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ASEAN FinTech funding grew more than 10-fold in past decade, GenAI and Quantum Computing to power new era: FinTech in ASEAN 2024 report

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Optimism in ASEAN’s FinTech scene as Singapore and Thailand draw top funding this year.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Funding for Financial Technology (FinTech) in ASEAN has surged more than 10 times since 2015[1], growing at an exponential rate compared to global FinTech funding. This fuelled growth in sectors such as payments and alternative lending, and is poised to advance further with the increasing prevalence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and quantum computing. Jointly launched by UOB, PwC Singapore and the Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) today, the roundup edition of FinTech in ASEAN 2024 report: A decade of innovation report recaps the evolution of FinTech in the region from 2015 to 2024.

Weathering through the funding winter in recent years on the back of uncertain macroeconomic climate, FinTech investments in the six biggest ASEAN economies[2] are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. ASEAN FinTech funding totalled US$1.41 billion in the first three quarters of this year (9M24), constituting four per cent of global FinTech funding, a one percentage point growth year-on-year (yoy). Though the region’s total funding was down by less than one per cent yoy, it was a significant recovery from the 71 per cent fall seen in 9M23 against 9M22.

Ms Janet Young, Managing Director and Group Head, Channels & Digitalisation and Strategic Communications & Brand, UOB, said, “FinTechs have evolved from a disruptive force to an essential component of financial ecosystems over the past decade. ASEAN’s FinTech sector continues to show promise, supported by improving macroenvironment and emergence of advanced technologies. UOB has been a long-term supporter of FinTechs and will continue to look for opportunities for collaboration to bring innovation and better solutions to our customers and stakeholders across ASEAN.”

The latest report showed regional FinTechs garnering more than US$20 billion in investments over the last decade, with close to 1,500 deals. FinTechs in payment and alternative lending sectors were the most sought, making up more than half of ASEAN’s total funding at US$6.5 billion and US$4.1 billion respectively.

Ms Wong Wanyi, FinTech Leader, PwC Singapore, said, “ASEAN’s FinTech sector is progressively making waves in global waters, demonstrating resilience and adaptability amidst macroeconomic uncertainties. Despite being in the game with larger economies, ASEAN’s FinTechs have steadily gained long-term investor confidence over the last decade. Going forward, the growing impact of quantum computing and GenAI will continue to push new frontiers in financial services, offering faster, more secure and intelligent solutions. We are at the epicentre of a transformation, where these advancements will not only drive unprecedented growth, but also firmly establish ASEAN as a global FinTech innovation leader.”

Mr Shadab Taiyabi, President, Singapore FinTech Association, said, “It is encouraging to see that ASEAN remains as a vibrant hub for FinTech innovation, with the sector demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing volatility. The FinTech ecosystem in Singapore continues to attract robust funding, driven by strong regulatory support and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Looking ahead, SFA remains committed to foster the growth of the FinTech ecosystem while creating new opportunities for FinTechs to leverage emerging technologies and strategic partnerships that will further strengthen the ecosystem.”

The next decade of innovation

With the US Federal Reserve (Fed)’s recent interest rate cut in September 2024, the FinTech industry will likely receive a shot in the arm. Lower interest rates typically lead to cheaper funding, greater investor appetite from venture capital and higher valuations, ultimately improving exit opportunities. When Fed last cut interest rates in third quarter 2019 and further slashed it to a historical low during 2020 to 2021, ASEAN’s FinTech funding spiked and peaked at US$6.36 billion in 2021, the region’s highest amount in the past decade.

Beyond better macroeconomic environment, FinTechs worldwide are set to enter a new era catalysed by two advanced technologies – GenAI and quantum computing – which may potentially reshape the financial ecosystem significantly.

In 9M24, global funding injected into the GenAI sector increased by 38 per cent yoy. GenAI can significantly enhance customer experience in the FinTech sector with innovative personalised financial advice and products, improved fraud detection and risk management.

Another promising FinTech sector is quantum computing, which enables financial institutions to develop innovation solutions beyond boundaries of classic computers. It has the potential to revolutionise the FinTech sector in areas such as optimising investment strategies and enhancing security through advanced cryptography algorithms.

Singapore and Thailand lead ASEAN FinTech investments in 2024

Singapore snared the lion’s share of FinTech investments in ASEAN for the 10th consecutive year, securing more than half of the region’s total funding with US$745 million in 9M24. Singapore also topped the number of deals at 62 across nine FinTech categories. The Lion City housed the most FinTech unicorns in ASEAN since 2015, with six out of 16 unicorn firms. Notable FinTech unicorns include Advance Intelligence Group, the parent company of several AI financial service platforms including buy-now-pay-later platform Atome; and NIUM, a cross-border payments firm that has expanded globally and continued to raise a series E funding this year.

Thailand to rose to second place, ahead of last year’s runner up Indonesia, with US$341 million or 24 per cent of ASEAN’s Fintech funding in 9M24, backed by closing two mega deals[3].  Singapore and Thailand accounted for 76 per cent of total FinTech funding and close to 68 per cent of funding deals in ASEAN in 9M24, having clinched the only four mega deals in the region.

Two of the mega deals are seed- and early-stage[4] investments of more than US$240 million, boosting young FinTechs to make up more than 60 per cent of total funding in ASEAN. This reflects investors’ willingness to bet on budding innovation, and ASEAN is still seen as a fertile ground for new FinTechs to thrive with favorable long-term growth prospects, building the region’s growth in FinTech for the past decade.

The FinTech in ASEAN 2024: A decade of innovation report was launched at Singapore FinTech Festival today. For the full report, please visit go.uob.com/fintech2024.

[1] 9M15 vs 9M24
[2] Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam
[3] Funding deals of more than US$100 million. The two mega deals from Thailand are: Payment FinTech firm Ascend Money with US$195 million and financial blockchain firm GuildFi with US$140 million.
[4] Seed investments refer to seed and angel funding; Early-stage investments refer to Series A or B funding.

– Ends –

About UOB

UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to help businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

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Hoymiles Powers Latvia’s Largest Energy Storage Project at Tārgale

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VENTSPILS, Latvia, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On November 1, 2024, Tārgale Wind Park held its grand opening, unveiling Latvia’s first major energy storage facility. Hoymiles, as a key technology supplier, played a pivotal role in the project. Managed by Utilitas, Latvia’s largest wind energy producer, this project combines wind energy generation with advanced storage capabilities, setting a new standard for renewable energy infrastructure in the country.

The Tārgale Wind Park, initially launched in 2022 with an annual generation capacity of 155 GWh, has recently integrated a utility-scale energy storage system to enhance grid stability. Hoymiles supplied essential components for this storage system, including 3,450 kW Power Conversion System (PCS) containers on the AC side and 3.44 MWh battery containers on the DC side. This new energy storage system has a capacity of 20 MWh, enabling the park to store surplus energy generated during periods of high wind and supply it back to the grid when needed. The project represents a €7 million investment, underscoring Utilitas Wind’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Latvia.

The opening ceremony was attended by key Latvian officials, including Minister for Climate and Energy Mr. Kaspars Melnis. “It is essential to build new green energy capacity to ensure the resilience and smooth operation of our energy systems as we prepare for a key transition early next year. We are clearly moving in the right direction,” he said.

The new energy storage system marks a major advancement for Latvia, which is working to stabilize its energy supply while supporting sustainable development.

 

Hoymiles is proud to contribute to the Tārgale Wind Park energy storage project. Through innovation and technical expertise, Hoymiles continues to support global clean energy initiatives, making sustainable energy accessible to everyone.

About Hoymiles

Founded in 2012, Hoymiles is a clean energy solution provider, specializing in module-level inverters and storage systems. With a vision of a clean, sustainable future, the company strives to drive innovation in the smart energy industry with its high-performance, accessible products. Learn more at Hoymiles’ official website.

About Utilitas

Utilitas Wind SIA is part of the Estonian energy company Utilitas. Utilitas Group is moving towards carbon neutrality by building new renewable energy production capacities, investing in solar and wind energy, and implementing the first green hydrogen pilot project in Estonia. Learn more at https://www.utilitas.ee/en/.

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Chunghwa Telecom Reports Un-Audited Consolidated Operating Results for the Third Quarter of 2024

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TAIPEI, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (TAIEX: 2412, NYSE: CHT) (“Chunghwa” or “the Company”) today reported its un-audited operating results for the third quarter of 2024. All figures were prepared in accordance with Taiwan-International Financial Reporting Standards (“T-IFRSs”) on a consolidated basis.

(Comparisons throughout the press release, unless otherwise stated, are made with regard to the prior year period.)

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Total revenue increased by 3.6% to NT$ 55.61 billion.Consumer Business Group revenue increased by 2.1% to NT$ 34.43 billion.Enterprise Business Group revenue increased by 5.9% to NT$ 17.60 billion.International Business Group revenue increased by 1.4% to NT$ 2.37 billion.Total operating costs and expenses increased by 4.8% to NT$ 44.23 billion.Operating income decreased by 0.8% to NT$ 11.38 billion.EBITDA decreased by 0.5% to NT$ 21.26 billion.Net income attributable to stockholders of the parent decreased by 1% to NT$ 9.01 billion.Basic earnings per share (EPS) was NT$1.16.Operating income, net income attributable to stockholders of the parent, and EPS all exceeded our proposed guidance.

“The Company delivered solid results in this quarter highlighted by exceptional operational performance across all business segments,” stated Mr. Chih-Cheng Chien, Chairman and CEO of Chunghwa Telecom. “We have set a new record for total revenue for the same quarter over the past seven years, reinforcing our leadership in Taiwan’s mobile market with a revenue market share of 40.3% and a subscriber share of 37.8%. Our blended 5G penetration rate continued to expand to 33.5%, maintaining leadership in Taiwan. Additionally, thanks to our expansion on cross-tier upgrade promotion package to include 1Gbps service offerings, our 1 Gbps subscriber net-adds doubled during the quarter.”

“Looking into the details of our three business groups, the Consumer Business Group maintained its healthy growth trajectory, driven by 5G migration and increasing postpaid subscribers, steady fixed broadband revenue, and higher OTT revenue from our exclusive broadcast of the Paris Olympic Games. We achieved double-digit year-over-year growth in video-related revenue, driven by the increasing subscriptions to our video platforms, which have exceeded 3 million,” said Mr. Rong-Shy Lin, President of Chunghwa Telecom. “Our Enterprise Business Group performed as anticipated, driven by a robust 22% year-over-year growth in our ICT business revenue. Notably, revenue from 5G private networks and big data analysis surged significantly, fueled by the 5G O-RAN project and smart government initiatives. Furthermore, we are pleased with the performance of our International Business Group, where income before tax increased by 11% year-over-year, primarily driven by our overseas ICT business. Excitingly, our European subsidiary in Frankfurt commenced operations on July 30, and we are well-prepared to offer ICT solutions to high-tech European markets,” added Mr. Lin.

“In terms of development of advanced networks and technologies, Chunghwa Telecom continues to lead the industry by initiating the world’s first IOWN APN between Taiwan and Japan with NTT Group during the quarter. We are also the exclusive provider of OneWeb low-earth-orbit satellite, with more than 90% coverage in Taiwan by the third quarter,” Mr. Chien continued. “On the ESG front, we have received SBTi’s verification for our Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions target, making us the first operator in Taiwan to commit to achieving Net-Zero by 2045, ahead of the world roadmap of 2050. Additionally, we have obtained carbon footprint verification for all of our service centers nationwide, distinguishing us as the only telecom company in Taiwan to achieve this milestone. We remain dedicated to leading the way in ESG best practices.”

“Our solid performance across various sectors underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, advanced, and convenient telecom services. We remain confident that our new management team will continue to drive our progress and create value for our stakeholders,” Mr. Chien added.

Revenue

Chunghwa Telecom’s total revenues for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 3.6% to NT$ 55.61 billion.

Consumer Business Group’s revenue for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 2.1% YoY to NT$ 34.43 billion. Mobile service revenue increased 3% YoY, mainly due to 5G migration and increasing postpaid subscribers, the steady growth of fixed broadband revenue, and the increase of OTT revenue generated from our exclusive broadcast of the Paris Olympic Games. Sales revenue increased 1.3% YoY mainly due to the launch of iPhone 16 series. CBG’s income before tax decreased 0.6% YoY, mainly due to the one-time broadcasting rights fee of the Paris Olympic Games.

Enterprise Business Group’s revenue for the third quarter of 2024 increased 5.9% YoY to NT$ 17.60 billion, mainly driven by our robust growth in ICT business, which saw a 22% year-over-year increase in revenue, fueled by the strong performance of our emerging services. The decline in mobile and fixed voice services offset the growth of 5G migration and speed upgrades, resulting in a slight year-over-year decrease in EBG’s mobile and fixed-line revenues in the third quarter, while income before tax also experienced a year-over-year decrease.

International Business Group’s revenue for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 1.4% to NT$ 2.37 billion, while its income before tax increased 11% YoY. The positive growth was mainly due to the vibrant demand for ICT business in the international market.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Total operating costs and expenses for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 4.8% to NT$ 44.23 billion, mainly due to higher manpower cost and the one-time broadcasting rights fee of the Paris Olympic Games.

Operating Income and Net Income

Operating income for the third quarter of 2024 decreased by 0.8% to NT$ 11.38 billion. The operating margin was 20.5%, as compared to 21.4% in the same period of 2023. Net income attributable to stockholders of the parent decreased by 1% to NT$ 9.01 billion. Basic earnings per share was NT$1.16.

Cash Flow and EBITDA

Cash flow from operating activities, as of September 30th, 2024, decreased by 0.3% year over year to NT$ 49.76 billion, mainly due to a rise in settlement of tax payments, which were deferred to Q4 last year.

Cash and cash equivalents, as of September 30th, 2024, decreased by 2.5% to NT$ 31.22 billion as compared to that as of September 30th, 2023.

EBITDA for the third quarter of 2024 was NT$ 21.26 billion, decreasing by 0.5% year over year. EBITDA margin was 38.23%, as compared to 39.84% in the same period of 2023.

Business Highlights

Mobile

As of September 30th, 2024, Chunghwa Telecom had 13.01 million mobile subscribers, representing a 0.6% year-over-year increase. In the third quarter, total mobile service revenue increased by 2% to NT$ 16.75 billion, while mobile post-paid ARPU excluding IoT SIMs maintained stable and flat year over year at NT$ 552.

Fixed Broadband/HiNet

As of September 30th, 2024, the number of broadband subscribers slightly increased by 0.7% to 4.42 million. The number of HiNet broadband subscribers increased by 1.3% to 3.73 million. In the third quarter, total fixed broadband revenue grew 3.4% year over year to NT$ 11.32 billion, while ARPU increased 1.5% to NT$ 786.

Fixed line

As of September 30th, 2024, the number of fixed-line subscribers was 8.95 million.

Financial Statements

Financial statements and additional operational data can be found on the Company’s website at http://www.cht.com.tw/en/home/cht/investors/financials/quarterly-earnings

NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Chunghwa’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Investors are cautioned that actual events and results could differ materially from those statements as a result of a number of factors including, but not limited to the risks outlined in Chunghwa’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms F-1, F-3, 6-K and 20-F, in each case as amended. The forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the current belief of Chunghwa as of the date of this press release and Chunghwa undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such date, except as required under applicable law.

This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the issuer or selling security holder and that will contain detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

To supplement the Company’s consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards pursuant to the requirements of the Financial Supervisory Commission, or T-IFRSs, Chunghwa Telecom also provides EBITDA, which is a “non-GAAP financial measure”.  EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income (loss) excluding (i) depreciation and amortization, (ii) total net comprehensive financing cost (which is comprised of net interest expense, exchange gain or loss, monetary position gain or loss and other financing costs and derivative transactions), (iii) other income, net, (iv) income tax, (v) (income) loss from discontinued operations.

In managing the Company’s business, Chunghwa Telecom relies on EBITDA as a means of assessing its operating performance because it excludes the effect of (i) depreciation and amortization, which represents a non-cash charge to earnings, (ii) certain financing costs, which are significantly affected by external factors, including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and inflation rates, which have little or no bearing on our operating performance, (iii) income tax (iv) other expenses or income not related to the operation of the business. 

CAUTIONS ON USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In addition to the consolidated financial results prepared under T-IFRSs, Chunghwa Telecom also provide non-GAAP financial measures, including “EBITDA”. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with another method for assessing its operating results in a manner that is focused on the performance of its ongoing operations.

Chunghwa Telecom’s management believes investors will benefit from greater transparency in referring to these non-GAAP financial measures when assessing the Company’s operating results, as well as when forecasting and analyzing future periods. However, the Company recognizes that:

these non-GAAP financial measures are limited in their usefulness and should be considered only as a supplement to the Company’s T-IFRSs financial measures;these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the Company’s T-IFRSs financial measures;these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered to be superior to the Company’s T-IFRSs financial measures; andthese non-GAAP financial measures were not prepared in accordance with T-IFRSs and investors should not assume that the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this earnings release were prepared under a comprehensive set of rules or principle.

Further, these non-GAAP financial measures may be unique to Chunghwa Telecom, as they may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. As such, this presentation of non-GAAP financial measures may not enhance the comparability of the Company’s results to the results of other companies. Readers are cautioned not to view non-GAAP results as a substitute for results under T-IFRSs, or as being comparable to results reported or forecasted by other companies.

About Chunghwa Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom (TAIEX 2412, NYSE: CHT) (“Chunghwa” or “the Company”) is Taiwan’s largest integrated telecommunications services company that provides fixed-line, mobile, broadband, and internet services. The Company also provides information and communication technology services to corporate customers with its big data, information security, cloud computing and IDC capabilities, and is expanding its business into innovative technology services such as IoT, AI, etc. Chunghwa has been actively and continuously implemented environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives with the goal to achieve sustainability and has won numerous international and domestic awards and recognitions for its ESG commitments and best practices. For more information, please visit our website at www.cht.com.tw

Contact: Angela Tsai

Phone: +886 2 2344 5488

Email: chtir@cht.com.tw

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ATFX Wins Two Awards at the 2024 International Investor Awards

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HONG KONG, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ATFX is proud to announce its achievement of two esteemed awards at the 2024 International Investor Awards, reinforcing its position as a leader in the global forex trading sector. The company was awarded “Best Global Forex Broker 2024”, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and innovative trading solutions. Additionally, Joe Li, the Founder and Chairman of ATFX, received the accolade for “Best Global Forex Chairman 2024”, highlighting his outstanding leadership and vision in driving the company’s remarkable growth and international expansion.

Joe Li’s leadership has been instrumental in ATFX’s journey. As the Chairman of ATFX, he combines technical expertise with a keen understanding of market dynamics. Under his guidance, ATFX has not only expanded its global reach but has also developed ATFX Connect, which caters to the needs of institutional clients. Joe’s strategic vision emphasizes the importance of aligning with diverse cultures and establishing partnerships that drive sustainable growth.

As a fintech broker with a strong global footprint, ATFX operates in 23 locations and is licensed by renowned regulatory authorities, including the UK’s FCA, Cypriot CySEC, UAE’s SCA, Australian ASIC, and South African FSCA. This robust regulatory framework ensures that ATFX adheres to the highest standards of compliance and security, providing clients with a safe and reliable trading environment.

The recognition from the International Investor Awards highlights ATFX’s commitment to setting industry standards and its relentless pursuit of excellence. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it remains focused on delivering exceptional trading experiences that empower clients worldwide. ATFX is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of forex trading and maintain its status as a trusted global broker.

For more information about ATFX, please visit https://www.atfx.com

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