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DUBAI, Nov 23, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - AVAR 2023, the 26th annual cybersecurity conference organized by AVAR, will be hosted in Dubai at the Hotel Grand Hyatt Dubai from November 28 to November 30, 2023. The conference is hosted in the Middle East for the first time and the United Arab Emirates has been chosen as the venue as it is a critical hub of economic activity, digital transformation, and cyber security initiatives, with expected Information and Communications Technology (ICT) expenditure of $23 billion in 2024 and a cyber security market of AED 1.8 billion. H.E Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security, United Arab Emirates Government, will deliver the inaugural keynote address at the conference.AVAR 2023 will include CISO Connect with sessions emphasizing CISO insight in addition to cyber threat research presentations, promoting knowledge sharing within and networking among cyber security decision makers and cyber threat researchers.Commenting on the conference, Mr. Kesavardhanan J, the CEO of AVAR and the Founder & President of K7 Computing, said “AVAR 2023 is hosted at an unprecedented moment in human history, when the world is bracing for the impact of Artificial Intelligence that can seemingly rival the capabilities of humans in many domains, including the creation of cyber threats. Regional hostilities also involve cyberwarfare as a complement to conventional warfare, with nations developing both offensive and defensive cyber assets to ensure victory on digital battlegrounds. This environment presents unique challenges to cyber defenders, which is why AVAR 2023 has chosen ‘Secure Ecosystem: Strategic, Pragmatic, Futuristic’ as the theme around which the greatest minds in cyber security will analyze the cyber defense requirements of today and tomorrow. I look forward to meeting cyber security stakeholders from around the world at Dubai, and am excited at the progress in cyber protection that will materialize due to the collaboration that will arise from the interactions at AVAR 2023.”His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, stressed that cybersecurity is an essential pillar for preserving our national achievements and protecting institutions and society against emerging threats.Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti expressed his happiness at participating in AVAR 2023. He stressed the importance of developing offensive and defensive cybersecurity assets to ensure victory on digital battlefields, noting that the conference, which bears the theme “Secure Ecosystem: Strategic, Pragmatic, Futuristic” includes experts and specialists in the field of security. Cyber security will enable us to develop tailored visions that analyze future cyber defense requirements and achieve cyber security for all.He stressed the urgency of strengthening international cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, and exchanging experiences and knowledge between countries, to enhance global cybersecurity.AVAR’s conferences are renowned for the expertise of the speakers and the breadth and depth of knowledge shared. AVAR 2023 will feature 50+ speakers, 42+ presentations, and 3 panel discussions. Conference keynote speakers include Lt. Colonel. Dr. Hamad Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Head of Telecommunication, Infrastructure Dept. ICT Center, Abu Dhabi Police GHQ; and Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem, Cybersecurity & AI Expert, Government of Abu Dhabi.The Middle East is implementing transformative digital initiatives and CISOs are formulating and implementing innovative cyber security strategies to protect business operations. AVAR 2023 will recognize the contributions of exceptional cyber security leaders from the region by presenting awards to CISOs in the Startup, Midsize Organization, and Enterprise categories.AVAR 2023 is supported by organizations that ensure the safety and stability of the digital world. The conference is sponsored by AV-Comparatives, Cisco Talos, the Cyber Threat Alliance, ReasonLabs, SE Labs, Aramco, Kaspersky, K7 Security, and ThreatBook.Delegates can register for the conference at https://aavar.org/cybersecurity-conference/index.php/registration/About AVARAVAR (the Association of anti Virus Asia Researchers) was formed in June 1998 with a mission to prevent the spread of malware and the damage caused by it. AVAR aims to do this by developing cooperative relationships among cyber threat experts in Asia. AVAR is an independent and non-profit organization which focuses on the Asia Pacific region and consists of prominent experts from 17 territories including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, and the USA.About the Cyber Security CouncilThe Cyber Security Council embodies the forward-looking vision of the wise leadership and the UAE proactive approach in dealing with various challenges posed by the accelerating digital technologies through specialized and effective entities which are able to provide digital protection to advanced infrastructure, and ensure business continuity and the regular provision of services in all economic, educational, health and social fields.The Council is mandated with drafting and proposing legislation, policies and standards to enhance cyber security for all targeted sectors in the country, presenting them to the Council of Ministers for approval and following up their implementation in coordination with the concerned authorities, in addition to preparing, developing and updating the UAE’s national cyber security strategy and an integrated national response plan.The Council implements a 5-pillar strategy: 1) building capacity, making policies, enhancing governance, building personal capabilities, programs, curricula and universities, and building technical capabilities with strategic partners; 2) utilizing these capabilities to protect and defend; 3) raising awareness and spreading the culture of cybersecurity; 4) responding to cyber incidents; and 5) cooperation at all levels, starting with GCC countries, Arab countries up to all countries of the world, in accordance with the UN resolutions concerning digital security incident response centres and teams. Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, Nov 24, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - H World Group Limited ("H World" or "the Group", NASDAQ: HTHT and HKEX: 1179) announced its unaudited financial results in the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.JI Hotel 5.0 LobbyYear-on-Year Revenue Surges Over 53%, Continues to Exceed GuidanceRelying on sophisticated and efficient regional headquarters to rapidly expand the hotel network, gradually reaching resilient low-tier cities, H World consistently maintains a leading position in the limited-service market through high-quality products. Meanwhile, the Group continues to refine its upper-midscale segment development to enhance market share and achieved relatively robust development in the third quarter. Revenue was RMB6.3 billion (US$861 million) in the third quarter of 2023, representing a 53.6% year-over-year increase and a 13.7% sequential increase. Revenue from the Legacy-Huazhu (refers to H World's business in China) segment was RMB5.1 billion, representing a 61.8% year-over-year increase and a 17.6% sequential increase. Revenue from the DH segment was RMB1.2 billion, representing a 26.1% year-over-year increase. The revenue growth for both the Group and Legacy-Huazhu exceeded the revenue guidance previously announced. The Group's hotel turnover increased 55.1% year-over-year to RMB23.5 billion. Excluding DH, hotel turnover increased 59.2% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2023. Net income attributable to the Group was RMB1.3 billion (US$183 million), compared with RMB1.0 billion in the previous quarter. EBITDA (non-GAAP) in the third quarter of 2023 was RMB2.1 billion (US$293 million), compared with RMB1.7 billion in the previous quarter.Focusing on Economy and Midscale Brands, Deepening Limited-Service Hotels to Meet Market DemandAs of September 30, 2023, H World's worldwide hotel network in operation totaled 9,157 hotels and 885,756 rooms, including 129 hotels from DH. Among them, H World operates 5,007 economy hotels, accounting for 54.7%, and 3,329 midscale hotels, accounting for 36.4%. The Group is accelerating product iteration and structural upgrades, solidifying core business development, and driving brand growth with high quality. Meanwhile, the number of new openings by Legacy-Huazhu continues to accelerate. During the third quarter of 2023, Legacy-Huazhu opened 545 hotels, including 4 leased and owned hotels, and 541 manachised and franchised hotels. H World seizes diverse accommodation needs, continuously offering cost-effective and high-quality lodging products to further meet the extensive demands. Additionally, as of September 30, 2023, H World had a total of 2,970 unopened hotels in the pipeline, including 2,935 hotels from the Legacy-Huazhu and 35 hotels from the DH. The robust project pipeline reflects H World's leadership strength and its determination for continued expansion, contributing to a steady growth momentum.Impressive Performance in Legacy-Huazhu: RevPAR Recovers to 129% of 2019 LevelsIn the third quarter of 2023, driven by OCC and ADR, the Group's blended RevPAR continued to grow. Among them, Legacy-Huazhu's ADR was RMB324 in the third quarter of 2023, compared with RMB254 in the third quarter of 2022, RMB305 in the previous quarter, and RMB245 in the third quarter of 2019. The OCC for all the Legacy-Huazhu hotels in operation was 85.9%, with a year-on-year growth increase of 9.8 percentage points. The blended RevPAR was RMB278, recovered to 129% of the Q3 2019 level. Breaking down into monthly numbers, the RevPAR in July, August and September 2023 recovered to 132%, 128% and 128% of the 2019 levels, respectively. For DH, the ADR was EUR114, and the OCC for all DH hotels in operation was 69.0%. Blended RevPAR increased to EUR79.As a leading player in the hotel industry in China and one of the fastest-growing hotel groups in the world, H World focuses on economy and midscale as the core products to serve the mass market, implements a strategy to further develop the upper-midscale segment to enrich its product structure, and achieves rapid expansion through an efficient management and franchise model. Jin Hui, CEO of H World commented: "We continue to outperform the China lodging industry, delivering robust operational results. We are pleased to report another quarter of strong RevPAR recovery in China, supported by China's summer holiday travel season as well as continuous business travel recovery. Our ADR growth reflected a combination of product mix change and product upgrades, which should continue to support our ADR in the future." Driven by the recovery of the industry and the peak travel season, H World continues to increase its pipeline projects, accelerate hotel expansion and signing processes, and gain momentum in RevPAR growth through ongoing brand and service upgrades.About H World Group Limited:Originated in China, H World Group Limited is a key player in the global hotel industry. H World's brands include Hi Inn, Elan Hotel, HanTing Hotel, JI Hotel, Starway Hotel, Orange Hotel, Crystal Orange Hotel, Manxin Hotel, Madison Hotel, Joya Hotel, Blossom House, Ni Hao Hotel, CitiGO Hotel, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, MAXX, Jaz in the City, IntercityHotel, Zleep Hotels, Steigenberger Icon and Song Hotels. In addition, H World also has the rights as master franchisee for Mercure, Ibis and Ibis Styles, and co-development rights for Grand Mercure and Novotel, in the pan-China region.H World's business includes leased and owned, manachised and franchised models. Under the lease and ownership model, H World directly operates hotels typically located on leased or owned properties. Under the manachise model, H World manages manachised hotels through the on-site hotel managers that H World appoints, and H World collects fees from franchisees. Under the franchise model, H World provides training, reservations and support services to the franchised hotels, and collects fees from franchisees but does not appoint on-site hotel managers. H World applies a consistent standard and platform across all of its hotels.For more information, please visit H World's website: https://ir.hworld.com. Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, Nov 24, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Perfect Medical Health Management Limited (the "Company", Stock Code: 1830.HK), one of the largest aesthetic medical operators in the world, together with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to the "Group"), is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2023.RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS-- The Group's revenue increased by 7.5% to HK$718.1 million, thanks to the momentum growth in revenue in Hong Kong and mainland China amid the abatement of the pandemic in early 2023.-- The Group's EBITDA increased by 5.4% to HK$242.1 million.-- The Group's net profit increased by 10.4% to HK$166.4 million, representing a net profit margin of 23.2%. Basic earnings per share were HK13.2 cents. If excluding the one-off government subsidies in the last financial period, the adjusted net profit after tax increased by 27.1%.-- The Board recommends the payment of an interim dividend of HK13.2 cents and a special dividend of HK1.0 cents per share to shareholders.-- The Group operated a total service area of 297,000 square feet in Hong Kong, mainland China, Macau, Australia and Singapore, with an addition of two shops in Hong Kong during the period.For the period under review, the Group achieved satisfactory results thanks to the meaningful return of new customers and the solid relationship with the loyal customers in both Hong Kong and mainland China. The Group's revenue increased by 7.5% year-on-year to HK$718.1 million (FY2022/23 interim: HK$668.3 million). The Group's EBITDA increased by 5.4% year-on-year to HK$242.1 million (FY2022/23 interim: HK$229.7 million). Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was HK$166.4 million, increased by 10.4% year-on-year (FY2022/23 interim: HK$150.7 million), representing an increase of 0.7 percentage points in net profit margin to 23.2% for the period (FY2022/23 interim: 22.5%). Basic earnings per share were HK13.2 cents (FY2022/23 interim: HK12.1 cents).As of 30 September 2023, the Group operated a total service area of 297,000 square feet in Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas.Hong Kong OperationRevenue from Hong Kong operation increased by 11.6% year-on-year to HK$549.6 million (FY2022/23 interim: HK$492.4 million), overtaking the revenue of Hong Kong operation before pandemic in FY2019/20 interim by 7.2%, thanks to the improvement in shop utilisation and the contribution from the newly established residential shops in Hong Kong. The recovery of revenue to beyond the FY2019/20 interim level demonstrates the Group's success in recalibrating its business operation. Currently, revenue from Hong Kong operation accounted for 76.5% of the Group's revenue (FY2022/23 interim: 73.7%).As of 30 September 2023, the Group had a well-established network of service centres in Hong Kong covering a total service area of 192,000 square feet, with an increase of two shops in Tsuen Wan and Taikoo during the period.During the period, the Group witnessed a strong demand for its core aesthetic medical services thanks to the unwavering support by its loyal customers. The Group has recalibrated its business model to further expand its geographical reach in Hong Kong through the introduction of residential shops in medium-to-high end shopping malls and residential locations. As for the core mega shops, the Group saw a welcoming response to the medical tourism flagship centres in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui where there was intense demand for its premium medical beauty services by the cross-border customers.At its non-aesthetic medical business, it includes a range of supplementary healthcare management services, including hair growth treatment, pain treatment, health screening service as well as other beauty and wellness services, to fully collaborate with our aesthetic medical services. During the period, the Group enhanced the cross-selling to the medical business following the improvement in our aesthetic medical business.Regions outside Hong KongRevenue from regions outside Hong Kong decreased by 4.2% year-on-year to HK$168.5 million (FY2022/23 interim: HK$175.9 million), impacted by the lower demand in Singapore and Australia but compensated by the recovery in mainland China. Currently, revenue from the regions outside Hong Kong accounted for 23.5% of the Group's revenue (FY2022/23 interim: 26.3%).For the period under review, operating profit in mainland China and Macau improved year-on-year thanks to the gradual recovery in customers' demand and the absence of business suspension in this financial period. As of 30 September 2023, the Group had a network of 22 shops in strategic locations in mainland China and Macau. In the first half of this financial year, the performance of the Australia and Singapore operation was impacted by the sustained inflationary environment and the high living expenses in both countries. It may take some time for the international market to recover.ProspectsDr. Au-Yeung Kong, the executive director, chairman and chief executive officer of Perfect Medical, said that "The promising business performance in the first half of the financial year has demonstrated our superior business model can withstand poor market conditions. We remained steadfast in our core strategy of 'Healthcare + Medical Beauty' to satisfy the individual needs of the consumers.As the demand generally bounced back after the three-year pandemic, the rebound in tourist arrivals in Hong Kong this year will bring along additional cross-border customers to the Group, which will reinforce the Group's determination to become the most favourable aesthetic medical service centres in the Greater Bay Area in the long run.In mainland China, we will closely monitor the market dynamics and economic landscape to better prepare for the economic fluctuation. We spare no effort in optimising our business operation to improve shop productivity to fully capitalise on the rebound in foot traffic at shopping malls. As for the international market, we will proceed with its business development in a prudent and steady manner with relentless dedication to customer satisfaction."For further information of the Group's FY2023/24 interim results, please refer to the Company's Interim Results Announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange website at: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2023/1124/2023112400233.pdfAbout Perfect Medical Health Management LimitedPerfect Medical Health Management Limited is a multinational aesthetic medical corporate and one of the largest aesthetic medical operators in the world established in 2003. The Group focuses primarily on non-invasive aesthetic medical services and medical services in Hong Kong, China, Macau, Australia and Singapore with a total service area spanning approximately 297,000 square feet as of 30 September 2023. Its operation offers a broad spectrum of professional services with assurance of utmost safety and efficacy. The Company was included as a constituent stock of the MSCI Hong Kong Small Cap Index on 27 May 2021, demonstrating the confidence from the capital market and recognising the investment value of the Company.For further information, please contact:Perfect Medical Health Management LimitedMarco So / Peter KwokEmail: ir@perfectmedical.comTel: (852) 2770 2099iPR Ogilvy LimitedCallis Lau / Tina Law / Rita ChenEmail: perfectmedical@iprogilvy.comTel: (852) 2136 6185 Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.