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Cushman & Wakefield responses to the Budget 2025/26

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2025 –

Response to the

Budget 2025/2026 by KK Chiu, International Director, Chief Executive, Greater China of Cushman & Wakefield:

Large-scale land disposal for Northern Metropolis

We are pleased to see the government continue to facilitate the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM) and optimize the industrial and spatial layout. We believe that

the “large-scale land disposal” model can accelerate the completion of residential, industrial, and public facilities. The Development Bureau estimates that the engineering costs for each district will be from HK$10 billion to HK$20 billion. Compared to traditional models, the “large-scale land disposal” model can save more than HK$1 billion in public funds.

Historically, construction costs in Hong Kong are two to three times higher than in neighbouring locations such as Shenzhen. We recommend that the government can reduce costs by introducing foreign labor, similar to the approach taken by the Singaporean government, and to plan effective transportation. connections to enhance investor confidence and attract more developers for sustainable growth.

Compared to traditional land sale models, the large-scale land disposal model features a larger scale, longer development period, and extended payback time. This approach shifts high upfront costs and risks to developers, testing their financial sustainability and capacity to manage these burdens. However, during land levelling, developers can also plan and design, which compresses project timelines and increases their autonomy in design and construction. This flexibility enables them to respond effectively to market demands and create diverse residential or commercial projects.

We recommend that the government effectively plan and utilize transportation facilities in new development areas and those connecting to external regions, such as the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and the planned Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Railway. Enhancing transportation connectivity will improve convenience, boost investor confidence, attract more developers, and ensure the district’s sustainability.

The government’s plan to prepare land for approximately 80,000 private housing units over the next five years

We are pleased to see the proactive efforts by the government to stabilize future private housing supply. However, since more than 65% of the new land will come from new development areas, such as the Northern Metropolis and Tung Chung, it is crucial to prioritize infrastructure development.

We recommend the government to ensure that infrastructure facilities are in place in these areas before the residential projects are completed, to avoid inconvenience for residents upon moving in.

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield:

Development of artificial intelligence (AI) and data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge

We urge the government to announce the development details of the data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge as soon as possible, simplify the land approval process, and offer favorable terms to attract developers and data center operators to set up operations in the area.

Rezoning Some Commercial Sites

We are pleased to see the government temporarily suspend the sale of commercial land parcels, allowing the market to gradually absorb current vacant space and new projects under construction. We suggest that the government regularly review market conditions for a well-timed restart to the sale of commercial land parcels.

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by KB Wong, Executive Director, Head of Valuation and Advisory Services, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

The government stated that there will be eight residential sites for sale next year, which can help maintain a stable land supply. We suggest that the government make development conditions in the tender document as clear as possible and avoid putting excessive obligations on the developers as to provision of social or similar facilities, in order to invigorate market activity and to attract more small and medium-sized developers and new entrants to participate in the bidding.

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

We are pleased to see the government’s emphasis on attracting high-caliber talent and students, and that initiatives such as the Northern Metropolis University Town and the Belt and Road Scholarship will play a crucial role in attracting diverse global talent and students to Hong Kong in the long term. This influx will bolster demand in the local rental apartment sector and stimulate growth in the residential leasing market.

However, there is currently a significant shortage of student accommodation in the market. Our latest estimates indicate that, on average, three university students are competing for a single bed across Hong Kong, with projected future demand for student beds potentially exceeding 50,000. This shortage has led some students who are unable to secure dormitory housing to seek alternative arrangements in private residential units.

Therefore, we welcome the government’s consideration of rezoning certain commercial sites for residential use. Additionally, we recommend that the government consider permitting the conversion of existing suitable commercial buildings and hotels into student accommodation, and to advocate for the removal of barriers and relaxation of restrictions in the approval process, thereby providing greater flexibility in land use. We anticipate that these measures will increase housing options, alleviate rental pressures, and effectively address the challenges associated with the student bed supply and demand situation.

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by Edgar Lai, Senior Director, Valuation and Consultancy Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield:

We applaud the government’s decision to raise the maximum value of properties chargeable to stamp duty of $100 from HK$3 million to HK$4 million. This adjustment should attract a larger pool of buyers and investors to the market, consequently expediting transactions for small and medium-sized properties. As per data from the Land Registry, in 2024, there were 7,623 residential transactions valued between HK$3 million and HK$4 million, constituting approximately 14% of total residential transactions. We anticipate that this modification will invigorate the property exchange chain, surpassing the government’s estimated 15% and potentially reaching 20% in the number of property transactions benefiting from this initiative.

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by Tom Ko, Executive Director, Head of Capital Markets, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

The Government has stated that it will introduce a series of optimization measures under the “New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.” We look forward to the Government announcing the details as soon as possible.

We urge the government to lower the investment threshold for residential properties to HKD10 million and to remove the cap on property investments. This will attract small and medium-sized investors, enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an international financial center and drawing more talent and capital.

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Hashtag: #CushmanandWakefield

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

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

Sino Land is Well-Positioned to Capitalise on Opportunities Stable Interim Dividend at HK15 Cents per Share

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

Summary of 2024/2025Interim Results

  • The Group’s unaudited underlying profit attributable to shareholders, excluding the effect of fair-value changes on investment properties for the six months ended 31 December 2024 (“Interim Period”) was HK$2,241 million (2023: HK$2,945 million).
  • Steady interim dividend at HK15 cents per share.
  • Attributable revenue from property sales for the Interim Period, including share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$2,448 million (2023: HK$6,635 million). Five new residential projects scheduled for launch in 2025.
  • The Group has a visible pipeline for property sales recognition. Approximately HK$11.3 billion of total attributable contracted sales are yet to be recognised, with approximately HK$9.1 billion expected for recognition in the second half of FY2024/2025.
  • Attributable gross rental revenue, including share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$1,748 million (2023: HK$1,777 million).
  • The Group’s hotel revenue, including attributable share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$794 million compared with HK$811 million in the same period last year. Gross operating profit was HK$261 million, an increase of 2.8% compared with HK$254 million in the same period last year.
  • As at 31st December, 2024, the Group had a land bank of approximately 19.4 million square feet of attributable floor area in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney, sufficient to meet the Group’s development needs over the next few years. The Group will continue to be selective in replenishing its land bank to optimise its earnings potential.

Financial Highlights

For the six months ended 31 December: 2024 2023 Change
Revenue HK$3,854 million HK$4,923 million -21.7%
Underlying profit HK$2,241 million HK$2,945 million -23.9%
Profit attributable to shareholders HK$1,820 million HK$2,616 million -30.4%
Dividend per share
Interim HK15 cents HK15 cents –

Results and Business Highlights

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2025 – Sino Land Company Limited (Stock Code: 83) today announced its interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2024 (the “Interim Period”). The Group’s unaudited underlying profit attributable to shareholders, excluding the effect of fair-value changes on investment properties for the Interim Period was HK$2,241 million (2023: HK$2,945 million). Underlying earnings per share was HK$0.26 (2023: HK$0.35).

After taking into account the revaluation loss (net of deferred taxation) on investment properties of HK$407 million (2023: revaluation loss of HK$142 million), which is a non-cash item, the Group reported a net profit attributable to shareholders of HK$1,820 million for the Interim Period (2023: HK$2,616 million). Earnings per share was HK$0.21 (2023: HK$0.31).

Interim dividend of HK$15 cents per share

The Board of Directors has declared an interim dividend of HK15 cents per share. (2023: HK15 cents per share). The steady interim dividend underscores the Group’s solid financial position. As at 31 December 2024, the Group had net cash of HK$45,880 million.

Property Sales – Five new projects scheduled for launch in 2025

Total revenue from property sales for the Interim Period, including property sales of associates and joint ventures, attributable to the Group was HK$2,448 million (2023: HK$6,635 million).

The Group has five new residential projects scheduled for launch in 2025. These include ONE CENTRAL PLACE in Central, Yau Tong Ventilation Building Property Development, Grand Mayfair III in Yuen Long, and LOHAS Park Package Thirteen Property Development in Tseung Kwan O which have obtained pre-sale consents. In addition, the Group expects to obtain pre-sale consent for Wing Kwong Street/Sung On Street Development Project in To Kwa Wan in calendar year 2025. The timing for launching these projects for sale will depend on when the pre-sale consent is received and the prevailing market conditions. Subsequent to the Interim Period, certain units of La Montagne in Wong Chuk Hang were launched for sale in January 2025.

As at 31 December 2024, the Group had a land bank of approximately 19.4 million square feet of attributable floor area in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney, which is sufficient to meet the Group’s development needs over the next few years.

Diversified and balanced investment properties portfolio showed long-term resilience

For the Interim Period, the Group’s attributable gross rental revenue, including share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$1,748 million (2023: HK$1,777 million), representing a decrease of 1.6% year-on-year. This decline was primarily due to emerging challenges in the retail sector. Given the dynamic nature of the current operating environment, the Group is continuously refining and optimising our tenant mix, while also organising ongoing marketing and promotional activities in our shopping malls to boost foot traffic.

Among the different sectors, residential showed the biggest improvement, with occupancy rate rising by 1.1 percentage points to 89.0 % (2023: 87.9%). The industrial sector also saw an increase of 0.2 percentage points to 89.7% (2023: 89.5%). Hong Kong remains well-positioned to capitalise on its status as an international hub and financial centre. The ongoing integration into national development initiatives such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Northern Metropolis proposed by the HKSAR Government, will further bolster Hong Kong’s role as a key hub connecting the country with the world. Additionally, the various talent schemes launched by the HKSAR Government, along with the recent pickup in financial market activities, are expected to bolster the Group’s rental income over time.

As at 31 December 2024, the Group has approximately 13.2 million square feet of attributable floor area of investment properties and hotels in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney.

Hotel Operations – Continuous improvement in profitability

In 2024, Hong Kong saw a steady improvement in tourism. Visitors from Mainland China made up 76% of total visitor arrivals, posting a year-on-year increase of 27% to 34.0 million. Long-haul markets also experienced more than a 50% growth. The Group’s overseas operations in Singapore and Sydney continued to deliver encouraging results, with continuous improvement in gross operating profit during the Interim Period. For the Interim Period, the Group’s hotel operating profit increased by 2.8% to HK$261 million, driven by sustained occupancy rates and stringent cost containment measures.

Looking ahead, the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park in the first quarter of 2025, the development of panda tourism, and the resumption of multiple-entry permits for Shenzhen residents are expected to support the growth of the tourism industry and inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s hospitality industry. Management continued to prioritise cost control while actively seeking new strategies to enhance the quality of our hotel services and improve efficiency.

With robust financials and sustainable strategies, the Group is well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities

The Group is making steady strides on its sustainability journey. In the Interim Period, Sino Land was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) while maintaining its position in the DJSI Asia Pacific Index for the third consecutive year. In addition, Sino Land has recently been selected as a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series and achieved an AA+ rating in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series for the second consecutive year. These recognitions reaffirm Sino Land’s commitment to promoting ESG and sustainability.

Our robust financials and sustainable business strategies underpin the Group’s commitment to creating long-term value for our shareholders:

  • Approximately HK$11.3 billion of total attributable contracted sales are yet to be recognised, with approximately HK$9.1 billion expected for recognition in the second half of FY2024/2025.
  • Five new residential projects scheduled for launch in 2025.
  • Diversified and growing investment property portfolio providing stable recurrent income.
  • Committed to sustainability and promoting positivity in the community.
  • Strong financial position to support future growth

“Looking ahead to 2025, the Group will remain vigilant and adaptable amidst the rapidly evolving macroeconomic environment. Our leadership emphasises the importance of solid fundamentals, deep customer insights, sustainability and the commitment to excellence. We shall continue to enhance productivity and efficiency, along with careful financial management. With robust financials and sustainable business strategies, the Group is well equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities that arise,” said Mr. Robert Ng Chee Siong, Chairman of Sino Land.

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Hashtag: #SinoLand

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

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

Kenanga Group Posts All-Time-High RM1 Billion Revenue and RM155.5 million Operating Profit in FY2024

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

FY2024 VS FY2023
  • Revenue at RM1.0 billion, up by 22.3%
  • Operating Profit at RM155.5 million, up by 88.7%
  • Profit Before Tax (“PBT“) at RM117.2 million, up 33.1%
  • Net Profit at RM95.8 million, up by 31.6%
  • Net Income at RM799.6 million, up by 22.6%
  • Operating Expense at RM644.0 million, up by 13.0%
  • Return on Equity at 8.75%, up by 25.8%
  • Earnings Per Share at 13.18 sen, up by 31.3%
  • Net Equity Trading Investment Income at RM55.8 million, up by 30.8%
  • Overall Market Share at 9.6%, Retail Segment Market Share at 25.3%
  • Asset Under Administration (“AUA“) at RM23.5 billion, up by 8.5%

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2025 – Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga Group” or “The Group“), Malaysia’s leading independent investment bank, today delivered one of its strongest financial results to date for the financial year ended 31 December 2024 (“FY2024“). The Group posted an all-time high revenue of RM1.0 billion, up 22.3% year-on-year, while operating profit surged 88.7% to RM155.5 million, also its highest yet. PBT rose 33.1% to RM117.2 million, while net profit climbed 31.6% to RM95.8 million.

Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad

Kenanga Group’s strong results were driven by a significant revaluation gain on strategic investments through its Private Equity arm, alongside higher trading and investment income, net brokerage income, and management and performance fees. Increased contributions from associates further bolstered its bottom line, partially offset by credit loss expenses.

Reflecting this performance, the Board of Directors has declared an interim single-tier dividend of 8.00 sen per ordinary share for FY2024.

“2024 was another landmark year for Kenanga Group, delivering one of our strongest financial performances to date, despite market headwinds. This milestone underscores the resilience of our diversified business model and our disciplined approach in capitalising on growth opportunities across all our key business segments,” said Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

Kenanga Group’s Stockbroking division recorded RM363.6 million in revenue, a 17.9% increase from the previous year. PBT eased to RM15.4 million from RM16.1 million in FY2023, reflecting the impact of credit loss expense incurred during the year as opposed to a writeback in the previous year. Amid heightened market volatility and an evolving competitive landscape, the division successfully maintained its retail market share of 25.3%. The structured warrants business remained a key contributor, reinforcing the Group’s position as Malaysia’s leading issuer, with the highest market share in warrants trading volume.
Its Asset and Wealth Management division posted revenue of RM303.9 million, an increase of 14.9% year-on-year. The revenue was primarily driven from its institutional and retail segments. Despite higher overhead cost, which led to a PBT of RM47.0 million relative to RM58.7 million in 2023, the division’s AUA saw strong growth, closing at RM23.5 billion, an increase of RM1.8 billion year-on-year.
The Group’s Investment Banking division registered a jump in both revenue and PBT for FY2024, with a 10.0% increase in revenue to RM246.4 million, and an 8.4% increase in PBT to RM6.2 million. This was driven by higher investment income from treasury and fee income, buoyed by a vibrant bond market and capital market.

Kenanga Group’s Listed Derivatives business continued its growth streak, delivering yet another year of record performance. Revenue climbed 15.3% to RM27.6 million, while PBT surged 24.1% to RM7.8 million, its highest in over a decade. This sustained upward trajectory was fueled by higher trading commissions and interest income, supported by a surge in trading activity across the listed derivatives market.

“As we enter 2025, our focus remains on growing our core businesses while accelerating digital transformation. By strengthening recurring income streams, optimising cost efficiencies, and expanding product offerings, we are positioning Kenanga Group for sustainable, long-term growth,” added Datuk Chay.

“With a legacy that spans over five decades, we continue to leverage our vast experience from navigating market cycles, and create synergies across our ecosystem to drive innovation, expand market reach, and create greater value for our stakeholders,” concluded Datuk Chay.

Beyond financial performance, Kenanga Group remains committed to responsible and sustainable growth. In 2024, this commitment was reaffirmed with the Group’s continued inclusion on the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, ranking among the Top 8% of Malaysian public-listed companies.

Hashtag: #Kenanga

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

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

PM announces major upgrade to relationship with Viet Nam

By
LiveNews Publisher
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0

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Vietnamese counterpart, His Excellency Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, have today announced the elevation of the New Zealand-Viet Nam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

This upgrade was announced during the Prime Minister’s visit to Viet Nam as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. 

Both leaders discussed opportunities to further grow and deepen the relationship between New Zealand and Viet Nam across economics, trade and investment, defence and security, education, and people-to-people connections under the new partnership. 

“Strengthening our relationship with Viet Nam is incredibly important to New Zealand’s economic future, with more opportunities for businesses at home to access this crucial market. I am delighted that Prime Minister Chinh and I today agreed to take the relationship between our countries to the next level,” Mr Luxon says.

“A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is the highest level of partnership with Viet Nam and is a fitting way to commence our 2025 anniversary year.

“This significant upgrade in the relationship is a major milestone and demonstrates the high level of trust, ambition, and strategic alignment between our countries. Viet Nam is the rising star of Asia, and the opportunities to work together on common goals are enormous.

“Today, Prime Minister Chinh and I reflected on the flourishing relationship between New Zealand and Viet Nam, and the shared ambition to expand cooperation and to do more together across a wide range of priorities.

“The agreement also shows the priority my Government is placing on relationships with Southeast Asia – a region crucial to our plan to grow our economy, create jobs and lift incomes.” 

Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to Viet Nam continues tomorrow with a range of business and political engagements in both Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Editor’s notes:

New Zealand and Viet Nam agreed a Strategic Partnership in 2020. 

The agreement to elevate to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will place New Zealand at the top tier of Viet Nam’s international relationships. 

Over the next year, New Zealand and Viet Nam will agree a Plan of Action to outline joint initiatives under five pillars: (i) political engagement, (ii) defence, security and oceans, (iii) economics, trade and investment, (iv) climate change, science and technology; and (v) education and people to people links. 

This is Viet Nam’s 10th Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

MIL OSI

Opening remarks in meeting with China Foreign Minister

By
LiveNews Publisher
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0

Source: New Zealand Government

Opening remarks by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters in meeting with China Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Beijing on 26 February 2025:
 
Thank you, Minister, for your warm welcome tonight.   
 
It is a pleasure to return to Beijing, after our last visit in 2018. And thank you for your hospitality then, as now, and to a number of people on your side whose faces we recognise across many, many years.   
 
This reciprocates your visit to Wellington last year. Our personal connection, built over many years, enables us to exchange candid perspectives on developments in our long-standing bilateral relationship and to continue to build our mutual understanding.   
 
The New Zealand-China relationship continues to benefit, as you said, from our mutually beneficial and significant trade and economic relationship and the comprehensive, regular two-way exchanges by our people, which are again growing following the COVID-19 pandemic.   
 
Our relationship also benefits from a resilient bilateral architecture that has been built up over many years of hard work and commitment by both sides, from regular high-level political exchanges to technical dialogues covering issues from trade and agriculture, to education, science and innovation, and indeed the environment.    
 
Our long-standing connection enables our frank and comprehensive discussions on areas of disagreement, including those that stem from our different histories and different systems. Indeed, it is a sign of healthy relationships that we can and do express disagreement on important issues.   
 
For New Zealand, you will be well aware of our ambition for the Pacific region to be peaceful, prosperous, and focused on Pacific-led institutions and solutions. Our connections to the Pacific are deep, particularly in the Realm of New Zealand which includes the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. Indeed, it’s in the name: Pacific.   
 
Alongside this, our deep and abiding support for the rules-based international order and stable security, defence, and political engagement in the Indo-Pacific region are fundamental to our interests.   
 
Turning to the global picture, we are meeting at a time of great uncertainty and strain, with the conflict in Ukraine having just entered its fourth year, and the Middle East turning to rebuild and addressing the immense humanitarian need on the ground.    
 
Our dialogue with China on bilateral, regional and international issues is more important than ever. We encourage China to use its influence, weight and role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to work towards resolution of global issues.    
 
We look forward to discussing these matters further with you this evening and in the following years. 
 
Thank you.

MIL OSI

SpeakIn and ICF Join Forces to Create Asia’s Largest Industry-Centric Coaching Ecosystem

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2025 – In a game-changing move for the corporate learning and development industry Asia’s fastest-growing mentoring platform SpeakIn has partnered with International Coaching Federation (ICF), the world’s foremost coaching standards organization.

This strategic alliance aims to establish Asia’s most extensive and globally recognized coaching ecosystem, catering to corporate professionals, executives, and business leaders.

With over 62,000 members across 157 countries, ICF is synonymous with excellence in coaching certification and accreditation. By integrating ICF’s globally respected coaching standards into its programs, SpeakIn will empower businesses to access curated coaching and leadership training tailored to their evolving demands.

Why This Matters for Business Leaders and Corporates
In today’s rapidly changing business environment, staying ahead requires more than just technical expertise—it demands agile leadership and actionable learning. SpeakIn, with its robust network of 27,000 plus global experts, thought leaders, and corporate coaches, has already transformed how companies build coaching competencies.

This collaboration ensures that C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and high-potential professionals can now access top-tier, credentialed coaches through SpeakIn’s renowned FindACoach platform, which provides 1:1 coaching and virtual and in-person group speaker sessions.

Bridging the Corporate Skilling Gap
Despite three of the world’s top five economies being in Asia, the majority of corporate skilling frameworks are designed basis western toolkit. SpeakIn’s mission is to bridge this gap by offering world-class, regionally tailored coaching and mentoring solutions specific to Asian context.

Over 1.5 million professionals across eight countries have already leveraged the SpeakIn advantage. Now, this ICF-backed initiative will further solidify its position as the go-to corporate skilling partner for global enterprises.

Key Focus Areas of the SpeakIn-ICF Partnership

  • Global Recognition for Coaches: Elevating coaching as a profession by providing certified, high-quality training and global exposure.
  • Human-Tech Synergy: Seamlessly integrating human interaction with cutting-edge technology to make elite coaching accessible worldwide.
  • Corporate Integration: Partnering with 1,000+ leading enterprises to embed ICF-certified programs into internal coaching ecosystems.
  • Thought Leadership Expansion: Leveraging platforms like Asia Dialogues to set industry benchmarks and drive global discussions on leadership excellence.
  • Help organisations build self-sustaining and scalable coaching cultures.

What This Means for the Future of Executive Learning
“With the rise of AI, absolute digitization, and evolving corporate dynamics, coaching has become the cornerstone of sustainable professional growth. Our partnership with ICF positions SpeakIn at the forefront of this revolution in Asia and beyond,” said Deepshikha Kumar, Founder of SpeakIn.

“This collaboration is not just about certification; it’s about creating a lasting impact in corporate learning. By leveraging our extensive network and expertise, we are enabling professionals to reach their highest potential with globally recognized coaching,” added Praveen Kumar, Co-founder of SpeakIn.

“Quality and Standards are what makes coaching powerful and empowering. Excellence and integrity are at the heart of each coaching engagement. Any entity promoting and providing coaching must adhere to the highest standards in the field – to protect its clients and to deliver lasting results. This partnership will enable many organizations to engage with a trusted partner for transformation and thriving” said Magdalena Nowicka Mook, ICF’s CEO.

A disruptor in the enterprise-learning platform space, SpeakIn empowers its users to access the highest quality coaches and mentors in a flexible manner. Big names such as former KPMG CEO Richard Rekhy, bestselling author Mimi Nicklin, TEDx speaker Friska Wirya and other celebrated experts like former Softbank India MD, Manoj Kohli and Dr. Timothy Low, former CEO of Gleneagles Hospitals, Singapore, have shared their expertise with professionals seeking insightful learning.

https://www.speakin.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/speakin
https://x.com/speakin_global
https://www.facebook.com/Yourspeakin
https://www.instagram.com/speakin_official

Hashtag: #SpeakIn #partnership #ICF

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

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

OPPO Ads Connect 2025 Southeast Asia Salon: Unlocking New Marketing Growth and Drafting a Business Blueprint

By
MIL OSI
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0

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2025 – On February 20, the “Exploring New Growth” OPPO Ads Connect 2025 Southeast Asia Salon was successfully held in Singapore alongside the launch of OPPO Ads’ new Device+ Marketing Solution. This is OPPO Ads’ first platform-level event abroad, showcasing its strategic capabilities, creative accomplishments, market insights, and marketing product solutions. Attended by marketers, service providers, developers, industry practitioners, and other stakeholders, the salon promoted industry development and innovation. Expert speakers sparked discussion of leading-edge market development opportunities and helped to foster commercial growth.

An important link between OPPO Ads and partners, Connect provides a new platform that aggregates multiple ecosystems. The salon event marks the first public engagement of OPPO Ads in the Southeast Asian market and is an important part of its globalization strategy. During the event, Head of OPPO Ads Overseas Sales and Operations Tim Chen, Product Director of OPPO Ads Kevin Wu, and AM Director of OPPO Ads Gavin Zou shared their perspectives on the long-term commercial capability building and innovative marketing solutions of OPPO Ads, and empowering advertisers in user acquisition, efficiency improvement, and long-term operations with a one-stop solution.

Enhancing the Terminal OS Ecosystem and Unlocking New Market Vitality

Tim Chen stated that in addition to solidifying its foothold in the Southeast Asian market, OPPO has continued to roll out significant advancements through its robust product matrix, channel strengths, and user influence. The Find X8 series has doubled its sales compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, OPPO’s international shipments continue to surge, securing the top spot in Southeast Asian markets in 2024. These achievements underscore OPPO’s strong market position and sway in Southeast Asia.

At the same time, OPPO Ads is becoming the preferred platform for international advertisers aiming to expand due to its unique commercial marketing value for three reasons:

  • First, with its competitive pricing, OPPO Ads uses more proactive scenarios to help advertisers reach a large number of users more efficiently and maximize the advertising value.
  • Second, advertisers can easily transition from reach to conversion, enhancing user value throughout the life cycle, and greatly boosting user engagement and retention by utilizing OPPO’s robust OS ecosystem.
  • Finally, OPPO Ads offers a range of marketing solutions for advertisers in different industries and with different needs. These span pre-load cooperation and targeted delivery, as well as light-touch scenarios and deep engagements, satisfying the unique needs of advertisers and significantly increasing delivery efficiency and effectiveness.

OPPO Ads has dramatically expanded commercial use cases and traffic supply as the business has grown. In 2024, OPPO Ads’ request volume increased by 300% with the introduction of new commercial applications such as PUSH, global search listing, Shelf card, and local video Feeds, with 140 million monthly active users on Southeast Asia’s OS. In 2025, OPPO Ads will see significant advancements and growth in terms of shipment and traffic, as well as commercialization capabilities. The vast active user base provides a broad space for advertising placement and brings more marketing opportunities to advertisers.

Unlocking The “Retention” Code Through Product Iteration and Upgrade Hard Power

At the commercial product level, Kevin Wu introduced that OPPO Ads is leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovation to iterate and update product capabilities across three key dimensions:

  1. Marketing Platform Capability Upgrade: OPPO Ads has comprehensively upgraded its marketing platform to include new features like splash screens, enabling advertisers to engage users across all scenarios and manage all types of promotions. During the mid-investment phase, the platform supports RTA (Real-Time API) optimization and utilizes multiple bidding strategies to help ensure backend conversion costs, effectively increasing backend ROI by over 10%. In the post-advertising phase, enhanced attribution capabilities and OS data monitoring cater to advertisers’ needs for effect attribution, making marketing results quantifiable.
  2. Programmatic Ad Efficiency Improvements: OPPO Ads has intensified efforts to boost the effectiveness of programmatic ads, facilitating DSP (demand-side platform) participation and optimizing advertising features across the board, greatly increasing exposure, winning bids, and engagement. It also allows DSP access to all traffic, leading to more than a 200% increase in request volume.
  3. PUSH Marketing Solution: OPPO Ads has explored the diverse applications of system scenarios and built a variety of commercial capabilities based on PUSH capabilities. Through capability upgrades such as “sticky on the top” and empowerment of style rights, the click-through rate and backend effects were greatly improved.

Along with offering advertisers more effective marketing options to improve target user reach, these iterations have helped OPPO’s business expand in terms of technology and innovation.

Device+: A Solution for One-Stop User Management

During the event, Gavin Zou unveiled the Device+ Marketing Solution, designed to help advertisers efficiently acquire large numbers of high-quality users, conduct user operations on the OPPO platform, and expand business boundaries. Based on OPPO’s massive mobile Internet ecosystem, Device+ offers global clients a one-stop user management service through preload, advertising, and ecosystem cooperation. It covers new user acquisition, user activity improvement, and user conversion, among other things, to meet clients’ user operation needs at various stages.

  1. Device+ preload cooperation: OPPO Ads can reach 24 million new device users in Southeast Asia annually through preload and PAI services. The services streamline the registration process, offer a special quick open feature for notifications, and increase the activation rates by over 20% by detecting the activation status of preload apps on the device side and promptly engaging with users.
  2. Device+ APP distribution: For users who have not installed the application, OPPO can flexibly reach them through effect advertising, and based on the system’s unique ADD download capability, we improve download and installation efficiency, as well as overall user acquisition efficiency by more than 30%.
  3. Device+ massive touchpoints: With the help of system-level data insights and user churn warning models, OPPO can activate each potential user promptly, reducing user churn rate by 10%, and optimizing network and application performance through LinkBoost and HyperBoost to improve user experience.
  4. Device+ pre-positioning: User conversion is one of the important indicators that advertisers care about in long-term management. Using OPPO’s unique system scenarios, users can use services without opening apps, such as search listing, shelf cards, and OPUSH, which attracts users as soon as they see them, improving user retention, transaction conversion rate, and click-through rates.

Future Outlook: Collaborating for Long-Term Success

The OPPO Ads Connect 2025 Southeast Asia Salon marks a significant step for OPPO Ads in the Southeast Asian market and serves as a vibrant platform for industry exchanges. During the roundtable, Jenny Wang, OPPO Ads Sales Director of Southeast Asia Area, Nita Wang, OPPO Ads Sales Director, and guests from leading companies such as Agoda, AIDC, DTI and AppsFlyer exchanged insights on Southeast Asian industry trends and marketing needs. They identified key challenges, strategized effective solutions, and discussed leveraging OPPO’s comprehensive advertising solutions to enhance user acquisition and user engagement.

This event demonstrates OPPO Ads’ innovative marketing value, outstanding OS system capabilities, and diversified solutions in commercial marketing, providing advertisers with more comprehensive support and more boundless business opportunities. Whether it is the development of emerging markets or the deep cultivation of mature markets, OPPO Ads is helping clients grow their businesses.

Looking ahead, OPPO Ads will continue to enhance its commercial capabilities and collaborate with ecosystem partners to explore new cooperative opportunities and promote ongoing industry growth and prosperity.

For more information, please follow the official OPPO Ads accounts on Facebook and Linkedin.

Hashtag: #OPPOAds

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

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

First Responders – Waipoua River Fire

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

This afternoon Fire and Emergency was alerted to a vegetation fire at Waipoua River in the Kaipara region of Northland.
The fire has grown to 70 hectares with a 4 kilometre perimeter and is expected to grow.
We have multiple ground crews and 7 helicopters fighting the fire. 3 additional helicopters will be arriving tomorrow from as far away as Taupo.
Police are assisting with evacuating dwellings in the Waipoua River Road area. Structures are at risk but no structures have been lost.
This is likely to be a long duration event.
Fire and Emergency will continue attacking the fire until nightfall and will remain on site for observation overnight.
Helicopters and ground crews will ramp up activities at first light tomorrow and truck movement can be expected on the roads.

MIL OSI

Roman Blinds Direct Unveils New Website for Smarter, Faster, and Personalised Shopping Experience

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Live News
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Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Roman Blinds Enhances Customer Experience With Quick Quotes, Customisation, and Effortless Ordering

Roman Blinds Direct, a leading blind supplier with a strong hold over the industry for the last 20 years, launched its brand-new website on 24 February 2025. The website is a sign of the commitment of the company towards its customers so that they can enjoy a streamlined shopping experience by providing a fully customisable selection of blinds and curtains. There’s an option for every customer.

The brand-new website offers customers the best blinds shopping experience while providing high-quality fabrics and smart integration in their products. Customers don’t need to wait even for a few seconds to get their quote once they have selected their preferred fabric, colour, and measurement options.

Key Features of the New Website

The main motivation behind the new website was user convenience and an intuitive shopping experience. Some of the standout features include:

Instant Quotes with a Few Clicks: Unlike traditional online blind stores, with Roman Blinds Direct, you can receive a quote for your customised selection in just a few simple steps. Once you have selected the desired fabric, colour, measurements, fitting type, lining options, and cord side, you will get a quote immediately. If you are satisfied with your selection and the quote, you can place your order and expect a delivery right at your doorstep.

Full-Customisation Options: With the new website, you do not need to settle for anything less, as customers have the flexibility to design their blinds exactly how they want.

Measurement: Enter the desired width and height.

Fitting Type: Choose between inside or outside fit.

Lining Options: Standard, thermal, blockout, or no lining.

Cord Placement: Left-hand side, right-hand side, or motorised control.

Motorisation for Effortless Control: Customers can also opt for a motorised feature for a smart experience. They get to select a rechargeable battery or a 240V power supply and their preferred remote controller for easy operation.

Enhancing Customer Experience
The revamped website is not only made to enhance the purchasing process but also to ensure a smooth customisation of blinds and curtains to satisfy the customers. Roman Blinds Direct remains committed to providing only high-quality products and services to customers through a website that is easy to use and informative.

“With the instant quotes, detailed customisation options, and a streamlined ordering process, our customers get an absolutely seamless and hassle-free blinds shopping experience from start to finish,” says Bernie Dalzel, Owner of Roman Blinds Direct.

About Roman Blinds Direct
Roman Blinds Direct is known for its high-quality, customisable, and motorised blinds for the last 2 decades. The company ensures that your homes and offices are functional while not compromising on style. With a strong, dedicated team to meet the requirements of its customers, Roman Blinds continues to improve its services.

For more information on stylish and functional blinds and curtains, visit their website.

[embedded content]

Media Release on 26 February 2025

Media Contact
Bernie Dalzel, Roman Blinds Direct
Email: bernie@romanblindsdirect.co.nz
Phone: 07 847 8829
Website: https://romanblindsdirect.co.nz/
Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5fzarvcl4A

MIL OSI

Name release: Te Kamo death

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are now releasing the name of a boy who died in Te Kamo on Sunday.

He was three-year-old Reign Puriri.

The young boy died tragically at a Church Road address after an incident with a moving vehicle in a driveway.

“Our thoughts are with Reign’s whānau at this very difficult time as they prepare for his tangi,” Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says.

“The whānau need time to grieve after losing their boy, and they have asked Police to convey their need for privacy at this time.”

Police are continuing with enquiries into what occurred on Sunday afternoon.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

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