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AI business matching at Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE

Business

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November 15, 2020

AI business matching at Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is running Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE (ASWO) from 16 to 27 November, featuring the latest products from different industries including electronics, houseware, lighting, outdoor lighting, eco tech, gifts and premiums, toys, baby products, stationery, optical and watches and clocks. The virtual fair serves as a one-stop online sourcing platform to keep small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) connected with global buyers and help create business opportunities across various sectors.

Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said the COVID-19 pandemic has changed sourcing patterns and driven more companies to go digital and promote their businesses through online channels, increasing the demand for online marketing services. “The pandemic will eventually come to an end, but for now Hong Kong companies are taking a positive approach to the new normal by making more use of online promotion platforms to capture online-to-offline (O2O) business opportunities. The HKTDC has reacted to these changes swiftly, developing online exhibitions that can help SMEs attract new buyers and gain new orders during this difficult time.”

Under the theme “A New Connected World Beyond the New Normal”, ASWO has attracted 2,600 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions, featuring 37 group pavilions, including the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA), Zhejiang, Chongqing and Jiangsu provinces from Mainland China, Cyberport and the Federation of Hong Kong Industries.

New 3D virtual booth
A new 3D virtual booth has been introduced at ASWO to enable exhibitors to showcase their products and promote their brands in a more attractive and effective way. The Environment Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is featuring an interactive “Hong Kong GO Green” virtual tour, showcasing the latest waste-reduction facilities and applied technologies in three areas: “Community Recycling Network”, “Recycling Facilities” and “Green High-Tech”. Cyberport is featuring 14 start-up companies at its virtual booth, highlighting innovative technologies in the areas of consumer electronics, electronic health products, robotics and wearable devices. Eastcolight, a Hong Kong toy company, is presenting its virtual booth as a theme park featuring electronic toys, DIY toys, STREAM (science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts and maths) toys and more. In addition, exhibitors from the houseware, gifts and premiums, baby products and optical sectors are presenting their latest products through their specially designed 3D booths.

Intelligence Hub
More than 20 webinar sessions will be staged over the exhibition period with some 100 industry leaders sharing the latest market trends, providing buyers and exhibitors with the latest information to help their future planning. Highlights of the webinars include:

– “Symposium on Innovation & Technology – A New Connected World Beyond the New Normal” on 16 November. Among the speakers, Ricky Wong, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Television Network Limited, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Chair of Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology at the University of Hong Kong, Professor Ray Liu from the University of Maryland, Dr Adam Drobot from OpenTech Works, who is also a member of the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Technological Advisory Council, together with representatives from Google, Amazon and KPMG will discuss how pivotal technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and cloud technology will help combat the pandemic and create a better post-pandemic world.

– “Beyond Connection: Lighting as a Strategy” on 17 November invites Nicolas Rimbeau from British smart street lighting and smart city application developer Telensa to talk about the importance of smart street lighting in future city planning.

– “Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference – Toys for the Future” on 18 November invites Kenny Sham from LEGO Group to share consumer analysis and marketing strategies for the toy industry in the Greater China region.

– “Hong Kong International Watch Forum” on 18 November will see industry representatives from Germany, France, Japan, Korea and Mainland China share valuable insights into the watch industry’s trading performance and manufacturing trends.

– The “Eco Asia Conference”, powered by the Environment Bureau of the HKSAR, will take place on 19, 20 and 23 November, featuring five thematic sessions. Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment, and representatives from the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province and Macao’s Environmental Protection Bureau (DPSA) will give updates on environmental work in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area on 19 November. In addition, a representative from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China will share the latest green policies in Mainland China.

Anti-epidemic products draw attention
Various anti-epidemic products are available at the virtual exhibition, including some from local companies that are looking for the opportunity to explore international markets. One Hong Kong start-up has developed a 5G AI-driven robot that can measure body temperatures and is already used by several companies in Hong Kong. Other health-related products being exhibited include a disinfectant spray, cotton mask for repeated use, a germicidal lamp and many more.

A wide range of new educational toys, houseware and lifestyle products are also being showcased at the virtual exhibition. For example, well-known optical brands such as Laura Ashley, Big Horn and OSSII SOUND are showcasing new designs, along with an Italian exhibitor featuring glasses with Venice-inspired designs. In the watches and clocks section, special-edition watches will be introduced in the Korea and Taiwan pavilions. Elsewhere, buyers can find STREAM toys for children learning at home along with a variety of baby strollers and baby gear from Europe.

Click2Match AI-driven business matching platform
Buyers and exhibitors can make deals through the HKTDC’s business matching platform, Click2Match, which uses AI technologies to conduct automatic matching between potential business partners. The platform also helps participants to schedule meetings, get together for video conferences, chat in real time and exchange e-business cards. In addition, the HKTDC has mobilised its network of 50 offices worldwide to invite quality international buyers, arranging online business matching meetings according to their sourcing needs to increase the chance of business collaboration.

Exhibitors are eligible for a three-month promotion on the upgraded hktdc.com Sourcing platform to help maintain business relationships with global buyers. The platform has brought together more than 130,000 suppliers and 2 million buyers, facilitating 24 million business connections a year. It applies AI, machine learning and image recognition technologies to provide a more effective and more personalised smart sourcing experience.

Websites
Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE: http://asw.hktdc.com
hktdc.com Sourcing: http://sourcing.hktdc.com
Photos download: https://bit.ly/3ppj1ge

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Contact:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

BYD Debuts DM-i Hybrid Technology and 1.5L Xiaoyun Engine

Business

Marie Jones

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November 15, 2020

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The new plug-in hybrid engine enables a world-leading 43% BTE

On November 13, BYD launched the DM-i hybrid technology alongside the official announcement of the high efficiency version, which is dedicated for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), of the 1.5L Xiaoyun engine. As a leader in new energy vehicles (NEVs), the announcements underline BYD’s lead in strategically segmenting its plug-in hybrid technologies. After defining new performance standards for PHEVs with the DM-p technology, BYD continues to break new ground with the DM-i, this time prioritizing ultra-efficient fuel consumption.

The new highly efficient 1.5L plug-in hybrid engine, is specifically built for the DM-i hybrid technology. With a Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) of 43%, it stands as the world’s highest thermally efficient gasoline engine in production. The engine’s immense fuel efficiency easily meets China’s newest national emissions standards, while also providing a distinctly smooth and quiet driving experience.

The DM-i Hybrid Technology – Bold new advances for a more fuel-efficient world
In the Chinese government’s recent New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Plan (2021-2035), NEVs are expected to account for 20% of the total sales of new vehicles in China by 2025. Among these, the path for PHEVs shows immense potential.

By leveraging its Dual Platform strategy, BYD’s dual-mode (DM) hybrid technologies – the DM-p and the DM-i – further enhances the competitiveness of PHEVs against traditional fuel vehicles.

The DM-p platform, with a focus on exceptional performance, provides a power output that surpasses large fuel cars. This has drawn the interest of consumer groups that strongly care about environmental protection and sustainable lifestyles, while also holding high expectations for driving experiences.

New models with the DM-i hybrid technology will see a wide array of improvements, including further reductions in fuel consumption, faster acceleration, smoother and quieter rides, and more environmentally-friendly electric power. When compared to traditional fuel cars, vehicles equipped with DM-i hybrid technology stand out as superior products with their enhancement of driving experiences while being less reliant on fossil fuels. In addition, the prices of models with the DM-i hybrid technology are similar to the cost (tax and fee included) of fuel vehicles of the same type from outside of China. This is positioned to be a significant shift in the competition between PHEVs and fuel vehicles, impacting consumer and market perceptions of NEVs.

Eric Li, Deputy General Manager of BYD Auto Sales, said, “BYD has always insisted on self-reliance to build its core technology. With our advantages in new energy technologies, we have achieved major breakthroughs in several key areas. The DM-i hybrid will rigorously accelerate the replacement of traditional fuel cars with new energy vehicles.”

The Xiaoyun engine – Hardcore technology for premium thermal efficiency
Powering the ultra-high thermal efficiency of the Xiaoyun is a multitude of innovative technical features, allowing it to reach its world-leading 43% BTE.

The Xiaoyun boasts an ultra-high compression ratio (CR) of 15.5, an increased B/S ratio, an Atkinson cycle for improved combustion efficiency, an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, a series of friction-reducing measures and an engine control system that is uniquely optimized for high thermal efficiency targets.

In addition, the Xiaoyun engine takes full advantage of the electrification of plug-in hybrid models, electrifying accessories and removing the traditional front-engine accessory drive system, further reducing wear and tear and improving efficiency.

For the first time ever, BYD has implemented split cooling technology for an engine. Through on-demand cylinder head and cylinder block temperature measurements, this enables precise and accurate cooling for the Xiaoyun engine to reach optimal running temperatures. By mitigating heating losses, this shortens the length of warming up the engine after a cold start by 15-20%, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions during the process.

To dramatically improve noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance, the engine has specially-optimized designs for the crankshaft, bearings, cylinder block, intake manifold, oil pan, timing cover, cylinder head cover and other components of the plug-in hybrid system.

About BYD
BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest privately-owned enterprises. Since its inception in 1995, the company quickly developed solid expertise in rechargeable batteries and became a relentless advocate of sustainable development, successfully expanding its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 50 countries and regions. Its creation of a Zero Emissions Energy Ecosystem – comprising affordable solar power generation, reliable energy storage, and cutting-edge electrified transportation – has made it an industry leader in the energy and transportation sectors. BYD is listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. More information on the company can be found at http://www.byd.com.

Contacts
In Asia-Pacific: Richard Li
pr@byd.com;
tel:+86-755-8988-8888-69666

In North America: Frank Girardot
frank.girardot@byd.com;
tel: +1 213 245 6503

In Europe: Penny Peng
penny.peng@byd.com;
tel: +31-102070888

BYD Company Ltd.

Taiwan’s Smart Healthcare fascinates buyers at Taiwan Expo 2020 in Thailand

Medical

Marie Jones

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November 15, 2020

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Taiwan Expo 2020 in Thailand both physical and virtual with lively interaction between all.

With many exhibitors waiting inside the Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion, business talks proceeded easily

The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) launched the Taiwan Expo 2020 in Thailand physically and virtually with a theme of “Let’s THAI together” on November 4. Since Thailand has contained the COVID-19 pandemic well, a physical exhibition was held at the Rosewood Hotel in Thailand November 4-6, and an online exhibition showcasing products from 180 Taiwanese suppliers was created at https://taiwanexpo.online/en.

Jointly sponsored by Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW) and TAITRA, the Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion was built on the Expo’s official website. On this dedicated webpage, there is complete information on Taiwan’s four advanced hospitals and five major manufacturers of smart medical supplies. In coordination with the exhibition, a webinar was held for Taiwanese doctors and experts to share their innovative medical products and services.

In his opening remarks at the kick-off ceremony, TAITRA’s chairman James Huang pointed out that despite the pandemic impact, TAITRA not only will continue to hold the Taiwan Expo in Thailand, but will play a role to bridge the distance between Taiwan and Thailand via digital technology. We are expecting a better Taiwan Expo 2.0 soon to make a breakthrough.

The Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion has housed many Taiwan’s first-rate hospitals. The National Taiwan University Hospital is well-known for its extraordinary achievements in treating children’s craniofacial trauma, skin hemangioma, venous malformation, orofacial cleft, and microtia. The Changhua Christian Hospital, the first smart and green-energy hospital in Taiwan, is happy to share their green ways of construction and operation. Because of the pandemic outbreak, CCH has hosted more than ten anti-pandemic webinars and business matchmaking meetings. As a result, the collaboration between imedtac Co., Ltd. Taiwan and Thonburi Hospital Group Thailand makes possible building smart wards for demonstration in Thailand. The National Cheng Kung University Hospital is now developing precision medicine and AI for use in coronavirus prevention and quarantine. The Taipei Medical University Hospital owns the Asia’s unique ROSA Spine robotic arm, which can help surgeons implant a lumber vertebrae nail precisely in position.

The exhibition gathered Thai distributers interested in food safety, IVD (In Vitro Diagnostic) tests, AI smart healthcare and pulse healthcare systems, who joined online business meetings and requested catalogues and samples. The suppliers, including Taiwan’s Advance Bio-pharmaceutical Inc., TaiHao Medical Inc., Biotegy Corp., Shiny Pacific Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and Sane Health Enterprise Co., Ltd. are looking forward to trade cooperation in the future.

Taiwan has applied internationally reputed high technology to the medical field, and has initiated customized smart medical systems. TAITRA is committed to promoting the smart healthcare for Taiwan and Thailand.

For more information, please contact the Bangkok Taiwan Trade Center.
Media Contact: Tina
bangkok@taitra.org.tw
https://taiwanexpo.online/en
Bangkok Taiwan Trade Center
Tel: +66-2-651-4470, Fax: +66-2-651-5923
Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

DAVE Alliance Set To Redefine How Big Data Companies Collaborate

Business

Marie Jones

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November 13, 2020

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DAVE Alliance Set To Redefine How Big Data Companies Collaborate

CyberVein, the next generation big data and technology company, recently announced the Data Analytics and Valuation Engine (DAVE), aimed at connecting big data, cloud storage, blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies, associations, universities and outspoken data activists. CyberVein has called on the industry to join the alliance’s mission – create a new standard for data ethics and data monetization.

As the next step, CyberVein will expand on what the DAVE alliance entails and how it will work in practice. DAVE adheres to the principle of co-creation, especially when it comes to cybersecurity and intercommunications. The Alliance’s objective is to unlock the true value of data by creating a new standard and monetizing it, allowing both businesses and individuals to reap the benefits of big data analytics. Each member of the Alliance serves as a thought-leader, a subject matter expert and a service provider for its respective area of expertise, such as onsite or cloud storage, AI/ML algorithms, (cloud) computing, distributed hardware, and big data collection and processing.

“Imagine the DAVE Alliance as an open archive of metadata, similar to an open library,” Stated Jack Ge, CyberVein Global Ambassador. He continued: “Alliance members would be able to run analytical models without accessing the actual data.”

The DAVE Alliance building blocks are as follows:

– Business needs, there are a large number of emerging companies, big data research institutes, and consulting firms that all have need of digitalization, streamlining and blockchain integration, thus the DAVE Alliance came into being.

– Data collection, after voting to join the DAVE Alliance, data is stored locally to ensure data privacy and security, and metadata is shared, opened and exchanged with other members of the alliance so that big-data as a collective can be fully and effectively used.

– Asset management, members who join the DAVE Alliance need to integrate the PISR database, and access to the database requires other alliance nodes to vote and to ensure that the database operation is recorded on chain to prevent destructive operations from happening.

– AI modeling, if computing power is required for calculation and model building in business requirements to improve work efficiency and reduce working time, one can choose to pay for a large amount of transparent, high-quality GPU power (Cytrix, Golem, SONM), and support multiple scenarios AI training.

– Data analysis, “Ensure data security and open metadata to build a community together” is the basic principle of DAVE Alliance. If the business needs include model building, one can pay to use the online model building environment in the alliance to achieve interactive online model building, plug-n-play components, offline model training and deployment through federated learning.

Why companies should join the DAVE Alliance:

– On the data demand side: it’s possible to have diversified, customized big data service offerings.

– Crypto projects: unite, instead of being a single service provider. Being a part of the DAVE Alliance means integrating into a complete big-data collective, which will result in new business opportunities.

– Shared profits: it is estimated that nearly 200 tradable data products can be traded every year, while more than 40PB of data will be processed in the coming years. The Alliance is set to monetize the data transactions, it will also distribute 20% of its annual profits to the alliance members.

About CyberVein
CyberVein was founded in Singapore, CV Technology Foundation, in 2017. It is focusing on the enterprise-level blockchain and big-data customized services. CyberVein is building a new smart city based on ubiquitous connection, digital platform, and omnipresent intelligence to promote the integrated linkage effect of learning, research, finance, industry, and politics. Recently launched two initiatives: the Data Analytics and Valuation Exchange (DAVE), which enables data-driven and technology companies to utilize their resources more efficiently, and CROSS, a first-of-a-kind decentralized non-fungible token (NFT) issuance platform. For more information, please visit: https://twitter.com/cyberveingroup

CyberVein: https://www.cybervein.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyberveinteam
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cyberveingroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/13692190/
Telegram: https://t.me/CyberVeinCommunity
Medium: https://medium.com/cybervein
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/CyberVeinOfficial/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpIgOnNTu4FPFsa9LBdQjCw

Media Contact
Rachel, prteam@cybervein.org

Moonstake Joint Webinar: “Things you should know about staking on Ethereum 2.0”

Business

Marie Jones

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November 13, 2020

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Moonstake Joint Webinar: “Things you should know about staking on Ethereum 2.0”

We are pleased to announce that Moonstake is organising a joint webinar with BeaconScan, Ethereum 2.0 block explorer by Etherscan on 17th of November at 20:00 Singapore/Malaysia Time.

BeaconScan is an Ethereum 2.0 block explorer by Etherscan. It tracks validations made on the Beacon Chain and provides features familiar to Etherscan users such as the Watchlist, a Personalized Dashboard and Multi-device Login Access. On top of being a block explorer, BeaconScan.com is also Ethereum 2.0’s first independent monitoring service.

Ethereum 2.0 is an upgrade to the Ethereum blockchain. This upgrade aims to speed up the Ethereum network and solve traditional scalability issues. In addition, Ethereum 2.0 will eventually move to Proof of Stake (PoS) from the conventional Ethereum’s Proof of Work (PoW).

Ethereum 2.0 is scheduled to be completed through four phases, the first of which, “Phase 0,” is scheduled to launch later this year. “Phase 0” is the launch of the BeaconChain, a chain that manages validators and performs proof of stakes, and is performed by ETH staking. The long-awaited upgrade of Ethereum has had a significant impact on the blockchain industry as a whole, with more attention given to proof of stake and staking.

This joint webinar is a great opportunity to get a good understanding of Ethereum 2.0 and this upgrade will be an event to reaffirm the growth and development of the blockchain industry. Please join us.

About this Webinar:
TOPIC: Things you should know about staking on Ethereum 2.0
DATE & TIME: 17th of Nov, 8PM in Singapore/Malaysia (GMT+8)

SPEAKERS:
– Shogo Ishida, Advisor of Moonstake
– Harith Kamarul, Community & Education at BeaconScan (Ethereum 2.0 block explorer by Etherscan)
– Caleb Lau, Software Developer at BeaconScan (Ethereum 2.0 block explorer by Etherscan)

IN THIS WEBINAR, YOU WILL LEARN:
– What is Ethereum 2.0 and how is it different from Ethereum 1.0?
– About the size of the Ethereum staking market
– About proof of stake / Pros and cons of staking from an Ethereum perspective
– About Technical aspect of Ethereum’s Proof of Stake
– How MoonStake supports staking users on Ethereum 2.0
– Q&A (15 minutes)

Pre-registration is required to participate, so please register from the link below. RSVP Today to take advantage of this free webinar.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cS7qsrtjQnCXHqQ-KGEZfg

About Moonstake
Moonstake was recently established to develop a staking pool protocol to satisfy increasing demands in regional and global blockchain markets. Moonstake develops a staking pool protocol and provides business services through partners and companies. Moonstake aims to create the largest staking pool network in Asia, a robust environment for the cryptocurrency holders is one of its missions. Establishing a clear partnership roadmap with Moonstake represents another significant milestone for continuing to strengthen ties with leading platforms across Asia’s burgeoning Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) ecosystem. partnership has been announced with Emurgo, Ontology and NEO to boost staking adoption, Binarystar, Japan’s biggest blockchain hub, OIO Holdings Limited (SGX: OIO), a Singapore Catalist-Listed company. Industry’s reputed advisors, such as Lisk and Lawrence Lim of RAMP DEFI support Moonstake’s innovative journey. https://www.moonstake.io/

About BeaconScan
BeaconScan is an Ethereum 2.0 block explorer by Etherscan. It tracks validations made on the Beacon Chain and provides features familiar to Etherscan users such as the Watchlist, a Personalized Dashboard and Multi-device Login Access. On top of being a block explorer, BeaconScan.com is also Ethereum 2.0’s first independent monitoring service. https://beaconscan.com/

China Dynamics Launches First Electric Accessible Minibus in Hong Kong

Business

Marie Jones

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November 12, 2020

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China Dynamics Launches First Electric Accessible Minibus in Hong Kong

Raises Green Transportation Standards
Promotes Caring and Inclusive Society

China Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (Stock Code: 476, together with its subsidiaries, collectively referred to as “China Dynamics” or the “Group”), a provider of new energy vehicles and integrated technology solutions, announced the official launch of its self-developed Pure Electric AI Accessible Minibus in Hong Kong today, marking the introduction of the first accessible electric minibus in the city. The Group held a launch ceremony at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP), which allowed representatives from the environment technology sector, automobile industry and social welfare sector to gain a better understanding of the green and energy saving features of the electric minibus, including its ability to complement the needs of a caring and inclusive society.

The 7m Pure Electric AI Accessible Minibus is powered by high-performance lithium iron phosphate batteries, emits no pollutant when in operation, and only requires 30 to 60 minutes of charging time to achieve a range of 200 kilometers. In addition, the minibus is fitted with features that are a first for such vehicles, including automatic emergency braking system, lane departure warning system and fatigue driving alarm, helping to substantially enhance safety and stability.

Mr. Miguel Valldecabres Polop, CEO of China Dynamics, believes the electric minibus not only sets new benchmarks in environmental protection and safety for Hong Kong minibuses, but also assists in promoting an inclusive society, and said, “The cramped surroundings and long stairs found in Hong Kong’s public transport system represent obstacles for people with impaired mobility, curbing their desire to go out. We understand their difficulties, which is why we have designed this spacious minibus for use on Hong Kong roads. In addition to twelve passenger seats, the vehicle has enough space for four wheelchairs, and it is also equipped with an extra-low platform that provides convenient access for people with disabilities and for seniors, thereby easing their worries about going out.”

Mr. Cheung Ngan, Chairman of China Dynamics, said, “Our 7m Pure Electric AI Accessible Minibus boasts such attributes as smooth operation, high safety and zero emission, which will help improve air quality as well as showcases the Group’s new energy vehicle technologies. That, plus the various accessibility features, will make the minibus well-received by local medical and social welfare organizations. With excellent technological advantages and product quality, we are confident that electric vehicle sales will grow in Hong Kong, which in turn will lead to the prompt securing of orders from overseas markets including Southeast Asia, South America and Europe. Such developments will enable us to further expand our business scale, raise production capacity and improve operational efficiency, leading to satisfactory returns.”

About China Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (Stock Code: 476)
China Dynamics (Holdings) Limited is a pioneer and practitioner in the field of new energy commercial vehicles in China and a whole vehicle manufacturer of specialty passenger vehicles and new energy passenger vehicles. It is an integrated driving and logistics solutions provider, with a solid technological foundation in areas including new energy platform power system and its key components, light structural design, fuel cell system integration technology and intelligent network technology. The Group has two production bases in Chongqing, one in Wulong and the other in Qijiang. Moreover, the Group will actively develop the Hong Kong and overseas bus markets. It has different models of new energy commercial vehicles launched to the market for sale as permitted and announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Pacer Ventures set to solve the funding gap for African Startups

Business

Marie Jones

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November 12, 2020

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Pacer Ventures set to solve the funding gap for African Startups

Pacer Ventures LLC, a venture firm for sub-Saharan Africa, has launched a $3M fund for early-stage startups, aimed at solving the most critical problem on the continent. Registered in Delaware, with operational offices in Lagos and Johannesburg, Pacer VC is focusing on verticals that are expedient to the African continent, including healthcare, financial inclusion, education and agriculture.

The UN projects that Africa will have a population of 1.68 billion people by 2030, while the GSMA Mobile Economy Report states that 84% of Africa’s population or 1 billion people will have access to a SIM connection by 2025.

“We see a huge opportunity to support early stage founders who are making meaningful contributions to their local economies and communities by leveraging the high mobile penetration on the continent,” said Gbemi Akande, General Partner at Pacer Ventures. The firm has already begun to support early stage founders by participating in seed rounds, including VPD.Money and others.

With an average cheque size of six figures, Pacer Ventures is positioned to add substantial value to its portfolio companies. According to Antoinia Norman, General Partner at Pacer Ventures in charge of Southern Africa, “We won’t just write a cheque, we will enable founders to work in and on their business, by supporting them along every step of their journey, with resources and access to markets.”

The General Partners of Pacer Ventures have over 30 years of combined experience in entrepreneurship and start deal flow sourcing. The key differentiator is the fund’s focus on sourcing high potential African startups, leveraging its strategic partnership with Founder Institute in Africa as a funnel.

“This collaboration with Founder Institute gives us an undeniable edge particularly with quality deal-flow at an early stage and we will leverage this to spread our footprint quickly,” said Chukwuemeka Agbata, Regional Director of Founder Institute in Africa and Co-founder of techbuild.africa.

Speaking on the Pacer VC investment thesis, Geoffrey Weli-Wosu, General Partner at Pacer Ventures and Co-Founder of VoguePay and Domineum, stated, “We are leveraging our in-depth experience in startups and ecosystem development to take advantage of the early-stage funding gap in Africa.”

About Pacer Ventures LLC
Pacer Ventures is well positioned to support the growth of startups within Sub-Saharan Africa. A combination of attributes enables our deal-flow, sourcing and portfolio management which promises realistic returns to our investors.

Pacer email: info@pacer.vc
Official website: https://pacer.vc/
Pacer blog: https://pacer.vc/blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pacerventures
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pacerventures/

HKTDC initiatives enhance digital experience for SMEs

Business

Marie Jones

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November 12, 2020

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Upgraded sourcing platform and virtual fair boost business connections

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has upgraded its hktdc.com Sourcing platform in the run-up to the HKTDC Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE virtual exhibition, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) capture global business opportunities and adapt to digital sourcing models in the post-pandemic new normal.

Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “The pandemic has changed the sourcing pattern of many companies and accelerated the transformation of the global supply chain. The latest HKTDC survey shows that Hong Kong companies are adjusting their business strategies to cope with the new normal. Companies are increasingly ‘going digital’ to expand their online distribution channels (69%), conducting online marketing (56%) to develop new business markets (57%) and accelerating the application of technology in their business (47%).”

Mr Chau observed that trade activities were on the rise in the third quarter of 2020, with a rebound in Hong Kong’s total exports. While physical trade fairs cannot be held at present, he called on local businesses to leverage the HKTDC’s digital platforms and services to tap into various markets, especially economies that have signed free trade agreements with the city such as Mainland China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “Mainland China is probably the only economy in the world that will see positive GDP (gross domestic product) growth in 2020, and its ‘dual circulation’ model of development with an emphasis on the domestic economy will stimulate consumption growth. As a major trade fair hub in Asia, Hong Kong can play a pivotal role in attracting more local and international brands and products to the mainland market,” he added.

Omni-channel platform to create business opportunities
In response to these new developments, Mr Chau said the HKTDC will stage Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE from 16 to 27 November following the completion of a significant upgrade to its hktdc.com Sourcing platform. “Users will notice a refreshed design as well as new features that deliver a better, more personalised smart-sourcing experience anytime and anywhere. We have also employed new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to increase the efficiency through which we connect buyers with suppliers and improve the overall user experience.”

He said the HKTDC will continue to enhance its online services to help Hong Kong businesses capture opportunities. He believes physical and online exhibitions should integrate and complement each other. “Even when physical exhibitions resume, the HKTDC will continue to organise regular thematic online sourcing events to cater to the different sourcing cycles of various sectors, providing exhibitors with additional opportunities to connect with global buyers,” Mr Chau explained. “Fully utilising the advantages of online-to-offline promotion, we will carry out digital promotions and business-matching activities before and after the trade fairs, allowing exhibitors to reach out to overseas buyers who are not able to come to Hong Kong and helping to create an extended exhibition experience.”

Advanced smart sourcing opens up global business opportunities
Mr Chau said hktdc.com Sourcing is an easy-to-use platform that allows local businesses to customise online store pages and upload rich content, videos and images. The platform employs image recognition technology to swiftly provide keyword suggestions for relevant products, enabling target buyers to find the right products more easily. Suppliers can also examine page-performance data from the dashboard at any time, helping to improve supply chain management and making it easier to assess marketing effectiveness. The new platform records buyers’ preferences and recommends relevant new products to them.

“Local businesses are also provided with the option to purchase promotion ‘boosters’ based on their business needs and promotion strategies. This gives them the flexibility to increase their exposure on hktdc.com Sourcing platform pages and enhance their reach to potential business partners,” Mr Chau said. “In addition, the NewsBites content page introduces the latest sourcing trends and popular products. It also pushes notifications via social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to encourage more prospective buyers from around the world to visit suppliers’ online stores on our platform.”

Flexible services to meet marketing needs
“The new supplier authentication system classifies companies on the platform into Gold, Silver and Bronze categories based on reputation and activeness. A record of companies’ participation at HKTDC events and their last update time are also provided, serving as a reference for buyers as they seek out the most suitable suppliers,” Mr Chau said. The Third-party Authentication Service, meanwhile, allows suppliers to highlight their credibility and product quality to strengthen buyer confidence.

“We are also launching the Digital Academy to provide SMEs with comprehensive free-of-charge assistance and training in the area of digital marketing,” Mr Chau continued. These pragmatic, easy-to-understand courses, conducted by digital marketing experts, explore a variety of topics including search-engine optimisation (SEO), search-engine marketing (SEM), social-media content marketing, product photography, filming, copywriting techniques, and e-commerce business strategies. For example, award-winning film director Oliver Chan will share some of the secrets behind creating video content for digital platforms.

More trade promotion organisations sign up to platform
Trade promotion organisations such as the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and others from Italy, Korea and Qatar have set up cluster zones on hktdc.com Sourcing to promote products from their members as well as brands and industries in their respective countries and regions.

Tomohiro Takashima, Director General of JETRO’s Hong Kong office, said the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on physical trade activities between Japan and Hong Kong, and that more Japanese exporters exploring overseas markets have switched to online marketing. “We were pleased to learn that the HKTDC had launched an upgraded hktdc.com Sourcing online platform,” Mr Takashima said. “Using the customised online and social media promotion plan offered by the HKTDC, we have set up a page on the platform featuring more than 150 Japanese suppliers of houseware, healthcare and beauty products and more. I am confident that the platform can effectively connect Japanese businesses with buyers from Hong Kong and other markets and create business opportunities for all parties concerned. We plan to scale up the page gradually to feature more suppliers from different industries,” he added.

Daniel Ip, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, said times are tough for Hong Kong exporters amid the pandemic. Online sales and promotion have become a dominant trend in the industry, leading the federation to set up a dedicated page on the upgraded hktdc.com Sourcing online platform to help members promote their products. “I am delighted that the timely launch of the upgraded platform offers local SMEs an effective channel to connect with overseas buyers. In addition, the Digital Academy offers free courses to equip them with digital marketing capabilities to meet the challenges posed by the post-COVID-19 new normal,” Dr Ip added.

Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE launches next Monday
Under the theme “A New Connected World Beyond the New Normal”, Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE (ASWO) has attracted 2,600 exhibitors from 33 countries, including 37 group pavilions. The virtual trade fair features the latest products from 11 industries including electronics, houseware, lighting, outdoor lighting, eco tech, gifts and premiums, toys, baby products, stationery, optical as well as watches and clocks. “This is a one-stop sourcing platform where suppliers can generate new business while buyers can restock for the year ahead,” Mr Chau said.

ASWO offers a new 3D virtual booth where exhibitors can promote their brands and products through a unique presentation. The Environment Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) features an interactive “Hong Kong GO Green” virtual tour, introducing the latest waste management facilities as well as virtual reality demonstration of the latest noise reduction system. Cyberport’s 3D virtual booth will bring 14 start-ups to showcase innovative technologies such as mobile applications, consumer electronics, e-health, robotics and wearable devices. There are also spectacular 3D booths by exhibitors of optical, toys and baby products.

Additionally, ASWO features the AI-driven Click2Match business-matching platform. This platform supports meeting scheduling, video meetings, live-chat sessions, contact exchange and other functions to provide a richer online sourcing and networking experience for buyers and exhibitors. “We will mobilise our global office network to actively invite quality buyers to participate in AWSO,” Mr Chau said. “Virtual business-matching meetings are being arranged based on buyers’ sourcing needs, promoting business opportunities between buyers and exhibitors.”

At the same time, the ASWO Intelligence Hub will feature more than 20 webinars with over 100 leading industry figures sharing their insights. Five of the webinars are pre-approved under the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme. There are four main series:

– The SmartTech series – of which a highlight is the “Symposium on Innovation & Technology – A New Connected World Beyond the New Normal” on 16 November. Ricky Wong, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Television Network Limited, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung from the Department of Microbiology at the University of Hong Kong, and representatives from Google, Amazon, KPMG and renowned scholars from the United States will share insights on how innovative technologies like AI, 5G and the cloud are reshaping the post-pandemic world;

– The Lifestyle series – the LEGO Group will share consumer insights and marketing strategies for toys in the Greater China region at the Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference (18 November), while the Hong Kong International Watch Forum (18 November) will discuss manufacturing trends in the watchmaking industry;

– The Green and Sustainability series – the Eco Asia Conference powered by the Environment Bureau will be held on 19, 20 and 23 November. The Secretary for the Environment of the HKSAR Government and officials from Guangdong and Macao will share the latest progress in environmental protection work in the Greater Bay Area;

– The Business Essentials series – featuring webinars on practical tips for SMEs and the latest regional/market opportunities.

Mr Chau expected that the HKTDC can resume its physical trade fairs in March 2021 at the earliest. “We hope the HKSAR Government can reach agreement with more countries to establish ‘travel bubbles’ and promote cross-boundary business travel, making it possible to resume international physical trade fairs in Hong Kong and continue to create business opportunities for local traders,” he said.

Relevant websites
hktdc.com Sourcing promotional video: https://bit.ly/35isopP
Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE promotional video: https://youtu.be/FhLVABfKjdo
Photo download – https://bit.ly/35g1gYy

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Contact:
For more information or to request interviews, please contact the HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department: Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369 / 9658 8280 Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049 / 9036 0212 Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

BioVaxys Announces 96.4 Percent Positive Antibody Immune Response Results from an In Vivo Murine Model Study of Its SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine

Medical

Marie Jones

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November 11, 2020

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BioVaxys Announces 96.4 Percent Positive Antibody Immune Response Results from an In Vivo Murine Model Study of Its SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine

BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FSE: 5LB) (“BioVaxys”) is pleased to announce that results from its preclinical animal study (also known as the “murine model study”) of BVX-0320, its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, show that the vaccine elicits a positive immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 s-spike protein. Previous interim data from the study showed it possessed an excellent emerging tolerability profile with no noteworthy clinical observations or observed toxicities in the mice. When the study concluded after 6 weeks, the excellent safety and tolerability profile was maintained.

The preclinical study, which began in September 2020 and was conducted by leading independent contract research organization (“CRO”) Charles River Laboratories, Inc. under contract with BioVaxys, evaluated the anti-virus immune response elicited by BVX-0320 in a controlled murine model by measuring the development of antibodies to the protein that binds the virus to human cells. Following two injections of BVX-0320 together with the immunological adjuvant, QS21, to 28 mice at four dosage levels, 96.4% developed positive antibody responses detected at week 6. As expected, prior to administering BVX-0320, all animals were antibody-negative, except for one mouse that had a borderline response. Importantly, mice that received the QS21 adjuvant without BVX-0320 developed no antibody responses.

Kenneth Kovan, co-founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of BioVaxys spoke to the results, “As the early data shows that BVX-0320 stimulates an antibody response to the SARS2 s-spike protein, we would expect to see a similar response against live virus infection. Although that work remains to be done, this new data is pivotal at this stage of development of our vaccine.”

BioVaxys and Charles River Laboratories continue to analyze the experimental data to determine the antibody levels induced by each dose and to measure the T cell responses. The latter consists of stimulating T cells obtained from the same mice with viral peptides and measuring the degree of T cell activation using the established analytical method of flow cytometry and the production of cytokines, including IL2 and gamma interferon. In a separate study, the mouse sera (collected from the test animals) will be tested for ability to inactivate live SARS-Cov-2 virus. Results are anticipated within the next month.

Upon completion of the data analysis, BioVaxys anticipates taking further steps to pursue regulatory approval for a Phase I study of its BVX-0320 vaccine candidate in humans.

James Passin, the CEO of BioVaxys, stated, “Although still early, we are very encouraged that the emerging profile for BVX-0320 is a relatively uncomplicated manufacturing process and a temperature-stable vaccine suitable for broad distribution, which lends itself to address a pandemic.” Passin further stated, “We hope to leverage this data to accelerate ongoing discussions with potential pharmaceutical partners on the development of new viral antigen vaccine candidates based on our haptenized viral protein vaccine platform technology.”

BioVaxys’ product pipeline includes BVX-0918A, an IND-stage haptenized cancer cell vaccine for treating late stage ovarian cancer. In Phase I and Phase II clinical studies previously conducted by BioVaxys, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Berd, using an earlier generation of the BioVaxys cancer vaccine on nearly 500 patients with melanoma or ovarian cancer, the haptenized cell platform showed significant clinical promise.

Dr. Berd commented that, “A post-SARS2 infection T cell response appears to be a defining characteristic following recovery in COVID-19 patients. As we have observed significant T cell responses in previous studies following vaccination with haptenized proteins in cancer patients, our belief is that we will see the same clinical results with our haptenized vaccine platform in in viral diseases.”

BioVaxys has developed its vaccine technology platforms based on the established immunological concept that modifying proteins with simple chemicals called haptens makes them more visible to the immune system. The process of haptenization “teaches” a patient’s immune system to recognize and make target proteins more ‘visible’ as foreign, thereby stimulating an immune response.

For greater certainty, BioVaxys is not making any express or implied claims that it has the ability to treat the SAR-CoV-2 virus at this time.

About BioVaxys Technology Corp.

Based in Vancouver, BioVaxys Technology Corp. is a British Columbia-registered, early stage biotechnology company that is developing viral and oncology vaccine platforms, as well as immuno-diagnostics. The Company is advancing a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine based on its haptenized viral protein technology, and is planning a clinical trial of its haptenized autologous cell vaccine used in combination with anti-PD1 and anti-PDL-1 checkpoint inhibitors that will initially be developed for ovarian cancer. Also in development is a diagnostic for evaluating the presence or absence of a T cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. BioVaxys has two issued US patents and two patent applications related to its cancer vaccine, and pending patent applications for its SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) vaccine and diagnostic technologies. BioVaxys common shares trade on the CSE under the stock symbol “BIOV” and are listed on the Frankfurt Bourse (FSE: 5LB).

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Signed “James Passin”
James Passin, CEO
+1 646 452 7054

Media Contacts
Andrea Vuturo
+1 508 301 3774
biovaxys@dittopr.co

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This press release includes certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “potential”, “possible”, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “will”, “may”, “could”, or “should” occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, regulatory approval for a Phase I study of its BVX-0320 Vaccine Candidate in humans and the overall development of BioVaxys’ vaccines, including any haptenized SARS-Cov-2 protein vaccine. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies including, primarily but without limitation, the risk that BioVayxs’ vaccines will not prove to be effective and/or will not receive the required regulatory approvals. With regards to BioVaxys’ business, there are a number of risks that could affect the development of its biotechnology products, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital to fund clinical trials, its lack of operating history, uncertainty about whether its products will complete the long, complex and expensive clinical trial and regulatory approval process for approval of new drugs necessary for marketing approval, uncertainty about whether its autologous cell vaccine immunotherapy can be developed to produce safe and effective products and, if so, whether its vaccine products will be commercially accepted and profitable, the expenses, delays and uncertainties and complications typically encountered by development stage biopharmaceutical businesses, financial and development obligations under license arrangements in order to protect its rights to its products and technologies, obtaining and protecting new intellectual property rights and avoiding infringement to third parties and their dependence on manufacturing by third parties.

The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/67931

iROO raises funds for Rare Disorders Society Singapore

Business

Marie Jones

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November 11, 2020

0

iROO raises funds for Rare Disorders Society Singapore

CARRY HOPE WITH iROO

Taiwanese fashion label iROO International Pte Ltd (iROO) reunites with Rare Disorders Society Singapore (RDSS) for their third annual charity campaign, specially fronted by Taiwanese celebrity Carolyn Chen. Furthermore, anybody who wants to show their support can download the iROO mobile app and bring home Hope, RDSS’s sloth mascot.

Hope represents the many dreams and wishes that RDSS beneficiaries with a rare condition have. Despite their conditions, these children have the same hopes, dreams, and wishes, any children may have. Carrying Hope shows RDSS beneficiaries how much Singaporeans care and supports them.

Anybody in Singapore and Malaysia who wants to support RDSS can get a Hope plushie from iROO. All they need to do is download iROO’s mobile application available on iOS and Google Playstore here (https://iroo.onelink.me/lGAb) and purchase Hope for just $49 each. A pair of both plushies can be purchased at $77. Each Hope plushie will come in a limited edition iROO boy’s or girl’s outfit, making Hope a collectable item. Taiwanese celebrity, Carolyn Chen, known for her roles in “The Bold, The Corrupt, and The Beautiful” and “In the Family”, will be hosting a Facebook Live to give away a pair of autographed plushies. https://www.facebook.com/carolyncatfansclub1/

Chief Operating Officer of iROO International Pte Ltd, Emily Huang says, “This is the third year iROO is working with RDSS and every year, we are increasingly proud and inspired by the work RDSS has done. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and especially so for RDSS and their beneficiaries. As such, I hope Singaporeans will join iROO in our efforts in providing relief to these families by helping them improve the quality of life of children suffering from rare disorders.”

iROO is located at #01-131/132 Great World, #01-179-182 Vivo City, #B2-36 Takashimaya S.C Ngee Ann City, #01-11 Raffles City Shopping Centre and #01-248 Jewel Changi Airport.

About iROO

Taiwanese fashion label iROO was founded in 1999 with the concept of “weekly collections”, launching new designs in sync with runway fashion trends each week. With over 80 stores in Taiwan and Singapore, the label aims to deliver an array of high-quality products infused with aesthetically innovative designs at affordable prices. iROO houses a full collection of style wardrobe catering to the needs of every woman with its Black & White Collection, Feminine City Collection, Party Collection, Casual Weekend Collection, and the “Accessory” Collection.

iROO Outlets: Great World, Vivo City, Takashimaya S.C Ngee Ann City, Raffles City Shopping Centre & Jewel Changi Airport.

– Facebook: www.facebook.com/iroosingapore
– Instagram: @iroosg
– Website: www.rdss.org.sg
– Hashtags: #carryhope2020 #carryhoperdss #iROORDSS
– App: https://iroo.onelink.me/lGAb

For more information, please contact:
Danielle Chow
Fresh Communications
T: +65 97277766
E: danielle@freshcomms.sg