Foreign students visit martial arts school in China’s Tianjin.
Recently, the Publicity Department of Xiqing District organized a tour, guiding more than a hundred foreign contestants who participated in the Chinese Bridge series of Chinese proficiency competitions around the Tianjin Huoyuanjia School in Jingwu Town, Xiqing District, north China’s Tianjin Municipality, where they experienced the charm of Chinese traditional martial arts culture.
The Tianjin Huoyuanjia School has a profound cultural heritage, with its roots in the Chin Woo Athletic Association, which in turn traces its origins back to Huo Yuanjia, a patriotic martial arts master.
In 1910, Huo, along with others, co-founded the Chin Woo Athletic Association, which has now been established for 114 years. The association initially advocated mastering both martial arts and being literate, and strengthening the nation through physical fitness, which made up the essence and defining characteristics of the early Chin Woo culture.
Over the past century, the association has not only seen a steady increase in its membership, but also a growing expansion of its influence. It has transcended national boundaries, spreading from China to other countries and from Asia to the rest of the world, with branches now established across all five continents, totaling 83 Chin Woo associations. The popularity of the association has become a unique cultural phenomenon within the global cultural community, beloved and pursued by people from various countries.
The Jingwu Town in Xiqing District said it will continue to leverage the Tianjin Huoyuanjia School, an international cultural exchange base for overseas Chinese, as a platform to strengthen the exploration and inheritance of Chinese culture.
By promoting Chinese martial arts and Chin Woo culture, the town aims to allow more international friends to learn about and experience the profound Chinese cultural heritage, share first-hand stories about the real China, and expand the reach of fine traditional Chinese culture.
Source: The Publicity Department of Xiqing District
Caption: Foreign students visit martial arts school in China’s Tianjin.
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) — Investment in oil and gas exploration has plummeted two-thirds in the last decade, but according to Wood Mackenzie’s latest Horizons report, the sector remains crucial for decarbonisation and providing advantaged barrels in the energy transition.
The report, titled “No country for old fields: Why high-impact oil and gas exploration is still needed” reveals that there are sufficient existing resources to meet global demand, with approximately three trillion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) in inventory, offering more than 45 years of oil and over 60 years of gas supply.
The report further explained that lowering scope 1 and 2 emissions, or those created in the extraction and refining process, is better served by finding new fields than by cleaning up old ones as new fields are cleaner, due to modern decarbonisation technologies and higher facilities throughput.
New fields, leveraging modern decarbonisation technology, emit less carbon than older fields. For example, new fields starting production in the coming years will average 17 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide equivalent per barrel of oil equivalent (kgCO2e/boe), significantly lower than the 28 kgCO2e/boe from mature fields.
Wood Mackenzie Senior Vice President, Energy Research, Andrew Latham commented that exploration through the current decade is on track to provide 12 per cent of global oil and gas supply.
“If we assume that these new fields displace existing supply options with emissions intensity typical of older fields, then global scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2030 would be cut by around six per cent, or 100 Mtpa CO2e,” he said in a statemet.
Exploration also presents economic advantages, with new field discoveries providing high returns. Wood Mackenzie highlights that full-cycle returns from exploration have been consistently in double digits every year since 2015, averaging 15 per cent, with new discoveries creating over US$160 billion in value. (US$1=RM4.46)
Meanwhile, frontier and deepwater exploration, offers significant resource potential, with deepwater projects yielding much higher recovery per well and lower emissions intensity. The report noted that deepwater will offer most new opportunities for exploration as most of the world’s deepwater basins, in waters from 400 metres (m) to over 3,000m, are barely drilled.
Despite a perception problem that exploration harms the climate, the report underscores its role in decarbonising oil and gas supply, showing that there are still abundant untapped resources to be found, especially in deepwater basins.
Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources, with a team of over 2,000 experts operate across 30 global locations, inspiring customers’ decisions through real-time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership.
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) — Universal Studios Japan, operated by USJ LLC, is set to expand its popular Super Nintendo World, which has attracted visitors daily since its debut in March 2021.
The major expansion of the themed area, opening on Dec 11, will feature the world’s first-ever “Donkey Kong Country” area, immersing guests in the iconic world of Donkey Kong.
According to a statement, this new addition will increase Super Nintendo World’s size by 70 per cent, offering innovative and creative experiences that promise to elevate the park’s appeal.
A centrepiece of the new area is the stunning Golden Temple, a massive structure inspired by the Donkey Kong video games. Located in the deepest part of the jungle, the temple’s interior is filled with intricate details, creating an immersive atmosphere of mysterious ruins.
Guests will discover a mural inside that hints at the exciting adventures to come. This dynamic space is designed to excite visitors even before they experience the main attraction.
The highlight of the “Donkey Kong Country” area is the new “Mine Cart Madness” coaster, an innovative ride that combines next-generation technology and unconventional design to deliver an unpredictable, thrilling experience.
The ride was developed in collaboration with Nintendo’s creative team, including its Representative Director and Fellow, Shigeru Miyamoto, which promises to engage riders both visually and physically.
With an unprecedented ride system and a unique design, this first-of-its-kind family coaster includes jaw-dropping moments, such as launching out of a barrel and speeding over precarious gaps.
In addition to the ride, the “Donkey Kong Country” area will feature dining and shopping, providing a comprehensive experience for visitors. Universal Studios Japan is eager to share more details in the lead-up to the grand opening, as it continues to create unforgettable experiences for fans of all ages.
SBC to leverage operational synergies and implement growth strategies to launch into new verticals and geographies (Graphic: Business Wire)
Aesthetic Healthcare establishes bridgehead for expansion into Asia and accelerate SBC’s presence in global markets
SBC to leverage operational synergies and implement growth strategies to launch into new verticals and geographies
TOKYO, Nov 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated (Nasdaq: SBC) (“SBC Medical”, or the “Company”, or “SBC”), a global provider of comprehensive consulting and management services to the medical corporations and their clinics, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aesthetic Healthcare Holdings Pte. Ltd. (“AHH”), a privately-held Singapore-based company that owns and operates several brands that provide aesthetic medical treatments in an all cash transaction scheduled to close on November 13, 2024.
The acquisition by SBC of AHH marks the first step in Company’s strategy to grow its business through acquisitions, which includes plans to expand its business internationally with a primary focus on the U.S. and Asia markets. The Company believes Singapore represents the ideal hub for the further development of its brand in the region.
Strategic Rationale: A foothold to expand into Asia
Founded by Dr. Ewen Chee, a pioneer in Singapore’s aesthetic medical industry, AHH is well established in the country with a multi-brand strategy that caters to diverse customer needs. With the acquisition of AHH, SBC believes it has taken an important step toward expanding its presence in the Asian market. AHH’s portfolio consists of four brands and 21 outlets, and will be added to the SBC clinic network, strengthening its customer base in the Asian region. SBC has positioned Singapore as the core of its Asian operations and plans to leverage the high brand recognition AHH has established to promote strategic partnerships throughout Asia. The expansion of SBC’s global presence is consistent with its mission to establish leadership in the aesthetic medical industry by providing the value of beauty and health beyond national borders through innovative aesthetic medical treatments.
Strategies to Expand the Aesthetic Medicine Market by Leveraging Singapore’s Advantages As disposable income increases in line with recent economic growth, demand for aesthetic medical treatments to maintain youth and beauty is growing rapidly. The Asian market in particular has shown remarkable growth, and currently accounts for the second largest share of the global aesthetic medical market, with an average annual growth rate of 11%*, exceeding that of any other region. Among these, Singapore is ideally positioned as a gateway to the Asian market due to its geographical and cultural advantages, and with its well-developed medical infrastructure and regulatory environment. SBC believes it is an ideal base for expanding services throughout Asia. *Data Source: https://straitsresearch.com/report/aesthetic-medicine-market
Dr. Ewen Chee, Chief Executive Officer of Aesthetic Healthcare Holdings Pte. Ltd., said: “We are pleased to announce that our clinic group has become a member of SBC, one of the leading aesthetic medical clinic groups in Japan. Since our establishment, we have been committed to providing the best medical treatments to each and every patient in Singapore, and have earned the trust of many customers. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our employees and patients for their support. We see this acquisition as an opportunity for new growth, and we are confident that SBC’s advanced technology, management know-how, and extensive experience in the Japanese market will contribute greatly to our further development. We expect to accelerate our expansion throughout Asia and provide the best aesthetic medical treatments to as many patients as possible. We also hope to contribute to the expansion of the franchise business in the U.S. by utilizing the franchise business know-how we have cultivated through the operation of SkinGo! Together, with SBC, we aim to be a leader in the Asian aesthetic medicine industry and will make further efforts to meet the expectations of each and every patient.”
Yoshiyuki Aikawa Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SBC Medical Group Holdings, Inc., said: “We are very pleased to welcome AHH to our group. AHH has been providing high-quality aesthetic medical services in Singapore for many years and has earned the trust of many customers. With this acquisition, we expect to accelerate our expansion into the Asian market and strengthen our global aesthetic medical treatment delivery system. We are confident that we can create significant synergies by combining expertise in aesthetic medical treatments and management know-how we have cultivated in Japan with AHH’s brand power and customer base. We intend to grow together while respecting the corporate culture that AHH has cultivated thus far. We will also respect the culture and customs of Singapore and try to manage the company in a way that is rooted in the local community, while actively contributing to the local community. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, we aim to become a leading aesthetic medical clinic in Asia.”
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About SBC Medical SBC Medical, headquartered in Irvine, California and Tokyo, Japan, owns and provides management services and products to cosmetic treatment centers. The Company is primarily focused on providing comprehensive management services to franchisee clinics, including but not limited to advertising and marketing needs across various platforms (such as social media networks), staff management (such as recruitment and training), booking reservations for franchisee clinic customers, assistance with franchisee employee housing rentals and facility rentals, construction and design of franchisee clinics, medical equipment and medical consumables procurement (resale), the provision of cosmetic products to franchisee clinics for resale to clinic customers, licensure of the use of patent-pending and non-patented medical technologies, trademark and brand use, IT software solutions (including but not limited to remote medical consultations), management of the franchisee clinic’s customer rewards program (customer loyalty point program), and payment tools for the franchisee clinics. For more information, visit https://sbc-holdings.com/
About Aesthetic Healthcare Holdings Pte. Ltd. AHH is based in Singapore and operates aesthetic medical clinics, family clinics, and quick facial aesthetics outlets. The founder, Dr. Ewen Chee, is known as one of the pioneers in the field of aesthetic medicine in Singapore and is a co-chair of the first Asia Pacific Thread Lift Conference (APEM) and a board-certified physician by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. He is a frequent speaker at international conferences and workshops, and his expertise and knowledge have been featured in numerous scientific publications.
SkinGo! (16 locations)https://skingo.sg/ Aesthetic salons focusing on facial menus
Family clinics (2 locations)
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts or statements of current conditions, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events and performance, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to, among other things, the Company’s product launch plans and strategies; growth in revenue and earnings; and business prospects. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” “targets” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this release and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, assumptions, or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them; such factors include, among other things, changes in global, regional, or local economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions, and those listed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) — At the JETOUR Global Travel+ Conference 2024 in Fuzhou, JETOUR emphasised the importance of wildlife conservation and reaffirmed its commitment to the pursuit of “Travel as ESG Practices”.
During the event, JETOUR unveiled a teaser of Discovery’s documentary “Return of the Cheetah” and partnered with renowned biologist and artist Hazen Audel to launch a charity auction for cheetah protection.
All proceeds from the auction will be donated to cheetah conservation, reinforcing JETOUR’s ongoing support for ecological initiatives.
JETOUR Auto President, Li Xueyong highlighted the company’s growing awareness of the connection between economic development and ecological environment.
“If we treat the earth well, the earth will treat us well. Cooperation with CCF is just the beginning. In the future, we will continue to support ecological conservation and contribute to global sustainable development,” he said in a statement.
The conference, attended by over 1,000 guests, watched the teaser of the documentary “Return of the Cheetah”, jointly produced by JETOUR, the Discovery Channel, and the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).
Set against the backdrop of Namibian grasslands in Africa, the documentary illustrates the plight of the cheetah worldwide, and encourages greater public involvement in wildlife protection.
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