March 22, 2023

Tag: TRA

Aviation

Avis Announces New Partnership with SriLankan Airlines

SriLankan Airlines’ Frequent Flyers, FlySmiLes members, are valued more with chances to earn points and enjoy discounts on rental cars from Avis

SINGAPORE, Aug. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Avis, today announced a new partnership agreement with SriLankan Airlines the national carrier of Sri Lanka and the newest member of the oneworld alliance. Through the new partnership, the Airline’s frequent flyers, FlySmiLes members will have the opportunity to earn and redeem miles from Avis car rentals. In addition, Avis’ products and services will be marketed to FlySmiles members on the FlySmiLes website: http://www.flysmiles.com/.

“We are more than excited to align our brand loyalty efforts with SriLankan Airlines,” said Patric Siniscalchi, President, Latin America/Asia Pacific, Avis Budget Group. “This partnership will enhance the value proposition for FlySmiLes’ customer loyalty program and bring us incremental business at the same time, giving us the opportunity to accelerate our growth in the Southeast Asia.”

SriLankan Airlines, Head of Commercial Operations, Mohammed Fazeel said, “SriLankan Airlines is delighted to have Avis on-board, which will provide our frequent flyers more opportunities to earn and redeem miles whilst on business or holiday. We have been expanding our strategic partnerships with service-providers of high calibre to provide our FlySmiLes members the best possible experience.  With SriLankan’s entry to oneworld in May this year, FlySmiLes members now have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of benefits in addition to earning and redeeming miles when flying with the oneworld carriers.”

To celebrate the new partnership, Avis offers the FlySmiLes members Double and Triple bonus FlySmiLes miles on qualifying rentals.

For More Information: Call Reservations Hotline 1800 737 1668 (toll-free)

About Avis in Asia

In Asia, Avis is a leading provider of vehicle rental; vehicle leasing and limousine/chauffeur drive services operating in more than 300 locations through a network of wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and licensee agreements in 18 markets. Avis opened its first operations in Asia in 1970 in Hong Kong. Throughout the 1970’s Avis grew steadily in the region, with operations launched in Singapore, the Philippines, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia. More recently, developments have included openings in India, Mainland China, Vietnam and Taiwan.

About Avis

Avis Car Rental operates one of the world’s best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,450 locations in more than 165 countries. Avis has a long history of innovation in the car rental industry and is one of the world’s top brands for customer loyalty. Avis is owned by Avis Budget Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAR), which operates and licenses the brand throughout the world. For more information, visit www.avis.com.

About SriLankan AirLines and FlySmiLes

SriLankan Airlines being the  National carrier of Sri Lanka, is an award winning carrier with a firm reputation as a global leader in service, comfort, safety, reliability, and punctuality . The airline has cemented a firm reputation worldwide for its service, comfort, safety and reliability, notching many enviable industry awards along the way. These awards include the, World’s Friendliest Cabin Staff by Skytrax; Best Airline in South Asia from Travel Trade Gazette; World’s Most Reliable Operator of Airbus A330s and A340s by Airbus Industries and the Etihad Global Excellence Award for Best Regional Caterer.

The airline’s hub is located at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, providing convenient connections to its global route network of 60 destinations in 33 countries in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Far East, North America and Australia. SriLankan has mutual code-share services with BMI (British Midland), Etihad and Malaysia Airlines. Indian Airlines , Saudi Arabian Airlines, Air Canada and Mihin also code-share on some of SriLankan’s routes. SriLankan has consistently achieved very high marks for excellence, especially in polls of global travellers and has won many international accolades consistently.

For further information please contact:

Grace Banto
Avis Asia
+65-6737-1668
grace.banto@avis.com.sg

Logo – http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2013/03/08/20130308141351782465-l.jpg

Read More
Market

Hyatt Regency Suzhou Opens in Eastern China

SUZHOU, China, Aug. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Hyatt Regency Suzhou today announced the opening in Suzhou, one of the most important economic, cultural and historic cities of Eastern China, neighboring Shanghai.

VIPs at the Grand Opening of Hyatt Regency Suzhou

VIPs at the Grand Opening of Hyatt Regency Suzhou

 

Charity Donation from Hyatt Regency Suzhou and Jinghope, the owning company of the hotel

Charity Donation from Hyatt Regency Suzhou and Jinghope, the owning company of the hotel

 

29-floor high atrium at Hyatt Regency Suzhou, the highest in the city

29-floor high atrium at Hyatt Regency Suzhou, the highest in the city

The city of Suzhou, known as “the Venice of China,” is renowned for its ancient canals, stone bridges and UNESCO-listed classic gardens. Hyatt Regency Suzhou provides contemporary comfort and high-tech amenities to business and leisure guests in the thriving heart of this historic city.

“We are thrilled that Hyatt Regency Suzhou is now part of this vibrant community. The opening of Hyatt Regency Suzhou is a strategic step for Hyatt as we grow our brand presence in China,” said Christopher Koehler, vice president of operations – China, Hyatt. “We believe that the authentic hospitality and care delivered by our colleagues will be well received by the hotel’s guests and the community. We look forward to fostering meaningful connections among business and leisure travelers around the world.”

Strategically nestled in the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) with a subway station at its doorstep, Hyatt Regency Suzhou is part of Jinghope Plaza, a new complex project that includes a luxury shopping mall, entertainment venues and two Grade-A office buildings.

Hyatt Regency Suzhou is a key connecting point between Suzhou and Shanghai, offering easy accessibility to visiting guests. It takes just 25 minutes by train to reach Shanghai, one hour by car to reach Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and 10 minutes by car to reach Suzhou SIP Railway Station, the transportation hub of Yangtze River Delta region. Neighboring the picturesque Jinji Lake, Suzhou Culture and Arts Center, Suzhou International Expo Center and the Ferris Wheel Park, Hyatt Regency Suzhou will also provide a convenient blend between the ancient Suzhou city and new district.

The hotel offers 355 spacious guestrooms and suites plus a Regency Club. There are five restaurants and lounges, more than 15,000 square feet of innovative meeting, event and wedding venues, and spa and wellness facilities.

The refreshing, contemporary design by LTW Designworks features a breathtaking 29-story triangular atrium topped with a glass roof. The interior design is inspired by Suzhou’s classic gardens offset by large-scale contemporary artworks and abstract patterns that reference the modern face of Suzhou.

“We are delighted to introduce the Hyatt Regency brand’s signature world-class dining, hospitality and amenities to one of China’s most historic cities,” said Gary Chan, general manager of Hyatt Regency Suzhou. “As the first Hyatt hotel in Jiangsu province, Hyatt Regency Suzhou will be an inspiring place to connect, dine, meet, celebrate and relax in the city. With an energetic team of expert planners and passionate hoteliers, we are ready to welcome our guests from the neighborhood and around the world.”

Contemporary Accommodation

Hyatt Regency Suzhou’s 355 contemporary guestrooms encircle an eye-catching 29-story atrium, offering impressive city views from every room. The bright, modern design incorporates Suzhou stylistic influences – from a large black-and-white mural featuring snapshots of classical architecture and garden images to woven cane lanterns and an abundance of natural woods and textures.

Starting at a spacious 430 square feet, all guestrooms offer premium amenities, including: a large-screen LED TV with satellite channels and free on-demand movies; coffee and tea sets; individually controlled air conditioning; and complimentary high-speed broadband/Wi-Fi Internet access. An oversized table is equally comfortable as a work desk and dining table. Bathrooms feature a deep-soaking tub, spacious shower and separate toilet, plus all-natural bath products.

Regency Suites, starting at 968 square feet, feature a separate living/dining area, a coffee machine and freestanding window bathtub. The Regency Club provides the highest level of personalized services, including exclusive access to the 28th floor’s Regency Club lounge, serving complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening cocktails. Guests can also enjoy the Regency Club boardroom, express check-in/out and dedicated receptionist and concierge services.

Destination Dining

Hyatt Regency Suzhou brings Hyatt-renowned dining experiences to Suzhou with five destination restaurants and lounges. The hotel offers both international flavors and authentic local dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients.

Ascending the grand staircase from the lobby, the second floor’s Hua Chi 88 is a vibrant Chinese dining restaurant serving authentic Suzhou and Huaiyang cuisines, Taihu Boat cuisine from nearby Tai Lake, and the city’s finest Peking Duck roasted over fruitwood in the traditional duck oven. Live show kitchens throughout the dining room add to the theatrical atmosphere. Six private dining rooms feature large windows and private bathrooms.  

The Fireplace on the third floor is an international grill restaurant with a sophisticated European bistro-style ambience. The open kitchen serves up Italian pizzas and grilled specialties. Wood-paneled walls, mounted animal heads and peacock blue, semi-circular booths make it a destination to impress. The Fireplace also features a mosaic and marble bar with a Manhattan vibe, ideal for relaxing before or after dinner with an artisanal cocktail, such as the signature Whisky Sour.

Tea House on the ground floor combines the conviviality of a traditional Chinese teahouse with a modern style, and it serves light snacks, beverages and cocktails. By day, it’s a great place to work, meet and socialize with free Wi-Fi. By night, Tea House transforms into a relaxed bar.   

Beneath the magnificent 29-story atrium, The Atrium is an elegant spot for informal meetings and gatherings. Market Café occupies a second-floor space with double-height windows where guests can eat out of the pan, off the grill and out of the wok. The freshest ingredients are used to create a la minute dishes from across China, Asia and the world, plus a delicious dessert selection.

Innovative Events and Weddings

Hyatt Regency Suzhou is the place for every occasion with more than 15,000 square feet of innovative meetings and events space.

The Residence is a new-concept events venue comprised of four multifunctional rooms with large French windows, hosting up to 360 guests. The rooms feature versatile sliding screens that open onto a large foyer, and a dedicated Loft Kitchen is fully equipped for creative dining experiences. The Residence is ideal for conferences, meetings and cocktail events. It is also a great choice for wedding parties and family gatherings.

Designed in contemporary style, the 6,240-square-foot Regency Ballroom can host up to 450 people for a cocktail event and 340 for a private dining event. The ballroom can also be divided into two rooms for smaller gatherings. A large VIP/Bridal Dressing Room and lounge are available. All venues are appointed with advanced technology and communications systems as well as complimentary wireless Internet connectivity. A private street-front entrance provides exclusivity.

Spa and Wellness Facilities

Yue Spa at Hyatt Regency Suzhou is designed to restore and maintain the natural equilibrium, or “yin yang,” which is critical to human wellbeing. Six private spa suites plus two reflexology areas provide a full range of body and facial treatments. Spa guests can enjoy the hydrotherapy facilities featuring Roman-style baths and an oversized steam room.

Signature treatment combines traditional Chinese techniques with using a choice of aromatherapy or therapeutic oils. Authentic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments are also available in Yue Spa, together with a certified TCM doctor and Tai Qi master ready for consultations and movement practice.

The hotel also features a 25-meter indoor swimming pool on the third floor with floor-to-ceiling city views. As an added artistic touch, the pool is framed by intricate mosaic artworks featuring scenes of old Suzhou canal. The 24-hour fitness center offers the latest cardio and strength equipment, which enables guests to share their workout stats via social media apps.

About Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency brand is an energizing hotel brand that connects travelers to who and what matters most to them. More than 140 conveniently located Hyatt Regency urban and resort locations in over 30 countries around the world serve as the go-to gathering space for every occasion – from efficient business meetings to memorable family vacations. The brand offers a one-stop experience that puts everything guests need right at their fingertips. Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts offer a full range of services and amenities, including notable culinary experiences; technology-enabled ways to collaborate; the space to work, engage or relax; and expert planners who take care of every detail. For more information, visit hyattregency.com

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company’s subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva brand names and have locations on six continents. Hyatt Residential Group, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops, operates, markets or licenses Hyatt Residences® and Hyatt Residence Club®. As of June 30, 2014, the Company’s worldwide portfolio consisted of 563 properties in 48 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140826/0861406096-a
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140826/0861406096-b
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140826/0861406096-c

Read More
Aviation

Air Seychelles and Hong Kong Airlines Sign Codeshare Agreement

HONG KONG, Aug. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, and Hong Kong Airlines, an internationally-acclaimed SKYTRAX 4-star airline, have signed a codeshare agreement to provide travellers with enhanced connections in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Under the codeshare agreement, Air Seychelles will place its ‘HM’ code on Hong Kong Airlines’ flights between Hong Kong and the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. In return, Hong Kong Airlines will place its ‘HX’ code on Air Seychelles’ flights between the Seychelles and Hong Kong, as well as between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates#.

The agreement was signed this week by Manoj Papa, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, and Li Dianchun, Commercial Director of Hong Kong Airlines.

Manoj Papa said: “We are delighted to expand our network of codeshare partners with the addition of Hong Kong Airlines. As a leading international tourism destination, the Seychelles attracts a large number of travellers from across Asia, and through our codeshare agreement with Hong Kong Airlines, we are confident these volumes will continue to flourish. At the same time, residents of the Seychelles will benefit from direct access to the global finance and tourism hub of Hong Kong.”

Li Dianchun said: “This codeshare agreement is part of a comprehensive strategy to open up new markets and offer more choices to Hong Kong Airlines’ passengers. Our partner Air Seychelles is a well-respected airline that will successfully broaden our reach to the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi, two of the world’s fastest-growing and most exciting travel destinations. The agreement enables passengers to book any Hong Kong Airlines flight originating from China, Japan and Southeast Asia to Abu Dhabi and the Seychelles connecting through the Hong Kong hub. We anticipate strong demand on these routes and look forward to building our cooperation with Air Seychelles in the future.”

Tickets under the codeshare agreement can be purchased from 12 September 2014 for travel commencing on the same day# on the airseychelles.com or hkairlines.com websites. Bookings can also be completed through a travel agent, the airlines’ sales offices, or by calling the Air Seychelles’ Call Centre on +248 439 1000 or the Hong Kong Airlines Call Centre at +852 3151 1888 (Hong Kong) or +86 898 950715 (mainland China).

Details of the codeshare flights are as follows:

Routes

Flight No.

Departure*

Arrival*

Days of Operations

HKG – BKK

HX765/ HM5680

1810

1925

Daily

HX767/ HM5682

0055

0235

HX771/ HM5684

0750

0945

HX773/ HM5686

2315

0015+1

HX775/ HM5688

1215

1405

BKK – HKG

HX766/ HM5681

2025

0055+1

HX768/  HM5683

0825

1210

HX772/ HM5685

1125

1530

HX774/ HM5687

0210

0555

HX776/ HM5689

1505

1850

Routes

Flight No.

Departure*

Arrival*

Days of Operations

HKG – AUH

HX 1087/ HM 087

1910

2340

Mon/ Wed/ Fri

HKG – SEZ

HX 1087/ HM 087

1910

0635+1

Mon/ Wed/ Fri

SEZ – HKG

HX 1086/ HM 086

1555

0955+1

Tue/ Thu/ Sun

AUH – HKG

HX 1086/ HM 086

2155

0955+1

Tue/ Thu/ Sun

* All local time

#Subject to regulatory approvals.

Manoj Papa, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, and Li Dianchun, Commercial Director of Hong Kong Airlines, sign a codeshare agreement between the two airlines

Manoj Papa, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, and Li Dianchun, Commercial Director of Hong Kong Airlines, sign a codeshare agreement between the two airlines

– Ends –

About Air Seychelles

Air Seychelles was established in 1978 and began long-haul service in 1983. The airline currently offers international flights to Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Johannesburg and Mauritius. Air Seychelles also offers more than 200 domestic scheduled flights a week throughout the archipelago, as well as domestic charter services.  As the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, Air Seychelles is a pillar of tourism, the island nation’s strongest and growing economic sector. The airline maintains a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and 40 per cent stakeholder. For more information, please visit: www.airseychelles.com.

About Hong Kong Airlines

Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines has since grown to become an internationally-acclaimed carrier. Recognizing the warmth of its service and the quality of its onboard offering, Hong Kong Airlines has been awarded the highly-esteemed 4-star rating from SKYTRAX for three consecutive years. Based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Airlines’ network currently covers almost 30 cities regionally, including Beijing, Shanghai, Sanya, Bangkok, Bali and Okinawa. Our current fleet has 23 aircraft, which includes three Airbus A330-300s, nine Airbus A330-200s and six A320s, with up-to-date inflight entertainment system and an average age of just one year as of 2013. And our cargo fleet consists of five Airbus A330-200Fs. Adhering to the concept of “Fresh and Very Hong Kong”, Hong Kong Airlines is committed to “Bringing Greater Journeys Sky High”, and is dedicated to providing an extraordinary flight experience to the passengers. For more information, please visit: www.hkairlines.com.

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140828/0861406173 
Logo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140317/0861401583-b

Read More
Market

Insurance Segment Taking Shape, Investments Gathering Strengths: Fosun Adheres Comprehensively to the Warren Buffett Model

HONG KONG, Aug. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Fosun International Limited (together with its subsidiaries, “Fosun” or the “Group”, HKEx stock code: 00656) announces today its interim results for 2014. As at June 30, 2014, net assets attributable to owners of the parent of the Group amounted to RMB43.99 billion, up 11.0% from end-2013. Profit attributable to owners of the parent of the Group amounted to RMB1.83 billion, up 8.4% from the same period of 2013.

Fosun has been persistently making a major stride towards becoming a world-class investment group underpinned by the twin drivers of “insurance-oriented comprehensive financial capability” and “industrial-rooted global investment capability” since the beginning of 2014 to date. Following the completion of the acquisition of the three insurance companies namely Fidelidade, Multicare and Cares under Caixa Seguros e Saude (“CSS”) of Portugal (“Fosun Insurance Portugal”); the successful investment in one of the largest independent private banks in Europe, BHF of Germany; the successful acquisition of the Japanese real estate capital management firm IDERA; and signing of an equity purchase agreement with the US insurance company Ironshore Inc., the Group’s “insurance-oriented comprehensive financial capability” under the twin drivers development model has already taken on firm foothold. Meanwhile, Fosun will continue to leverage and pursue its another driver of “industrial-rooted global investment capability”, seeking to deliver more successful investment cases under the value investing principle.

Insurance funds available for investments close to RMB120 billion

Significant enhancement of Fosun’s “insurance-oriented comprehensive financial capability”

Fosun has always been considering the development of the insurance business as a premium path in connecting its investment capability to long-term high-quality capital. Currently, Fosun’s insurance business comprises over one-third of its total assets. Fosun’s latest investment in insurance business was signing an equity purchase agreement with the US insurance company Ironshore Inc., for acquisition of 20% of its total outstanding ordinary shares (on a fully diluted basis) and to become its largest shareholder. Excluding the investment in Ironshore of which the acquisition has not yet been closed and completed, Fosun’s insurance segment comprises four companies, namely Yong’an P&C Insurance, Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance, Peak Reinsurance and Fosun Insurance Portugal, constituting a comprehensive insurance platform underpinned by property and casualty, life, and re-insurance. Following the successful completion of the Fosun Insurance Portugal acquisition on May 15, 2014, Fosun successfully matched and commenced a total of 14 equity and debt investment projects for Fosun Insurance Portugal, including investments in the Portuguese power grid company Redes Energeticas Nacionais SGPS, S.A. (REN), China’s leading film distributor with an integrated business chain Bona Film Group, etc., aggregating an investment amount of approximately EUR460 million. Leveraging its successful connection to Fosun’s investment capability, the profit attributable to owners of the parent of insurance segment amounted to RMB114.5 million during the first half of 2014, up 19.9% from the same period of 2013, with an investible fund stood at approximately RMB119.06 billion.

Besides investing in the insurance segment, Fosun also extended its footholds to the comprehensive financial area including banking, real estate capital management, securities brokerage and asset management. Fosun succeeded in investing in one of the largest independent private banks in Europe, BHF of Germany in the first half of 2014. For this transaction, Fosun acquired an approximately 19% interest in KBG to secure an indirect ownership of the BHF and the well-established UK private bank with a very long history, Kleinwort Benson, thereby gaining footholds in two big financial hubs, Frankfurt and London. Fosun will capitalize on their connections with billionaires and family enterprises to establish a platform and a network for Fosun’s investment businesses in Europe. It is the first time Fosun holds indirect interests in a private-banking business which will successfully enhance its comprehensive financial capability. In addition, Fosun completed the acquisition of a 98% equity interest in a Japanese real estate capital management firm IDERA. Japan is one of the important markets in the global property investment mix for institutional investors. IDERA will become the most important property investment and management platform in Japan for Fosun. After the IDERA acquisition, the Group can efficiently acquire capital and asset management capability in the Japanese property market. In July 2014, Fosun acquired Hong Kong Hani Securities (It is still waiting for the final approval by the SFC). Hani Securities has licenses including for dealing in securities and assets management. Looking forward, it will help secure a foothold for Fosun in supporting “Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect” and start pursuing differentiated assets management business in Hong Kong, while engaging in further development with Fosun’s other financial platforms.

Investments gathering strengths

Accomplished successful large-scale global value investment cases based on deep industrial footholds in China

During the first half of the year, Fosun sped up establishment of localized investment capabilities in overseas markets. It proactively invested in local platform entities, put together local partner teams in Europe, the US, Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asian countries and regions. Ripping benefits from the significant acceleration of globalization of China’s growth momentum, Fosun completed many investments across Asia, Europe and North America. Fosun’s global investment strategies are based on “benefits from China’s growth momentum” to further implement its “industrial-rooted global investment capability”, accomplishing a long list of value investment cases.

On the top of its successful investments in the global leisure resort hotel chain Club Med of France and the Greek renowned fashion retail group Folli Follie, etc., Fosun took its “Combining China’s Growth Momentum with Global Resources” investment model further. Since last year until lately, Fosun and funds under its management invested, respectively, in the US high-end female apparel brand St. John, the premium Italian menswear manufacturer Caruso, the world’s leading medical and cosmetic energy-based device manufacturer Alma Lasers originated in Israel, the largest lifestyle restaurant chain group in Southeast Asia Secret Recipe, a leading German fashion and lifestyle brand TOM TAILOR, as well as a renowned Spanish premium ham, wines and spirits producer Osborne Group. Fosun believes in co-operation with its investees and partners to discover and share investment opportunities brought about by China’s sustaining economic growth.

Fully “Embracing the Mobile Internet”: already become a major mobile internet investor in China

Facing the comprehensive reform brought about by the internet, Fosun proactively implement its “Embracing the Mobile Internet Strategy”. Following the successful investment in Perfect World and completion of the Focus Media privatization, Fosun and funds under its management expanded their mobile internet investments comprehensively in many areas, including the internet medical company Scanadu; the online education companies such as Mofangge, and Uniquedu; the mobile game portal Joyme.com; and the online travel company Lailaihui.com; and Southeast Asia mobile internet company Main Spring, etc. Furthermore, Fosun also invested in high-growth traditional industries ancillary to the internet, including distribution warehousing, freight express, smart logistics systems, etc., such as China Smart Logistics Network (CSN) “Cainiao”. Fosun and funds under its management also invested in and pushed forward traditional enterprises to innovate and achieve O2O, for example, invested successfully in Ali Small-Loan and participated in its rapid growth. In the first half of 2014, the Group has a total of 18 PE and VC projects in the internet sector, for investment amounts aggregating approximately RMB1.85 billion.

Spearheaded investments in industries associated with middle-class lifestyles

Exponential growth in successful cases of experience-driven consumption and consumption upgrade

China’s middle class population is growing rapidly, and the middle class lifestyles are set to become the major driver of consumption in the country. Fosun is eyeing on investment opportunities brought about by the changing lifestyles of the middle class in China, extending its footholds in experience-driven consumption in tourism and the filming and television entertainment industry, as well as focusing on investments in consumption upgrades, etc.

Fosun further extended its investment footholds in experience-driven consumption in the first half of 2014, initiated at a high starting point in the filming and television entertainment industry by investing in Studio 8, an US Hollywood multi-platform media company; increased its holding in Bona Film Group and became the second largest shareholder; and signed a strategic cooperation agreement with one of China’s largest and strongest modern film groups Shanghai Film Group. For experience-driven tourism consumption investments, besides the investment in China International Travel Services and the increased holding in Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart, Fosun continued to develop the world’s third ultimate high-end hotel and ocean theme park Atlantis Resort along the Haitang Bay National Coast in Sanya, Hainan, with Kerzner Group, while facilitated Club Med’s expansion in China and on the heels of Yabuli and Guilin resorts, Club Med has already beta-launched its third resort in China this year. Meanwhile, Fosun persists in its focus on investments in consumption upgrades. Since the beginning of 2014 to date, Fosun and funds under its management invested in the leading lifestyle restaurant chain group in Southeast Asia Secret Recipe, a renowned Spanish premium ham, wines and spirits producer Osborne Group, a leading German fashion and lifestyle brand TOM TAILOR etc.

Transformation of traditional property businesses: Full landing of “Hive Community”, a PPP urbanization model that pioneered provision of core urban functions, industry-backed urban development and urban-industry integration

Implementing the new model of urbanization is a major highlight of the Central Government, and a major driver of the sustaining economic development in China. Hive Community is a product integrated Fosun’s industrial resources to assist local governments in the construction of core urban functions, with a key feature of “industry-backed urban development and urban-industry integration”. Through providing core urban functions required by the cities, Fosun is able to take a lead in introducing its core industrial resources and to further introduce ancillary industries that support the core industries, with a view to promoting “Urban-Industry integration” by establishing a 24-hour plus 3-in-1 vibrant community for work, consumption and living, as well as introducing living and consumption services industries. The Hive Community products, therefore, provide clear and distinctive functions with active dispersal of peripheral services. They also provide adequate and diverse job opportunities (no more dormant cities, ghost cities), seeking to constitute functional communities that drive employment by industries. As such, a new model of communities which is self-sufficient and built with flexible combination of modules comprising different functions are established.

In the first half of 2014, Fosun combined its resources to fully extend property businesses migration, securing a foothold to the “Hive Community” development. Currently, Fosun has been exploring actively in this area with several satisfactory case studies: Financial Hive BFC on the Bund in Shanghai and Chengdu Financial Hive; Healthcare Hive — Shanghai Starcastle Senior Living community; Culture Hive — Shenyang Yulong City and Dongyang Woodcarving City; Tourism Hive — Atlantis Resort in Hainan; and Logistics Hive Tian Mao Plaza in Xiangyang and Ankang; comprising GFA aggregating 3.96 million sq.m.

Signficant results from long-term vigilance on and grasping of opportunities from China’s SOE mixed ownership reforms

The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee proposed to “actively participate in mixed ownership reforms” which confirmed the overall direction for SOE reforms. Mixed ownership reforms are an important move for China’s further reform and opening up, deepening the SOEs reform and enhancing the state-owned assets management system and the economic system. In the past ten years, Fosun actively invested in 21 SOE restructuring projects in a number of industries, accomplished a base of valuable experiences. To grasp opportunities in history, Fosun has been actively participating in mixed ownership reforms since The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party, and invested in several leading corporates in China as Sanyuan Food in dairy industry, CNFC Fishery in overseas fishing industry and Zhongshan Public Utilities in professional environmental protection industry. (Sanyuan Food project and CNFC Fishery project are still waiting for final approval by the China Securities Regulatory Commission)

Outlook

Led by a spiritual courage of “Reinitiating two decades of entrepreneurship”, Fosun will follow the trends by combining resources, continue to enhance and implement its twin drivers of “insurance-oriented comprehensive financial capability” and “industrial-rooted global investment capability”, enabling the Group to better and timely grasp the value investing opportunities and making a major stride towards becoming a world-class investment group.

Read More
Aviation

The Forefront of Japan’s Subculture — the Ever Evolving “Akihabara”

TOKYO, Aug. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — “Akihabara“is well known to those not only in Japan but also overseas as “the City/Mecca of Electronics & Home Appliances”. You will still see a lot of major home electronics retailers lined up side by side, and many people from the country and all over the world have made visits to the city looking for Japan’s electronic appliances for decades. However, the city has now evolved brilliantly throughout the changes of a new era. Nowadays, “Akihabara” not only represents a name of a city, but also became an iconic figure that embodies Japan’s own subculture. Japan’s unique subculture scene largely represented by this city attracts travelers from all over the world. Akihabara, which is continuously evolving its appearance every minute, also owns its very unique in-station facility that fittingly serves as an entrance to the city. Here we will introduce you to some of the newest faces in Akihabara you will likely encounter in the station or somewhere under an elevated structure:

Why don't you get Japanese souvenirs and the hot items in Akihabara?

Why don’t you get Japanese souvenirs and the hot items in Akihabara?

An art-turned train! Even a non-hardcore fan should stop by — TRAINIART

Atre Akihabara 1is connected directly to JR East Railway Akihabara station’s Electric Town exit (or “Denki-gai” exit). On the 2nd floor you will find TRAINIART, a  boutique shop selling railroad/train merchandises. Here you will find a vast variety of railroad/train designed goods, from stationaries to accessories, all focused on both [design] and [functionality]. You will notice most of these goods are well-suited for its own brand name -ART”, all richly designed, stylishly finished that one would definitely be tempted to pick them up in their hands, and are very popular among the females. You can also find a pair of train-designed T-shirts tailored for parent-child; you would definitely find a train-designed merchandise of your own that you would probably want to bring home.

CHABARA”NOMONO” – For those looking for tasting/bringing home Japan’s regional local gourmet foods

In Japan, you will encounter distinctive local gourmet foods in each region throughout the country. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could enjoy all sorts of gourmet foods from all regions in Japan even if you could only stay in Tokyo?

That’s when we highly recommendCHABARA, located under an elevated bridge connecting JR Akihabara Station and Okachimachi Station. You will find a rich variety of specialty goods, seafoods, and soil foods delivered directly from local producers throughout the country. Perhaps, it’s a good idea to make gifts to your friends with soy-sauce, miso, tonkotsu (or pork bone soup) or other unique ramen noodles delivered from local producers, or for anybody, whose dad loves Japanese Sake, why not make a gift for him with a Japanese Sake processed with pure water and high quality grain of rice!

On the other hand, NOMONO, located inside Akihabara Station, is “A shop introducing the allure of Japanese food” that is always crowded with visitors as, albeit its somewhat limited space, it is conveniently located inside the station. At NOMONO Kitchenlocated on 2nd floor, you will enjoy the aspects of traditional local culture and all sorts of menu filled with highly selective and seasonal ingredients from the east regional Japan.   

In Akihabara, the city that constantly provides us with the latest cultural ingredients, its nearest station is equally unique as well. As the forefront of Japan’s cultural movement, we highly encourage you to visit there.

Read More