master Entrepreneur Award for his visionary leadership. The group’s Novodental Philippines was also recognized with the Fast Enterprise Award for becoming one of the fastest-growing dental networks in the country.

Novodental offers a comprehensive range of dental services, from preventative care to advanced procedures like orthodontics and implantology. It caters to both local residents and international patients seeking high-quality, affordable dental care. To enhance patient care, Novodental embraces innovation through the adoption of digital technologies. This includes digital imaging and CAD/CAM systems, which improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline treatment, and enhance patient satisfaction.

Well-deserving of the Master Entrepreneur Award, Dr. Gan honed his expertise in the United States, completing a Residency in Advanced Prosthodontics at the University of Southern California (USC) and a Residency in Prosthodontic Osseointegrated Implants at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He returned to the Philippines with a vision of transforming the country’s dental industry into a global leader. Armed with world-class training, he established GAOC, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, expertise, and passion for excellence. Today, GAOC remains a leading force in dental care.

GGC fosters a dynamic work environment emphasizing growth, camaraderie, and community. The company also prioritizes employee well-being and actively engages in corporate social responsibility through dental missions. Believing that education is a never-ending process, the GAOC Dental Academy offers diverse training programs where participants benefit from training seminars featuring a wide range of expertise, with both international and local lecturers contributing their knowledge.

GGC has achieved multiple prestigious awards over the years, demonstrating its excellence in dental care and highlighting its role in promoting the Philippines as a top destination for international dental patients. Looking ahead, GGC aims to expand its local and international presence, particularly in dental tourism. The group plans to invest in advanced technologies and focus on innovation and patient care to maintain its position as a global leader in the dental industry.

Hashtag: #GGC #EnterpriseAsia

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

XTransfer Officially Receives MPI License from the Monetary Authority of Singapore

MIL OSI

January 8, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – XTransfer, the World’s Leading & China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, was granted the Major Payment Institution (MPI) License under the Payment Services Act 2019 by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This significant milestone strengthens XTransfer’s leading position in the B2B cross-border payments industry. The license was officially issued on January 1, 2025, by MAS.

XTransfer Officially Receives MPI License from the Monetary Authority of Singapore

With the MPI license, XTransfer is able to provide services including account issuance, domestic money transfer, cross-border money transfer, and e-money issuance, addressing the increasing demand for secure and convenient cross-border payment solutions in the region. The comprehensive payment solutions are expected to be launched soon in Singapore. The services include easy account setup, flexible top-up options, efficient currency exchange services, and simplified cross-border fund collection and payment solutions designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in international trade in Singapore.

Founded in 2017, XTransfer is dedicated to using technology to bridge large financial institutions and SMEs worldwide, providing them with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost cross-border trade payment & fund collection solutions. With more than 550,000 enterprise clients, XTransfer has become the industry leader in China. After XTransfer’s global expansion, our All-in-one business account covers 15+ currencies and 200+ countries/regions, it is now utilised by trading companies around the world. When both buyers and sellers have XTransfer accounts, they can achieve secure and compliant payment settlements 24/7, potentially saving up to 95% on remittance fees and 80% on currency conversion costs. This enables uninterrupted fund circulation throughout the entire trade process.

In recent years, trade exchanges between China and ASEAN have become increasingly close. XTransfer aims to address this growth in international trade by SMEs and help them capture opportunities in trade and capital flow between China and ASEAN. XTransfer not only aims to enhance trade facilitation between SMEs in China and Singapore but also seeks to streamline foreign trade transactions between Singaporean companies and their global partners.

“Receiving this license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore marks a significant milestone for XTransfer as we expand our services throughout Southeast Asia. This achievement underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and reinforces our dedication to providing secure, compliant, convenient, and fast cross-border payment services,” said Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer. “With the license, we aim to leverage Singapore’s prominent position as Southeast Asia’s financial hub to strengthen both existing and new partnerships in the region. We remain committed to our goal of helping SMEs efficiently engage in global trade and enhance their competitiveness on a worldwide scale through technology.”

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn/
https://x.com/xtransferglobal
https://www.facebook.com/XTransferGlobal/
https://www.instagram.com/xtransfer.global/

Hashtag: #XTransfer #Singapore #PaymentLicense #MPI #MAS #Payment #SMEs

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Over 340 young scientists from 49 countries converge at the 2025 Global Young Scientists Summit

MIL OSI

January 8, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – More than 340 young scientists^{^[1]} will have a rare chance to engage with leading experts in science and technology from around the world at the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2025. The Summit has drawn participants from 49 countries, a 40 per cent increase from 2024^{^[2]}, marking the highest number in the past five years and reflecting the GYSS’s increasing global prominence.

2 Taking place from 6 to 10 January 2025 at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Summit continues to have the highest participant selection rate from Singapore at 100 participants since 2024^{^[3]}, accounting for about 27 per cent, along with 22 per cent from Europe and 17 per cent from Asia. The Summit was launched on 7 January 2025 at an opening ceremony by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF).

Deepening Engagements for Young Scientists

3 Organised by the NRF, GYSS 2025 will offer more opportunities for young scientists to showcase their work and interact with established scientists, engineers, and technopreneurs. These include 18 eminent scientists, including Nobel Laureates, Fields Medallists, Turing Award recipients, and winners of other top international science awards.

4 One of the main highlights of the Summit is the small group sessions, now referred to as Fireside Chats. These sessions allow young scientists to interact with top minds in an intimate setting, typically with around 25 participants. This year, the Summit will feature 26 sessions, an increase from 20 in 2024, including four double-speaker Fireside Chats.

5 Participants will get opportunities to engage in Young Scientists Quickfire Pitch sessions with 16 young scientist presenters and two dedicated Poster Sessions with 100 posters in total, where they can present their research to esteemed scientists and fellow researchers. Part of the Summit experience also includes visits to local universities and research institutions, providing participants with a firsthand look at the research and technologies developed in Singapore.

Other Highlights at the GYSS 2025

6 To champion the values of science and inspire a passion for STEM education, esteemed scientists will engage in talks and workshops at local institutions that are open to the public. These include NUS, NTU, A*STAR, Singapore Science Centre, Singapore Management University, SGInnovate, and SUTD. They will also engage local students at the International Science Youth Forum (ISYF) organised by Hwa Chong Institution.

7 Among the 19 scientists this year, the Summit welcomes four who will be speaking for the first time: Prof Joan Rose, Prof Louis Ignarro, Prof Steven Chu, and Prof Yael Kalai. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will also attend the opening ceremony and engage with young Thai researchers.

8 The GYSS is the only international summit in Asia that allows young scientists to engage with esteemed experts across various fields, including healthcare, quantum and physics, forensic science, computer science, and engineering. For example, this year, Prof Joan Rose will delve into the evolution of viruses in our environment and their impact on health. The summit also looks ahead at the future of artificial intelligence, as Prof Joseph Sifakis will share more on the current state of AI and its potential to merge with other technologies, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

9 NRF Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Lim said, “Young scientists are the future of technology, innovation, and enterprise. Initiatives like the Global Young Scientists Summit provide opportunity for young scientists worldwide to gather for a five-day immersion, to engage with groundbreaking ideas, be inspired by world leaders in their fields, learn from each other, and imagine new possibilities for the future of science and humanity.”

10 DPM Heng’s speech will be issued after delivery at the Opening Ceremony on 7 January 2025. Please refer to Annexes A to C for quotes from speakers and participants, the complete list of speakers for GYSS 2024, and the Summit’s full programme.

[1] The young scientists were nominated by 93 institutions and universities worldwide, including local entities such as NUS, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

[2] At GYSS 2024, approximately 350 young scientists from around 35 countries participated.

[3] GYSS 2024 had 96 participant selection rate from Singapore, which was a 70 per cent increase from a steady state of 58 since 2020. The GYSS was conducted virtually in 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19 and participant profile details for these years are unavailable.

ANNEX A: ADDITIONAL QUOTES FOR REPORTING

Speakers

1. Professor Louis Ignarro, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (1998) has an inspiring story— from his upbringing in New York City as the son of first-generation immigrant parents to his groundbreaking research on nitric oxide as a signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system—highlighting the transformative power of mentorship and support in his scientific journey.

Prof Ignarro shared his thoughts on the importance of perseverance in science: “Science is full of challenges, and the journey is often tough, but it is precisely these struggles that make every breakthrough so rewarding. As young scientists, it’s important to embrace these challenges, knowing that they are part of the process that will eventually lead to discovery. The Global Young Scientists Summit is a place where young researchers can find inspiration, learn from each other, and push the frontiers of science together.”

2. Professor Joan Rose, the 2016 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate, emphasises the critical role of young scientists in addressing global water challenges: “The future of our planet’s water quality and public health rests in the hands of the next generation of scientists.

“Their innovative approaches and designs of novel technologies are essential to developing global water quality data, which is so desperately needed, and their dedication will help achieve sustainable solutions for clean water access worldwide. Platforms such as the Global Young Scientists Summit provide an invaluable platform for these emerging leaders to collaborate, learn, and be inspired to drive meaningful change.”

Participants who attended the GYSS 2024

1. [Singaporean Male] Adolphus Lye, 30, Research Fellow at NUS, said, “Collaboration is an important aspect of science today, especially given that the problems we deal with are interdisciplinary. One cannot simply solve a problem on their own. Through collaboration, we gain access to a wider pool of knowledge from people across different scientific disciplines. The Summit’s discussions help spark better ideas and novel approaches to solving research problems better and more creatively. That is the beauty of GYSS, in that it fosters interactions between participants from different disciplines, generates opportunities for collaborations, and solves problems of today.”

2. [Singaporean Female] Uma Jingxin Tay, 25, Graduate Student at A*STAR, said, “My biggest takeaway is from listening to the Nobel Laureates, which is not an opportunity I get every day. Listening to them has made me more curious and perceptive in my research, such as viewing anomalies as opportunities for discovery and research rather than obstacles.”

3. [Tanzanian Female] Doreen Steven Mlote, 27, Graduate Student at SUTD, said, “Presenting my research at GYSS reignited my confidence in sharing research with other researchers worldwide. Standing in front of thousands of people can be intimidating, but it can also be a turning point and a reminder that anything is possible, which is what GYSS did for me.”

ANNEX B: LIST OF EMINENT SCIENTISTS AT THE GYSS 2025

1. Aaron Ciechanover

o Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2004)

o Field: Biochemistry, for the discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation

2. Adi Shamir

o Award: Turing Award (2002)

o Field: Cryptography, co-inventor of the RSA algorithm

3. Brian Schmidt

o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2011)

o Field: Astrophysics, for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe

4. Dame Sue Black

o Field: Forensic Anthropology, recognised for research into identification from the hand

5. Duncan Haldane

o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2016)

o Field: Condensed Matter Physics, for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter

6. Hartmut Michel

o Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1988)

o Field: Biochemistry, for the determination of the three-dimensional structure of a photosynthetic reaction center

7. Joan Rose

o Award: Stockholm Water Prize (2016)

o Field: Environmental Microbiology, for work on water quality and public health

8. Joseph Sifakis

o Award: Turing Award (2007)

o Field: Computer Science, specialising in the design of trustworthy systems

9. Leslie Valiant

o Award: Turing Award (2010)

o Field: Computer Science, for contributions to computational learning theory

10. Louis J. Ignarro

o Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1998)

o Field: Pharmacology, recognised for discoveries concerning nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system

11. Sir Richard Roberts

o Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1993)

o Field: Molecular Biology, for the discovery of split gene

12. Sir Konstantin Novoselov

o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2010)

o Field: Condensed Matter Physics, specifically the isolation and study of graphene

13. Sir Tim Hunt

o Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2001)

o Field: Cell Biology, for discoveries of key regulators of the cell cycle

14. Stefan Hell

o Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2014)

o Field: Physical Chemistry, for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy
15. Steven Chu

o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (1997)

o Field: Atomic Physics, known for research in laser cooling and trapping of atoms

16. Takaaki Kajita
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2015)

o Field: Particle Physics, for the discovery of neutrino oscillations

17. Wendelin Werner

o Award: Fields Medal (2006)

o Field: Mathematics, for work on stochastic Loewner evolution and the geometry of two-dimensional Brownian motion

18. Yael Tauman Kalai

o Award: ACM Prize in Computing (2022)

o Field: Computer Science, with contributions to cryptography and verifiable delegation of computation

ANNEX C: FULL GYSS 2025 PROGRAMME

Tue, 7 Jan	Wed, 8 Jan	Thu, 9 Jan	Fri, 10 Jan
Media registration at 0830
Opening Ceremony (0900 – 1030) Speech by DPM Heng Opening Plenary by Prof Louis Ignarro	Two Plenary Lectures (0900 – 1030) Prof Wendelin Werner, Prof Joan Rose	Two Plenary Lectures (0900 – 1030) Prof Adi Shamir, Prof Steven Chu	Two Plenary Lectures (0900 – 1030) Prof Leslie Valiant & Prof Hartmut Michel


Morning Break (1030 – 1100)
Panel Huddle (1100 – 1230) “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Solving Global Challenges” Prof Wendelin Werner, Dame Sue Black, Prof Takaaki Kajita	Panel Huddle (1100 – 1230) “Future of Medical Research and Healthcare” Prof Louis Ignarro, Prof Aaron Ciechanover, Prof Richard Roberts	Panel Huddle (1100 – 1230) “Human Wellbeing and Sustainability – Physicists’ Perspective” Prof Brian Schmidt, Prof Duncan Haldane, Prof Konstantin Novoselov, Prof Steven Chu	Panel Huddle (1100 – 1230) “Ethics of Scientific Research in the Age of AI” Prof Joan Rose, Prof Yael Kalai, Prof Adi Shamir


Lunch Break (1230 – 1330)

Two Plenary Lectures (1330 – 1500) Prof Richard Roberts (TBC), Prof Brian Schmidt	Eight Young Scientist Quickfire Pitches (1330 – 1500)	Eight Young Scientist Quickfire Pitches (1330 – 1500)	One Plenary Lecture (1330 – 1415) Prof Yael Kalai


Afternoon Break (1500 – 1530)			Closing Plenary Lecture (1415 – 1515) Dame Sue Black
Five Fireside Chat Sessions (1530 – 1615) 1. Prof Tim Hunt 2. Prof Richard Roberts 3. Prof Duncan Haldane 4. Prof Konstantin Novoselov 5. Prof Adi Shamir	Two Plenary Lectures (1530 – 1700) Prof Stefan Hell Prof Tim Hunt	Two Plenary Lectures (1530 – 1700) Prof Joseph Sifakis Prof Duncan Haldane
			Afternoon Break (1515 – 1600)
Fireside Chat (x7) (1630 – 1715) 1. Dame Sue Black & Prof Joan Rose 2. Prof Yael Kalai & Prof Leslie Valiant 3. Prof Wendelin Werner & Prof Louis Ignarro 4. Prof Steven Chu & Prof Takaaki Kajita 5. Prof Hartmut Michel 6. Prof Aaron Ciechanover 7. Prof Brian Schmidt			Travel to Closing Event (1600 – 1730)
Dedicated Poster Session for Participants (1715 – 1800)	Five Fireside Chat Sessions (1700 – 1745) 1. Prof Richard Roberts 2. Prof Louis Ignarro 3. Prof Takaaki Kajita 4. Prof Leslie Valiant 5. Prof Hartmut Michel	Seven Fireside Chat Sessions (1700 – 1745) 1. Prof Duncan Haldane 2. Prof Brian Schmidt 3. Prof Yael Kalai 4. Prof Tim Hunt 5. Dame Sue Black 6. Prof Steven Chu 7. Prof Joan Rose
		Dedicated Poster Session for Participants (1745 – 1830)	[Speakers & Participants] Closing Event@Sentosa (1730 – 2030)

Hashtag: #NRF

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

1...9991,0001,001...1,060 Page 1,000 of 1,060