merchants – PressAP

ACN Newswire

Yeahka Limited (09923.HK) received high ESG ratings from both S&P Global ESG Scores and Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Indexes for its proactive implementation of ESG

February 3, 2023

HONG KONG, Feb 3, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - In 2022, Yeahka Limited (09923.HK) participated for the first time in the assessments for the S&P Global ESG Scores and Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Indexes, earning impressive scores of 48 and A- (54.02), respectively. Yeahka's S&P Global ESG score is equal to Tencent's and higher than those of other internet companies such as Weimob, Meituan and Alibaba. Meanwhile, Yeahka's Hang Seng ESG score is higher than both the industry average (50) and the average score of all Hong Kong listed companies that participated in the assessment (52).Initiated by S&P Global in 1999, the S&P Global ESG Scores is one of the most influential and credible corporate sustainability assessments worldwide, with 11,000 companies invited to participate in 2022. The Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Indexes is also a well-recognized ESG rating system among investment institutions, whose results are widely used in investment decisions.As sustainable development becomes the new consensus, ESG ratings have become an important indicator used by the capital market to assess a company's investment value. A high ESG rating implies more efficient management as well as better alignment with stakeholder expectations, indicating more favorable attention from the capital market.With outstanding performance in corporate governance, environmental protection, consumer issues and social responsibility, Yeahka received impressive ratings in its first year participating in the assessments. In 2022, Yeahka established an ESG Committee, further strengthened its ESG governance structure and fully upgraded ESG governance authority and responsibilities within the company, and also conducted many compliance trainings internally.In terms of environmental protection, Yeahka invested millions of RMB under the supervision and leadership of the ESG Committee to adopt green server rooms with low energy consumption, reducing its Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) value to 1.56 and resulting in expected annual electricity savings of 798 MWh. On the consumer side, in line with its core belief in establishing a commercial digitalized ecosystem, Yeahka is committed to expanding in-store e-commerce services that provide consumers with more convenient, favorable and timely lifestyle services. At the same time, the Company continues to optimize the product experience and enhance customer satisfaction through technology innovation.Regarding social responsibility, Yeahka has strengthened its transaction risk control, making over 10 billion risk control decisions and conducting over 3 million risk control transactions in 2021. Yeahka continued to carry out the "Power of Small Shops" program, providing a total of RMB 22 million in financial support for small and medium-sized merchants in conjunction with third-party institutions. Yeahka said: "We will continue to enhance ESG governance, integrating the concept of ESG development into our overall development strategy and embedding social responsibility concepts into every aspect of our operations. We are committed to helping our merchants and consumers live better through continuous technological innovation, as well as to creating long-term sustainable investment value through continuous sustainable development efforts."S&P Global ESG scores can be found on the official website:https://www.spglobal.com/esg/scores/results?cid=4279124About YEAHKA LIMITED (Stock Code: 9923.HK)Yeahka is a leading payment-based technology platform dedicated to creating value for merchants and consumers. Our goal is to build an independent and scalable commercial digitalized ecosystem to enable seamless, convenient, and reliable payment services to merchants and consumers, and to further expand into serving merchants and consumers with our diversified product portfolio, which now includes (i) in-store e-commerce services, providing consumers with local lifestyle services of great value, and (ii) merchant solutions, enabling merchants to better manage and drive business growth. Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

JCN Newswire

JCB identifies India as a key growth market for European merchants and acquirers to further propel digital payments and online spending

November 29, 2022

TOKYO & LONDON, Nov 29, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., has identified a significant opportunity for European merchants and acquirers to tap into the rapidly growing Indian payments market, with JCB's data showing a 70% growth in Cardmembers between Q4 of 2021 and Q2 of 2022.[2]Projected to have the third-largest number of high-income households by 2030, the region is set to contribute $1.8 trillion to global consumption growth.[3]Traditionally a "cash-first" society, there has been a significant shift towards digital and card payments as part of a "less-cash" movement in recent years. This has been accelerated by government initiatives such as Digital India introduced with the specific aim to "transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy".[4]The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), set up by the Reserve Bank of India and Indian Banks' Association, has been a major factor in enabling widespread digital payments in the region. Reinvesting profits into growing India's payment ecosystem, the umbrella organisation operates retail and settlement payment systems throughout India and has a comprehensive services portfolio that makes them a central figure in the market.In terms of spending, research shows most Indians are optimistic in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, with consumer and retail spending including fresh produce, health and wellness goods, new vehicle purchases, and travel. As restrictions ease and travel is possible once more, the appetite to do so has only intensified, with outbound tourism set to surpass $42 billion by 2024 and Indian firms expected to facilitate easier travel through better connected flights.[5] Already one of the world's fastest growing aviation markets in 2019, there is an expectation that the number of daily fliers will exceed pre-pandemic numbers by the early 2023[6] with the likes of London, Paris, Dubai, Toronto, and Amsterdam being the most popular international destinations.This spending increasingly takes place online, too, with Indians willing to spend abroad from their home - especially with recognised brands and in frictionless and secure ecommerce environments. Access to reliable internet and low-cost data[7] makes it easier to go online at a time when traditional shopping methods have been more difficult amidst pandemic restrictions. The ecommerce sector alone is expected to grow by 96% between 2021-2025[8] and worth $200 billion by 2026.[9] 43% of international transactions from JCB Cards came from ecommerce spending.[10]These figures have been released alongside the launch of JCB's latest whitepaper, 'Prosperity Awaits - Tapping into the Indian Market', which includes exclusive insights for European merchants and acquirers on Indian spending patterns, and the importance of building customer relationships early to capitalise on the opportunities.Ray Shinzawa, Managing Director, JCB International (Europe) Ltd., commented: "The Indian market is growing at a rapid rate and boasts one of the world's fastest-growing economies.[11] This is providing opportunities for merchants and acquirers outside of South Asia to grow their presence in the region and unlock the potential it, and its population of over 1.4 billion people, has to offer.[12] JCB's place in the payment ecosystem means we are well-positioned to help our European merchants and acquirers navigate and make their mark in this vast region" he continued.Satoru Mori, Managing Director, JCB Card International (SouthAsia) Private Ltd., said: "There is a real opportunity for European merchants and acquirers to have success in the Indian market. The region is putting significant time and resources into embracing a digital outlook and this benefits modern payment methods. Meanwhile, the population itself is willing to spend as we emerge out of the pandemic. It is all about providing a painless and secure process that will allow individuals to trust you with their disposable income."Download and read the full whitepaper here.https://www.thepaymentshub.net/content/files/2022/11/Prosperity-Awaits---Tapping-into-the-Indian-Market.pdfAbout JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 39 million merchants around the world. JCB issues cards across various countries and regions internationally with more than 140 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/MEDIA CONTACTS:JCB International (Europe) Ltd. Victoria Perea-Usher: Marketing@jcbeurope.euJCB (Head Office in Japan)Ayaka Nakajima: jcb-pr@jcb.co.jp[1] JCB Proprietary Data 2022, per JCB Card International (SouthAsia) Private Ltd.[2] JCB Proprietary Data 2022, per JCB Card International (SouthAsia) Private Ltd.[3] India consumption growth: India to have third-largest number of high income households by 2030: McKinsey Report - The Economic Times https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/india-to-have-third-largest-number-of-high-income-households-by-2030-mckinsey-report/articleshow/86089869.cms?from=mdr[4] Digitalindia | Digital India Programme | Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology(MeitY) Government of India https://www.digitalindia.gov.in/[5] India's outbound tourism to surpass $42bn by 2024: Report - Times of Indiahttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indias-outbound-tourism-to-surpass-42-bn-by-2024-report/articleshow/93407481.cms[6] As international travel opens up, Indians spend lavishly | Business and Economy News | Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/3/28/as-international-travel-opens-up-indians-spend-lavishly[7] Mobile Data In India Is Among The Cheapest Across World: See Comparison in Photos https://www.news18.com/photogallery/tech/mobile-data-in-india-is-among-the-cheapest-across-world-see-comparison-in-photos-5011783.html[8] India's e-commerce market set to increase 96 percent to $120 billion by 2025, new FIS study finds | Business Standard Newshttps://www.business-standard.com/content/press-releases-ani/india-s-e-commerce-market-set-to-increase-96-percent-to-120-billion-by-2025-new-fis-study-finds-122030200987_1.html[9] Top 10 Ecommerce Sites in India - Ecommerce Guide https://ecommerceguide.com/top/top-10-ecommerce-sites-in-india/[10] JCB Proprietary Data 2022, per JCB Card International (SouthAsia) Private Ltd.[11] India, fastest-growing major economy, projected to grow 6.4% in 2022: UN | Business Standard News https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-retains-top-spot-as-fastest-growing-major-economy-un-report-122051900021_1.html[12] World Population Prospects 2022: Summary of Results https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/wpp2022_summary_of_results.pdf Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

ACN Newswire

Yeahka (09923.HK) share price rises 4.45%, Major brokers grant “Buy” rating

September 6, 2022

HONG KONG, Sep 6, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Yeahka Limited ("Yeahka" or the "Company", Stock Code: 9923), a leading payment-based technology platform in China, increased by 4.45% and closed at HK$17.86 per share. Its share price climbed by about 30% in the past five trading days.Yeahka recently announced its FY2022 interim results. For the six months ended 30 June 2022, the Company's revenue was RMB1,642 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 17.07%. Gross profit rose 52.05% year-over-year to RMB529 million. The company's gross payment value ("GPV") reached RMB1.06 trillion, up 7.4% year-over-year. The gross merchandise value ("GMV") of its in-store e-commerce services and the number of paying consumers was nearly RMB1.4 billion and 9.7 million, respectively, representing a year-over-year increase of 1,789.7% and 578.9%, respectively. The number of monthly active users ("MAU") exceeded 19.0 million during the reporting period.At the same time, Yeahka also disclosed the news of its share repurchase, stating that pursuant to a resolution passed by the shareholders of the Company at the annual general meeting held on June 24, 2022, the Directors were granted a general unconditional mandate to repurchase up to 45.1903 million shares. On September 5, Yeahka spent HK$4.955 million on the repurchase of 292,000 shares at a repurchase price of HK$16.74-17.08 per share. This is a relatively rare move among small and medium-sized technology companies and shows that the management is extremely confident in the Company's future performance growth. In view of its outstanding interim results and the management's expectations for the Company's future growth, Nomura and CLSA both upgraded their ratings to "Buy". Nomura published a research report stating that its interim performance was solid, with revenue increasing by 17% year-over-year, mainly driven by strong growth in its payment business and in-store business. As of the market close today, more than a dozen institutions, including CICC, Guosheng Securities, GF Securities, and China Securities International, have all given the Company a "Buy" rating, which further demonstrates the investment value of Yeahka.About YEAHKA LIMITED (Stock Code: 9923.HK)Yeahka is a leading payment-based technology platform dedicated to creating value for merchants and consumers. Our goal is to build an independent and scalable commercial digitalized ecosystem to enable seamless, convenient, and reliable payment services to merchants and consumers, and to further expand into serving merchants and consumers with our diversified product portfolio, which now includes (i) in-store e-commerce services, providing consumers with local lifestyle services of great value, and (ii) merchant solutions, enabling merchants to better manage and drive business growth. Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

ACN Newswire

JCB Contactless Flourishes in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with thousands of Concardis merchants welcoming JCB Contactless spend

August 23, 2022

London & Frankfurt, Aug 23, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., has expanded its existing partnership with Concardis, as part of the Nets / Nexi Group one of Europe's leading paytech providers, to enable JCB Contactless acceptance at several thousands of merchants in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Concardis and the entire Nets / Nexi Group together with JCB share a common goal - to make payments simple.Rollout has already begun with merchants with Concardis terminals in the travel and entertainment sectors such as hotels, shopping, and popular restaurants. This acceptance includes JCB Contactless.JCB Contactless enables JCB Cardmembers to perform secure and fast contactless payments, simply by holding their JCB Card or JCB-Card-enabled smartphone or other devices over a point of sale (POS) terminal. JCB Contactless is based on the global chip standard 'EMV(R),' offering a higher level of security.The JCB logo is widely recognised, so when displayed at point-of-sale, brands can differentiate themselves from competitors by offering JCB Cardmembers the option to transact with their payment network of choice, encouraging brand loyalty and repeat custom. JCB is accepted in 150 countries and regions globally, with about 39 million merchant partners, and more than 140 million international Cardmembers, many of whom enjoy spending in bricks and mortar establishments across Europe.Ray Shinzawa, Managing Director, JCB International (Europe) Ltd., comments; "Many of our Cardmembers are avid travelers who would like to maintain the ease of spending they have at home whilst abroad. We have an established partnership with the esteemed Concardis that we are excited to continue. Our expanded collaboration will empower our partners and merchants to offer better, more secure experiences to our loyal Cardmembers."Robert Hoffmann, CEO Concardis and Nets Merchant Services, adds; "Our merchants across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are looking forward to the return of international travel and welcoming back tourists. Of particular interest are, for example, those from Asia who enjoy travelling throughout Europe. This expanded partnership with JCB will provide our valued merchants with an even more seamless way to accommodate JCB's over 140 million Cardmembers. We expect that this promising venture will continue to contribute to the growth and development of our respective services, providing a better and further reaching offer for existing and future JCB Cardmembers."Note: JCB Contactless is based on global chip standard 'EMV(R),' offering a high level of security. EMV(R) is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries and an unregistered trademark elsewhere. The EMV trademark is owned by EMVCo.About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 39 million merchants around the world. JCB issues cards across various countries and regions internationally with more than 140 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information: www.global.jcb/en/About ConcardisConcardis is a leading provider of digital payment solutions in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. As part of Europe's leading PayTech provider Nets / Nexi Group we have the size, capacity and geographic reach to drive forward the transition to a cashless Europe. Our goal is to help people and businesses of all sizes in transforming the way people make their payments and how businesses accept these payments. By simplifying payments and providing the most innovative and reliable solutions we enable enterprises and financial institutions to provide their customers with a better service, build closer relationships and grow together. More information on the companies is available on the following websites: www.concardis.com, www.nets.eu or www.nexigroup.comContacts:JCB International/EuropeContact: India StoneEmail: istone@jcbeurope.euPhone: +44 020 7087 4754 JCB (Head Office in Japan)Contact: Ayaka NakajimaEmail: jcb-pr@jcb.co.jpPhone: +81 3 5778 8353 Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

ACN Newswire

Society Pass (SoPa) Launches Society Pass (Beta Version)/Society Points Targeted at the “Digital First” Southeast Asia Region

June 27, 2022

SINGAPORE, Jun 27, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Society Pass Incorporated (SoPa) (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia's leading data-driven loyalty and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces the launch of the beta version of its universal, open-loop loyalty application, Society Pass, to earn and redeem loyalty points, Society Points, endeavouring to create permanent customer loyalty and replace cash discounting whilst generating additional revenues for merchants. Prospective consumers and merchants can now download the beta version of Society Pass either on:- Apple Store ( https://apps.apple.com/us/app/society-pass/id1629605732 ) or- Google Play ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sopa.loyalty ).Digital loyalty programs are key to customer retention within highly competitive verticals and now call for interconnected experiences more than ever. E-commerce shoppers demand multiple touchpoints to purchase goods and services, earn redeem loyalty points, and refer friends with frictionless ease. Society Pass' multi-brand ecosystem allows consumers to earn and redeem points at numerous types of retailers, whilst facilitating a unified approach to customer rewards and incentives for merchants.SoPa management expects to finetune and integrate the beta version of its loyalty platform with selected groups of consumers and merchants in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore in 2H 2022. With the view of hard launching the loyalty platform in 4Q 2022, at such time, users can pay for goods and services in-store, in-app or online. Society Pass' digital wallet allows users to pay for goods and services by scanning QR Codes and making payments via credit card, debit card, or Society Points. SoPa aims to provide an easy and convenient online e-commerce shopping experience, with a single UI/UX that integrates with all the businesses within its ecosystem.Dennis Nguyen, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SoPa comments on the launch of the beta version of Society Pass, "The Southeast Asian retail sector is at the cusp of a massive transformation powered by the data driven meta economy. We designed a gorgeous user interface backed by sophisticated backend end infrastructure to kickstart a virtuous cycle of revenue generation and loyalty creation, where Society Pass and Society Points generates more revenues for merchants by retaining existing customers, attracting new customers, reducing customer turnover and syncing customer data through real-time, personalised marketing campaigns. SoPa aggregates data across various touch points which builds a realistic view of consumer behaviour"."As we said in our IPO last November 2021, we introduce Society Pass in 2Q 2022 with the view of creating permanent customer loyalty for merchants by designing unique, personalised experiences consumers and make shopping even more rewarding across our family of brands. Our business strategy encourages cross-vertical shopping, ultimately keeping an increasing share of wallet within SoPa's ecosystem. We are confident that our customers will redirect their spend to where they gain the most value: our loyalty program," he adds.About Society PassAs a loyalty and data marketing ecosystem and focused on expanding its operations in the VIP + TS (Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore) markets of SEA, SoPa is an acquisition-focused e-commerce holding company listed on Nasdaq (Nasdaq: SOPA) operating 8 interconnected verticals (loyalty, merchant software, lifestyle, F&B delivery, telecoms, digital media, travel, and F&B ordering) with connecting millions of consumers and thousands of merchants in SEA. Society Pass business model focuses on analysing user data through with its Society Pass loyalty platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which seamlessly connects consumers and merchants across multiple product and service categories to foster organic loyalty. Since its inception, SoPa has amassed over 1.6 million registered consumers and over 5,500 registered merchants/brands on its platform. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture with cutting edge components to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions. Society Pass provides merchants with #HOTTAB Biz and #HOTTAB POS - a specialized POS technology solution, a comprehensive system for payment, loyal customer management, user profile analytics, and convenient financial support packages for small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, SoPa operates Leflair.com, Vietnam's leading lifestyle e-commerce platform, Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines, Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, blockchain/web3-enabled mobile virtual network operator. For more information, please check out: http://thesocietypass.com/.Media Contacts:PRecious Communicationssopa@preciouscomms.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)