MAS bans former insurance agent for giving false and misleading information to client

SINGAPORE - An insurance agent, who misled a client about the terms of a policy, has been banned from providing financial advice for two years. Investigations showed that Mr Lim Chew Keat gave false information to a client about an investment-linked insurance policy, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said in a statement on Wednesday (May 5). He told the client that she could stop paying more premiums and withdraw what she had already paid part of the way through the policy term. He also told her that the policy provider would match her first annual premium with an equivalent top-up to the policy amount, when the actual agreement was for the provider to match only half of it. Mr Lim has been barred from Tuesday for two years from providing any financial advisory service, and from taking part in the management, becoming a director or becoming a substantial shareholder of any financial advisory firm, under a prohibition order from MAS. He was formerly employed by Synergy Financial Advisers, which has since made a refund to the client and cancelled her policy. More on this topic Related Story MAS bans ex-insurance agent, former bank staff for fraud and dishonest conduct Related...

Read More

NEC Contributes to Development of Artificial DNA Aptamer that Binds to the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

TOKYO, May 6, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) and NEC Solution Innovators today announced the successful development of artificial DNA aptamers (1) that bind to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). This breakthrough stems from the NEC Group's efforts to promote spatial monitoring business using aptamers, including the development of new biosensing systems, such as measuring equipment that can monitor spaces where various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses, are present.Figure 1. RBD, the spike protein on the surface of the virusFigure 2. MSS aptamer biosensor mechanism (under development)Overview of AptamersSARS-CoV-2 enters into human cells when the spike protein, Receptor-Binding Domain ((2), RBD), on the surface of the virus binds to the ACE2 receptors (3) on the surface of human cells.The aptamer developed by NEC Solution Innovators targets RBD, which is the key to infection, then traps the virus by recognizing the three-dimensional structure of the RBD and binding very strongly to it ((4), a dissociation constant indicating the strength of the binding between molecules is less than 1nM). This aptamer uses a new modified base...

Read More

Fajarbaru upbeat on property segment’s outlook in Malaysia and Australia

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd, a Bursa Malaysia Main Market listed company primarily involved in construction and property development, is upbeat on its property segment's outlook in anticipation of the economic recovery supported by the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme. The company is also looking to launch new property projects towards second half of this year once market conditions improve.The Group recently completed its maiden development Rica Residence @ Sentul on schedule, and started handover in mid-March this year. The handover was originally due to kick off up to 3 months earlier, but was delayed due to MCO restrictions.Fajarbaru Group Chief Executive Officer Dato' Sri Eric Kuan Khian Leng said: "The property division remains a significant revenue generator for the Group in addition to our core business in construction. We have property development interest not just in Malaysia but in Australia as well. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has certainly affected the property segment, there are positive signs that market conditions will improve and we can capitalise on it as long as we adapt and innovate accord...

Read More

The Place Holdings’ Land Site at Mount Yuntai Tourism Township Revalued at RMB 481 Million, a Substantial Increment in Value of 329%

Singapore, May 6, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Place Holdings Limited ("The Place Holdings", the "Company" and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), an SGX mainboard-listed company with a primary focus on integrating traditional businesses and new growth opportunities in the digital economy, is pleased to announce that the land site, held by its subsidiary Tianjie Yuntai Wanrun (Xiuwu) Property Development Co., Ltd. ("Tianjie Yuntai Wanrun"), has been assessed and revalued at RMB 481 million by one of China's leading valuation companies, WorldUnion Property Assessment Co., Ltd.Main EntranceVillasMajestic Mountainous BackdropAncillary FacilitiesAncillary FacilitiesCompared to the valuation of the land site of RMB 112 million as at 30 September 2020, the revaluation of RMB 481 million after the change in zoning represents a substantial increment in value of RMB 369 million, which is an increase of 329% from RMB 112 million.The size of the land site is approximately 270,500.64 square metres. It is strategically located within Mount Yuntai Tourist Township, where hospitality properties, wellness resorts, integrated retail and commercial developments and theme p...

SPH calls for trading halt pending release of announcement

SINGAPORE - Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) on Thursday morning (May 6) called for a halt in the trading of its shares pending the release of an announcement. The filing with the Singapore Exchange was made at 7.37am before the stock market opened. Shares of SPH, which publishes The Straits Times, closed down two cents or 1.1 per cent at $1.79 on Wednesday. More on this topic Related Story SPH reports H1 net profit of $97.9 million as its businesses recover from Covid-19 pandemic Related Story SPH undergoing strategic review to consider options for its various businesses

UOB Q1 profit rises 18% to $1 billion, beating expectations

SINGAPORE - UOB, like DBS Group last week, posted a strong start to 2021 with broad-based growth driven by record fee income. Singapore's third-largest bank topped market forecasts, recording an 18 per cent increase in first-quarter earnings - its first rise in more than a year. The lender's net profit jumped to $1 billion from $855 million a year ago, and beat the $926 million average estimate of three analysts polled by Bloomberg. Chief executive Wee Ee Cheong expects this momentum to continue as economic and business activity picks up and market sentiment improves across the region, starting with Singapore and Greater China. "Across our key markets, we are seeing robust credit demand from our large corporate and institutional clients... Asia's prospects remain bright. Even so, we stay vigilant and nimble," he said. Net interest income dipped 4 per cent to $1.53 billion as loan growth was more than offset by the impact of rate cuts on margins across the region. Net interest margin - a key gauge of banks' profitability - was stable at 1.57 per cent. Fee income was 24 per cent higher at $638 million, led by wealth, loan-related and fund management fees. Trading and investment incom...

Uber shows signs of recovery from Covid-19 slowdown

NEW YORK (NYTIMES) - Uber said its business was recovering from the slowdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, although it continued to lose money. The company said on Wednesday (May 5) that revenue was US$2.9 billion (S$3.87 billion) in the first three months of the year, down 11 per cent from the same period a year ago. The decline in earnings included US$600 million that Uber has earmarked to pay for settlements with drivers in Britain, where the Supreme Court ruled in February that drivers should be classified as workers and be entitled to a minimum wage and vacation time. Excluding the settlement fund, Uber's revenue was US$3.5 billion, an 8 per cent increase from the previous year that outpaced Wall Street expectations of US$3.28 billion. Uber lost US$108 million, an improvement from the previous year, when it lost US$2.9 billion. Uber attributed the change to the sale of its autonomous vehicle unit, which was acquired by the self-driving truck startup Aurora in December. Uber's operating loss for the quarter was US$1.5 billion - also made worse by the British driver settlement. On Tuesday, Uber's primary competitor in the US, Lyft, said that it was also recovering from the sl...

Jeff Bezos sells US$2.5 billion of Amazon shares and signals more coming

NEW YORK (BLOOMBERG) - Jeff Bezos sold about US$2.5 billion (S$3.3 billion) of Amazon.com stock, his first big disposal this year after offloading more than US$10 billion worth of shares in 2020. Mr Bezos sold around 739,000 shares this week under a pre-arranged trading plan, according to US Securities and Exchange Commission filings. He plans to sell as many as 2 million shares, according to a separate filing. The world's richest person continues to hold more than 10 per cent of Amazon.com, the primary source of his US$191.3 billion fortune, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. In the 15 years after Amazon.com went public in 1997, Mr Bezos sold about a fifth of the online retailer for roughly US$2 billion. The value of his stake has ballooned in recent years to such an extent that he can now sell relatively small amounts for billions of dollars. Amazon stock is little changed this year after rallying 76 per cent in 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic kept people away from physical stores and encouraged online shopping. The Amazon founder has used stock sales to fund rocket company Blue Origin, while he's committed US$10 billion to the "Mr Bezos Earth Fund" to help counter the ...

Archegos prepares for insolvency as banks seek compensation: FT

BENGALURU (REUTERS) - Archegos Capital Management, the family office run by former Tiger Asia manager Bill Hwang, is preparing for insolvency as banks involved in financing its trades seek to recoup some of their losses, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Wednesday (May 5). Archegos has hired restructuring advisers to assess the potential legal claims from banks and to plan for a possible winding down of its operations, the report said, citing two people familiar with the matter. The family office's meltdown was triggered after ViacomCBS, a company Archegos was heavily exposed to, announced a stock offering in March. A slump in the media company's share price alarmed the banks, which called on the fund for more collateral. The fund defaulted on the margin call, which set off a scramble among Wall Street banks that had financed its trades to start unwinding them. Global banks lost nearly US$10 billion (S$13.4 billion) from the Archegos fallout. Credit Suisse, Nomura Holdings and Morgan Stanley were some of the banks that were hit. The New York-based fund had assets of around US$10 billion but held positions worth more than US$50 billion. The saga is likely to have regulatory reper...

Read More

HKTDC’s Start-up Fiesta kick-starts today

HONG KONG, May 5, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today announced the launch of the inaugural Hong Kong Start-up Fiesta campaign that will run in May and June. Comprising a full range of activities organised by the HKTDC and other organisations, the aim of the campaign is to support and foster the local start-up eco-system and help innovative new companies capture business opportunities amid the challenges of the pandemic.Speaking at today's ceremony to mark the launch of the Hong Kong Start-up Fiesta campaign, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director Stephen Liang said the HKTDC will work with different organisations to co-create a series of start-up-focused activities in May and June.Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director, HKTDC (front row, second from right), Jason Chiu, Chairman, Hong Kong Start-up Council (front row, from right) and Mark Lo, CEO, AMTD (front row, from left) took a group photo with the 10 selected scale-ups for the Start-up Express Master League, including Contact Beverage, CYC Motor, Film Players, Gense Technologies, Incus, Koofy Development Limited, MAD Gaze, Return Helper, MedEXO Robotics and Miscato.M...

Read More

India sees Huge Headroom for Growth Across TV and Digital

SINGAPORE, May 5, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - At the Asia Video Industry Association's (AVIA) recent Future of Video India conference, industry leaders remained upbeat on the potential for growth despite a painful 2020 which had seen a 25% drop in TV advertising revenue.The conference opened with an overview of the Future of Video in India with Mihir Shah, VP, India, at Media Partners Asia (MPA). With learnings from the last year and economic resurgence picking up in certain sectors, MPA predicts that in the next 5 years, with every new incremental dollar in the region, India will have 35% share, almost evenly divided between television and online video. While cable in general is going through a structural decline, Pay TV subscriptions will grow both in value and volume and continue to offer scale for the traditional media players. And with more than 60 online video services in India, the total addressable market will continue to expand.This local expansion is what Sunil Rayan, President and Head of Disney+ Hotstar, is eyeing, with their next stage for growth primed at developing their product for India, with pricing and content made for the local market. As India is ...

Read More

中信国际电讯CPC凭借「DataHOUSE AR 千里眼」于「2021年度新加坡商业评论 – 卓越科技奖 (SBR TEA 2021)」中荣膺「电讯业增强现实及虚拟现实项目(Augmented & Virtual Reality Award for Telecommunications)」奖项

SINGAPORE, May 5, 2021 - (亚太商讯 via SEAPRWire.com) - 中信国际电讯集团有限公司(香港交易所股份代号:1883)全资拥有的中信国际电讯(信息技术)有限公司(「中信国际电讯CPC」)欣然宣布,凭借「DataHOUSE™ AR千里眼」远程维护服务(AR Remote Hand)的卓越效能,在「新加坡商业评论 - 卓越科技奖(Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards “SBR TEA”)」中荣获「电讯业增强现实及虚拟现实项目 (Augmented & Virtual Reality Award for Telecommunications)」奖项。「DataHOUSE™ AR千里眼」 远程维护服务是一个非常实用及高效的解决方案,让前线工程师与后勤工程师和支持人员进行无缝协作,数据并可以实时传送。此方案透过前线工程师配戴相关AR智能眼镜,识别任何有指定二维码的设备,继而从后台系统读取已加密的数据;利用预设程序(例如手势)检视该设备的数据,包括设备的历年记录或状态、服务手册、复杂的技术步骤,故障排除日志和图像等,迅速进行数据分析、设备维护、故障排除和现场操作,无须再因查看实体工作手册而中断工作,使生产力跃升高达五成。传统上,前线工程师需要常以电邮或电话来联络后勤支援人员,难以具体描述故障实况。「DataHOUSE™ AR千里眼」推出后,后勤工程师现可透过AR控制台看到前线工程师从AR智能眼镜现场串流传送的实时影像,大大提升工作的速度和素质,而其效能强大的视像会议功能亦能为工程师提供即时支援,促进全球操作及维护团队之间的场外协作,并克服了时区、语言和距离的挑战,以及在多重技术环境中对专业技能的需求。目前新冠肺炎仍然肆虐全球,对客户而言,要安排其IT人员亲赴数据中心管理所需设备实在不容易。中信国际电讯CPC的「DataHOUSE™ AR千里眼」服务遂成为客户的千里眼。客户不仅可身处办事处或其他地点透过AR控制台即时看到置于数据中心的设备的实况,更能即时向中信国际电讯CPC的前线工程师发出指引,在毋须置身数据中心的情况下,亦可妥善解决其设备问题。「DataHOUSE™ AR千里眼」是中信国际电讯CPC的数据科学家和研发专家团队的成功之作。团队以他们的专业知识与香港应用科技研究院有限公司(「应科院」)的专家技术相结合,共同创建了突破性的技术,颠覆在数据中心的设备管理和维护。应科院由香港特别行政区政府成立,其使命是透过应用科技研究,协助发展以科技为基础的产业,藉此提升香港的竞争力。中信国际电讯CPC目前正通过扩展其支援的供应商设备和加入人工智能(AI)技术,进一步强化AR千里眼的功能,期望日后可把技术扩展至更多服务范畴。作为亚太区跨国企业及商业客户最可信赖...

Read More

Futu SG’s New Referral Programme “Share leh!” Rewards Users for Sharing

FUTU's latest investment platform goes the extra mile to make investing easy with a community Singapore, May 4, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Futu Singapore Pte. Ltd. ("Futu SG"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Futu Holdings Limited (Nasdaq:FUTU) announced the launch of its new "Share leh!" campaign on its latest one-stop investment platform, moomoo, which aims to further boost the idea of inclusivity and connectivity within the investing community. The campaign, which runs from 1 May to 31 May 2021, will provide benefits to both new and seasoned users. In line with the company's mission to "make investing easier and not alone", Futu SG has come up with an enhanced referral programme where new users and their friends are able to earn up to 20 Twitter (TWTR) shares*, which have a net worth doubling more than what was offered during the last campaign (one was previously able to earn up to S$600 cash coupon). In addition, users who had opened an account prior to the campaign can still enjoy benefits from the new referral programme as their list of referrers gets reset back to zero. Under the "Share leh!" campaign, new users will now receive 1 free Apple (AAPL) share, along with 180 days commi...

Parks and developments recognised for good landscape design and management

SINGAPORE - A total of 27 parks and developments in Singapore have been recognised for good landscape design and management under an enhanced certification scheme by the National Parks Board (NParks). The 2020 Landscape Excellence Assessment Framework certification schemenow puts more emphasis on ecology, the integration of greenery in design and park management in line with the City in Nature vision, NParks said in a statement on Wednesday (May 5). Some of the award recipients include Yale-NUS College, three of the wildlife parks operated by Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) and Jurong Lake Gardens. The annual scheme, which started in 2013 to recognise new and existing developments, was extended to include parks under a new category last year. Similar to developments, the 12 parks that were recognised were assessed on several factors such as design and landscaping, accessibility, community well-being and engagement, environmental sustainability, conservation and biodiversity, and maintenance strategies. Platinum is the top award under the scheme. Under the developments category, Yale-NUS College was re-certified as a Gold recipient with special mention for promoting community well...

Read More

花旗:给予贝康医疗(2170.HK)「买入」评级,目标价40港元

HONG KONG, May 5, 2021 - (亚太商讯 via SEAPRWire.com) - 近日,花旗发布了关于贝康医疗(2170.HK)的研究报告,花旗认为公司拥有第三代试管婴儿基因检测试剂盒注册许可证,已为中国80家体外受精医院/中心中的42家提供体外受精治疗中的PGT服务。预计2024年中国胚胎植入前基因检测产品(PGT)服务市场规模将达到120亿元人民币,复合年增长率为61%(2019-2024E)。图表一: 中国IVF中心数量(资料来源: 花旗研究公司,NHC,格隆汇整理)图表二:中国及美国PGT的渗透率 (资料来源花旗研究公司,Frost&Sullivan,格隆汇整理)图表三:中国的竞争格局(资料来源: 花旗研究公司,公司数据,格隆汇整理)图表四: 贝康医疗的基因检测产品管线(资料来源: 花旗研究公司,公司数据,格隆汇整理)图表五: PGT-A试剂盒的优势对比(资料来源:花旗研究公司,公司数据,格隆汇整理)圖表六: 估值分析模型(資料來源: 花旗研究公司,公司資料,格隆匯整理)并且,2018年,中国体外受精程序中PGT的普及率为3.5%(美国为35.2%),预计2024年将达到18.4%。贝康医疗作为PGT市场的先行者和领导者,有望受益于该细分市场强劲的高速增长。因此,给予贝康医疗「买入」评级,目标价66.0港元。花旗研报精要如下:引领高潜力和高增长的行业先行者花旗认为,贝康医疗在中国PGT市场占据主导地位,在持牌机构的覆盖率约为50%。公司凭借中国第一个也是唯一一个获得NMPA批准的PGT产品,和创新的PGT产品线等优势,在未来两年内,将在中国的基因检测行业中享有先发优势,潜在的竞争对手可能在2022年才能获得批准。截至2020年,贝康医疗覆盖了中国80家三甲医院和生殖诊所中的42家,与523个非第三代体外受精中心中的210个达成了合作,管理层预计其客户群将在2021年达到60家。并且,2019年,公司在70家持牌机构处理了3万多次检测服务,相当于对18万多个胚胎进行了检测,这些胚胎均来自直接入院的患者和从其他无牌医院转诊的病例。图表一: 中国IVF中心数量资料来源: 花旗研究公司,NHC,格隆汇整理https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Basecare202105051.jpg2018年,PGT在IVF程序中的渗透率在中国为3.5%,而在美国为35.2%。Frost&Sullivan的数据显示,在前十大最知名的服务提供商中,2018年中国和美国的渗透率分别为约10%和60%。Frost&Sullivan称,2024年,中国PGT的渗透率预计将达到18.4%。图表二:中国及美国PGT的渗透率资料来源花旗研究公司,Frost&Sullivan,格隆汇整理https://w...

Read More

CITIC Telecom CPC’s DataHOUSE AR Remote Hand wins Augmented & Virtual Reality Award for Telecommunications at SBR TEA 2021

SINGAPORE, May 5, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (CITIC Telecom CPC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), is honored to announce that its innovative product, DataHOUSE™ AR Remote Hand, bagged the Augmented & Virtual Reality - Telecommunications Award during Singapore Business Review's (SBR) recently concluded Technology Excellence Awards (TEA).DataHOUSE™ AR Remote Hand is a highly practical, productive, and effective tool for field engineers that allows them to do virtual collaborations with offsite members whilst streaming data in real-time. The technology employs AR glasses to allow field engineers to conveniently retrieve encrypted backend data from backend systems, so that they can conduct maintenance, troubleshooting, and field operations speedily. With virtual access to equipment history or status, service manuals, complicated technical procedures, troubleshooting logs, and graphics via a designated QR code for each device, they can utilise hand gestures to review a device's historical record to speed up analysis and troubleshooting, minimising downtime and costs whilst ...

Read More

FINXFLO Announces Binance as Latest Liquidity Provider

SINGAPORE, May 5, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - FINXFLO, the world's first hybrid DeFi/CeFi liquidity aggregator, today announced that Binance, the world's leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, will join the platform as its newest liquidity provider. In line with this announcement, Binance will support FINXFLO's expansion as the platform aims to deliver a seamless trading experience for FINXFLO users.With the support of Binance as a liquidity provider, FINXFLO will continue its momentum as an industry-leading aggregator with access to the most well-known DeFi and CeFi protocols."We could not be more excited to announce Binance as a liquidity provider for FINXFLO," said James Gillingham, CEO of FINXFLO. "This announcement cements our platform among the most trusted aggregators in the space. Liquidity is for stability in the financial market, and especially significant for cryptocurrency, where volatility can cause significant disruption."Early indications point to a spike in retail investors as the catalyst for the recent cryptocurrency price surge. Despite the growth in users, the crypto space notoriously suffers from poor usability an...

Read More

Singapore steps up Covid-19 safety measures at pre-schools and early intervention centres

SINGAPORE - There will be more entry restrictions at pre-schools and early intervention centres from Saturday (May 8), including a ban on all parents except those with newly enrolled children. Mixing of children between different classes will also not be allowed, while field trips and other large group activities conducted outside centres will be suspended. These are part of efforts to tighten Covid-19 measures at centres, in line with the national effort to slow viral transmission, said the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) on Wednesday. However, children under seven will not be required to use the TraceTogether application from May 17 - the date the usage of the contact-tracing system becomes compulsory at venues. The rules will be implemented together with the current set of Covid-19 rules in place at pre-schools, including more cleaning, temperature and health checks up to three times a day, and cohorting in centres. From Saturday to May 30, only people who are needed to support operations within centres, those performing necessary functions such as licensing, and parents accompanying newly enrolled children will be allowed into centres. All other parents will not be al...

More than 4kg of drugs worth $460,000 seized in CNB bust

SINGAPORE - More than 4kg of heroin and methamphetamine, also known as Ice, were seized by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on Monday (May 3) in an operation that led to the arrest of three men. In a statement on Wednesday, the drug busters said two Singaporeans aged 19 and 55, and a 32-year-old Malaysian were picked up. The drugs are estimated to be worth close to $460,000. Officers also seized $7,837 in cash during the operation, which took place in multiple locations. The operation started with CNB intercepting a vehicle in the vicinity of Woodlands Avenue 8 on Monday. After arresting the 19-year-old, CNB officers searched him and the vehicle, and found a total of 1,720g of heroin and 1,028g of Ice concealed in Chinese tea packaging. In a follow-up operation, officers arrested the 55-year-old Singaporean at Woodlands Industry Park E3, where 1,262g of heroin and $3,837 were seized. A search of his residence in the Bendemeer Road area further uncovered 218g of heroin and cash amounting to $4,000. This then led the officers to the 32-year-old Malaysian, who was arrested in the vicinity of Woodlands Road. Investigations into the drug activities of all three suspects are ongoing. C...

GE shareholders reject CEO’s US$230 million pay in rare rebuke

NEW YORK (REUTERS) - General Electric shareholders rejected top executives' compensation packages, including a payout of as much as US$230 million (S$307 million) to CEO Larry Culp, at the industrial conglomerate's annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday (May 4). While the shareholder vote was non-binding, the move was a rare rebuke of a major corporation's handling of its executive pay. It comes after GE laid off 20,000 workers last year. It is set to embolden corporate governance reform advocates who have criticised the shielding of CEOs from the financial fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost cuts companies often choose to implement. As part of an extension of Mr Culp's employment contract to 2024, GE last August canceled old shares given to him and granted him new shares tied to lower financial targets. Proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc (ISS) and Glass Lewis, opposed the pay packages, arguing that lowering the bar on the performance targets was unjustified and the stock award too generous. GE countered that the uncertainty of the pandemic made it difficult to incentivise Mr Culp without lowering his performance targets, and that an extension of ...