Month: 2025-04

HONG KONG, Apr 28, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Hung Fook Tong is pleased to announce its partnership with data-driven healthy meal brand Nutribite to launch Hong Kong’s first personalised meal service that integrates traditional Chinese wellness wisdom with cutting-edge AI technology. It delivers customised nutritional meal plans for customers, offering a healthy version of “two-dish rice" featuring carefully selected fresh ingredients and nutritionally balanced dish combinations. This service elevates the popular “two-dish rice" into a convenient, science-backed and delicious meal option, redefining healthy eating.Since its establishment in 1986, Hung Fook Tong has remained steadfast to its motto “Naturally Made, Wholeheartedly Good”. Based on traditional Chinese herbal wellness wisdom and embracing both tradition and innovation, the company is committed to offering customers wellness soups, herbal teas, and a diverse range of healthy products. As a pioneer in data-driven healthy meals, Nutribite leverages advanced technology to precisely quantify key nutritional components and calorie data of each food item, providing customers with healthy food options. Now powered by DeepSeek's AI technology, it has realised the transformation from data-driven analytics to intelligent, personalised decision-making.The meal service, launched in partnership between Hung Fook Tong and Nutribite, pioneers the integration of AI technology with nutritional science and traditional Chinese wellness wisdom, offering customers a brand new personalised healthy eating experience. Customers can simply enter their personal information (such as age, height and weight), dietary preferences and health needs on the platform. DeepSeek will then use this data to generate personalised healthy meal plans, including Nutribite meal boxes that are precisely curated to meet individual health needs, and a variety of Hung Fook Tong wellness products that are tailored to the customer's physical condition, saving them the hassle of meal planning. Real-time interactive features also allow customers to adjust their dietary recommendations at any time.Hung Fook Tong offers a fully personalised service, from the design of nutritional meals to their precise delivery, making healthy eating a part of everyday life. Currently, customers can place orders through Hung Fook Tong's "JIKA CLUB" mobile app and pick up their meals at its designated stores in Hong Kong. Boasting a vast retail network of over 100 stores, Hung Fook Tong is the largest herbal retailer in Hong Kong in terms of retail network size, with over 50% of its outlets located at MTR stations. This allows customers to conveniently access its wellness products and Nutribite meal pick-up services. From 28 April to 31 May, 2025, customers will enjoy a 10% discount on meals ordered via this service.Dr. Ricky Szeto, CEO and Executive Director of Hung Fook Tong, stated, “As a modern wellness concept food and beverage enterprise, Hung Fook Tong is committed to integrating traditional Chinese herbal wellness wisdom with innovative technology to offer customers high-quality, diverse products and services that meet their various needs for healthy diets. This strategic partnership with Nutribite leverages advanced AI technology to provide customers with a brand-new healthy eating experience, marking a significant breakthrough in the group's digital transformation. Together, we look forward to creating a new blueprint for healthy eating in the market and injecting new momentum into the group's development.”Mr. Wei Qiang, the founder of Nutribite, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Nutribite has been dedicated to driving innovation in data-driven healthy meal management and developing customised healthy meal solutions catering to various scenarios. We are pleased to partner with Hung Fook Tong to integrate elements of traditional Chinese wellness wisdom into our healthy meal offerings, marking an important step in deepening our presence in the healthy catering market. We look forward to a close collaboration that will create more innovative value to the market and reshape the future of healthy eating.”Click to download images: https://bit.ly/44yMMSGAccess Meal ordering platform (mobile only) via JIKA CLUB:Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/hk/app/%E9%B4%BB%E7%A6%8F%E5%A0%82/id509466853?l=en-GBAndroid: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hungfooktong.hft&pcampaignid=web_share Designated stores for self-pickup: https://bit.ly/3Gp0aPfAbout Hung Fook Tong (Stock Code: 1446)Established in 1986 and listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in July 2014, Hung Fook Tong is a modern wellness concept food and beverage enterprise, offering a wide range of additive-free healthy food products for more than 35 years. Currently, it has over 100 retail shops in Hong Kong, thus it is the top retailer of Chinese herbal products in Hong Kong in terms of the number of retail shops. To capture the growth potential of the huge consumer market in Mainland China, the Group's long shelf-life drinks and fresh drinks are sold to third party retailers and distributors covering a number of cities in Mainland China.Website: www.hungfooktong.comAbout NutribiteNutribite is an innovative Hong Kong healthy catering brand that combines DeepSeek’s core AI algorithm with a digital nutrition database to create its "AI Healthy Meal" smart catering solution. Each meal box is labelled with key nutritional information, including calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates and dietary fibre, giving consumers complete transparency about what and how much they are eating.Nutribite has developed four unique core pillars of quantitative nutritional science, home-style flavours, AI personalisation, and automated service. Leveraging Japanese flash-freezing technology and its comprehensive cold chain logistics network in Hong Kong, Nutribite ensures the daily delivery of fresh and nutritious meals. With over 70 dishes developed by its team of renowned Asian chefs, Nutribite makes healthy meals no longer bland. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

- The Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) and Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) commence today for three days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre- Some 330 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing more than 600 brands and intellectual properties (IPs) will be attending HKILS- ALC features nearly 20 international licensing industry experts to discuss the latest global licensing trends, sustainable licensing models, immersive art and technology applications, and IP innovations- The event features more than 30 panda-themed IPs, with the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau and two Egyptian museums participating for the first time-“Hong Kong Licensing Force” is a new exhibition zone showcasing design and IP projects from multiple Hong Kong universities.HONG KONG, Apr 28, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 22nd Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) and the 14th Asian Licensing Conference (ALC), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), commence today for three days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 330 exhibitors from around the world are showcasing more than 600 brands and intellectual properties (IPs) at HKILS. At the concurrent ALC, nearly 20 international licensing industry experts will explore key industry topics. Both these events foster cross-sector and cross-industry collaboration, enhance the commercial value of IP, and expand the IP trading ecosystem, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a regional IP and licensing trading hub.Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, said at the opening ceremony: “These two flagship events reflect the continued growth and vitality of the global licensing sector. Thanks to our world-class experience and talents, robust legal protections, proximity to growth markets and a new generation of consumers, Hong Kong is an established IP and licensing trading hub. HKILS provides a vibrant platform for the city’s emerging creative talents who are developing new IPs.”ALC focuses on trending topics, including how classic character and cultural heritage IPs can preserve their original spirit while staying relevant. Ms Fong added that ALC will include the enduring stories of truly iconic and globally appealing characters such as the Peanuts gang and the Smurfs, and explore the potential of these IPs to further develop their reach and appeal in the ever-changing marketplace. The conference will also take a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of China and Egypt, two of the world’s most historic civilisations, and how such timeless IP create fresh connections and generate new experiences in today’s world.HKILS and ALC welcomed Raistlin Lau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, as the guest of honour at the opening ceremony. Mr Lau remarked: “Brands and Intellectual Property has been proven as the cornerstone of the creative industry. The annual Hong Kong International Licensing Show is the flagship event in Asia that gathers global license sources and brand representatives in Hong Kong to explore infinite business opportunities with licensees, licensing agents and traders. In the three-day fair, among the 330 exhibitors are 43 Hong Kong emerging design companies which will showcase their licensable designs in Hong Kong Pavillion, which is one of the CreateSmart Initiative projects supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.”Panda-themed IPs and museums and cultural institutions from the mainland at both eventsHong Kong’s pandas have welcomed local and international visitors, giving the local economy a significant boost. HKILS features over 30 panda-themed IPs, including Ocean Park Hong Kong’s panda family IP, featuring “Ying Ying”, “Le Le”, “Elder Sister”, and “Little Brother”. For the first time, HKILS welcomes the Egyptian Museum Cairo and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation.The Mainland China Pavilion features over 30 museums and cultural institutions including Prince Kung’s Palace Museum and 14 prominent museums led by Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, including the Capital Museum, China, Confucian Temple and the Imperial College Museum and Natural History Museum of China, showcasing Beijing's rich historical and cultural resources and continuously enhancing the internationalisation of its cultural and creative museums.“Hong Kong Licensing Force” supports young talentThis year’s HKILS introduces the “Hong Kong Licensing Force”, aimed at nurturing original brands and IPs. The zone features 15 IPs from students at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, covering areas such as environmental protection, cultural conservation and social development. Through diverse media applications, including AR and VR experiences, these projects present the innovative thoughts of the new generation.Another initiative supporting local creative design is the Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme, sponsored by the HKSAR Government’s Cultural and the Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) which returns to the Licensing Show with more than 40 local designers.Classic IPs Reveal Strategies for Sustained PopularityFor ALC, Maarten Weck, Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships & Licensing of WildBrain and Tim Erickson, Executive Vice President, Peanuts Worldwide & WildBrain Brands, shared the sophisticated strategies that keep Peanuts popular and loved across generations during Snoopy's 75th Anniversary: The Beagle that Captured Our Hearts. WildBrain is Peanuts IP owner.Mr Weck said: “Brands are global, but executions need to be local. Consumers nowadays want to be surprised by diverse and different offerings, including brand collaborations. We need to think outside the box about which brands could benefit from working with you, and vice versa. That is something consumers really focus on.”ALC hosted a China Opportunity sharing session, focusing on the potential and opportunities within the cultural industry on the mainland. In the China Opportunity (1) - Hong Kong’s Unique Position to Take Chinese Cultural IP Global session were Lichao Zhang, Chairman of Beijing National Library Innovative Cultural Relics Protection Technology and General Manager of Beijing National Library Innovative Cultural Service, Pan Wei, Deputy Director of Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum (Xiannongtan) and Gabriel Kwong, Ocean Park Hong Kong’s Panda IP Creator and Co-Founder of Air World Limited. During the session, the speakers analysed how Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” in creating cultural symbols with both Chinese characteristics and international appeal, facilitating cultural exports. The conference also specially invited Wan Pin Chu, an erhuist and film composer for the Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha ” as speaker.ALC continues over the next two days with more exciting content, including a series of activities to deepen the understanding of ancient Egyptian civilisation and the commercial opportunities behind its IPs. Metavision Global Entertainment CEO Ethan Tang will join attendees tomorrow in the Licensing Academy II - The Future of Storytelling: How Technology Transforms Narrative in Immersive Art to experience VR and AR that bring new entertainment experiences and explore the development process of the VR immersive journey, "Horizon of Khufu".Dr. Ali Abdelhalim Ali, General Director of the Egyptian Museum, and Dr. Nashwa Gaber Mohamed, Deputy Executive Director of Archaeological Affairs at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, will participate in tomorrow’s Tapping into the Timeless Allure of Ancient Egypt: Licensing Opportunities with Museums, focusing on artifacts with potential and successful commercialisation cases, sharing how museums can expand from traditional souvenir shop models into new licensing domains.Fabienne Gilles, Chief Commercial Officer of Peyo Company, and Marie Van Buggenhout, Senior Licensing Distribution Manager, will join tomorrow’s session, How to Mix Fun and Sustainability in a Smurfy Way. Representing the Smurfs, created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford), they will share how the core values of the Smurfs can be harnessed to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices worldwide through the collaborations with the United Nations.The Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference are held concurrently with five other lifestyle exhibitions organised by the HKTDC, including the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, creating opportunities for cross-industry exchange and collaboration.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4lJ8Z6JMargaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director (second right), Raistlin Lau, Hong Kong SAR Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (second left), and other guests gathered at the opening of the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference.This year’s Hong Kong International Licensing Show features over 600 brands and licensing projects, bringing together top global licensors and licensing agents.Maarten Weck, Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships & Licensing of WildBrain and Tim Erickson, Executive Vice President, Peanuts Worldwide & WildBrain Brands, shared the strategies that keep Peanuts popular and loved across generations in Snoopy's 75th Anniversary: The Beagle That Captured Our Hearts.ALC featured a China Opportunity session, focusing on the win-win development between China and the world and sharing the potential and opportunities in the cultural industry.This year’s HKILS introduces the “Hong Kong Licensing Force”, a new showcase from the next generation of local talent and featuring innovative thinking in design and IP, with the aim of nurturing original brands and IPs.WebsitesHong Kong International Licensing Show:https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/enAsian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en/programme category=all&date=allHKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enMedia enquiriesFor more information, please contact Raconteur:Molisa LauTel: (852) 6187 7786Email: molisalau@raconteur.hkBetsy TseTel: (852) 9742 7338Email: betsytse@raconteur.hkThe HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:Katy WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 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 research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Bangkok, Thailand--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - April 28, 2025) - Azurite Medical and Wellness, founded by entrepreneur Trina Eliassen, announces the launch of its innovative medical tourism service that combines affordable cosmetic surgery with exclusive luxury aftercare experiences in Thailand, fundamentally transforming how patients approach overseas surgical procedures.Azurite Medical and Wellness To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/249980_b94c71f2c41a5943_001full.jpgThe new venture, led by American-born Eliassen who relocated to Australia in 2005, brings together world-class surgical expertise with comprehensive pre-operative preparation and 5-star recovery accommodations, delivering premium surgical packages at up to 75% less than Western prices."We've created a service that addresses every aspect of the medical tourism journey," explains Trina Eliassen, Founder of Azurite Medical and Wellness. "From nutritional coaching months before surgery to luxury recovery accommodations with 24/7 nursing care, our goal is to eliminate the stress and uncertainty typically associated with overseas procedures."The company has established an exclusive partnership with renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Theerapong, whose expertise in complex reconstructive procedures has attracted patients from across the globe. Azurite's comprehensive packages include private transportation, luxury accommodation, personalized meal plans, and round-the-clock nursing care for 9-28 days depending on procedure complexity.What sets the Azurite approach apart is its focus on bundled surgical packages that deliver more balanced aesthetic results while maximizing value. A comprehensive facelift package including fat transfer, upper and lower blepharoplasty, and an optional surgical lip lift costs approximately AUD 17,500 through Azurite's service, compared to around AUD 75,000 for equivalent procedures in Australia.The announcement comes as global medical tourism continues to grow, with patients increasingly seeking alternatives to high-cost procedures in Western countries. Eliassen plans to expand the Azurite service model to Turkey and Korea in the coming years, leveraging these countries' advanced medical technologies and established beauty industries. The company also has plans to launch a specialized nutrition and supplement line designed specifically for post-surgery healing to reduce scarring and infection risk.About Azurite Medical and Wellness: Azurite Medical and Wellness is pioneering a new approach to medical tourism that combines surgical excellence with luxury recovery experiences. The company provides comprehensive support throughout the entire transformation journey, from pre-operative preparation to post-surgical care.Media Contact:+61 407 330 054info@azurite.com.auazurite.com.au & azuritemedicalandwellness.comTo view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249980 Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

JAKARTA, Apr 28, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Wintermar recorded a 31.4%YOY increase in Gross Profit to US$6.6 million for 1Q2025, with US$4.1 million Operating Profit (+52.5% YOY), driven by Owned Vessels gross margin expansion.Margin expansion in the Owned Vessel Division continued to boost profitability, despite a slow quarter where Total Revenue fell by 9.2%YOY from US$18.4 million in 1Q2024 to US$16.7 million in 1Q2025. The lower revenue stemmed from a slower than expected start after the monsoon season which primarily affected the Chartering Division.Owned Vessel DivisionThe Owned Vessel Division continued to perform well as the high tier vessels and mid-tier DP vessels saw improved utilization. Gross Profit from Owned Vessel jumped by 55.8%YOY to US$6.1 million for 1Q2025 as compared to 1Q2024, generated from revenues of US$14.8 million (+6.1%YOY). With more PSVs working, Owned Vessel gross margin has continued to increase to 41.2% in 1Q2025 from 28.1% in 1Q2024. Average charter rates for 1Q2025 were 31% higher than 1Q2024, due to a larger number of high yielding vessels in the Company’s fleet.The lower end of the mid-tier segment did not fare as well in 1Q2025, as some mid-tier vessels came off spot contracts. OSV demand was slow during the quarter, with some project delays, even though there were some ongoing tenders. Fleet utilization dropped to 57% in 1Q2025 as compared to 63% in 4Q2024. Two additional HLBs were delivered in February and March 2025 which only commenced operations in April 2025.Chartering Division and Other ServicesA longer than expected hiatus for the monsoon season led to a 70%YOY drop in Chartering Division Revenues to US$0.9 for 1Q2025 compared to 1Q2024. Revenue from Other Services also recorded a decline of 30.5%YOY to US$1.0 million upon the completion of a contract.Direct Expenses and Gross ProfitOwned Vessel Direct Expenses reduced by 13.3%YOY to US$8.7 million from US$10.1 million in 1Q2024. There were savings in maintenance costs (-28.2%YOY), which fell from US$2.4 million in 1Q2024 to US$1.7 million in 1Q2025, due to the absence of some one-off preparation costs in 2024 for international contracts. Owing to the sale of 3 vessels during 2024, Operations cost fell by 31.0%YOY, from US$1.1 million in 1Q2024 to US$0.8 million in 1Q2025 while Crewing expenses also decreased by 7%YOY, from US$2.5 million in 1Q2024 to US$2.4 million. Bunker costs were maintained at US$0.5 million (+1.8%YOY), reflecting a stable oil price and a low number of vessel mobilizations.As a result of a higher concentration in Dynamic Positioning (DP) vessels which has enjoyed a stronger charter rate increase, the Gross Profit margin has risen from 27.1% in 1Q2024 to 39.3% in 1Q2025, demonstrating the underlying resilience of the fleet despite the near-term delays in project commencements.Indirect Expenses and Operating ProfitTotal Indirect Expense rose by 6.5%YOY to US$2.4 million in 1Q2025 as compared to US$2.3 million in 1Q2024. This increase was primarily driven by the increase in marketing expenses and staff salaries.With the growing participation in international tenders, Marketing Expenses in 1Q2025 doubled to US$0.17 million (+125.3%YOY) from US$0.08 million in 1Q2024. Staff Salary contributed US$0.09 million to the increase, rising 5.2%YOY to US$1.8 million in 1Q2025, due to an expansion of permanent employees and higher salaries.Operating Profit for 1Q2025 was US$4.1 million, which increased 52.5% compared to the same period in the previous year. The operating margin rose to 24.7% in 1Q2025 from 14.7% in 1Q2024.Other Income, Expenses and Net Attributable ProfitInterest expenses doubled to US$0.5 million in 1Q2025 as the Company obtained new loans to refinance the PSV and HLBs purchased last year. On the other hand, interest income rose by 32.0%YOY to US$0.1 million in 1Q2025, following strong cash flow generation.Interest expenses doubled to US$0.5 million in 1Q2025 as the Company obtained new loans to refinance the PSV and HLBs purchased last year. On the other hand, interest income rose by 32.0%YOY to US$0.1 million in 1Q2025, following strong cash flow generation.Equity in net earnings of associates recorded a loss of US$0.04 in 1Q2025 compared to a gain of US$0.2 million in 1Q2024, reflecting the lower utilization experienced by our associated companies.The sale of fixed assets contributed a gain of US$0.2 million from the disposal of low tier vessels in 1Q2025, effectively capturing the fleet’s monetary value. The Company recorded a FX loss of US$0.4 million from Rupiah denominated trade receivables, impacted by the strengthening of the USD.Non-controlling interest was significantly higher at US$1.5 million compared to US$0.4 in 1Q2024, reflecting the share of minority interest in earnings from the PSV business, in which Wintermar holds a 51% stake. Net Attributable Profit for 1Q2025 amounted to US$1.6 million, a decrease by 25.6%YOY from US$2.2 million in 1Q2024.The group’s EBITDA jumped by 20.2%YOY for 1Q2025, reaching US$7.6 million.Industry Outlook The long term outlook for offshore support vessels (OSV) is still positive, albeit in the near term, the industry has not escaped the uncertainty affecting global business sentiment that has emerged from policy fluctuations in the US. As a result of the imposition of tariffs, oil demand growth for 2025 has been revised down while geopolitical risks have risen amidst fears of escalating trade wars.In 1Q2025, the global caution added to the seasonal slowdown in Asia which resulted in some delays to project commencements. However, planning is underway for several offshore drilling projects which are expected to ramp up towards the end of the year, which provide support for charter rates. The second-hand market has been active with higher prices being offered for used OSVs in operating condition, indicating that there is still strong demand in the coming years. Business ProspectsThe year has started on a slow footing, which has impacted utilization in 1Q2025 as 60% of the fleet is still exposed to short term spot contracts. Gross margins, which have been climbing, will be maintained due to the better fleet mix, as can be seen in the strong growth in gross profit and operating profit. The Company has taken delivery of 2 units of Heavy Load Barges in 1Q2025 which are expected to commence operations in 2Q2025 and secured additional high tier vessel contracts, thus supporting continued profitability in the latter part of the year. Looking ahead to 2026, we are still positive on the demand for DP vessels which will be needed for several new deepwater drilling projects which are in development this year. Total contracts on hand as at end March 2025 has risen to US$71.9 million.About Wintermar Offshore Marine GroupWintermar 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 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 .For further information, please contact:Ms. Pek Swan Layanto, CFAInvestor RelationsPT Wintermar Offshore Marine TbkTel (62-21) 530 5201 Ext 401Email: investor_relations@wintermar.com Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.