Author: Marie Jones

  • Joy Spreader’s First Quarterly Results: Video E-commerce Business Soars 143.58%

    On May 10, 2021, Joy Spreader (6988.HK), a MarTech company listed in Hong Kong, released the business update of the first quarter of 2021.

    According to the announcement, in the first quarter, Joy Spreader achieved revenue of HK$ 248 million, representing an increase of 33.26% over the same period last year, gross profit of HK$77.4 million, representing an increase of 64.16% over the same period last year, and gross profit margin of 31.16%, representing an increase of 5.87 percentages points as compared with the same period last year.

    In terms of specific business, the revenue of Joy Spreader’s interactive entertainment and other digital products marketing business in the first quarter was HK$220 million, representing an increase of 26.31% over the same period last year, while the revenue from e-commerce products marketing business was HK$28.45 million, representing an increase of 143.58% over the same period last year.

    With the emerging short video e-commerce, video e-commerce business is becoming the largest increment of results of Joy Spreader. In the first quarter, the gross profit of the Joy Spreader’s interactive entertainment and other digital product marketing business reached HK$54.65 million, representing an increase of 44.96% over the same period last year, while the gross profit of e-commerce products marketing business reached HK$22.76 million, representing an increase of 143.68% over the same period last year, accounting for an increasing proportion of the overall gross profit.

    At the same time, marketing SaaS service, another core business of Joy Spreader, is growing rapidly. Currently, Joy Spreader uses its own marketing SaaS platform to access content publishers in order to help their traffic to realize commercial value.

    The announcement showed that as of the end of the first quarter, Joy Spreader’s marketing SaaS service customers comprised a total of 55,616 WeChat official accounts, representing an increase of 36.01% compared to the end of 2020. A total of 29,828 Douyin accounts in terms of short video, representing an increase of 37.01% compared to the end of 2020. Also, the Company had access to 11,567 clients of WeChat video channels. On the whole, Joy Spreader’s mobile new media realizable access points reached 638,950, representing an increase of 35.96% compared to the end of 2020, further consolidating the basis of business growth.

  • Wintermar Offshore (WINS:JK) Reports 1Q2021 Results

    Wintermar Offshore Marine (WINS:JK) has announced results for 1Q2021. Wintermar is back in the black with net profit before tax of US$0.2 million, after three quarters of net losses.

    Business conditions have improved in 1Q2021 since the worst of the pandemic in 2020. Utilization still remains below the level achieved in 1Q2020, but the trend is positive. Total revenue of US$10.2 million recorded in 1Q2021 is still 21% below the level of US$12.9 million achieved in 1Q2020. Despite this, the Company was able attain a positive contribution at the gross profit, operating profit and also at the comprehensive net profit level for 1Q2021 due to cost control measures taken in 2020.

    –Owned Vessel Division
    Owned Vessel Revenue for 1Q2021 was 16% YOY lower at US$8.35 million as utilization remains at 61% compared to 69% in 1Q2020. There was a delay in the commencement of operations for a large project in Indonesia due to repairs needed on the rig which caused some committed vessels to be idle. However, due to a 29% YOY reduction in direct costs, the Owned Vessel division showed a YOY jump of 170% in Gross Profit of US$1.8 million compared to US$0.7 million in 1Q2020.

    Maintenance costs fell significantly by 39% YOY to US$0.5 million, as there was less work compared to 1Q2020 when several vessels were being prepared for work. Crew and operating costs both reduced by 16% YOY as a result of fewer vessels after the sale of 5 vessels in 2020. Depreciation was also significantly lower as a result of a smaller fleet, asset impairment of US$4.5 million taken in 2020 and an adjustment in useful life of assets. Fuel bunker however, rose by 74% YOY to US$0.2 million due to a new wet contract in 2021.

    –Chartering and Other Services
    Chartering revenues of US$1.5 million for 1Q2021 recorded a 36% YOY decline while Revenues from Other Services fell by 45% YOY to US$0.4 million as these segments which were badly affected by the pandemic have not yet recovered. Both business segments continued to contribute gross profit of US$0.36 million in total for 1Q2021 compared to US$0.62 million in 1Q2020.

    –Indirect Expenses and Operating Loss
    The cost efficiency measures involving sale of vessels and a reduction in shore employees, plus the voluntary salary reductions taken by senior staff led to a 21% YOY fall in Indirect Expenses to US$1.2 million in 1Q2021 from US$1.5 million. Although the hiring freeze was lifted and the Company took on new employees in 2021, total salary costs were still 26% YOY lower at US$0.08 million. Administration, utility and travel costs were also 35%, 26% and 72% lower respectively on a YOY basis, as employees continued to work from home for most of the first quarter in line with higher COVID-19 precautions in Jakarta. Marketing costs in 1Q2021 rose by 159% compared to the previous year due to bid bond costs as the Company participated in several tenders. These increased costs reflect the more positive mood in the industry as more tenders are being issued in 2021 as compared to the negative environment a year ago.

    For 1Q2021, the Company recorded an Operating Profit of US$0.95 million compared to an Operating Loss of US$0.23 million in the same period last year.

    –Other Income, Expenses and Net Attributable profit
    Interest expenses continued to reduce by 23% to US$0.7 million as debt levels decline. Associated companies reversed losses to turn in a small profit compared to losses the previous year. There were no vessel sales in the period under review whereas in the previous year the Company booked a profit of US$1 million from vessel sales. Total other expenses amounted to US$0.7 million for 1Q2021, compared to income of US$0.4 million a year before.

    The Company recorded US$0.2 million in Net Income Before Tax for 1Q2021, nearly the same as the previous year. After tax expenses and minority interests, there was a Net Loss Attributable to Shareholders of US$0.3 million whereas the Company made a small profit in the same period last year.

    EBITDA for 1Q2021 US$4.3 million, 16% lower compared to 1Q2020, but higher than the each of the preceding three quarters.

    –Oil & Gas Industry
    2021 has brought fresh optimism around the world as most major countries have been actively vaccinating their populations, resulting in more traffic and the opening up of some sectors of the economy. The new variants and alarming escalation of infections in India demonstrate that the recovery will not be smooth, but economic data around the world has turned more positive.

    –Offshore Vessels
    Similarly, there has been a turnaround of sentiment in the oil and gas industry, with most predictions showing a bottom in 2020-2021 and anticipating higher investment along with a stabilizing oil price above US$50/barrel. This has also been reflected in the Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV) market which has seen increased transactions of second hand vessels since the start of the year.

    There are more tenders in 2021 compared to last year, although charter rates in the region have not yet risen as much as in the North Sea. The highest tendering activity has been in Malaysia and Brunei, while Indonesia has lagged.

    –Strategy and Outlook
    There is now more optimism in the OSV industry. Apart from participating in more tenders, the stronger balance sheet with the successful rescheduling of debt to longer maturities gives the Company room to consider new investments.

    2021 marks the 50th year of operations of the Wintermar Group and the start of a leaner fleet, the achievement of the Company’s professed target since its public listing 10 years ago. The push towards more efficiency is continuing, as the Company has embarked on a project to use technology to improve crew management and reporting.

    The pandemic has accelerated the Company’s use of technology and one positive impact is the stepping up of crew and staff training via video, while zoom meetings have actually increased the number of management interactions with vessel crew which in the past was limited to on physical visits on board. Crew development and training will continue to be a big area of emphasis as one of the Company’s sustainability strategies.

    The debt equity ratio of the group is now 33% and there will be room to invest in the coming months should there be attractive opportunities.

    Contracts on hand as at end March 2021 amount to US$64.8 million.

    About Wintermar Offshore Marine Group
    Wintermar Offshore Marine Group (WINS.JK), developed over nearly 50 years with a track record of quality that is both a source of pride and responsibility that we are dedicated to upholding, and sails a fleet of more than 48 Offshore Support Vessels ready for long term as well as spot charters. All vessels are operated by an experienced Indonesian crew, tracked by satellite systems and monitored in real-time by shore-based Vessel Teams.

    Wintermar is the first shipping company in Indonesia to be certified with an Integrated Management System by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance, and is currently certified with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO14001:2015 (Environment) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety). For more information, please visit www.wintermar.com.

    Ms. Pek Swan Layanto, CFA
    Investor Relations
    PT Wintermar Offshore Marine Tbk
    Tel +62-21 530 5201 Ext 401
    Email: investor_relations@wintermar.com

  • BitWell will Access PayPal to Facilitate Bitcoin Purchases

    BitWell will Access PayPal to Facilitate Bitcoin Purchases

    BitWell, a digital asset derivatives trading platform, announced that it will access global payment channels such as Visa, PayPal, and Master Card, providing users in over 65 countries and regions with access to 300 fiat currency payment channels and 20 digital currency payments, to facilitate global users in purchasing digital assets such as Bitcoin more easily and quickly.

    This will significantly lower the barrier for users to participate in BitWell and purchase digital assets, promoting a more convenient experience for investors to access BitWell’s digital asset services.

    To achieve these features, BitWell introduces Alchemy Pay. Alchemy Pay (ACH) is the world’s most adaptable crypto payment infrastructure, in which the payment system can support over 65 countries and regions, 300 fiat currencies and 20 digital currency channels, including global payment channels such as Visa/Master Card/PayPal, as well as locally popular channels such as Dana, OVO, MayBank, FPS, etc., in Indonesia, Vietnam, Europe and some other areas.

    The BitWell platform token WELL will also go live on the Alchemy Pay (ACH) fiat and digital currency aggregation payment platform. Users will be able to use WELL payments at thousands of online and offline stores represented by global landmarks such as CeLaVi on the top floor of Singapore Sands Hotel, Pricerite Real Value in Hong Kong, Dubai Mall and other well-known merchants, with instant payment.

    About BitWell

    BitWell is an international digital asset derivatives trading platform that has launched a number of product lines, including options, perpetual contracts, spot trading, and savings, as well as an innovative industry-leading cross collateral model. BitWell is the first platform in the world to launch DeFi options, with the largest variety of options. It is also the platform with the fastest and most complete BSC spot trading and the highest return on flexible finance, providing users with one-stop digital asset trading and financial services. Visit https://www.bitwellex.com.

    Media contact
    BitWell Technology Limited
    E-mail: operation@bitwellex.com
    Website: https://www.bitwellex.com

  • Ngern Tid Lor (SET: TIDLOR) debuts shares on SET

    Ngern Tid Lor (SET: TIDLOR) debuts shares on SET

    Ngern Tid Lor PCL (SET: TIDLOR) received a warm welcome from investors on the Stock Exchange of Thailand today closing 25% higher at THB 45.75 per share with a trading volume of more than THB 33 billion. TIDLOR became the largest IPO ever in the Thai Finance and Securities Sector, as well as one of the five largest IPOs ever in the history of the Thai equity market, with a total offering size of THB 38,089 million (including an overallotment option) and market capitalization at the IPO price of THB 84,643 million, demonstrating Ngern Tid Lor’s strong fundamentals as the leading vehicle title loan-provider and top-3 retail-focused insurance broker, ensuring the Company’ rapid growth.

    Driven by technological innovation and an omni-channel distribution platform, Ngern Tid Lor is ready to take its success in listing on the SET to another level by expanding its network of branches and boosting efficiency. The company plans to continue to invest in improving technological and digital platforms in order to maintain its leadership status and create sustainable growth opportunities. Stabilization activities will be in place for a period of no more than 30 days following today’s trade to support the stability of the share price in the secondary market.

    Mr Piyasak Ukritnukun, Managing Director of Ngern Tid Lor PCL, with TIDLOR shares marking their debut on the SET today (May 10), said. “This is a very important day for Ngern Tid Lor, and we are honored to join the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Ngern Tid Lor is one of Thailand’s leading financial inclusion companies in the fragmented title loan and general insurance brokerage businesses. We are on a mission to help promote sustainable economic development by helping people gain access to fair, responsible, and transparent financial products and services. Our rapid growth has been driven by our strong corporate culture, unique omnichannel distribution platform, reputable brand, and innovative products and services.”

    Ngern Tid Lor’s IPO was not only the largest Finance and Securities Sector IPO ever, and among the five largest IPOs in the history of the Thai market. The TIDLOR IPO also received an overwhelming interest from a broad range of investors, from leading Thai and global institutional investors to Thai general public retail investors, reflecting investors’ confidence in Ngern Tid Lor’s strong fundamentals and potential for sustainable growth in the future.

    Ngern Tid Lor’s mission is to provide access to fair, transparent and responsible financial services for financial betterment by offering relevant products and services that are simple to understand, convenient and fast through committed employees. The unique business model, combining financial services expertise, purpose-built technology and data analytics capabilities to effectively offer the right products for target customers via omni-channel distribution with 1,076 branches in 74 provinces and a customer referral network comprised of 5,132 representatives across 638 Krungsri Bank branches, 491 second-hand truck sales representatives, and 519 phone sales representatives. Customer acquisition from physical channels is further supplemented by online channels ranging from the Ngern Tid Lor website, application and Facebook, and TIDLOR Connect to fulfill the existing gaps and provide further access to financial services for citizens in Thailand.

    The company’s performance during 2018-2020 demonstrated a strong track record of consistent growth and profitability, generating THB 7,569.4 million, THB 9,457.9 million, and THB 10,558.9 million in revenues respectively and net profit of THB 1,306.2 million, THB 2,201.7 million, and THB 2,416.1 million respectively. Gross loan balance between 2018-2020 stood at THB 39,724.1 million, THB 47,979.4 million, and THB 51,331.2 million respectively, while the premiums of non-life insurance collected through end of year amounted to THB 1,917.7 million, THB 2,854.3 million, and THB 4,010.9 million respectively. Ngern Tid Lor has achieved outstanding risk management outcomes, delivering a rate of Non-Performing Loans to Total Loans of 1.7% along with a Coverage Ratio of 325.1% as of 31 December 2020.

    Following its listing on the SET, Ngern Tid Lor is determined to maintain its leadership in the vehicle title loan business and to strive for the leading position in its insurance brokerage business in the future. To achieve such goals, the company will use the money from IPO to expand our lending and insurance brokerage business. Ngern Tid Lor plans to improve existing branches and expand additional 500 new branches by 2023 to provide wider coverage, invest and develop the IT system and digital transformation to strengthen business operations, and use a portion of the raised funds for working capital as well as capital restructuring in anticipation of steady and sustained growth in the future.

    “Our fundraising through the IPO will enable Ngern Tid Lor to boost our potential for sustainable growth, strengthen our financial status, continue our investment in digital transformation and platform-building,” says Mr. Piyasak. “Following our listing on the SET, Ngern Tid Lor is determined to be one of the leading-quality listed companies under the principle of creating fair, transparent and responsible financial opportunities for every Thai individual, while continuing to deliver steady and sustainable growth for the utmost benefits of our shareholders and all stakeholders.”

    This information is disseminated to investors who should study product features, conditions, and relevant risks before making investment decisions. This information shall not be considered as an offer for sale or recommendation for sale or reservation of securities. The securities that may be mentioned or referred to in this release have not been registered and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 (“the Securities Act”). The securities as mentioned in this document could not be offered for sale or sold in the USA, and will not be offered to the public in the USA.

    Distributed by the Public Relations Department of MT Multimedia Co., Ltd. on behalf of Ngern Tid Lor PCL. Website: www.ngerntidlor.com/en/home.html.

    For more information, please contact: Thiyaporn Sriadunphan (Dah), T: +66-87-556-6974, E: thiyaporn.s@mtmultimedia.com, MT Multimedia Co., Ltd.

  • Opimas estimates that over US$190 billion worth of Bitcoin is currently at risk due to subpar safekeeping

    Opimas estimates that over US$190 billion worth of Bitcoin is currently at risk due to subpar safekeeping

    Safekeeping of cryptocurrencies presents a challenge for institutions holding cryptocurrencies on their clients’ behalf. Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible and anyone with full access to a wallet’s private key controls the cryptocurrencies that reside within it. Frighteningly, a number of institutional participants and even some large cryptocurrency exchanges rely on subpar custody approaches, leading Opimas to estimate that over US$190 billion worth of Bitcoin is currently at risk due to subpar safekeeping.

    Figure 1: Custody Methods Utilized by Institutional Investors

    Figure 2: A Comparison of HSM and MPC Technology Providers

    Figure 3: The Market for Crypto Custody & Prime Brokerage Services Is Growing

    Figure 4: Institutional Cryptocurrency Holdings Over Time

    Luckily, a number of companies have emerged to address this problem. A new research report from Opimas–Crypto Custody: No More Excuses (http://www.opimas.com/research/653/detail/), authored by analysts Suzannah Balluffi and Anne-Laure Foubert–looks at the landscape of cryptocurrency custody-enabling technology providers and institutional-grade cryptocurrency custodians as well as the size of the market for cryptocurrency custody and brokerage services.

    Some key findings in the report include:

    Many of even the largest holders of Bitcoin and other digital assets continue to rely on storage devices meant for individual investors. Although some of these self-custody devices and wallets are secure and reputable, the operational risk posed by this approach is significant for institutional investors. Furthermore, a chunk of institutionals’ cryptocurrency holdings sit in hot wallets on exchanges. In total, about 22% of institutional cryptocurrency holdings are safeguarded in these relatively risky manners (Figure 1).

    There are no more excuses for lackadaisical safekeeping – institutions can now choose from several reputable cryptocurrency custody-enabling technology providers and institutional-grade cryptocurrency custodians. Yet no custody solution is equal – there is still no best practice when it comes to security and governance relating to private keys. For example, some providers may rely on time-tested Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), while others use a newer technology known as Multi-Party Computation (MPC) – see Figure 2.

    Some cryptocurrency custodians have followed in the footsteps of traditional capital markets by adding prime brokerage services to their offerings, including trading and settlement, lending, margin finance, staking, reporting, and capital introduction services. Opimas estimates that the current annual revenues generated by the institutional crypto brokerage and custody market are roughly US$2 billion and will grow to nearly US$8 billion by 2026 – a sizeable portion of this coming from brokerage services (Figure 3).

    Regulations surrounding institutions’ ability to store cryptocurrency have become clearer (and in some cases more favorable) in numerous jurisdictions. Notably, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) ruling in the US has allowed banks to store cryptocurrencies for their customers. This regulatory clarity has led a number of financial institutions around the world to provide trading and custody for digital assets. With the advances in brokerage and custody solutions, Opimas expects institutional cryptocurrency holdings to grow from 20% of the cryptocurrency market cap to over 50% by 2026 (Figure 4).

    Source: PlatoData Intelligence (bit.ly/3xXPK0r)

  • ACDX Offers World’s First Leveraged Trading for Chia (XCH)

    ACDX Offers World’s First Leveraged Trading for Chia (XCH)

    • ACDX is the world’s first crypto exchange to list leveraged trading for XCH
    • XCH is the native token of Chia Network, the decentralized smart transaction platform founded by BitTorrent’s inventor Bram Cohen
    • ACDX hopes to reaffirm its commitment to the expanding decentralized financial economy

    ACDX, the crypto derivatives exchange offering advanced structured products for sophisticated traders, is offering its users the world’s first leveraged BBS trading option for Chia Tokens (XCH).

    It is the world’s first crypto exchange to kick off such a leveraged listing, empowering users to trade XCH Bull Bear Strike Token (XCH BBS) with multiple times leverage.

    Founded by Bram Cohen, the inventor of the BitTorrent network, Chia Network is building a better blockchain and smart transaction platform which is more decentralized, more efficient, and more secure. It is the first enterprise-grade digital money, using the first new Nakamoto consensus algorithm since Bitcoin. Its goal is to improve the global financial and payments system.

    “We are always looking for innovative, secure, and efficient projects to list on ACDX. Chia Network is exactly what we are seeking,” commented Andy Cheung, founder and executive chairman of ACDX.

    ACDX is a next-generation crypto exchange that strives to architect innovations into the crypto market. Designed by professional traders, its most unique product is Bull Bear Strike Token (BBS) that combines the fascination of perpetual futures and options. It can be traded as easy as perpetual futures with the capped risk like options.

    Given the mass adoption of blockchain this year, ACDX has decided to reaffirm its commitment to the global decentralized financial economy. As Chia is adopting more modern cryptographic tools to enable richer smart transaction capabilities, ACDX believes the listing can help them deliver the vision to bridge the gap between the decentralized and centralized blockchain economy.

    “We have been closely monitoring the decentralized financial space. Our team is aware that many financial and payments projects have flourished in 2021 with the potential to blossom further in 2022. PayPal, eBay, etc. To respond to our community’s needs, we decided to explore this field,” commented Andy Cheung.

    About ACDX
    ACDX offers a next-generation cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform with cryptocurrency structured products. The exchange is focused on true innovation across a wide range of easy-to-use, fair, and transparent trading products that suit the needs of current and emerging cryptocurrency traders. Visit ACDX.io.

  • Blockchain and Liberty for All

    Blockchain and Liberty for All

    Broadcast live from Washington DC, June 18-19, 2021, with contributions from chapters around the globe, GBA will virtually present its annual state of the union to the world. The GBA global leadership team will present their blockchain results so far and discuss where we are headed for the next decade.

    The featured Keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Brown will share his wisdom gained from decades of working with world leaders, industry titans, and civil rights leaders. The Washington Post called him a “World Class Power Broker”. Just some of his many accomplishments include:
    – Key advisor to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
    – Involved in the Robert Kennedy campaign
    – Special Assistant to President Richard Nixon
    – Close friend and confidant of Nelson Mandela
    – Consulted with many prominent US corporations on race relations and crisis management
    – Worked on the committee that established the legislation creating the Office of Minority Business Enterprise within the US Department of Commerce
    – He signed the documents that increased funding for historical black colleges & universities under President Nixon
    – Serves on the boards of numerous universities and corporations
    – He holds eleven honorary doctorate degrees from prestigious institutions of higher learning.

    Dr. Brown has handled communications and race relations during pivotal moments of the civil rights movement. His ability to build bridges between Democrats and Republicans during the Civil Rights heyday, makes him an exceptional choice for blockchain leaders who will face inevitable backlash as this technology revolutionizes the landscape for many in power. How are we to move forward in a respectful and mutually beneficial manner?

    As blockchain technology continues to disrupt every industry, GBA influencers will need to hear the lessons learned from this icon of history.

    The Government Blockchain Association, (GBA), is honored to have Dr. Brown as a keynote speaker for Blockchain and Liberty for All.

    “Political freedom must be accompanied by economic freedom for people to be truly free. Blockchain Technology is a new frontier in the economic landscape,” says Gerard Dache, Executive Director, GBA.

    You do not want to miss this event. For more information, go to http://bit.ly/block4all

    Source: Plato Data Intelligence (bit.ly/3xRnnRv)

  • Butterfly Protocol Announces New Program to Allow Full Blockchain Top-Level Domain Sponsorship and Control

    Butterfly Protocol (www.butterflyprotocol.io), the blockchain-based web naming system built for the decentralized internet, today announced that it is opening up additional sponsorship options for top-level domains (TLDs), allowing anyone to create and totally control their own decentralized, token-powered ecosystem. This move compliments the original sponsorship option where TLDs can be sponsored and are controlled by the common governance contract.

    The movement to a decentralized web has been accelerating recently due to highly visible censoring such as Facebook’s ban on allowing Donald Trump access to posting, the takedown of the Parler social media app and the continuing restrictions on free speech by authoritarian governments. Blockchain domain systems such as Unstoppable Domains, Handshake and ENS have been paving the way for making the decentralized and distributed web accessible and Butterfly is taking that access to a new level.

    As opposed to the existing platforms, Butterfly allows for the sponsorship of practically any TLD. Rather than being stuck in the confines of .crypto or .eth as TLDs, sponsors can create their own such as .token, .defi or even .trump, .biden, or .obama. As a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), Butterfly does not limit the community to what can be created but there are measures being initiated soon to discourage the use of existing TLDs from other sources and those that are clearly trademarked.

    The process to sponsor TLDs can come in two forms. The light version where anyone can go to the ButterflyProtocol.io domain panel and contribute approximately 9000 BFLY tokens to initiate the creation. Or the custom option where it requires 100,000 BFLY tokens for complete control of that TLD’s domain environment. For custom requests, Butterfly support works directly with the sponsor for the creation of the TLD and the subTokens associated with that name.

    To learn more about the Butterfly Protocol, the BFLY token and how to participate in the quickly evolving decentralized web, please click here.

    About Butterfly Protocol

    Butterfly Protocol is a blockchain-based web naming system built for the decentralized internet. Butterfly’s Decentralized Autonomous Organization offers a registry platform that allows people to purchase top-level domains using cryptocurrency in the form of its utility token, BFLY. Butterfly Protocol uses blockchain technology to create a system similar to ICANN without centralized control. Butterfly Protocol allows anyone to suggest, sponsor, or bid on the creation of new top-level domain names, and receive a share of the tokens associated with the name, which they can use to create subdomains and continue growing the decentralized web. Along with domain names, Butterfly allows for each domain address to be used for several unique functionalities, including cryptocurrency transactions, messaging, and social media.

    COMPANY CONTACT: info@bproto.io

    Source: Plato Data Intelligence (bit.ly/2RsurmV)

  • Global Internet of People Inc. Posts Robust 2020 Business Growth

    Global Internet of People Inc. Posts Robust 2020 Business Growth

    Global Internet of People, Inc. (NASDAQ:SDH), an operator of a knowledge sharing and enterprise service platform via mobile application and through local centers in China, is one of the few knowledge-sharing platform companies that has reported robust business performance in the past year. The company has posted strong growth and generated $23.18 million revenue in 2020, representing a 29.28% increase from the same period of 2019. Its net income was $11.96 million in 2020, also growing by 27.51% from the same period of 2019. These were all driven by strong corporate client demand for gaining an insight into how to deal with such a “black swan” event as the COVID-19 pandemic.

    SDH worked hard in developing digitalization-related services in 2020 to support enterprise clients seeking a recovery via industrial innovations during the pandemic period. The company invited experienced entrepreneurs, investors and scientists to share their counter COVID-19 strategies in marketing, service and digital innovations and jointly held global capital market summit to help establish a platform for dialogue so that enterprise clients were able to inter-communicate and seek potential cooperation in projects and investments through a digitalized connection. SDH is able to therefore report a 446% growth in online services during the fiscal year 2020.

    The company also enhanced its customized in-depth consultation services in investment and fundraising, IPO listing guidance, financing resources sharing, strategic planning, and in business operation and incubation as it continues to build an ecosystem that possesses the know-how of supporting corporate clients’ innovative business growth with the most needed knowledge and resources. As a result, SDH generated $13.35 million revenue from providing customized services, which attributed 58% sales to the total revenue generated during fiscal year 2020 and also represented a 132.78% increase year over year from the same period of 2019.

    “The more pressure that faces entrepreneurs, the more they need intellectual empowerment and help. Sharing wisdom and arming the vast number of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs with this wisdom of industry experts is the best way to promote high-quality economic development, achieve scientific entrepreneurship and boost the overall efficiency of our society,” said Mr. Haiping Hu, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of SDH. “In today’s new economic era, change will become the norm, and it is all the more necessary for entrepreneurs to enhance their wisdom, spontaneously respond to the changing trends and lead their ways in innovation. SDH is willing to join hands with more regions and enterprises to achieve this goal of smart industrial development.”

    Media Contact
    Company: Global Internet of People, Inc.
    Email: IR@sdh365.com
    Contact: Shousheng Guo
    Telephone: +86-13681593245
    Website: http://www.sdh365.com/

    SOURCE: Global Internet of People, Inc.

  • Don Muang Tollway (SET:DMT) begins stock trading on SET

    Don Muang Tollway (SET:DMT) begins stock trading on SET

    Don Muang Tollway PCL (SET:DMT), an experienced transportation infrastructure management company and an operator of the Uttraphimuk Elevated Toll Road or Don Muang Tollway, will begin its trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) on May 7, 2021. With expertise in managing a toll road business for over 30 years, the company is looking for new investment opportunities and aiming to become a leader in developing and managing transportation infrastructure projects in Thailand, creating sustainable growth and ensure steady returns for its shareholders in the long term.

    Mr. Tarnin Phanichewa, Managing Director of Don Muang Tollway, reports that the company will begin trading its shares on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) on May 7, 2021, under the Transportation and Logistics sector with the symbol of DMT.

    DMT has been well preparing on business expansion plans to take advantage of public-private partnership opportunities, allowing private sectors to participate in infrastructure development projects with the government. Leveraging on its strengths and having more than 30 years of experience in managing Don Muang Tollway, the company is in a good position to participate in the 20-year Intercity Motorway Development Master Plan envisioned by the Department of Highways. Besides, the company is interested in non-toll businesses such as highway rest area projects.

    Part of the fundraising proceeds will be used for the debt repayment in order to be a debt-free company, reducing the financial burden and strengthening the company’s financial position. The business expansion plans together with its strong financial position will boost sustainable growth and ensure good returns for shareholders in the long run.

    “I would like to thank you all investors for trusting in DMT. We are determined to become a leading player in the development and management of transportation infrastructures in Thailand. With our over 30-year experience and expertise in the business, we believe that we will play an important role in improving Thailand’s competitiveness by creating high-quality transportation infrastructures and transportation network, and at the same time we also believe that DMT will be able to achieve stable growth and decent rate of returns to our shareholders,” Mr. Tarnin says.

    Mr. Varah Sucharitakul, Executive Director of Finansa Securities Limited, as the sole lead underwriter, says DMT’s IPO received a very warm welcome from investors. IPO fundraising proceeds will definitely strengthen the company’s financial status and enable DMT to be a debt-free company. With DMT’s dividend policy having a payout ratio of not less than 90% of net profit after the capital reserve as required by law, we believe that the investors will receive stable and attractive returns.

    On top of that, investors will benefit from the public-private partnership opportunities allowing DMT to selectively participate and invest in various projects under the 20-year Intercity Motorway Development Master Plan under the responsibility of the Department of Highways, he adds.

    Mr. Worawas Wassanont, Managing Director of Avantgarde Capital Co., Ltd., as the financial advisor, says DMT’s stock will be in the spotlight from the investors because of its strong business fundamentals and its expertise in transportation infrastructures. By utilizing modern technologies on the traffic management, the operation of the Don Muang Tollway has become more efficient as well as be ready for the 24 hours to ensure prompt services to the Tollway users and for the increasing number of Tollway users which are expected to be the normal level after the end of COVID-19 pandemic.

    DMT is also leveraging on its knowledge and experience to expand its businesses, enhancing decent returns to all shareholders, he says.

    For more information, please contact:
    Tasanun Chuiklom (Noo), E: tasanun.c@tollway.co.th, Don Muang Tollway PCL
    Pipop Khongwong (Top), E: pipop.k@mtmultimedia.com, MT Multimedia Co., Ltd.