Biz in Brief

CK Life Sciences’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Vancouver-based WEX Pharmaceuticals, has merged with Nasdaq-listed Virios Therapeutics. The new company is called Dogwood Therapeutics (NASDAQ: DWTX). The merger enables WEX to tap into the US capital markets and to benefit from a strong management team to accelerate the development of its lead product, Halneuron®, for treatment of moderate-to-severe pain conditions caused by cancer and chemotherapy. CKLS now owns 15.9% of the common shares of the combined venture, plus a series of convertible preferred shares, which upon conversion will make CKLS the majority shareholder.

Wind Tre has just wrapped up its acquisition of OpNet, the first operator in Europe to build a national standalone 5G network. With this move, Wind Tre plans to offer next-gen 5G and fixed wireless access (FWA) services, helping businesses and public administrations to accelerate their digital transformation.

OpNet will continue to operate under its own brand. Its wholesale customers can expect business as usual but with even better tech. This deal solidifies Wind Tre’s role in bringing cutting-edge solutions to Italy’s wholesale market.

In short, Wind Tre is stepping up its game in the race for digital innovation.  

HUTCHMED has hit another milestone with the addition of ELUNATE^® (fruquintinib) to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority Drug Formulary under the Special Drug category with full subsidy. The enlistment came in 11 months from filing for market authorisation to being enlisted in the Special Drug category.

HUTCHMED has also launched a cutting-edge research and development (R&D) centre at the Hong Kong Science Park. The new facility will specialise in a number of areas including translational research and AI-driven drug discovery, marking a new chapter in accelerating its global R&D of cancer treatment therapies.  

Hutchison Ports Sokhna celebrated a significant milestone in July with a ground-breaking ceremony at Sokhna Port. This ceremony heralds the start of a major development for Hutchison Ports Sokhna, aimed at enhancing container handling capacity and boosting the region’s role in global trade. The project reflects the strong collaboration between Hutchison Ports and its partners and signals a new chapter of growth and innovation.

In response to growing customer demand for seamless and enjoyable shopping experiences, Watsons is making a significant investment of US$250 million to enhance its stores across Asia. Over the next two years, 6,000 new and upgraded stores are being introduced, with 75% of the stores in Asia set to deliver more innovative and customer-focused shopping environments. This transformation highlights Watsons as one of Asia’s biggest players in retail innovation, and it continues to offer its customers an elevated and engaging experience as customer expectations evolve in the health and beauty sector.  

Northumbrian Water (NWG) is investing £20 million into a first-of-its-kind project in the UK that will develop smart sewers and other savvy technology, such as smart sensors and AI analytics, to reduce the risk of spills from storm overflows. Using techniques already successfully trialled in the US, NWG will have the power to control wastewater direction and flow, therefore reducing the risk of spills. Ten years of testing across the pond have shown an 80% decrease in spills in a section of an Indiana wastewater network, so with this new plan, NWG hopes to see similar results.  

CK Hutchison beat the competition to win the "Excellence Report Award” at the 2024 Best Annual Reports Awards hosted by the Hong Kong Management Association. They also were commended for the accessibility, clarity and quality of environmental, social and governance reporting by winning the “Best Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Award”. Keep up the good work!

HK Electric, State Grid Corporation of China, Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Xi’an Jiaotong University have extended their collaborative programme “Belt and Road Advanced Programme in Power and Energy” for another four years. Ongoing since 2018, this renewed partnership aims to drive efficiency and innovation in the power sector while conducting on-site research in Belt and Road regions. With hundreds of professionals trained worldwide, the programme will continue to offer cutting-edge seminars and tours to power plants and research centres, facilitating exchange of views and experience-sharing among the engineering practitioners.  

Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong (HTHK) continues to boost 5G network capacity, ensuring seamless connectivity for 3 Hong Kong and SUPREME customers. In the first half of the year, HTHK became the first operator in Hong Kong to complete 5G enhancements at three road harbour crossings. This further extends the “Golden Spectrum” to these high-traffic public transport infrastructures, enabling customers to experience flawless ultra-high definition streaming even in congested areas at peak hours.

Additionally, HTHK was one of the leading operators to upgrade its 5G services at Hong Kong International Airport and major event venues including AsiaWorld-Expo, the Central Harbourfront and the Hong Kong Coliseum, allowing visitors to enjoy uninterrupted social media access. HTHK remains committed to expanding network capacity across key infrastructures to meet the city’s growing demand.  

Hutchison Ports Jazan has surpassed one million tonnes of cargo handled since its port’s launch in September 2022. Over four days, the port completed the handling of a pig iron export vessel and an import vessel containing ilmenite (the main source of titanium dioxide).

Considering its strategic location in the Red Sea, the Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI) Port in Jazan is becoming a “port of choice” for regular berthing of Panamax bulk vessels carrying barley, for example. The port also welcomes steel billet carrying vessels and handles the import and transhipment of other project cargo.

This accomplishment underscores Hutchison Ports Jazan’s significant role in the region’s industrial development and its ability to efficiently manage key cargo operations. Beyond this achievement, the port continues its commitment to operational excellence and its vital contribution to the local economy and infrastructure.

Australian Gas Networks (AGN) reached two significant milestones at the tail end of August. It’s been 25 years since CKI made its first offshore investment in Envestra (now known as AGN) as one of its major shareholders, and 10 years since CKI acquired full ownership of the business. To celebrate, CKI and Australian Gas Infrastructure Group employees gathered at the South Australian Museum, Adelaide. They honoured the dedication and contributions of those who have been part of the company since it joined the CKI family, recognising their roles in shaping AGN’s growth and success as a key player in Australia’s gas network industry.

HUTCHMED’s FRUZAQLA® (fruquintinib) has secured approval in the European Union, UK and Switzerland to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). This is a significant advancement in the treatment of CRC and means that patients have a new option to receive oral targeted therapy if chemotherapy and other treatments fail.

In Japan, regulators have given the green light to Takeda, HUTCHMED’s partner, to manufacture and market FRUZAQLA® for patients with previously treated metastatic CRC. FRUZAQLA® is the first novel targeted therapy in Japan to be approved for CRC in over a decade.  

3 Denmark has achieved impressive growth in the second quarter of 2024, bringing it even closer to becoming the second largest telecoms provider in Denmark. During this successful period, 3 saw 19,000 new customers, raising its total customer base to 1.627 million and a total increase of approximately 38,000 customers in the first half of the year.

Revenue in 2024’s second quarter reached DKK 670 million, while growth in the business segment saw service revenue rising 4% year-on-year to DKK 511 million.  

Hutchison Ports YANTIAN has celebrated a landmark achievement in its green port initiatives. In the first seven months of this year, YANTIAN surpassed last year’s totals, hitting new records in shore power supply. July alone saw a record 2.4 million kWh of electricity provided, while the January–July period saw a staggering 13.07 million kWh, doubling last year’s figure over the same period and exceeding the 12.44 million kWh total for 2023. This impressive output reduced carbon emissions by 10,117 tonnes – equivalent to planting approximately 560,000 trees. Providing clean shore power reduces emissions from ships burning fossil fuels when berthing. Furthermore, YANTIAN reached 626 shore power connections, doubling that of the same period last year and surpassing the previous year’s total of 595. These milestones underscore YANTIAN’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations and environmental stewardship.  

AS Watson has ramped up its global sustainability efforts by transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) in its delivery fleet and launching waste reduction initiatives to combat climate change. Currently, 60% of its 12 retail brands have adopted EVs for warehouse-to-store and online order deliveries. This move is a key component of AS Watson’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and fostering greener supply chain operations worldwide. By embracing clean energy solutions and sustainable logistics, the company is setting an example in the retail industry’s fight against climate change.  

Cenovus Energy’s Asia Pacific team is marking a decade of successful operations at the Liwan gas project, the first deepwater gas venture in offshore China. Located southeast of Hong Kong, Liwan has delivered around 1,256 billion cubic feet of gas to date since kicking off production in March 2014. Last year, the Liwan 3-1 field hit a major milestone, surpassing one trillion standard cubic feet in gas sales.

The 10-year celebration at Zhuhai Gaolan Terminal honoured the Liwan team’s ingenuity and diligent attention to safety while they continue to deliver responsible operations.  

Wales & West Utilities (WWU) is leading the way in sustainable operations with Project GREEN and transforming its equipment line-up for a greener future. Traditional diesel and petrol tools are being replaced on a trial basis with innovative, eco-friendly alternatives to see how their performance measures up. Several fleet vehicles are also being run on hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel (HVO), which cuts emissions by up to 90%. Also in the arsenal are a new 3,000-litre solar-powered bowser, which uses photovoltaic panels, and a fully electric 1.9-tonne excavator.

Introducing Up³, Austria’s most modern mobile communications solution, for a short period of time and available at an incredible price. Launched two years ago as a fully digital service for eSIM-enabled devices, Up³ has evolved to offer both physical SIM cards and digital management options, all without commitments, service fees or activation costs. The new promotional offer features 50GB of data and 1,000 minutes/SMS for just €4.90 per month, locked in for the lifetime of the subscription based on a mobile app. Up³ is now prominently aligned with the Drei brand, showcasing a fresh look that you won’t want to miss.

Superdrug has marked 60 years in the health and beauty retail business, celebrating six decades of growth and innovation. Founded in 1964 with a single store in London, the brand has expanded to over 780 stores and 180 pharmacies across the UK and Ireland. To commemorate this achievement, Superdrug hosted a series of events, including a lucky prize draw and competition for its 18 million loyalty members. From its humble beginnings, Superdrug has evolved into a trusted name, serving communities with a wide range of products and services. After 60 years, it’s clear that customers and colleagues alike are still inspired by “That Superdrug Feeling”.  

Hongkong Salvage & Towage Services Limited (HKSTS) has celebrated the commissioning of LNG SENTINEL I and LNG SENTINEL II, the first two locally licensed liquified natural gas (LNG)-diesel dual-fuel tugs. These advanced tugs are set to safeguard the world’s largest floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) and the Hong Kong Offshore LNG Terminal. This move marks a significant leap towards greener maritime operations, showcasing Hong Kong’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. The LNG Sentinels will ensure safe and efficient terminal operations, reinforcing the city’s LNG infrastructure development.

To celebrate its thirtieth anniversary, Watsons Malaysia has launched its first-ever Watsons-branded aeroplane in collaboration with AirAsia. The plane features Watsons’ branding, in-flight shopping opportunities and interactive activities for passengers.

This initiative highlights Watsons’ commitment to innovative customer experiences, marking a unique milestone in the brand’s growth. With over 700 stores in Malaysia, Watsons continues to engage its over 7.5 million loyalty members through immersive and fun shopping experiences, both offline and online.  

CitiPower and Powercor (Australia) have launched a new platform to explore the innovative potential of a marketplace that could provide alternatives to traditional poles and wires upgrades in Victoria’s electricity networks. The online marketplace connects non-network solution providers with opportunities to address network constraints. By involving third parties, CitiPower and Powercor aim to identify cost-effective solutions, such as batteries, virtual power plants and demand management programmes, while maintaining a reliable energy supply.

More opportunities will be released through the platform later this year and early 2025, with multi-year contracts on offer to support the growing energy demand.

3 Ireland has opened its fiftieth Lifestyle Store in the town of Dungarvan, County Waterford. The Lifestyle Store revolutionises how customers engage with technology, creating an exciting, interactive shopping experience for customers in-store. The shop proudly supports many Irish brands in its stock of over 100 products, offering a diverse selection to meet modern tech needs. This significant store opening underscores 3 Ireland’s success as a national telecom, using innovative means to enhance its customer service and product offerings. With each store, 3 Ireland continues to set a new standard for tech retail in the country, enriching everyday life with its Lifestyle Store products and services.

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) has announced ground-breaking developments in Southeast Asia’s digital transformation by launching the region’s largest Digital Intelligence Operations Center (DIOC). Located in Jakarta, Indonesia, this AI-powered facility will serve over 100 million customers, merging traditional operations with new state-of-the-art practices.

It’s the brainchild of a partnership with Huawei, aiming to accelerate Indonesia’s future as a technological competitor. With advanced tools, such as real-time network insights and end-to-end service management, IOH is set to redefine digital connectivity across the region.

This marks a pivotal step in Indonesia’s journey towards a smarter, more connected future.