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Toyota: Sales, Production, and Export Results for 2022 (January – December)

Toyota City, Japan, Jan 30, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces its sales, production, and export results for December 2022 as well as the cumulative total from January to December 2022, including those for subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. and Hino Motors, Ltd.Highlights:- In 2022 (January to December), despite the impact of production constraints caused by the spread of COVID-19, increased demand for semiconductors, and other factors, global sales were at the same level year-on-year as a result of solid demand centered around Asia.- In 2022 (January to December), despite the impact of parts supply shortages caused by the spread of COVID-19, increased demand for semiconductors, and other factors, global production was up year-on-year as a result of increased capacity and production optimization in North America and Asia, a rebound from parts supply shortages associated with the spread of COVID-19 in the previous year, and other factors.- In December 2022, global sales and production were both down year-on-year due to the impact of parts supply shortages caused by the impact from the spread of COVID-19 and increased demand for semiconductors.- The situation remains difficult to predict due to semiconductor shortages and COVID-19. However, we will continue to carefully monitor the parts supply situation and minimize sudden decreases in production as much as possible while making every effort to deliver as many vehicles to our customers at the earliest date.December 2022Sales ResultsToyota- Worldwide sales: First YoY decrease in 5 months;- Sales inside of Japan (incl. minivehicles): 2 consecutive months of YoY decrease;- Sales outside of Japan: 5 consecutive months of YoY increaseConsolidated- Worldwide sales: First YoY decrease in 5 months;- Sales inside of Japan (incl. minivehicles): First YoY decrease in 4 months;- Sales outside of Japan: 5 consecutive months of YoY increaseProduction ResultsToyota- Worldwide production: First YoY decrease in 5 months;- Production inside of Japan: 2 consecutive months of YoY decrease;- Production outside of Japan: First YoY decrease in 8 monthsConsolidated- Worldwide production: First YoY decrease in 5 months;- Production inside of Japan: 2 consecutive months of YoY decrease;- Production outside of Japan: First YoY decrease in 8 monthsFor more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/company/profile/production-sales-figures/202212.html. Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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AEON Credit Revenue of First Nine Months of FY2022/23 Up by 15.2% to HK$887.4 million following Improved Market Sentiment and Successful Mass Promotion Activities

HONG KONG, Dec 21, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - AEON Credit Service (Asia) Company Limited ("AEON Credit" or the "Group"; Stock Code: 00900) today announced its results for the nine months ended 30 November 2022 (the "reporting period" or "nine months of FY2022/23") During the reporting period, the Group's revenue rose by 15.2% to HK$887.4 million and operating profit recorded a 17.0% increase to HK$380.7 million. Meanwhile, profit after tax was up by 2.9% to HK$250.3 million, with earnings per share increasing to 59.77 HK cents for the reporting period (nine months of FY2021/22: 58.09 HK cents). Both overseas and local consumer spending showed a progressive recovery in the three months ended 30 November 2022 (the "third quarter"). The improved market sentiment, along with the Group's efforts to capture business opportunities, resulted in a notable growth in sales, which recorded an overall increase of 28.3% when compared with the nine months ended 30 November 2021 (the "previous period" or "nine months of FY2021/22"). The overall increase in sales and revolving credit card and personal loan balances drove a solid increase in interest income, and thus growth in revenue. With the launch of the acquiring service for AEON Stores in August 2021, the Group recorded an overall increase in fees and commissions of HK$25 million in the reporting period to HK$94.9 million, which also added impetus to revenue growth.Among the measures to advance business development during the reporting period, the Group launched the "Japan Travel Spending Promotion" to capitalize on the increasing overseas spending. Moreover, the Group increased its exposure in different media channels to promote its branding and products and equipped its branches with the resources needed to provide financial advisory services. Regarding the insurance intermediary business, the Group launched a new distribution partnership with Chubb Life Insurance Company Limited ("Chubb Life Hong Kong") to expand its offline and online insurance sales channels in the third quarter, allowing its customers to access and purchase a wide range of insurance products more conveniently.In terms of information technology development, the Group continued to press ahead with its new card and loan system project and the replacement of its netmember and mobile application solutions to ensure that the new systems can be launched as anticipated.Regarding sustainable development, the Group has established a sustainability-linked loan framework and entered into agreements for sustainability-linked loans (the "Loans"). The Loans are the Group's first sustainable financing initiative, and strengthen its commitment to endorsing and developing in the sustainability arena by linking the interest margin of the Loans to the improvement of the Group's environment, social and governance key performance indicators. Going forward, as international travel resumes, flight capacity is expected to gradually recover and social distancing measures will be further relaxed in the fourth quarter of the year ended 28 February 2023 (the "fourth quarter"), resulting in more sales opportunities and driving receivables growth. The Group will launch various mass promotion activities in the fourth quarter to stimulate sales growth during festival seasons and meet customers' needs during the tax season. Moreover, the Group will leverage the new partnership with Chubb Life Hong Kong to generate synergistic benefits and increase the agency fee income through different insurance distribution channels. Mr. Tomoharu Fukayama, Managing Director of AEON Credit, said, "With our dedicated efforts in promotion and catering to customers' needs, we are pleased to have achieved favourable results in the first nine months of FY2022/23. Looking ahead, we will continue to capitalize on the reviving market by launching mass promotion activities, leveraging our partnership in the insurance business, and exploring new business opportunities to diversify our revenue stream, with an aim to deliver long-term sustainable growth to our shareholders." About AEON Credit Service (Asia) Company Limited (Stock Code: 00900)AEON Credit Service (Asia) Company Limited, a subsidiary of AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. (TSE: 8570) and a member of the AEON Group, was set up in 1987 and listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 1995. The Group is principally engaged in the consumer finance business, which includes the issuance of credit cards and the provision of personal loan financing, card payment processing services, insurance agency and brokerage business in Hong Kong and microfinance business in Mainland China.For more information, please visit the company's website at www.aeon.com.hk. Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Employers of non-Malaysian work permit holders can now share costs of their SHN, Covid-19 tests: MOM

SINGAPORE - Employers of non-Malaysian work permit holders can now share the costs of stay-home-notices (SHN) and related Covid-19 tests with another employer that hires the same worker within 12 months. Announcing this on Friday (Nov 12), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said such costs can be shared if the worker is transferred to another employer within 12 months of completing their SHN. This is meant to benefit employers across all sectors, said MOM. The move follows an earlier recommendation in September that employers who hire transferred migrant domestic workers share the costs of their SHN and related Covid-19 tests. The amount shared must not be higher than what the current employer had paid. Both the current and new employer must sign a written agreement and retain it for a year from the date of the agreement, providing the agreement to MOM upon request to show that they did not receive more than what they had paid. MOM said it that recommends current employers of such workers bear costs proportionate to how long the work permit holder had worked for them during the 12-month period. The ministry gave an example of employer A, who paid $1,800 for a worker’s SHN and Covid-19-related tests, with the worker working for the employer for six months before being transferred to employer B. In this situation, if both employers agree to pro-rate the costs by the number of months worked, then employer A should bear $900 of the costs and claim the remaining $900 from employer B. In another scenario, employer A paid $1,800 for the worker's SHN and Covid-19-related tests. But, this time, the worker worked for employer A for three months, was transferred to employer B for five months, and then moved over to employer C. All three employers agreed to pro-rate the costs by the number of months worked. In this case, said MOM, employer A should bear $450 of the costs for the three months the worker worked for him and recover the remaining $1,350 from employer B. After that, employer B should bear $750 in costs for the five months the worker worked for him and recover the remaining $600 from employer C. Those using the services of an employment agency for the transfer of the worker should get the agency to help facilitate the cost sharing, added MOM. Executive director of Straits Construction Kenneth Loo said the new guidelines would help address the problem of firms poaching workers. He gave the scenario of how employer A would bring in a worker and bear the cost of their SHN. Without the  guidelines, employer B may be able to offer the worker a higher salary as they did not have to pay for  part of the initial cost of SHN and Covid-19 tests. Mr Loo said: “It’s good, because in the event that workers jump ship the party that brings in the worker will not suffer a total loss – it’s more equitable. This also prevents people from poaching. The (new employer) will now have to foot the bill as well, it’s the right thing to do.” More on this topic   Related Story Work pass holders from higher-risk places can enter S'pore from Aug 10 if fully vaccinated   Related Story Waiver of foreign worker levies during SHN extended till end-December: MOM The ministry said that the announcement does not apply to Malaysian work permit holders, as they are able to change employers without needing to obtain their employer's consent. Instead, employers of Malaysian work permit holders may wish to consider having employment terms such as a minimum employment period or notice period for terminations in employment contracts. These terms should be mutually agreed upon and reasonable in duration, said MOM. "If the work permit holder breaches such employment terms, they will have to reimburse the employer the costs of SHN and related Covid-19 tests. The reimbursement can be partial or full, depending on their length of service," said the ministry. More on this topic   Related Story Employers hiring transferred maids should share costs of SHN, related Covid-19 tests: MOM

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PIL Announced Nine Months 2021 Results, with Quarterly Revenue Chalking New Height

HONG KONG, Nov 1, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Pentamaster International Limited ("PIL" or "the Group") which is listed under the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited announced its interim financial results for the nine months period ended 30 September 2021 ("9M2021") today. The Group recorded a new record in its quarterly revenue, with 9M2021 revenue stood at MYR385.7 million and its net profit stood at MYR86.4 million, marking an improvement of approximately 25.1% and 9.2% respectively from the corresponding period last year.9M 2021 Financial highlightsKey business unit revenue and trendRevenue by customer's segmentFor the nine months ended 30 September 2021, the Group's revenue was contributed by both the ATE and FAS segments, with each constituting approximately 70.0% and 30.0% respectively of the Group's revenue during the Period. The ATE segment recorded an increase in revenue by MYR68.1 million to MYR271.4 million for the nine months ended 30 September 2021 as compared to the Previous Corresponding Period. The ATE segment, was predominantly contributed by the electro-optical segment and the automotive segment. While the electro-optical segment continued to show recovery since fourth quarter 2020, the automotive segment gained its revenue momentum in the current quarter mainly through the delivery of its test handling equipment for IPM (integrated power module), thereby closing the automotive segment's revenue during the Period with a growth rate of 21.2% as compared to the same period last year. The Group continues to see upturn in momentum from the automotive segment given the strong growth in automotive electrification and the Group's timely involvement in anchoring its position in this segment as well as geographically across key automotive markets in North Asia region and European market. In general, the global technology "super cycle" momentum will continue to provide a growth platform for the Group's ATE in the immediate term and against the backdrop of such opportunity and supply chain headwinds, the Group continues to leverage on its research and development capabilities to methodically expand its product portfolio and offerings. Revenue from the FAS segment for the nine months ended 30 September 2021 increased by approximately 2.1% from MYR116.0 million recorded in the Previous Corresponding Period to MYR118.5 million. After marking double digit growth in 2020, the growth in the FAS segment for the nine months ended 30 September 2021 returned to its normal state given the current capacity and its projects on hand which require longer project lead time coupled with the supply chain disruptions. However, it was notable to witness a wider customer base achieved within this segment during the Period, in addition to a broader project portfolio under the application of the Group's proprietary i-ARMS (intelligent Automated Robotic Manufacturing System) solutions especially from the consumer and industrial products segment and electro-optical segment. From quarter two of 2021 to quarter three of 2021, the FAS segment marked a growth of approximately 35.2% and the Group is optimistic on the growth prospects of its FAS segment. The Group continues to witness the rapid shift of various industries towards smart manufacturing and the adoption of automation technology, more so with the effect of COVID-19 pandemic where many companies are keen to accelerate the pace of automation for better operational efficiency and digitalisation. OutlookOn the back of a healthy order book which is fuelled by a robust market sentiment in the current "super cycle", the Group expects to end its financial year 2021 commendably with yearly revenue record achievement. As the Government of Malaysia and global economies lifting the various level of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and with the impending opening up of more cross border travelling, the Group anticipates a smoother progress in its project site installation and deployment at its customer's premise, which is an important milestone for revenue recognition to take place. The widely-reported semiconductor shortage and supply chain constraints remained a pertinent concern to the global technology market. Towards this end, it is imperative for the Group to adjust its inventory management strategies as well as project lead time planning with its customers in order to effectively manage the challenging situation. As it is, the Group has been experiencing order intake momentum where customers across the industry segments are gradually preparing for higher levels of inventory to ensure supply security. Looking ahead, whilst still maintaining a cautious and observance stance, the Group anticipates a more stable and favourable operating environment as global economies' are slowly opening up with the pick-up in vaccination rate. The structural shift towards a greener Earth coupled with the proliferation of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things have accelerated the massive digital transformation across key industries such as the electro-optical, automotive, and semiconductor segment. The Group as a customised solution provider with many years of experience in this level playing field, believes it is well positioned to leverage and capture the growth from these industry megatrends where such trends will continue to sustain the Group's businesses on a long term basis. The Group's continuous focus on its 3-pillar business strategies of diversification across geographical region, business segments as well as product portfolio remains key in attaining a profitable and sustainable business operation. As it is, the Group has outlined key capital expenditure in funnelling its investment in anchoring its exposure to the rapid development in technological revolution and industrial transformation to enable the Group to seize its long term business prospects. About Pentamaster International LimitedPIL (HKEX stock code: 1665) is a leading global supplier in providing automation technology and solutions to multinational manufacturers mainly in the semiconductor, automotive, electrical & electronics, medical devices and consumer industrial products sectors spanning APAC, North America and Europe. The Group's broad range of integrated automation products and solutions entails innovating, designing, manufacturing and installing automated equipment and/or automated manufacturing solutions. To learn more about PIL, please visit us at www.pentamaster.com.my For media enquiries, please contact: Pentamaster International LimitedEmail: investor.relation@pentamaster.com.my ICA Investor Relations (Asia) LimitedE-mail: pentamaster@icaasia.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Giant panda cub gets new teeth at 2 months old, may start eating bamboo earlier than expected

SINGAPORE - The Republic's first giant panda cub might be chomping on bamboo soon, with the little one sporting six teeth now. Carers of the 56-day-old cub spotted the first four teeth in its lower jaw on Sept 23, with two more emerging 10 days later. The appearance of teeth at around two months is earlier than expected as baby pandas usually start teething when they are about three months old, said Wildlife Reserves Singapore in a statement on Friday (Oct 8). The cubs normally start attempting to chew on bamboo at the age of about seven months. The male firstborn of River Safari residents Kai Kai and Jia Jia is also growing fast, gaining nearly 0.5kg in only one week to weigh in at just over 3kg currently. The cub, which is yet to be named, measured 51.5cm from head to tail on Oct 6, the first time that its length was recorded. Kai Kai, 14, and Jia Jia, 13, arrived in Singapore from China in 2012 under a 10-year loan from the Chinese authorities. They began mating in 2015 but had failed to conceive over the years. Giant pandas are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, in part due to the narrow window for conception. The long-awaited birth on Aug 14 came after the giant pandas' seventh breeding season. Giant panda cub gets new teeth at 2 months old View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wildlife Reserves Singapore (@wrs.ig) More on this topic   Related Story An eye-opening moment: Kai Kai and Jia Jia's panda cub opens eyes for the first time   Related Story Look how much you've grown: Baby panda's first month

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Hua Medicine Announces 2020 Interim Results

SHANGHAI, CHINA, Aug 19, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hua Medicine (the "Company", Stock Code: 2552.HK), today announces the consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the six months ended June 30, 2021 (the "Reporting Period"). During the Reporting Period, the New Drug Application (NDA) of the first glucokinase activator (GKA) dorzagliatin, has been accepted by The Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and has become the first GKA globally to submit a NDA for the treatment of diabetes. During the Reporting Period, the Company incurred approximately RMB165.1 million in total expenditures, of which approximately RMB98 million was research and development expenses. As of June 30, 2021, the Company's cash position was approximately RMB846.9 million, to be used for the commercialization of dorzagliatin and innovative drug R&D.In the first half of 2021, Hua Medicine reached a breakthrough milestone in preparing for dorzagliatin's commercialization. The Company submitted the NDA for dorzagliatin, the first-in-class oral drug for the T2DM in March 2021 and was accepted by NMPA on April 23, 2021. To accelerate the potential launch of dorzagliatin, the Company is actively preparing for the review and approval of the relevant clinical, production and R&D on-site inspection. In anticipation of dorzagliatin commercialization, subject to approval of its NDA, in addition to its CMO partnerships, Hua Medicine has also established Hua Medicine drug manufacture company at Shanghai Lingang Special Area for ensuring adequate dorzagliatin commercial supply. Hua Medicine has also made remarkable achievements in clinical R&D. In June 2021, the Company presented the latest clinical research analysis data of dorzagliatin at the 81st American Diabetes Association (ADA) Annual Scientific Sessions. Clinical trial HMM0111, dorzagliatin in combination with sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor), demonstrated clear synergistic effects. Dorzagliatin regulates GLP-1 release and insulin secretion in T2D patients, and in combination with sitagliptin, increases circulating active GLP-1. The results strongly demonstrate the clinical value of dorzagliatin in combination with DPP-4 inhibitors.During the research and development of dorzagliatin, Hua Medicine was the first to put forward the scientific concept of "repair the sensor, restore homeostasis, and treat the underlying cause of diabetes" globally, as well as realize the potential of this drug, new mechanism of action, new targets, new structures, new technology and new clinical benefits. Dorzagliatin sets out to target the fundamental cause of T2D, and through clinical trials, has demonstrated that dorzagliatin significantly improves beta-cell function and reduces insulin resistance by repairing the damaged glucokinase sensor function in diabetic patients with T2D. It is expected to potentially control the progression of T2D and has therapeutic prospects in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DKD).In the second half of the year, the Company will initiate research on the combination of dorzagliatin with existing antidiabetic drugs, including dorzagliatin in combination with dapagliflozin (a SGLT-2 inhibitor), insulin and GLP-1, to explore new opportunities in the areas of diabetic nephropathy, metabolic syndrome diabetes, advanced diabetes, and diabetes cognitive impairment. The Company will also initiate clinical research in the United States for Type 1 diabetes patients. In the future, the Company plans to further advance its fixed-dose combination pipeline for dorzagliatin for the treatment of diabetes and related diseases."In the first half of 2021, Hua Medicine made important achievements in clinical research and development, while pushing forward on commercialization preparations. Hua Medicine's commercialization team is taking shape, and has established closer corporation with Bayer, which has strengthened Hua Medicine's confidence in curing diabetes in the future. With dorzagliatin as a cornerstone, in combination with existing drugs, Hua Medicine will systematically and precisely treat diabetes and control the occurrence and development of diabetic complications, contributing to Healthy China 2030." said Dr. Li Chen, founder, CEO and CSO of Hua Medicine.Clinical and Commercialization Highlights:-- In March 2021, the Company submitted the NDA for dorzagliatin for the treatment of T2D to NMPA, which was accepted by the NMPA in April 2021.-- Presented the 52-week data of two Phase III registration clinical trials, the SEED trial (dorzagliatin monotherapy trial) and the DAWN trial (dorzagliatin combined with metformin) at the 2021 ADA Annual Scientific Sessions. The Company also reported data of the clinical trial HMM0112 (dorzagliatin in combination with empagliflozin).-- Presented data of clinical trial HMM0111 (dorzagliatin in combination with sitagliptin) at the 2021 ADA Annual Scientific Sessions, demonstrating that dorzagliatin regulates secretion of endogenous GLP-1.-- In anticipation of dorzagliatin commercialization, subject to approval of its NDA, in addition to its CMO partnerships, Hua Medicine has also established Hua Medicine drug manufacture company at Shanghai Lingang Special Area for ensuring adequate dorzagliatin commercial supply.Financial Highlights: For the year ended June 30, 2021-- Cash position was approximately RMB846.9 million as of June 30, 2021.-- Total expenditures incurred by the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was approximately RMB165.1 million, of which approximately RMB98.0 million was attributable to research and development expenses. Research and development expenses decreased by approximately RMB14.3 million or approximately 12.7% to approximately RMB98.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2020.-- Loss before tax decreased by approximately RMB8.2 million or approximately 4.7% to approximately RMB165.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2020. -- Loss and other comprehensive expense for the period decreased by approximately RMB8.4 million or approximately 4.8% to approximately RMB165.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2020.About DorzagliatinDorzagliatin is an investigational first-in-class, dual-acting glucokinase activator, designed to control the progressive, degenerative nature of diabetes by restoring glucose homeostasis in patients with Type 2 diabetes. By addressing the defect of the glucose sensor function of glucokinase, dorzagliatin has the potential to restore the impaired insulin and GLP-1 secretion of patients with Type 2 diabetes and serve as a cornerstone therapy targeting the root cause of the disease. Two Phase III registration trials for dorzagliatin monotherapy and the combination of dorzagliatin and metformin have been completed in China, as well as studies on drug mechanism synergy with sitagliptin (DPP-4 inhibitor) and empagliflozin (SGLT-2 inhibitor). The Company has obtained the "Drug Manufacturing Permit" of dorzagliatin issued by the Shanghai Municipal Drug Administrative Bureau, and has submitted its NDA to the National Medical Products Administration, so as to realize the "First in Global, Start from China" mission objective for the benefit of diabetic patients worldwide.About Hua MedicineHua Medicine is a leading, innovative biotechnology company in China focused on developing novel therapies for diseases with unmet medical needs. Founded by an experienced group of entrepreneurs and international investment firms, Hua Medicine advanced a first-in-class oral drug for the treatment of T2DM into NDA stage and it has successfully completed two Phase III registration trials in China for dorzagliatin. The Company has initiated product life-cycle management studies of this novel diabetes therapy and advanced its use in personalized diabetes care. Hua Medicine is working closely with disease experts and regulatory agencies in China and across the world to advance diabetes care solutions for patients worldwide.Forward-looking StatementThis article contains the statements regarding the future expectation, plan and prospects for Hua Medicine and the investigational product. The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect as a result of various risks, uncertainties or other legal requirements.For more informationHua MedicineWebsite: www.huamedicine.comInvestorsEmail: ir@huamedicine.comMediaEmail: pr@huamedicine.comPorda Havas International Finance Communications GroupMr. Bunny Lee +852 3150 6707 bunny.lee@pordahavas.comMs. Louisa Chen +86 75523807432 louisa.chen@pordahavas.comMs. Karen Chiu +852 3150 6726 karen.chiu@pordahavas.comMs. Winnie Tan +852 15915975512 winnie.tan@pordahavas.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Tennis: Federer to have knee surgery, out of action for ‘many months’

BASEL (REUTERS) - Roger Federer will undergo another knee surgery after injuring it during the grasscourt season and will miss the US Open given the rehabilitation process will rule him out of the sport for many months, he said on Sunday (Aug 15). The 40-year-old Swiss, speaking on a video posted to his Instagram account, said doctors told him that in order for him to feel better he would need surgery. "I'll be on crutches for many weeks and then also out of the game for many months," Federer said. "It's going to be difficult of course in some ways but at the same time I know it's the right thing to do because I want to be healthy and I want to be running around later as well. Federer, a 20-times Grand Slam singles champion, had two knee surgeries in 2020 which resulted in more than a year of rehabilitation, with the Swiss returning to action in March - 13 months after his Australian Open semi-final exit last year. He withdrew from the French Open last month despite winning his third-round match to save himself for the grasscourt season, where he sought a record-extending ninth title at Wimbledon but was beaten in the quarter-finals by Hubert Hurkacz. Federer withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics as well as a number of lead-up events to the Aug 30-Sept 12 US Open. "I want to give myself a glimmer of hope also to return to the tour in some shape or form," said Federer. "I am realistic, don't get me wrong, I know how difficult it is at this age right now to do another surgery and try it but look I want to be healthy and I'll go through the rehab process I think also with the goal while I am still active which I think is going to help me during this long period of time." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) More on this topic   Related Story Tennis: Federer says return date 'uncertain'   Related Story Tennis: 'My last Wimbledon? I don't know,' says Federer after crashing out

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Man’s jail term extended by 10 months after he bit off part of fellow inmate’s ear in prison fight

SINGAPORE - A recalcitrant offender who is currently serving a jail sentence for earlier offences has had his prison stint extended after he bit off part of a fellow inmate's left ear in a fight. The 53-year-old victim, Lim Lee Yat, is now permanently disfigured as doctors could not reattach the severed part of his ear. His attacker, Teo Chye Lye, who has been in and out of jail since 1998 for crimes including assault and criminal intimidation, was last sent to prison in 2016 for drug-related offences. The 56-year-old Singaporean was on Friday (Aug 6) sentenced to 10 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to assaulting Lim. He will start serving this sentence after completing his earlier one. Deputy Public Prosecutor Gabriel Lim said that the two inmates were in a workshop at Changi Prison shortly before the fight broke out on Dec 15 last year. They were packing coffee sachets when Teo used his hand to push some of the spilled coffee mix to Lim's side of the work table. As a result, the younger man had to work on more packages. A quarrel broke out between the two and Teo told Lim to "not be so calculative". The DPP said: "The verbal dispute then escalated when the victim punched the accused in the face. The accused retaliated by punching the victim. "During the scuffle... the accused forcefully bit the upper portion of the victim's left ear. This caused the victim's left ear pinna to be completely bitten off." Teo suffered bruises on his face. The fight ended when a prison officer ordered them to stop. He found the severed body part on the floor and alerted the medical team. Lim was taken to Changi General Hospital, but doctors could not reattach the ear part. He was also given given a stern warning. On Friday, the DPP urged the court to sentence Teo to between 10 and 15 months in jail, stressing that he is a recalcitrant offender. For committing the offence, he could have been jailed for up to five years and fined up to $10,000. More on this topic   Related Story New technology on trial at Changi Prison can detect cell fights through video analytics   Related Story Man, 93, sentenced to 6 months' jail for beating shelter home roommate with walking stick

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Honda Sets All-Time Accumulated Production Records for the First Half of Year in China

TOKYO, Jul 29, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of June 2021 and the first half of the calendar year (January - June 2021).World ProductionJune 2021- Production in Japan experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in two months.- Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in five months.- Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in five months.The First Half of Calendar Year 2021- Production in Japan for the first half of calendar year 2021 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive year (since the first sixth months of 2020).- Production in regions outside of Japan for the first half of calendar year 2021 experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in three years (since the first six months of 2018).- Production worldwide for the first half of calendar year 2021 experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in two years (since the first six months of 2019).Sales in the Japanese MarketJune 2021- Total Japanese sales experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in four months.- New vehicle registrations experienced a year-on-year decrease for the fifth consecutive month.- Sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year increase for the fourth consecutive month.- VEZEL was the industry's ninth best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of June 2021 with sales of 5,692 units. - N-BOX was the industry's top-selling car in the mini-vehicle category for the month of June 2021 with sales of 17,479 units. N-WGN was the industry's tenth best-selling car with sales of 3,772 units.The First Half of Calendar Year 2021- Total domestic automobile sales in the Japanese market for the first half of calendar year 2021 experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in two years (since the first six months of 2019).- New vehicle registrations experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive year (since the first six months of 2020).- Sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in two years (since the first six months of 2019).- Freed was the industry's ninth best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the first six months of 2021 with sales of 35,551 units.- N-BOX was the industry's top-selling car in the mini-vehicle category for the first six months of 2021 with sales of 110,551 units.Exports from JapanJune 2020- Total exports from Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease for the seventh consecutive month.The First Half of Calendar Year 2021- Total exports from Japan for the first six months of 2021 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive year (since the first six months of 2020). Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Woman who spat at KFC employee in Nex outlet given 9 months’ probation

SINGAPORE - A woman caught on video spitting at a KFC employee last year was sentenced to nine months' probation on Monday (May 24). Lin Si Ting, 43, pleaded guilty in January to one count each of harassment and using criminal force on the staff. A third charge for breaching Covid-19 regulations was taken into consideration for sentencing. At about 12.40pm on April 22 last year, Lin went to the KFC outlet at Nex shopping centre in Serangoon and placed her order at the counter. Six minutes later, she approached the counter again and shouted at a service manager, asking her why it was taking a long time to fulfil the order and demanding that the food be served to her immediately. The employee, 40, apologised and explained to Lin that there were orders ahead of hers. She told Lin to wait for about five more minutes. Lin became unhappy, and demanded a refund if she was not served her food right away. When the employee agreed to give a refund and asked for the receipt, Lin threw it at her. While the refund was being processed, Lin pulled down her mask and spewed a string of vulgarities at the employee. Lin also pointed at her and said: "Wait for you to die, wait for your whole family to die." She then spat at the victim twice, with the spittle landing on the woman's arm. Lin then took her cash and walked off. But she returned a few minutes later and claimed that she had been refunded less than what she had paid. In a viral video, the woman can be seen with a lowered face mask and heard spitting at the masked employee across the counter before storming away. PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM FACEBOOK The victim checked the order records and confirmed that the refunded amount was correct. Lin again shouted at the woman as other employees called the police. She left before the police arrived. More on this topic   Related Story Delivery rider arrested at Waterway Point mall after incident with bubble tea shop staff   Related Story Man allegedly spat at cop after he was caught not wearing mask outdoors The court was told that Lin has schizophrenia and is receiving treatment. However, she was found not suitable for a mandatory treatment order but for probation. Lin's mother has also been bonded for $5,000 as part of the requirements of probation. For harassment, Lin could have been jailed for up to six months, or fined up to $5,000, or both. For using criminal force on the employee, she could also have been jailed for up to three months, fined up to $1,500, or both. More on this topic   Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories

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Former counsellor at Changi Prison sentenced to 7 months’ jail for maid abuse

SINGAPORE - A woman who slapped her maid so hard that the domestic worker suffered a temporary loss of hearing was sentenced to seven months' jail on Wednesday (April 14). Gayathri Iyer, 51, was convicted in February following a trial of two counts of abusing her maid - Myanmar national Thang Khaw Lam. The 30-year-old victim suffered hearing loss in her left ear for at least a month. She later recovered from her injuries and was found to have normal hearing. Ms Thang Khaw Lam started working for Gayathri's family in June 2017 at the Pebble Bay condominium in Tanjong Rhu Road. On Oct 27 that year, the housewife hit the maid's shoulder after the domestic worker used the word "mah" when talking to her. Using a mobile phone, Ms Thang Khaw Lam took photographs of the bruises, which were at the top of her shoulder and extended slightly to her back. The second incident happened on Dec 7 that year, when Gayathri slapped Ms Thang Khaw Lam for failing to wake up her son who was then in national service. The incident happened at around 5.40am when the domestic worker was doing the laundry. Gayathri slapped the maid twice on her left ear and once on her right. As a result, the maid said she could not hear anything in her left ear for the whole day. About five days after the incident, she ran from Gayathri's home and told the police about her ordeal. She recovered from her injuries by Sept 5, 2018. District Judge Tan Jen Tse acquitted Gayathri of two other assault charges involving the maid, finding the domestic worker's evidence in these instances not "unusually convincing". On Wednesday, Deputy Public Prosecutor Tan Ee Kuan urged the court to jail the ex-counsellor at Changi Prison for nine months, saying there was an oppressive relationship between the maid and employer. Gayathri's lawyer Kalidass Murugaiyan asked the court for a sentence of nine weeks, saying his client used to be a counsellor at Changi Prison, and had pledged to donate all of her organs despite being a Hindu. More on this topic   Related Story Woman sentenced to 6 months' jail for hurting domestic helper who ran from flat to escape abuse   Related Story Jail for housewife who forced maid to hit mouth 50 times with meat pounder District Judge Tan Jen Tse, in sentencing Gayathri to seven months' jail, said the prosecution had not proven beyond reasonable doubt that there was a sustained pattern of abuse, and he was not able to find that the victim had suffered psychological harm. He also ordered Gayathri to make compensation of about $5,330 to the maid. The accused is appealing against the sentence, and is on bail for $15,000. For each count of assaulting a maid, she could have been jailed for up to three years and fined up to $7,500. More on this topic   Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories

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Global herd immunity may take 5 years, new data suggests

Three months after a 91-year-old woman in Britain became the first person to receive the Covid-19 injection, more than 236 million doses have been administered worldwide. The pace of history's biggest vaccination exercise is picking up exponentially, but at current rates, it could still be almost five years before most of the world get their shots. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

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Slingers stalwart can’t wait to start

Having played for the Singapore Slingers since 2015, forward Xavier Alexander rarely spends a lot of time with his family at home in Oklahoma City. When the coronavirus caused the Asean Basketball League (ABL) to be put on hold indefinitely last March, Alexander flew home and spent 10 months with his family there - the longest in six years. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

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Repeat sex offender gets jail for targeting two women

A man who has been in and out of jail since 2011 over sex offences involving multiple women is back behind bars for similar crimes committed in 2019 and last year. Appearing in a district court via video link, Jee Guang You, 33, was sentenced on Tuesday to 19 months' jail after pleading guilty to molesting an 18-year-old and insulting a 39-year-old woman's modesty in separate incidents. The Singaporean man was earlier sentenced to six months' jail and fined $600 in 2011, after committing similar offences. He reoffended after his release and was sent to jail twice just two years later - once for insulting a woman's modesty and another time for molestation. Jee was later found to be suffering from abnormal sexual urges and was sentenced to a year's mandatory treatment order (MTO) in 2016 for peeping at women in public restrooms. This means he had to undergo treatment to address his mental issues in lieu of jail time. But the MTO was revoked when he reoffended yet again and was sentenced to 19 months' jail in 2017. Jee committed similar crimes in 2019 and last year, after his last release from prison. He was at a lift lobby of a Church Street building near Raffles Place at around noon on June 24, 2019, when he spotted the 39-year-old woman. Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Huo Jiongrui said that Jee then decided to hold his mobile phone under her skirt "for the thrill of it". The pair took the same lift down before going their separate ways. Jee was caught after security officers viewed closed-circuit television footage of the area and saw him behaving in a suspicious manner. The police were alerted the next day. Separately, he was riding on a train towards Jurong East station at around 9.30am on March 23 last year when he spotted the younger woman. Jee then sat beside the teenager who nodded off soon after. The court heard that he found the woman attractive and "felt like he wanted her to be his girlfriend". The DPP said: "He started to lean in closer to her. When his shoulder touched hers, she did not react. The accused got excited and wanted to see how much further he could go." He molested the woman who woke up after she felt somebody touching her chest. She saw Jee sitting beside her and tried to snap his picture, but he turned away. She tried to chase after him when the train pulled up at Jurong East station, but he managed to get away. She lodged a police report at around noon that day. The Singaporean man was earlier sentenced to six months' jail and fined $600 in 2011, after committing similar offences. He reoffended after his release and was sent to jail twice just two years later - once for insulting a woman's modesty and another time for molestation.

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