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HKBN Signs HK$5.25bn Sustainability-Linked Loan

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HONG KONG, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HKBN Ltd. (“HKBN” or the “Company”; SEHK stock code: 1310) is delighted to announce the signing of its inaugural HK$5.25 billion syndicated Sustainability-Linked Loan (the “SLL Facility”) under the HKBN Ltd. Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework (“Framework”), with 11 leading international, regional and local banks. The facility includes enhanced terms and a greenshoe mechanism that allows HKBN to upsize the loan in the future. Proceeds from the SLL Facility will be used to refinance the Company’s outstanding loans.

The overwhelming response from the market is a vote of confidence in HKBN’s business plan. This landmark SLL Facility reaffirms HKBN’s long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices while driving business growth. It also includes an interest rate adjustment mechanism that is linked to predetermined sustainability performance targets (SPTs). This will allow HKBN to benefit from savings in borrowing costs upon the successful attainment of the specified key performance indicators (KPIs).

The specified KPIs and SPTs are tailored to address climate change mitigation and cybersecurity within HKBN. The first KPI focuses on Scopes 1 and 2 emissions. The second KPI involves the average failure rate of phishing assessments for HKBN’s Talents. The third and final KPI comprises Scope 3 emissions. Emissions reduction targets were set in line with HKBN’s near-term GHG emissions reduction targets recently validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”); while those for KPI 2 were set based on the performance results from impromptu simulated email assessments, which the company will conduct to evaluate its Talents’ susceptibility to phishing attacks – a vital and necessary exercise for measuring cybersecurity risk.

HKBN has appointed Sustainable Fitch to provide a Second Party Opinion (“SPO”) on the Framework with an overall rating of “Good”. The SPO affirms that the Framework aligns with the Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles set forth by the Loan Market Association, the Loan Syndications and Trading Association, and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association.

The SLL Facility is led by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, BNP Paribas, Cathay United Bank Company, Limited, Hong Kong Branch, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Hong Kong Branch, DBS Bank Ltd., ING Bank N.V., Hong Kong Branch and The Bank of East Asia, Limited as the Mandated Lead Arrangers, Bookrunners and Underwriters and participated by Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Natixis, Hong Kong Branch, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Branch and Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. as the Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Hong Kong Branch and ING Bank N.V., Hong Kong Branch are the Joint Sustainability Coordinators. Rothschild & Co is the financial adviser for HKBN.

Derek Yue, HKBN Co-Owner & Chief Financial Officer said, “Through this refinancing deal, HKBN is not just reshaping our financial well-being with better loan terms, but setting a new standard for corporate accountability and sustainability. Our focus on achieving key performance indicators in climate change mitigation and cybersecurity reflects our dedication to a more sustainable future and a secure digital environment. We believe that by aligning our financing initiatives with these crucial objectives, we are not only strengthening our business but also contributing to a better world for all.”

Nancy Cheng, Managing Director, Head of Tech Coverage APAC, at Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, commented, “Being a long-standing banking partner of HKBN, we are delighted to play a key part in HKBN’s inaugural SLL transaction, which is the very first in Hong Kong for the telecommunications market. It establishes a new benchmark for the sector, akin to how HKBN has continually set and raised the bar for broadband speeds in Hong Kong. We are dedicated to continuing our role in supporting HKBN’s financing and sustainability journey in the future.”

Shalini Sujanani, Managing Director, TMT & Healthcare for ING in Asia Pacific, commented, “We are pleased to support HKBN’s sustainability journey as Joint Sustainability Coordinator for this landmark facility. By embedding ambitious KPIs into their financing, HKBN demonstrates that sustainability and business performance can go hand in hand. This SLL Facility reflects the growing importance of aligning financial strategies with environmental and social objectives, and we are excited to help HKBN drive meaningful impact through this partnership.”

About HKBN Ltd.

HKBN Ltd. (SEHK Stock Code: 1310, together with its subsidiaries, “HKBN” or the “Group”) is an investment holding company.  Headquartered in Hong Kong with operations spanning across Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, the Group is a leading integrated telecommunications and technology services provider. The Group provides a full range of one-stop, high-quality information and communication technology (ICT) solutions and an unlimited services portfolio. HKBN’s extensive tri-carrier fibre infrastructure covers around 2.6 million residential homes and 8,200 commercial buildings and facilities across Hong Kong. Committed to creating a lasting positive impact to wherever it operates, HKBN embraces a core purpose to “Make our Home a Better Place to Live” and has received a highest possible rating of AAA in MSCI’s 2024 ESG Ratings assessment in environment, society and governance. The Group is managed by hundreds of Co-Owners (supervisory and management level Talents in the Group) who invested their savings to buy shares of HKBN Ltd.. For more information about HKBN, please visit https://www.hkbn.net/group/en.

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SWAG, Asia’s Largest Adult Content Platform, Releases 2024 Annual Report

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Revealing the Top 15 Searched Keywords in Asia

TAIPEI, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SWAG, Taiwan’s largest adult livestreaming platform, often known as the “Pornhub of Asia,” has released the 2024 SWAG Recap today. The report dives into the world of trending adult content, the year’s top searched keywords, and even the income of creators, sparing no details. According to the data, the top searched keyword on SWAG in 2024 was “Vietnam.” Meanwhile, two Taiwanese creators—former Army Chief Counselor “Neinei” and former Sea Dragon Frogman 177—landed in the 3rd and 6th positions as the most searched keywords thanks to their enormous social media buzz. The hashtag with the most clicks went to “Big Boobs.”

In this year’s top searched keyword ranking, “Vietnam” and Vietnamese creator Rosa (@rosababyvip) dominated the top two spots with overwhelming search volume, highlighting the loyalty of Vietnamese enjoyers of SWAG. Meanwhile, keywords like “Ex-Army Chief Counselor Neinei” and “Sea Dragon Frogman 177” maintained high visibility throughout the year, landing them in 3rd and 6th places, respectively.

Analyzing average daily login time by users from different countries, SWAG users spent 15 minutes and 56 seconds per session on average globally, 49 seconds longer than last year. Taiwan emerged as the undisputed champion with an average daily login time of 16 minutes and 21 seconds, the only country above the platform average. On the flip side, Japanese users clocked in at just 11 minutes and 25 seconds, becoming the quickest to reach post-nut clarity. Notably, Vietnamese users soared from last year’s last place to the 4th longest with their online duration time, surpassing users from Singapore and the U.S.

Among SWAG’s nearly 200 hashtags, “Big Boobs” reclaimed its crown from last year’s champion, “Schoolgirl,” becoming the most searched hashtag of the year. “Schoolgirl” fell to 4th, edged out by “Gangbang.” Surprisingly, the long-beloved tag “Creampie” dropped to its record-low position, only ranking 9th.

SWAG noted that nearly 5,000 new creators joined this year, with 40% hailing from Vietnam, making it the country with the most new creators, followed by Taiwan. Among the talents, luna (@rouav) and Jolly (@jollyntr) were crowned as the most popular creator and best newcomer respectively! After a brief hiatus, Luna made a strong comeback by captivating fans with her “natural melons,” “S-line waist,” “perky booties,” and “flawless legs.” Her popularity skyrocketed by 891 spots, earning her the title of SWAG’s Most Popular Creator 2024. The best newcomer, Jolly, who only joined SWAG less than a year ago, gained immense popularity for her housewife aesthetic and NTR-themed content. Fans of the married lady buzzed over her livestreams and videos, where her husband reportedly has been watching helplessly behind the camera, further fueling her meteoric rise.

In other creator data, SWAG’s “Fan Following Clock” is ticking faster than ever! On average, a creator gains a new follower every 5.7 seconds on the platform. Additionally, 8.8% of new creators earn USD 30,000 in less than four months, with Betty (@bettyqueen) achieving this milestone in just three weeks, making her the fastest-earning newcomer of 2024.

Does SWAG make creators rich? The numbers prove everything. This year,  Shirley (@shirleybebe) posted a story, which was unlocked by over 3,000 users within 48 hours, earning her approximately $1,500 instantly as the post became the most profitable story of 2024. Best Newcomer Jolly also delivered impressive results. After debuting in May, one of her long videos attracted over 2,000 viewers, earning her $17,000 just from that one single upload.

When it comes to SWAG’s most lucrative money-making features, livestreaming and private messaging definitely top the list. For example, when Grape (@stellajs) hosted her birthday livestream this year, she generated USD 37,000 in just three hours. Meanwhile, Nini Baby (@ninibaby), well-known for her private chats, sent 380,000 text messages to users this year, receiving 85,000 replies and countless chat gifts. Her private messaging income alone earned a staggering USD 490,000 in revenue, a 17% increase from last year, securing her throne as SWAG’s Queen of private chat.

《2024 SWAG Recap》: https://swag.live/blog/en/swag_2024_recap/

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Higer New V Series, Leading Bus New Trend

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SUZHOU, China, Dec. 24, 2024 /CNW/ — In November 2024, Higer New V Series buses officially launched in the Philippines, this batch of electric buses was the first batch of new energy buses introduced by the Philippines and put into commercial operation. And it has aroused extensive attentions and heated discussions from the Philippines local government, media and people.

Higer New V Series products were launched globally in March 2024, and then made a stunning debut at the Higer Global Partners Conference. The New V-series products with a new shape and a new platform are committed to creating new classic models with high quality, high safety and high intelligence.

In 3 years, more than 1000 people participated in the process of R&D, a one-time investment of more than 100 million yuan was made in the R&D and manufacturing of key components, equipment, tooling, molds, inspection tools, verification of components and vehicle, achieving comprehensive innovation, realizing a significant improvement in product quality and reliability, maintenance convenience and customer experience. Measuring from 8 to 13 meters in length, they can be powered by fossil fuels, electricity, hydrogen, etc. and are readily adaptable for the tourist transportation market, urban public transportation market, etc. The luggage compartment volume is 21.6% greater than similar products, the seating space is 50mm larger, and the middle aisle is 30mm wider. The overall component universality rate was greatly improved by the platform, modular, and universal design concept, and the number of component types decreased by 58%.

It is worth mentioning that Higer is committed to creating a technological experience, redefining the domain-centralized electronic and electrical architecture, and Higer launched the industry’s first mass-produced intelligent cabin. It will help the driver concentrate on driving. The new model provides a mobile phone control interface, drivers and tour guides can control lighting, multimedia, air conditioning, etc. through app. In addition, the intelligent cabin can be customized according to the operational needs of the transport company, realizing intelligent dispatching, intelligent charging, intelligent maintenance, AI interaction, and human-computer interaction.

So far, Higer new V series coaches have already received orders from more than 20 countries like Italy, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and etc., showing a fast rising popularity in the international market.

Higer new V series are committed to providing customers with new “classic models” with better quality, higher efficiency, achieving sustainable development and exploring more possibilities.

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European Wellness Biomedical Group Announces New Klotho Research Initiative Led by Prof. Mike Chan

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HEIDELBERG, Germany, Dec. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — European Wellness Biomedical Group (EWBG) has launched a new research initiative focused on Klotho, a protein with transformative potential in longevity medicine. Led by Professor Dr. Mike Chan, this project will explore Klotho’s role in combating age-related diseases and its ability to regenerate critical organs, including the brain, kidneys, and heart.

Klotho, identified in 1997, is emerging as a key protein in longevity and regenerative medicine. It plays a pivotal role in regulating oxidative stress, mineral metabolism, and inflammation. The research will investigate how boosting Klotho levels could help address chronic conditions like neurodegenerative diseases, kidney failure, and heart disease, ultimately improving healthspan and extending lifespan.

“Klotho represents the next frontier in longevity medicine,” said Professor Mike Chan, Chief Scientist at EWBG. “Our research aims to understand how Klotho affects aging and how we can use it to treat chronic diseases that have long been associated with aging.”

Research Focus Areas

The new initiative will focus on three primary research areas:

Neurological health: Investigating Klotho’s neuroprotective effects and its potential to slow cognitive decline in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.Kidney function: Examining Klotho’s role in regulating mineral metabolism and its regenerative potential in treating chronic kidney disease (CKD).Cardiovascular health: Studying Klotho’s influence on vascular function and its ability to prevent vascular calcification, a key contributor to heart disease.

This research builds on existing collaborations at EWBG, where leading scientists focus on advancing Klotho-based therapies for regenerative health.

Klotho: A Potential Breakthrough in Longevity Medicine

Klotho is gaining attention for its ability to regenerate tissues and reverse damage caused by age-related diseases. Unlike NAD+, which primarily enhances cellular metabolism and energy production, Klotho offers a broader range of therapeutic applications, including tissue regeneration, cognitive function improvement, and cardiovascular health.

As we age, Klotho levels naturally decline, leading to conditions such as cognitive decline, heart disease, and kidney failure. Research suggests that restoring Klotho levels can reverse the effects of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular senescence, offering new treatment possibilities for a range of age-related diseases.

Professor Mike Chan: Leading the Charge in Klotho Research

Professor Mike Chan, a leading expert in stem cell therapy and longevity medicine, is spearheading this groundbreaking initiative at EWBG. His extensive experience in bio-regenerative medicine positions him as a key figure in exploring Klotho’s potential to revolutionize the treatment of age-related diseases. Through FCTI, a subsidiary of EWBG, Professor Chan and his team are developing therapies that combine stem cell technology and Klotho proteins to stimulate tissue regeneration in the brain, kidneys, and heart.

“By harnessing Klotho’s regenerative properties, we hope to address chronic conditions that were previously untreatable,” said Professor Chan. “Our ultimate goal is to improve quality of life and provide lasting solutions for those affected by aging-related diseases.”

The Future of Klotho in Longevity Medicine

The future of Klotho-based therapies looks promising, with Professor Mike Chan and EWBG at the forefront of this innovative field. As more research is conducted, Klotho is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing longevity medicine, offering a new approach to treating aging and chronic diseases. The potential applications of Klotho are vast, from neurodegenerative disease treatment to kidney regeneration and cardiovascular health.

With strong research partnerships, significant funding, and ongoing clinical trials, Klotho is poised to become a cornerstone of longevity medicine, transforming how we approach aging and disease. Professor Mike Chan’s leadership ensures that this promising protein will soon offer new hope to those seeking longer, healthier lives.

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