Asia Business Media: September 2013

Friday, September 27, 2013

Informa partners to launch Intermodal Asia

News this week: International event organiser, Informa plc, has signed a cooperation agreement with the China Container Industry Association (CCIA) to launch Intermodal Asia 2014. The event will also be supported by the China International Marine Containers (CIMC) - a member company of the CCIA and reportedly the world’s largest container manufacturer.

The inaugural event will run from 1^st to 3^rd April 2014 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. According to Informa, the event will include an exhibition and various conference sessions held in both Mandarin and English. A sister event of Intermodal Europe, Informa aims to attract container logistics and intermodal professionals to its Asia event.

Intermodal Asia’s event director, Sophie Ahmed, said, “The partnership between Informa and the CCIA, supported by CIMC, ensures that Intermodal Asia will be an industry-led event. An Intermodal Asia event has been in demand from a lot of people for a number of years and we are delighted to be delivering an event that will open up countless opportunities for participating companies and visitors.”

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Alibaba to acquire cloud storage service

News this week: The Alibaba Group has announced plans to acquire China-based personal cloud storage service, Kanbox, for an undisclosed sum. Alibaba previously launched its own cloud computing unit, Aliyun, in 2009 and has since been expanding related services.

Kanbox was launched in 2011 and is often referred to as the “Dropbox of China.” The company reportedly has more than 15 million registered users. Its service allows users to upload, download and sync files online, with approximately 20% of its users accessing Kanbox through mobile devices. In 2012, the company raised US$20 million through a venture round exercise.

Florence Shih, an Alibaba Group spokesperson said, “Personal cloud storage will be a fundamental service for mobile users in the future and will serve as an important touch-point to reach a wider user population. We believe this type of service is synergistic with our existing suite of mobile applications and ecosystem.”

Messe Düsseldorf to jointly organise Energy Storage China

News this week: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai, a subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, will jointly organise a new energy storage industry event, Energy Storage China, with the China Energy Storage Alliance.

Messe Düsseldorf’s decision to launch the show is based on a successfully-held preview event of Energy Storage China organised by the Chinese government in May this year at the China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair. Exhibitors will include policy and decision makers, experts and manufacturers in the renewable energy and energy storage industry in China, and the event will serve as a deal-making and business development platform for the sector.

Axel Bartkus, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai, stated, “With the expertise in trade fairs and conferences from Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai and the advanced industrial resources and market awareness from the China Energy Storage Alliance, we are confident that we will provide a top-class networking event to synchronise energy storage business in China.”

ATC Global moves to China in 2014

News this week: International event organiser, UBM plc, will take its ATC Global Conference and Exhibition to China for the first time in 2014. ATC Global is an annual event launched in 1990 serving the international Air Traffic Management (ATM) community.

The ATC Global Conference and Exhibition in China will be held at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) from 17^th to 19^th September and will be supported by the Air Traffic Management Bureau of Civil Aviation Administration of China (ATMB CAAC). According to Centre for Aviation (CAPA), China’s current 5-year plan has committed US$230 billion to develop the civil aviation industry.

Paula Milburn, Development Director – Aviation for UBM, commented, “Over the last 23 years the event has achieved strong growth and international reach from its regional roots in Europe. As the show continues to expand, the new location of Beijing will assist in bringing the global ATM community together to seek solutions to the current challenges facing the industry and to conduct business.”

Singapore expects strong year for MICE

News this week: Singapore’s MICE trade association, SACEOS, is projecting improved results this year for the country’s MICE industry compared to 2012. Singapore held 1,102 MICE events last year– up 46% from 2011. SACEOS is rallying the country’s MICE venues to help grow the industry.

The Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is on course to host a record number of 70-plus trade shows at its Sands Expo and Convention Center this year, compared to 51 events in 2012.

Messe Berlin’s annually-held Asian travel trade show, ITB Asia, recently signed a three-year contract with the Sands Expo and Convention Center to remain in Singapore. The event was previously held at the recently refurbished Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Alibaba reportedly taking IPO to New York

News this week: China’s largest e-commerce company, Alibaba Group, has reportedly ended talks with regulators and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange regarding its anticipated initial public offering (IPO). Alibaba has now engaged U.S.-based law firms to prepare for an IPO in New York instead.

Alibaba’s decision for a U.S. listing hinged on Hong Kong’s reluctance to accept the company’s proposal of a dual-class share structure which would enable Alibaba’s “partners” to retain control over the nomination of a majority of board members – a popular structure adopted by U.S. technology companies including Facebook and Google. According to market analysts, the company is estimated to be valued at up to US$120 billion.

Charles Li, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd., was quoted in a blog post without mention of any company names, “We need to look objectively at the issues and not be swayed by emotional arguments or be distracted by specific circumstances of any given company or issue. In the end, we should take responsibility for doing what is right and best for Hong Kong, not just what is safe and easy.”

Thursday, September 19, 2013

David Levin to step down from UBM

News this week: U.K.-listed media company, UBM plc, announced that company CEO David Levin will step down from his post by 31^st July 2014. Levin has been CEO of UBM since 2005 and will remain in his position during the search for a replacement.

A search process for Levin’s successor will be led by UBM’s Chairman, Dame Helen Alexander. During Levin’s tenure, UBM has been transformed into an events and communications-led business with a significant proportion of its business now operating in emerging markets.

David Levin, CEO of UBM, said, “I have really enjoyed leading the transformation of UBM’s business over the past eight years, together with a great group of colleagues. During this time UBM has completed more than 100 acquisitions and more than a dozen disposals, and we have returned more than £900 million (US$1.45 billion) of cash to shareholders. UBM has built its businesses in the emerging markets of China, India, Brazil, Turkey and the ASEAN region while strengthening its largest position in the USA.”

Reed’s CIBTM records visitor and exhibitor rise

News this week: Reed Travel Exhibitions, a subsidiary of Reed Exhibitions, concluded its meetings, incentives and business travel exhibition, China Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings Expo (CIBTM), earlier this month with growth observed in exhibitor and visitor numbers.

CIBTM 2013 was held from 2^nd to 4^th September at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing. A total of 465 exhibitors and 3,692 trade visitors attended the event, an increase of 17% and 14% respectively over the previous edition. CIBTM also reported a 4% growth in exhibition space in this edition.

Jacqui Timmins, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Exhibitions Director, AIME and CIBTM, commented, “CIBTM continues to be the leading trade show for meetings and events organisers, venue providers and incentive and business travel services in China and Asia and as a team, we are committed to developing the show further through strategic partners and new innovations to ensure that the show continues to catalyse an already booming industry in China.”

HKCEC hosted 145 exhibitions and conferences in 2012

News this week: A total of 1,180 events were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) during the fiscal year 2012-2013 (July 2012 – June 2013). The HKCEC reported the hosting of 115 exhibitions and 30 conferences, which attracted more than 5.2 million visitors.

Seven organisers launched new exhibitions at the HKCEC during the period, covering the real estate, bakery, diving and resort, sports and interior design industries. Among the 104 recurrent exhibitions, 20 of them recorded double-digit growth in exhibition space over their previous edition. The remaining four exhibitions were one off events.

Covering a wide range of industries, 22 of the 30 large conferences held at the HKCEC were international conferences. A total of 11 events were held for the first time at the venue. Other events held at the venue also included entertainment and special events, banquets, corporate events, media conferences, seminars and smaller meetings.

Convention centre planned near Bangalore

News this week: The Indian Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, announced after his visit to China that the India government plans to build an international convention centre at Devanahalli, a town 40 km northeast of Bangalore. Construction of the new venue is expected to cost around US$79 million and will be located near the Bengaluru International Airport.

Siddaramaiah said the venue will follow the model of a public-private-partnership, where land will be provided by the government and the investment to build the venue will be provided by a private company. Devanahalli is 12 km away from the airport, while Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), a major exhibition venue in Bangalore, is located 43 km from the airport.

Suntec hosted 96 events since refurbishment

News this week: The Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre reported some 650,000 visitors have attended a total of 96 events at the venue since its reopening in June 2013. Around 60% to 70% of those events were return bookings during the three month period.

According to Suntec’s management, the occupancy rate for October has already reached close to 80% with major trade shows such as IT event Cloud Expo Asia also lined up for this November. The venue highlighted its target to attract more medical and IT industry-related events.

Earlier last week, Suntec soft opened its Suntec City Phase 1 property, which houses more than 120 retail stores and F&B outlets.

Alibaba partners Minsheng bank to provide financial services

News this week: The Alibaba Group has partnered with the China Minsheng Banking Corp Ltd to provide financial services ranging from wealth-management products, credit-card operations, and electronic banking. Minsheng is China’s seventh-largest listed bank, and the largest of those that are not state-controlled.

According to Minsheng’s securities filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, direct banking accounts of its customers can now be linked with accounts under Alibaba’s online payment subsidiary, Alipay. Alibaba has previously signed similar agreements with other Chinese banks including the Bank of China and the China Construction Bank Corp (CCB). Alibaba has been offering micro-loans and money management services to small and medium-sized enterprises since 2010.

Separately, another Chinese Internet company, Tencent Holdings, has applied for a private banking license in China. The company owns a similar financial services operation to Alibaba in its Tenpay online payment system. Tencent’s application is currently being assessed by the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) for final approval.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

TCEB attracts 747,072 MICE travellers in first 3 quarters

News this week: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) reported good performance on the back of a 12% growth for the MICE industry in the first three quarters this year (October 2012 – June 2013).

During the nine-month period, Thailand received a total of 747,072 foreign MICE travellers generating 64 billion Baht (US$2.0 billion) in revenues. Thirty percent of all foreign MICE travellers attended international conventions and generated revenues of 22 billion Baht (US$687 million). The incentive segment contributed 26% of the travellers generating revenues of 13 billion Baht (US$389 million). While the corporate meetings segment generated 23% of MICE travellers and 18 billion Baht (US$565 million) in revenues, the remaining 20% of MICE travellers participated in international exhibitions which generated 12 billion Baht (US$358 million) in revenues.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Alibaba Group structure revealed ahead of IPO

News this week: Amid reports of the Alibaba Group’s anticipated initial public offering (IPO), company founder and executive chairman Jack Ma revealed in a company e-mail details about the Alibaba Group management’s “partnership system”.

The issue was brought into the spotlight as the company considers an IPO in Hong Kong or New York. In Hong Kong, the stock exchange does not allow a dual-class share system for new listings such as those offered in New York. Alibaba is seeking an exemption in order to maintain control of its board of directors post-IPO.

Separately, it was reported that Alibaba has once again restructured its management team following a similar exercise in January this year. Company chief executive Jonathan Lu will head the company’s mobile Internet business, under which sees the newly formed mobile communication unit, Taotao Diandian – focused on Alibaba’s online-to-offline business, and the formation of a digital entertainment business unit focused on music, video, books and other entertainment business.

CyberMedia sells bio-tech magazine portfolio

New this week: Indian specialty publisher, CyberMedia, announced the sale of its media property BioSpectrum to an Indian trade exhibitions company, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt Ltd for an undisclosed sum. The terms of the acquisition agreement includes the publishing rights, title and interest in and to the brand and business of BioSpectrum.

BioSpectrum, published monthly, is a biotech business magazine that covers bio pharma, bio agriculture, bio informatics, bio industrial, bio suppliers and bio services. MM Activ is an Indian trade exhibitions company, focusing in the areas of frontier science and technology.

Jagdish Patankar, managing director of MM Activ, commented: “BioSpectrum is a well-recognised and acclaimed brand in the biotechnology sector. With our current presence in events in life sciences, agriculture and food and nutrition, this acquisition will help us provide a wider offering to our customers.”

170+ exhibitors at Interstoff Asia Essential

News this week: Organised by Messe Frankfurt, the Interstoff Asia Essential – Autumn exhibition will open featuring over 170 exhibitors – running from 25^th to 27^th September 2013 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The main focuses of this edition will be fashionable fabrics, functional fabrics, eco fabrics and companies specialising in garment accessories. According to the organiser, four country/region pavilions of China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan will be expand this year.

Pico Thailand’s profit up 75%, revenue down 5% in Q3

News this week: Earlier this week, Pico Thailand, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Pico Far East Holdings, announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31^st July 2013. In the quarter, Pico Thailand generated revenues of US$8.0 million, which is a 5.0% year-on-year decrease. However, net profit in the quarter increased 75% to US$281,000 due to a drop in selling and administrative expenses.

Pico Thailand also announced its results for the nine-month period ended 31^st July. Revenues in the period were US$24 million, a decrease of 22% compared with the same period last year. Net profit was US$569,000, compared with a profit of US$2.1 million in the first nine months in 2012. Earnings per share in the period were Baht 0.08 (US$0.0026).

The company attributed the drop in revenues to lower revenues from its exhibition business as well as the completion of the “Teacher TV” project in mid 2012.

New trade shows to launch in Myanmar next year

News this week: Allworld Exhibitions is set to launch a new telecoms trade show in Myanmar next year. CommuniCast Myanmar will be held in the capital’s Myanmar Convention Centre from 5^th to 7^th March. The venue will reportedly offer two levels of exhibition and seminar space.

Rupert Owen, director of CommuniCast Myanmar, commented, “The Government has already shown its commitment with the granting of two mobile licenses and this is sending a strong message to the world that Myanmar is committed to infrastructure development on a truly massive scale. I doubt there is another country of similar size anywhere in the world today that can provide such an opportunity to vendors, innovators and solutions providers across a whole range of technologies.”

Separately, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES), a member company of Allworld Exhibitions, will also launch two trade shows in Yangon next year. The biennial Oil & Gas Myanmar, to feature petroleum geosciences, exploration and production and refining products and services, will run from 15^th to 17^th October 2014. Manufacturing Myanmar will focus on manufacturing machinery, equipment, materials and services, and will run from 2^nd to 4^th October. Both shows will be staged at the Myanmar Convention Centre.

UBM Sinoexpo forms JV to manage Guzhen Lighting Fair

News this week: UBM Sinoexpo, the Shanghai-based joint venture (JV) company of UBM Asia, has formed a new JV with the Guzhen Town Government of Zhongshan City in China’s Guangdong Province through a cooperation agreement. The new JV will become the management company of the China (Guzhen) International Lighting Fair.

Launched in 1999, the Guzhen Lighting Fair attracted more than 600 exhibiting companies and 64,000 professional visitors from 103 countries and regions in 2012. The fair will be hosted at the new Lighting Capital (Guzhen) Conference & Exhibition Center as well as in three lighting marts to provide a total exhibition space of 250,000 m². The Guzhen Lighting Fair is organised by the Government of Zhongshan City, China Association of Lighting Industry and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

Mr. Wei Hongrui, the Mayor of Guzhen Town, said, “We will set up a professional management committee to coordinate the functions of the various government departments, the lighting markets, the representatives of the mainstream companies in this industry together to build the lighting fair into a one-million square metre event.”

Friday, September 06, 2013

ITE to launch oil and gas exhibition in Myanmar

News this week: Earlier this week, international exhibition organiser, ITE Group, announced its subsidiary, ECMI-ITE Exhibitions Asia will partner with event organiser, VEAS, to organise an oil and gas exhibition in Myanmar. The Myanmar Oil and Gas Week is claimed to be the first major international oil and gas exhibition in Myanmar.

The inaugural Myanmar Oil and Gas Week will be held from 25^th to 26^th February 2014 in Yangon. The event will be supported by The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and will include an international trade exhibition, a training programme for local oil and gas industry professionals as well as an international conference.

ITE Group CEO, Russell Taylor commented that “ITE Group is one of the world’s leading organisers of events for the oil and gas business community. Our exhibitions and conferences are highly respected as business forums and many are market leaders. Myanmar Oil and Gas week will be an opportunity for all those concerned with developing one of the world’s most exciting oil and gas markets to network and meet key decision makers, new customers and new suppliers.”

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles attracts 1,321 exhibitors

News this week: Reportedly Asia’s largest show of its kind, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles opened its autumn edition last month to a total of 1,321 exhibitors from 31 countries and regions. The show’s organisers reported the attendance of 345 overseas exhibitors – accounting for more than 26% overall.

The event ran from 27^th to 29^th August at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), and is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA). The highlight of this edition included the high-end suppliers at the European Hall, where exhibitors from Europe showcased premium bedding.

3,200 exhibitors attend Shenzhen CIOE

News this week: The 15^th edition of China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE) will feature more than 3,200 exhibitors this year at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (SZCEC). CIOE is organised by Shenzhen Herong GS Exhibition, and is an international strategic partner of NASDAQ-listed Global Sources.

This year’s CIOE will run from 4^th to 7^th September and cover a total exhibition space of 110,000 m² – up 10% from last year. The show is made up of four concurrent events including: Optical Communications Expo, Lasers and Infrared Applications Expo, Precision Optics Expo, and LED Tech China.

Professor Yang Xiancheng, secretary general of CIOE, said, “This year, the event plays host to over 200 technology seminars sessions and buyer events, which will address current challenges facing the industry as well as explore future technologies, market trends and opportunities.”

HKTDC’s watch and clock fair attracts more than 750 exhibitors

News this week: The Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association, and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries, opened this week to more than 750 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions.

According to the HKTDC, first time exhibitors from Germany, Russia, Singapore and Turkey were in attendance this year. The five-day show runs from 4^th to 8^th September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), with the last day of the show open to the public.

Special events featuring this year include various forums, conferences and product launches. The HKTDC also introduced the new Timepiece Extravaganza section which features more than 140 brands and includes the four thematic zones of: World Brand Piazza, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure and Renaissance Moment.

Alibaba.com launches credit service to e-commerce companies

News this week: Alibaba Group’s B2B e-commerce subsidiary, Alibaba.com launched a financing program “e-Credit Line” in January this year to provide Open Account-style financing to China-based suppliers and their international customers regardless of their size. The extended payment terms offered by Alibaba lasts 60, 90 or 120 days.

Alibaba.com’s venture relies on its partnership with the Bank of China, OneTouch, an Alibaba-affiliated import/export service company, and the China Export & Credit Insurance Corp. (Sinosure), a government trade-financing agency.

Separately, Yahoo China, which is operated by the Alibaba Group, has closed its Web portal. The site now displays a good-bye message and redirects visitors to now.taobao.com, a news site operated by Alibaba’s Taobao.

Asia Business Media