CPA Australia Survey: Tax Reform And Technology Adoption To Bolster China’s Stable Economic Growth In 2020

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CPA Australia Survey: Tax Reform And Technology Adoption To Bolster China’s Stable Economic Growth In 2020

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach – 17 January 2020 – Bolstered by the adoption of emerging technologies and the
government’s tax and financial sector reforms, most accounting and finance
professionals expect China’s economy to maintain a stable growth rate of above 5.5 per
cent in 2020. In addition, three-quarters expect their company’s profit will
remain the same or increase, according
to the China Economic and Business Sentiment Survey 2020 conducted by CPA
Australia, one of the world’s largest accounting bodies.

From left to right: Mr. Kevin Ng Member of CPA Australia North China Committee ,  Mr. Derek Chan President of CPA Australia North China Committee, Mr. Michael Yu President of CPA Australia East & Central China Committee and Mr. William Huang President of CPA Australia South China Committee

Stable and
high-quality economic growth

Despite short-term
headwinds, the survey findings show that accounting and finance professionals are
cautiously optimistic in China’s economic conditions in 2020, with 76 per cent
of respondents forecasting GDP growth of 5.5 per cent or above.

The results
indicate that a combination of the adoption of emerging technologies and tax
and financial sector reforms are helping to boost the economy. Further , over one-third of respondents
believe improved China-US relations will also help to improve China’s economy,
with the easing of trade tensions expected to improve confidence in trade and
investment, and make doing business easier.

A stable growth rate around 6 per cent in 2020 and high-quality growth
driven by investments in emerging technologies will see China remain a key
driver, if not the most important driver of global growth in 2020 and beyond.

Business resilience

Respondents are generally confident in China’s business outlook for 2020,
with 75 per cent expecting that their company’s profit will remain the same or
increase , of which 64 per cent believe that their company’s profit will grow by
2 per cent or more. Consistent with robust profit expectations, respondents are
generally confident with in the labour market in 2020, with 66 per cent
expecting their company’s headcount to remain the same or increase.

CPA Australia members were most likely to select
attracting,
retaining, and developing talent (27 per cent), followed by cost management (26
per cent), and investing into innovation and technology (25 per cent) as their
company’s key strategic focuses for 2020. This reflects a proactive
short and long-term strategic focus of many Chinese firms.

Technology will
continue to boost economic growth

Supported by measures to encourage investment in research and
development, and adoption of emerging technologies, 42 per cent of respondents
chose the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence,
blockchain technology, cloud computing, and robotic processing automation, as
the top driver of domestic economic growth in 2020. This indicates that many
accounting professionals are optimistic in the potential that these
technologies may provide to the economy, labour productivity and business
profitability.

The focus on innovation and technology by Chinese firms remains strong,
with 69 per cent of respondents expecting their business to introduce a new
product, service, or process in 2020, and half expect their business to
increase investment in new technology.

The focus on innovation and technology represents a long-term strategy
to continually move up the value chain. Targeted investments in innovation,
technology and talent by businesses should be them boost efficiency and stay
ahead of competitors.

Stimulating the
economy through tax financial structural reforms

The survey findings show that accounting and finance professionals
support policies to reform the financial sector and reform the tax system to
promote economic growth.

It therefore comes as no surprise that 77 per cent of respondents
indicated that tax reforms and reduced fees positively impacted their business
in 2019, with 53 per cent stating it has reduced their business tax burden.

91 per cent of accounting and finance professionals are confident that tax
reforms and fee reductions will provide a stimulus to the economy in 2020 through
decreasing business operating costs and further encouraging China’s economic
transformation. The areas members would most like to see tax reforms in are
corporate income tax (67 per cent), individual income tax (65 per cent) and
value-added tax (55 per cent).

Seizing the
opportunities from the Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is progressively
attracting more companies to engage in activities related to it, with 60 per
cent of respondents stating that their company will engage in BRI-related
activities over the next three years, up 5 percentage points from 2019.

6 1 per cent of respondents believe that the BRI will create more
trade and investment opportunities for Chinese businesses in 2020, suggesting
that accounting professionals are confident that the country’s ambitious global
infrastructure and investment plan will help increase bilateral trade and
investment deals.    


In
conclusion, businesses should take full advantage of the various strategies the
government has announced to lift productivity, lower operating costs, and
expand globally in 2020.

About the survey

The
survey was conducted from 20 November to 9 December 2019 with 242 of CPA
Australia’s Greater China members participating, including finance and
accounting professionals from listed companies, multinational corporations,
private enterprise and the government.

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one
of the world’s largest accounting bodies with more than 164,000 members working in 150 countries and regions
around the world, with more than 25,000 members working in senior leadership
positions. It has established a strong membership base of more than 19,000 in the Greater China region.

CCG expands Asia-Pacific presence with Singapore office

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CCG expands Asia-Pacific presence with Singapore office

HONG
KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach – 17 January 2020 – Hong Kong-based communications agency Creative Consulting Group (CCG) has responded to regional growth
by launching a Singapore operation at the start of 2020.

CCG
expands Asian footprint with the opening of a Singapore office.
(From left) Belinda Chan, Managing Partner of CCG; Kevin
Leung, Director CCG; Penn Leung, Account Director of CCG.

Led by Director of CCG Kevin Leung, the Singapore operation will
continue to seek new opportunities that make strategic sense not only to grow
the group’s business, but also provide additional value for their clients.

A graduate of the
University of Toronto, Kevin has nearly two decades of experiences in financial
marketing and publishing industry. Kevin is deeply invested in
delivering the optimal one-stop solution and be a trusted service partner to
clients from the local and international arenas.

Founded by former journalist Belinda Chan in 2001, CCG has been regarded
as one of the leading full-service integrated communications consultancies in
the region. Adding CCG Singapore will further support their diversified client
partnerships and to deliver seamless and quality service.

“Our clients are increasingly looking at an integrated,
pan-Asian approach,” said Chan, managing partner of CCG. “Singapore is a key
market in Asia for many multinational companies. With our proven client
relationships and diverse capabilities, we are poised for even further growth
and footprint expansion under the regional leadership of Kevin.”

CCG Singapore will provide clients with a range of service
including branding, creative development, integrated communications including
digital, language, advertising, media relations, coaching and training, and
event management services.

About Creative Consulting Group (CCG)

Founded in Hong Kong in 2001, CCG is a
multidisciplinary agency group with a focused expertise in corporate and
marketing communications. The group’s mission is to provide a full range of
services in marketing and corporate communications to help clients achieve the
success they seek and bring their aspirations to life. CCG is a member of the
world’s largest independent PR agency organisation PRNetwork.

Corrective Services NSW Selects Infor to Achieve Critical Workforce Utilisation Efficiencies

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Corrective Services NSW Selects Infor to Achieve Critical Workforce Utilisation Efficiencies

Around 7000 rostered staff to benefit from industry-leading cloud platform

 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media
OutReach – 17 January 2020 – Infor, a global
leader in business cloud software specialised by industry, announced that Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) has chosen
Infor CloudSuite
Workforce Management to future-proof aspects of its scheduled staff
rostering needs through a competitive market process.


Infor’s
comprehensive workforce management solution and associated business process changes will provide efficient and
effective staff scheduling procedures, and provide ongoing workforce
utilisation efficiencies.

Infor’s industry-leading workforce scheduling system will deliver a host of
benefits to Corrective Services NSW, including:

  • Providing live scheduling monitors in key locations that enhance staff
    safety and security
  • Continually adapting its workforce scheduling approach to new business models
  • Mitigate the risk of potential compliance errors by ensuring team members
    are rostered and paid in compliance with their respective Public Sector Awards.

 

The rostering of CSNSW employees is a critical
business function that supports 6,885 rostered staff within 109 rostered sites
state-wide 24 hours 7 days a week. Rostered staff comprises custodial,
industrial, security and intelligence, administration, and clerical employees that
attract any form of penalty rate payment during the performance of their
duties. These CSNSW employees are situated in correctional centres, courts,
operational or support locations across NSW.

Infor ANZ
Managing Director Jarrod Kinchington said that the complexity of a state-wide
workforce demands a flexible and intuitive workforce management system that can
be deployed with minimal disruptions to day-to-day activities.

“We are thrilled that Corrective Services NSW
has chosen Infor for its cloud-based workforce management needs. Our Infor
CloudSuite solution will provide the organisation with a central location to
easily manage employee resources, as well as the ability to track operational
and labour performance and comply with the necessary legislation, regulations
and procedures,” Kinchington said.  

Media Contact

Phyllis Tan

Infor Asia Pacific

+65 9799 9133

phyllis.tan@infor.com

About Corrective Services NSW

Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) is a division of the Department of Communities
and Justice. It delivers professional correctional services and programs to
reduce re-offending and enhance community safety. As an important element of
the criminal justice system, CSNSW manages remand and sen​tenced inmates
as well as offenders in the community.


About Infor

Infor is a global leader in
business cloud software specialized by industry. With 17,300 employees and over
68,000 customers in more than 170 countries, Infor software is designed for
progress. To learn more, please visitwww.infor.com.

Infor customers include:

  • The top 20 aerospace
    companies
  • 9 of the top 10
    high tech companies
  • 14 of the 25 largest
    U.S. healthcare delivery networks
  • 19 of the 20 largest
    U.S. cities
  • 18 of the top 20 automotive
    suppliers
  • 14 of the top 20
    industrial distributors
  • 13 of the top 20
    global retailers
  • 4 of the top 5
    brewers
  • 17 of the top 20
    global banks
  • 9 of the 10 largest
    global hotel brands
  • 7 of the top 10
    global luxury brands

 

President Buhari Nominates Dr Kingsley Obiorah As Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor

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President Buhari Nominates Dr Kingsley Obiorah As Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent the name of Dr Kingsley Isitua Obiora to the Senate for confirmation as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In a letter to President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, President Buhari said the nomination was in accordance with the provision of Section 8(1) (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007.

Dr Obiora, upon confirmation by the Senate, replaces Dr Joseph Nnanna, who retires on February 2, 2020.

Profile of Dr. Obora

Dr Obiora holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, a Masters in Economics from the University of Ibadan, and a Doctorate in Monetary and International Economics, also from the University of Ibadan.

He is currently an Alternate Executive Director in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC, United States of America.

Public-Private Collaboration commits to Accelerate Access to Health Services in Africa, reaching 1.7 Million People

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Public-Private Collaboration commits to Accelerate Access to Health Services in Africa, reaching 1.7 Million People

Healthcare companies and philanthropies to fund the training of thousands of community health workers as part of a larger initiative led by Last Mile Health and Living Goods to advance universal health coverage

BASEL, Switzerland, January 16, 2020,/ — Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, GSK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have joined forces with Last Mile Health and Living Goods to increase access to community-based primary healthcare for nearly 1.7 million people in up to six African countries, as part of their shared commitment to accelerate universal health coverage. The Health Worker Training Initiative is a three-year investment, generously matched by The Audacious Project, and totals USD $18 million.

Harnessing the synergy of cross-industry collaboration is key to advancing universal health coverage. Living Goods and Last Mile Health have pioneered the community health worker model and are continually exploring novel approaches to training and retaining community health workers. By teaming up with Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, GSK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, precious resources and acumen can be maximized. All are united by the belief that community health workers play a catalytic role, and all share a commitment towards advancing universal health coverage.

Leveraging the unique expertise of each organization will drive tech innovation and deepen the impact. In addition to financial contributions, industry partners will contribute disease-specific expertise and experience in the discovery and development of new tools, which will supplement the community health worker models pioneered by Last Mile Health and Living Goods, in partnership with government.

Investing in community health workers produces some of the best returns in health. Community health workers can yield a 10:1 return on investment, due to a healthier population, increased employment, and lower odds of health crises. In addition, community health workers can help primary healthcare systems serve the majority of a population’s health needs, which means community health workers are one of the most efficient and effective ways to achieve universal health coverage. This partnership is a response to the growing call to action globally to advance universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3.

“Focused investment in community health workers can accelerate progress to make universal health coverage a reality,” said Dave Ricks, chairman and CEO of Lilly and president of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations. “Public-private collaboration is critical to help governments lower barriers to quality care and innovative medicines that save and improve people’s lives.”

“Community health workers are the critical frontline to sustainably impact the health of communities in resource-poor settings,” said Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis.  “Novartis is committed to strengthening healthcare systems and is proud to be part of this coalition to use digital technologies to reimagine the future of community health delivery.”

The three-year investment will cover three areas:

  • Supporting the training and deployment of 2,500 digitally-enabled community health workers, reaching nearly 1.7 million people by 2022. Community health workers will be trained and deployed in Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and up to two additional countries.
  • Supporting Last Mile Health’s Community Health Academy, which is an open-source, digital learning platform for community health workers and health systems leaders used worldwide. Training curricula for community health workers initially focus on diarrheal diseases, family planning, malaria and pneumonia, with further modules expected to address non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.
  • Contributing expertise and personnel to Living Goods’ new Kenya Performance Lab to develop mobile-based tech innovations that will improve community health worker productivity, strengthen supply chains and better identify obstacles to coverage. The Lab will leverage the knowledge and assets of partners in areas including data science, behaviour change, performance management, analytics and technical health expertise. Innovations would be introduced in Kenya and then scaled to other countries within the broader initiative.

Together, these pieces of the investment aim to scale up access to life-saving primary healthcare while building stronger, tech-enabled community health programs for the future.

“Well-trained community health workers play an integral role in providing quality care in low-resource settings,” said Andrin Oswald, Co-chair of the CEO Roundtable Executive Council and Director of Life Sciences Partnerships at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “The Gates Foundation is committed to working with partners across sectors to achieve universal health coverage, which is necessary to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and reducing the burden of diseases that disproportionately affect pregnant women and young children. We thank the companies involved in this initiative for their efforts to increase data-driven solutions to train and deploy effective community health workers.”

“This partnership will play a critical role in helping to scale and empower the world’s most promising health resource—community health workers—so that they can thrive and effectively save lives,” said Dr. Jane Aceng, Uganda’s Minister of Health. “Ensuring community health workers have the right training, digital technology, medical equipment and supervision is critical for ensuring they can help transform health outcomes, no matter where people live.”

Each of the six investors will contribute USD $1.5 million total over the next three years. This funding will be matched by the Audacious Project through an existing USD $50 million matching commitment to scale community health workers in Africa, resulting in a USD $18 million total investment.

This investment will also support the sustainability of community health worker programs. Living Goods and Last Mile Health partner with governments to deploy digitally-empowered community health workers. Not only will this partnership support community health workers to reach more patients, but the curricula and tools developed through the investment will support improved community health worker performance for years to come.

“We are inspired that healthcare companies are taking collective action to strengthen community health systems in the public sector across sub-Saharan Africa to advance universal health coverage,” said Liz Jarman, CEO of Living Goods, and Dr. Raj Panjabi, CEO of Last Mile Health. “This partnership is much more than a financial commitment; it joins a growing movement of philanthropists, companies, and governments that have committed to scale digitally-empowered community health workers and build stronger primary healthcare systems across Africa to ultimately save more lives.”

To learn more about the community health movement and efforts to advance universal health coverage in partnership with governments, watch this video produced by Freethink.

Lekoil FAQs – Unhappy new year

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Lekoil FAQs – Unhappy new year

Shares in Nigerian oil firm Lekoil have declined significantly after it fell victim to complex fraud and failed to secure much-needed funding. Here, we answer the key questions.

What is Lekoil? 

Lekoil is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company. It operates in Nigeria and Namibia and was founded in 2010. The CEO is Lekan Akinyanmi, who has over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Lekoil was listed on the AIM market in 2013.

In the company’s latest results, the following assets are listed – Otakikpo (production, 88% recovery), OPL 310 (appraisal, 70% economic interest) OPL 325 (exploration, 62% economic interest) and OPL 276 (appraisal, 45% participating interest) in Nigeria and Block 2514 B (77.5% economic interest) in Namibia.

What has happened? 

On 2 January, Lekoil announced that it had “secured funding for the appraisal drilling and initial development programme activities on the Ogo field within OPL 310”. The total loan amount was said to be US$184mn, with a seven-year tenure, to be disbursed in five tranches over 11 months. The first drawdown was due in February.

On 13 January, the company announced that a loan agreement it said it had reached on 2 January “seems to have been entered into […] with individuals who have constructed a complex façade in order to masquerade as representatives of QIA”. As a result, Lekoil states that it should “be assumed that none of the funding […] will be forthcoming”. The company had incurred costs of US$600,000 related to this transaction, including initial arrangement fees and legal fees.

How have the shares performed?

On 2 January, the shares closed at 7.3GBp, up from 4.65GBp on 31 December. Lekoil shares were suspended on 13 January, but the suspension was lifted earlier today. At the time of writing, the shares were down over 70%, to 2.9GBp. Exactly a year ago, the shares were quoted at 13.0GBp. The current market cap is c£15.6mn.

What are the implications of this news? 

This development may have cast doubt on the issuer’s ability to meet obligations related to OPL 310, as the funds were meant to cover the costs associated with this. Lekoil may now need to find alternative sources of funding to cover (a) its share of expenses related to the drilling of an appraisal well and (b) payments due to one of its partners. Lekoil is expected to pay US$10mn to its partner and to pay just over US$12mn, being its share in drilling costs for one appraisal well, bringing the total expected to cUS$22mn. The facility agreement, which has now fallen through, included an arrangement to compensate the CEO. Lekoil has disclosed that this arrangement has been cancelled, and no payments were made to the CEO. Lekoil has set up an investigation committee to look into the facility agreement.

This article appeared first on Tellimer

The First HKIS Best Development and Conservation Award 2020 is now Open for Application

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The First HKIS Best Development and Conservation Award 2020 is now Open for Application

Surveying Excellence in Development and Conservation

 

HONG KONG, CHINA – Media
OutReach – 16 January
2020 – The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (“HKIS”) is launching the first
HKIS Best Development and Conservation Award 2020 (“BDCA”). This year’s theme,
“Surveying Excellence in
Development and Conservation” addresses BDCA as a pioneering award that recognises exceptional
achievements and excellence of construction projects related to both
development and conservation.

 

Sr Winnie SHIU, President of the HKIS, said, “It is the first time ever for the HKIS to host an award in the
name of the Institute, I am privileged to be the one bringing together the six
divisions and paying tribute to the surveyors who have made substantial
contributions in sustainable development and conservation.”

 

Not only will the BDCA support the Sustainable Development Goals 2015 set
by the United Nations, but also promotes the professional image of surveyors
from the various divisions; recognises their untiring efforts contributed to
development and conservation; and raises the public awareness of conservation
in development projects.

 

The Award is designed to address the contribution of surveyors from
various backgrounds throughout the development cycle, BDCA’s five award
categories are named after each stage: (1) Planning; (2) Pre-construction; (3) Construction;
(4) Sales & Leasing; and (5) Post-occupation.

 

Sr Alexander Lam, HKIS BDCA 2020 Organising Committee Chairman, added, “The Award focuses on the use and application of surveying
knowledge and/or professional expertise across the disciplines in the
respective phases within the project development cycle, of which brought about
economic, environmental and social sustainability.”

Key Dates

Date

Items

16
January 2020

Award Briefing
Session & Application Opens

29 April 2020

Application
Closes

May
2020

Stage 1: First
Screening

13 – 14 June 2020

Stage
2: Site Visit

19
June 2020

Finalists
Announcement

3 – 4 July 2020

Stage
3: Finalists Presentation to Jury Panel

 

Award Categories and Eligibility

The Best
Development and Conservation Award (BDCA) 2020 is open to all types of
development projects, including residential, commercial, and “Government,
Institution or Community” (GIC) projects.

Award
Categories

Surveyor’s
Contribution

Planning
  • Project inception & project planning
  • Land administration input and activities
  • Town planning approvals, statutory
    approvals and engagement with local public bodies

Pre-construction
  • Resources
    and financial arrangement
  • Design
    development
  • Procurement
    strategies and considerations

Construction
  • Innovation and technology adoption
  • Value and cost management
  • Logistical arrangement
  • Project management

Sales & Leasing
  • Marketing
    concept development
  • Sales
    and/or leasing strategies
  • Marketing
    Management

Post-occupation
  • Innovation and technology adaptation
  • Value enhancement
  • Property/facility management
  • Cultural and environmental conservation

* Eligible projects should
possess either Occupation Permits (OP or Phased OP), Acknowledgement letters on
Form BA14 or Confirmation letter of Substantial Completion between 1 January
2010 and 31 December 2019 (both dates inclusive) as stated in the submission
requirements.

 

Award Types

Awards are available
in 4 tiers, ranked at follow:

Award Type*

Description

Best
Development and Conservation Award(s)

Best Development and Conservation Award
will be presented to project(s) with outstanding OVERALL quality
that is (are) judged to be the BEST among all the Grand
Award Winners.

Grand
Awards

There will be a Grand
Award Winner(s) for each award category. This is the highest recognition to
projects at the category level.

Merits

There will be recognition of merit(s) for
each award category.

Finalists

There will be recognition
of finalist(s) for each award category that has passed the first screening,
site visits and that has been presented at the Finalist Presentation to Jury
Panel#.

* BDCA 2020
Organising Committee reserves the right not to bestow an award if the Jury
Panel deems that no nomination is worth receiving that particular award. The
decision of the Jury Panel shall be final.

# Finalist qualification
will be usurped if the project team is unable to present at the
Finalist Presentation to Jury Panel.

Jury Panel Members

HKIS BDCA 2020 is supported
by prominent figures in the industry and from the academic field as jurors:

Jury Panel Convenor

Sr Prof Bay WONG

Past President, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors
Chairman, Project Management Committee, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Members*

Sr Hak CHAN, BBS
Past President, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Former Deputy Director of Lands (Survey & Mapping), Lands Department,
HKSARG

Founding Board Member, Smart City Consortium

Sr Prof K W CHAU
Past President, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Chair Professor, Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University
of Hong Kong

Mrs Sylvia LAM, JP
Director of Architectural Services, Architectural Services Department,
HKSARG

Mr Raymond LEE, JP
Director of Planning, Planning Department, HKSARG



Mr Douglas SO Cheung Tak, JP
Chairman, Antiquities Advisory Board

Mr YU Tak-cheung, JP
Director of Buildings, Buildings Department, HKSARG

* Listed in
alphabetical order by last name

 

Details on the award
categories, the latest jury panel, and further information can be found at http://www.hkisbdca.com.hk/.

 

Please download the high resolution photo HERE.

 

Photo Caption

1.     Sr Winnie SHIU, President of the HKIS (Middle),
Sr Alexander Lam, HKIS BDCA 2020 Organising Committee Chairman (Left) and Sr
Prof Bay WONG, Jury Panel Convenor (Right) explained the Award in details.

 

2.     President
of the HKIS and the Award Jury Panel witnessed the official launch of the
Award: (From right to left) Sr Prof Bay WONG, Sr Alexander Lam, Mrs Sylvia
LAM, JP, Sr Winnie SHIU, Sr Hak CHAN, BBS, Mr YU Tak-cheung, JP and Mr Douglas
SO Cheung Tak, JP

 

3.    
“The Hong Kong
Institute of Surveyors Best Development and Conservation Award 2020”
briefing session drew over 40 participants to attend, including developers,
construction professionals, surveyors and the media.

About HKIS

Established in 1984, The Hong Kong Institute
of Surveyors (HKIS) is the only surveying professional body incorporated by
ordinance in Hong Kong.  As of 13 January
2020, the number of members reached 11,005, of which 7,060 were corporate
members, 75 were associate members and 3,870 were probationers and students.

 

HKIS work includes setting standards for
professional services and performance, establishing codes of ethics,
determining requirements for admission as professional surveyors, and
encouraging members to upgrade skills through continuing professional
development.

 

HKIS has an important consultative role in
government policy making and on issues affecting the profession. We have
advised the government on issues such as unauthorized building works, building
safety campaign, problems of property management, town planning and development
strategies, construction quality and housing problems. We are working on
amendments to standard forms of building contract and have issued guidance
notes on floor area measurement methods.

 

HKIS has an established presence in the
international arenas, has a wide spectrum of  overseas connections, and have entered into
reciprocal agreements with professional surveying and valuation institutes in
the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and People’s Republic of China
recognizing the counterpart’s member’s qualifications. In addition, HKIS is a
member of various leading international surveying organisations.

Facebook Accelerator Startups in Nigeria record impressive achievements, with over $500,000 raised in committed investments and grants to date

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Facebook Accelerator Startups in Nigeria record impressive achievements, with over $500,000 raised in committed investments and grants to date

Startups participating in the second season of the Facebook Accelerator Programme have recorded significant achievements, including raising over $500,000 in committed investments and grants in just three months (halfway through the programme). Within the same period, they have also made significant product pivots, sealed key partnerships and made progress towards creating unique products with world-class business processes.

These results were recently revealed by Facebook and CcHUB, following its 2019 programmes and training which took place to support and empower students and entrepreneurs, to build locally relevant solutions using advanced technologies at NG_Hub, Facebook’s flagship Community Hub space in partnership with CcHUB.

So far in the programme, the startups have been introduced to multiple venture capitalists and corporate executives and also matched with advisors within the CcHUB Global Advisory network. These advisors include c-suite executives and experts from companies like Dell, Oracle, IHS Towers, Stanbic IBTC, Cellulant, Old Mutual, Axa Mansard, among others.

Six of the startups contributed to the $500,000 total raised so far, with highlights including:

  • Chekkit, the only African company to be accepted into a global accelerator, cementing a key partnership for their organisation. They also sealed a partnership with the Fantom foundation for their blockchain product and received a grant from Umdasch Challenge at World Summit Awards 2020.
  • Haulr emerged second place in the recently concluded Zenith Bank’s hackathon securing N6 million
  • Simbi interactives sealed key partnerships and have so far received $35,000+ in investments and grants
  • Student team, Vinsighte has completed its prototype that reads books to the visually impaired using computer vision
  • AirSynq, completed its balloon satellite prototype and has enterprise clients on the waiting list for its product launch in February
  • Gradely launched the beta version of its product, and received its first set of customers, whilst increasing the number of schools they are present in by 200%

These startups and many more will be showcasing their products and solutions, aimed at tackling problems across multiple sectors, to corporate executives, multinationals and other potential partners during the annual Facebook Accelerator Programme Innovation Showcase week in February 2020. 

Speaking on the development, Adaora Ikenze, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa at Facebook said: “The numbers speak for themselves, and further reinforces that the work and investments we are undertaking here in Nigeria are having a real impact. At Facebook, we are passionate about helping developers and entrepreneurs to grow. We believe in empowering small businesses through our platforms to help more people launch and grow their businesses, which translates to real impact for their communities and local economies.”

Also speaking, Bosun Tijani, Chief Executive Officer, CcHUB said: “This is yet another extremely brilliant cohort of startups from the Facebook acceleration programme which we are deeply proud of. This goes to further highlight the readiness of innovators across Africa to leapfrog development on the continent with technological innovation. We are delighted to be part of this journey with Facebook in its desire to inspire African entrepreneurs to be among the best in the world.”

With three months remaining, the cohort of season two of the Facebook Accelerator Programme will be undertaking workshop sessions, faculty one-on-ones, growth planning, Industry Advisor Sessions and mock pitches, rounded off with a demo day in April, the end of the programme.

For more information on the Facebook Accelerator Programme Innovation Showcase, visit www.bit.ly/isw-2020

Hollandia Yoghurt signs Yemi Alade as brand ambassador to mark 15 Years Anniversary

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Hollandia Yoghurt signs Yemi Alade as brand ambassador to mark 15 Years Anniversary

Hollandia Yoghurt, Nigeria’s leading drinking yoghurt brand, has announced a partnership agreement with Miss Yemi Alade, a multiple award-winning artiste of international repute, as part of a new campaign to celebrate the brand’s 15 years of nourishing Nigerians and reinforcing its market leadership.

According to the brand, the partnership aims to celebrate the values of consistency, hard work and talent which the brand and the artiste have in common. Hollandia Yoghurt is the leader of the yoghurt category, a position it attained through innovation and a continuous passion for excellence. Similarly, Miss Yemi Alade has continuously innovated herself and has risen to the top of her music career with various award-winning hits.

Since it was introduced into the Nigerian market over 15 years ago, Hollandia Yoghurt has transformed the Yoghurt market landscape with its high-quality products, packed under very hygienic conditions. To address varying consumer needs Hollandia Yoghurt has remained consistent in providing healthy, tasty, and nourishing yoghurt drink that contains proteins, minerals and vitamins that unlocks the energy in its consumers.

Speaking on the partnership, Yemi Alade said, “I am really excited about this partnership with Hollandia Yoghurt because the brand stands out differently from all other drinking yoghurt products. Like me, Hollandia Yoghurt displays an insatiable quest for increased creativity and innovation. I love the delicious taste and revitalizing energy of Hollandia Yoghurt.”

Commenting on this new partnership, Marketing Director of CHI Ltd, Mrs. Toyin Nnodi, says, “In our quest to find a brand ambassador for the Hollandia Yoghurt brand, we have taken a strategic decision to appoint Miss Yemi Alade as our brand partner. We are happy and excited about this new relationship and we are confident that this will be a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties.”

Mr. Deepanjan Roy, Managing Director of CHI Limited, said “Hollandia Yoghurt has provided satisfying nourishment for Nigerians for the last 15 years and would continue to demonstrate leadership in the drinking yoghurt category in the years ahead. We have set the pace for the drinking yoghurt category through the years, and through this partnership, we look forward to working with Yemi Alade on a number of different projects to bring the beloved brand even closer to Nigerians”.

Hollandia Yoghurt is available in two variants of Plain Sweetened and Strawberry and comes in 1Litre, 500ml, 315ml, 180ml and 100ml pack sizes.

10 Under The Radar Games You Should Be Aware of in 2020

Brand Spur
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10 Under The Radar Games You Should Be Aware of in 2020

Brace up everyone, for 2020 is upon us! There’s been fierce competition in the course of making this selection of Top 10 Games for 2020. So, sit tight as we showcase to you the ten games you must anticipate in 2020.

It is a new year, people! Meanwhile, before we get into the business of today, I must say that this year is going to be legendary for gamers. Remember the epic revolution of “Grand Theft?” Now, imagine a lineup of ten games having that kind of audacity, hit your screens consecutively in one year. What’s the word? Awesome!

2020 is going to see our best platforms, including PlayStation and Xbox, release an enormous wealth of record-breaking titles. Names like The Last of Us Part II, CyberPunk 2077, and a host of many others will be making headlines, surely. To this effect, we decided to dive into the future to join the party. From what we found, we also decided to bring to you the ten titles that had us most excited!

TOP 10 GAMES FOR 2020

In no particular order, we have ─

CyberPunk 2077: Available on: Xbox, PS4, PC | Release on – April 2020 | By – CD Projekt RED.

From the makers of the open-world fantasy sensation, The Witcher 3, comes yet another absorbing and action-packed thriller, CyberPunk. CD Projekt RED, the brain behind this masterpiece, has put in everything to ensure it conveys the intended experience.

CyberPunk 2077 delivers a more sophisticated kind of Grand Theft Auto feel. Meanwhile, the game features noticeable body modifications in the characters and more advanced cinematography compared to the original GTA. CyberPunk craftily carries on a similarly engaging, action-packed, and suspense-filled gameplay and story-line like in Grand Theft.

One of the highlight locations to look out for in CyberPunk-2077 is Night City, California. Gamers will enjoy coming back time and again to have a taste of the action in Night City. To cap it up, CyberPunk features Keanu Reeves as one of the main characters alongside a selected cast of well-liked superstars.

The Last of Us Part 2: Available on – PS4 | Release on – May 2020 | By – Naughty Dog.

“The Last of Us Part 2” does an excellent job of continuing one of the most incredible stories ever told in game form.

This sequel begins several years after Ellie and Joel managed to get away from the Firefly facility. Ellie finds safety within the walls of a flourishing community. However, she will soon have to leave the safety of her new home to attempt to save the world. Meanwhile, mighty enemy territories and monsters yet overrun the world.

Away from the comfort of her home in Wyoming, Ellie must set out on an epic adventure where she will confront tremendous dangers.

Half-Life ─ Alyx: Available on – PC | Release on – March 2020 | By – Valve.

The first release of Half-Life delivered a fast-paced, action-packed sensation. The game had fans wanting more and was soon followed by its successor, Half-Life 2. Like its predecessor, Half-Life 2 did not disappoint. The engaging follow-up soon won a lot of fans and became intensely sort after. While fans have yet been eagerly anticipating Valve’s continuation of Half-Life 2, the developers have decided to surprise!

This new instalment, Half-Life: Alyx, features a VR twist. The title stars Gordon Freeman’s partner from the Half-Life 2 series, Alyx Vance. However, this time around, Alyx flies solo. Her quest is to rescue her father from the hands of the Combine.

This instalment is intelligently set between Half-Life and Half-Life 2, giving its developers plenty of room to tell an unsullied story in VR. The complete gaming experience in Alyx is about 15 hours long, making us look forward to waves and waves of action.

Ori and The Will of the Wisps.  Available on – Xbox, PC | Release on – February 2020 | By – Moon Studios.

Moon Studios are famous for their signatory indie touch on all of their projects. Fans fell in love with the original title, “Ori and The Blind Forest.” It featured incredible gameplay, tasking puzzles, out-of-the-box art style, and a fantastic signature soundtrack.

From what we’ve seen of Blind Forest, and what we’re seeing from its successor, Will of the Wisps, the follow-up is worth anticipating. One thing to note is that Moon Studios is putting twice the work into this sequel compared to the original.

Outriders: Available on: Xbox, PC, PS4 | Release on – September 2020 | By – People Can Fly.

People Can Fly always has the gaming community’s attention whenever they announce their involvement in a project. The team is renowned for its watertight action-packed gameplay mechanics and out-of-the-box ideas. From what we’ve seen of the making of Outriders so far, People Can Fly seems to be holding nothing back.

Outriders will feature a daring, airtight, action-packed Shooter experience. Should Outriders only reproduce, the same quality of gameplay fans have come to expect of “People Can Fly,” then we’re already in for a thriller.

Skull and Bones: Available on – Xbox, PC, PS4 | Release on – June 2020 | By – Ubisoft.

Initially, this long-awaited masterpiece was set for release in 2019. However, Ubisoft, the Juggernauts behind this project, thought it wise to give the game a little more time to sizzle. While they keep us in suspense with the complete details of this game, we are expecting some serious action!

“Skull and Bones” has got the entire online gaming community talking. Many suggest that this, in many ways, looks like the successor to the long-anticipated Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. Overall, the game features a lot of pirate activities that will entertain any lover of high-sea-outlaw action.

Tales of Arise: Available on – Xbox, PC, PS4 | Release on – October 2020 | By – Bandai Namco Studios.

This release by Bandai Namco is typically a reinvention of the series since its predecessor no doubt deserved better. Bandai attempts to mix the old with the new as they introduce features like darker aesthetics compared to previous instalments. There’s also been a notable addition of fascinating characters. Bandai has retained the signature Linear Motion Battle System and a few other significant features making this game one to expect.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2: Available on – Xbox, PC, PS4 | Release on – March 2020 | By – Paradox Interactive.

If you like to do most of the decision making and character building, then this is one title to look out for in 2020. The original release, Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodline, debuted as one of the greatest RPG vampire games ever made. This sequel looks to carry on its unique legacy in terms of its tempo. There has also been lots of improvement in the combat-system and newly added features to anticipate.

Wasteland 3: Available on – Xbox, PC, PS4 | Release on – May 2020 | By – inXile Entertainment.

Following the Wasteland legacy, Wasteland 3 features lots of innovative ideas and brilliant mechanics of the wasteland series. In the light of new additions, Wasteland 3 noticeably incorporates an expanded emphasis on vehicles. Also, it has a new sinister sense of humour that is not very popular with its previous instalments. There’s also a lineup of several exciting features to anticipate.

Watch Dogs – Legion: Available on – Xbox, PC, PS4 | Release on – March 2020 | By – Mobisoft.

This game brings with it an excellent NPC experience. The gameplay and mechanics have a hook to it that’ll keep game lovers coming back. The game is both fascinating and engaging at the same time, giving gamers a lot to look out for upon its release in 2020.

Conclusion: 2020 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for gamers with all the popular platforms, including PlayStation and Xbox, fully packed. All the intense action anticipated in 2020 could leave you dumbfounded in a cluster of emotions. This list features a selected lineup of under the radar titles to expect.

Author’s Bio

Thomas Lore is a 23-year old translator, who is currently working for The Word Point.
Also, Thomas is a creative and diligent freelance blogger, who is always seeking for new ways to improve himself. Thomas is very versatile and he wants to reach the tops with his writing skills.

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