Latest news with #SG
The Star
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Paramount buys stake in S'pore F&B company
PETALING JAYA: Paramount Corp Bhd is forking out some RM126.32mil (SG$38.33mil) to acquire a 28% stake in Singapore-based food and beverage (F&B) company, Envictus International Holdings Ltd, from JAG Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd. Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani, who is Minister of Plantation and Commodities, controls JAG Capital. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, Paramount said the deal was carried out through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Venice Concepts Sdn Bhd, and will be satisfied via a combination of bank borrowings and internally generated funds. Envictus is involved in the F&B industry particularly in food services, trading and frozen food, and dairies segments. It manages brands such as Texas Chicken and San Francisco Coffee within its food services division. Paramount Group CEO Jeffrey Chew said in a statement, 'The acquisition of a significant stake in Envictus marks a timely and strategic step forward for Paramount's continuous growth. 'We see potential in the evergreen F&B sector, and this acquisition will diversify our earnings base.' As at July 28, Paramount owned two restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, namely, Dewakan, Malaysia's only 2-Michelin Star restaurant for two consecutive years since 2024 and a Michelin Green Star recipient in 2025, as well as Bidou, a newly established restaurant offering classical French cuisine. Paramount noted that following the divestment of its education business in 2018, it has been 'on the look-out for opportunities to participate in new business interests to widen its earnings base', both locally and outside of Malaysia, all of which are within its 2020 to 2025 strategic plan. The board has, in its recent review of Paramount's next five-year plan (2026 to 2030), agreed to extend its strategy to future-proof its business by investing in alternative businesses with the potential to become Paramount's new core businesses. Meanwhile, on another note, TA Research said Paramount's restructuring proposals announced on July 28 reflected prudent capital management, which would allow the company to preserve its strategic interest in its campus assets while deferring cash outflows. However, the research house is keeping a neutral stance on the developments, citing a lack of material near-term earnings impact for Paramount. Paramount announced a series of proposals revolving around Dynamic Gates Sdn Bhd (DGSB), a special-purpose vehicle that holds three university campuses – Glenmarie, Batu Kawan and George Town – which was acquired in a 2018 RM456mil securitisation deal. DGSB remains consolidated into Paramount's financials. A key component of the plan is the redemption of RM126mil in cumulative redeemable non-convertible preference shares (CRNCPS) issued by DGSB. Instead of a cash settlement, Paramount will issue new perpetual redeemable preference shares (RPS), which offer only discretionary dividends and rank above ordinary shares in payout priority. TA Research said the transaction 'avoids cash redemption, given the absence of distributable profits in DGSB.' Additionally, Paramount plans to extend by seven years the CRNCPS subscription, master lease, and call/put option agreements to align with DGSB's proposed medium-term notes (MTN) extension. These MTNs were originally raised to partially fund DGSB's RM294mil campus acquisition from Paramount. Another notable change involves a repricing of the call and put options to reflect updated market valuations. According to independent valuer Jones Lang Wootton, the Glenmarie campus is now worth RM281mil, Batu Kawan RM105mil and George Town RM70mil – bringing the total valuation of the assets back to RM456mil. Furthermore, Paramount, through its subsidiary Janahasil, will extend the lease with DGSB by seven years. Monthly lease payments will gradually rise from RM1.35mil to RM1.43mil, translating to a step-up in lease yield from 3.55% to 3.77%. The campuses will continue to be sub-leased to University of Wollongong Malaysia and its affiliates. TA Research pointed out that the extension of the lease and option agreements enhanced long-term optionality and aligned with the extended MTN maturity, underscoring that Paramount is focused on preserving strategic flexibility while deferring cash outflows. The securities firm sees potential upside in the proposals should Paramount provide more visibility on 'the future income contribution from the RPS and the group's broader asset monetisation and capital allocation plans'. TA Research maintained its earnings forecasts for the financial years ending 2025 to 2027 and reiterated a 'buy' call with a target price of RM1.48 per share, representing a 36.7% upside from its last traded price of RM1.08. The proposals are subject to shareholder approval at an upcoming emergency general meeting and are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.
Associated Press
17 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Vameon Unleashes dEmpire of Vampire: A Cutting-Edge PvP Mobile Web3 Game Poised to Redefine GameFi
SINGAPORE, SG / ACCESS Newswire / July 29, 2025 / Vameon, a leading blockchain game development studio, today announced the full launch of dEmpire of Vampire, an innovative 3D mobile RPG set in a dark fantasy world with a strong emphasis on PvP gameplay. This launch marks a pivotal moment in the GameFi sector, offering a sustainable and player-centric model that directly addresses the widespread challenges and failures that have plagued the industry. The GameFi sector has faced significant challenges in recent years. Initially propelled by the hype surrounding NFTs and Play-to-Earn (P2E) mechanics, the industry has since experienced a downturn, with approximately 93% of GameFi projects having failed and an average project lifespan of only four months. These failures have been attributed to short-term thinking, unsustainable economic models, and rushed product releases that did not prioritize gameplay quality or user experience. 'We've observed how GameFi struggled because it attempted to forcibly combine two incompatible value systems: the pleasure of gaming and financial gain,' said Alex, cofounder of Vameon. 'Many P2E projects failed because they prioritized earning over gameplay. With dEmpire of Vampire, we aim to shift this paradigm by creating a game that people want to play for enjoyment first, and then offering sustainable and optional Web3 opportunities.' dEmpire of Vampire: A New Era of Sustainable GameFi Vameon enters this market not as a new entrant, but as a developer keenly aware of these pitfalls. dEmpire of Vampire, originally launched in 2023, adopted a phased development approach that included the introduction of its $VON token in December 2024. The game is now fully available on both the App Store and Google Play. This release is designed to set a new precedent in GameFi, focusing on longevity and utility, alongside accessible and engaging gameplay across both Web2 and Web3 platforms. The development and launch of dEmpire of Vampire have been proudly supported by BNB Chain, further solidifying its position within the Web3 ecosystem. A core component of dEmpire of Vampire is its approach to Web3 integration. Unlike earlier GameFi projects that required users to interact directly with blockchain technology, Vameon has made these features optional. This includes the use of a free NFT character associated with each account, allowing players to experience digital ownership without upfront costs or the need for specialized knowledge. This strategy aligns with broader trends such as 'invisible wallets' that simplify Web3 user experiences. The game's economic model also diverges from its predecessors. Players earn the native $VON token through in-game achievements, with anti-inflationary measures in place to preserve token value. These include a dual-budget reserve and a structured buyback mechanism designed to provide stability during periods of high reward redemptions. Additionally, revenue from traditional in-app purchases, such as premium character packs, supports the Play-to-Earn economy, establishing a hybrid monetization model that aims to balance sustainability with engagement. This approach seeks to mitigate the issues that led to the failure of many earlier GameFi projects, where token economies often collapsed due to speculative overreach and insufficient economic safeguards. According to recent industry reports, while overall investment in GameFi dropped by 71% in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024, the number of deals increased by 35%, and daily unique active wallets surpassed 7 million in January 2025-a 386% year-over-year rise. These figures suggest that while the market is contracting in terms of project volume, user engagement remains robust for high-quality offerings. dEmpire of Vampire features a dark fantasy setting, optimized performance for a broad range of mobile devices, and gameplay that allows players to progress through gothic-themed challenges. The design targets both Web3 users and the broader Web2 gaming audience by reducing the complexity often associated with blockchain-based games. The game also incorporates exciting PvP mechanics, offering players a competitive and engaging experience. Vameon has indicated that the game is part of a larger strategic roadmap. Future updates planned through Q2 2025 include an in-game marketplace, expanded utility for the $VON token, and additional game content. This roadmap is intended to support long-term player retention and further integrate economic mechanisms that reinforce stability and value. The development of dEmpire of Vampire reflects a shift in the GameFi sector toward more measured and sustainable project design. As the market evolves, projects that can demonstrate tangible value, user-centric design, and robust economic structures are expected to play a central role in the sector's maturation. About Vameon Vameon is a blockchain game development studio headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with an international team of over 30 professionals. The company focuses on merging traditional gaming quality with Web3 features in a way that prioritizes accessibility and long-term sustainability. Vameon aims to redefine the GameFi landscape by emphasizing player ownership, robust token utility, and gameplay that appeals to both crypto-native users and traditional gamers. Contact: Press Relations Vameon Email: [email protected] Website: SOURCE: Vameon press release
Independent Singapore
21 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Independent Singapore
'Till fun do us part?' Why some male Singaporeans treat marriage like a maximum-security sentence
SINGAPORE: A current Reddit post posed a provocative query that hit a nerve with many Singaporeans: 'Do SG guys think marriage = 'life over'?' The poster, a 30-year-old female, noticed a trend among her contemporaries — engagements and nuptials are taking place later in life. She pondered whether this postponement stemmed from a deep-seated dread among Singaporean males that getting married would tie them down for life, leading to fewer nights out, less 'me time,' and a loss of individuality. This triggered a torrent of responses, some funny, some genuine, but many unexpectedly optimistic. As it turns out, the idea that marriage means the end of fun may be more myth than reality—if you marry the right person and set the right expectations. 'It's over if you marry the wrong person.' One commenter went straight to the point: 'It is over when you marry the wrong person. Life is complete when you marry the right one.' It's a basic truth, but one that stresses a more profound sentiment that reverberated all throughout the thread—marriage doesn't have to be a detriment to uniqueness, but rather the development of partnership. See also Ahn Jae Hyun asked to quit TV shows as divorce drama escalates The burden of one-sided compromise Several netizens highlighted the fact that men who think and feel that marriage is the culmination of their personal lives often fall into patterns of over-accommodation. One experienced husband wrote this: 'The SG guys I know who think marriage equals life over are those who surrender to the whims of their wives just to avoid conflict. They give up boundaries, listen to everything their wife says, then complain they have no personal life.' His solution? Teamwork. After 13 years of being together, he and his wife have learnt to respect each other's autonomy. 'We carve out our own lives. I don't stop her from going out; I actively encourage it. And she does the same for me, though I suspect that's so she can binge on snacks and dramas without me judging her!' he kidded. Independence, not isolation Another commenter who is happy with his married life labelled his strategy as one that mixes freedom with partnership: 'I signed up for a knife-sharpening workshop by myself and only later asked my wife if she wanted to join. We make our plans and try to include each other, not the other way around.' Their model? Two best friends steering life together, not co-dependent, but co-adventurous. Marriage myths vs. reality It's easy to believe disgusting tales about marital discord or about husbands and wives becoming ball-and-chain caricatures, but for others, marriage is amazingly redemptive. 'I'll be damned if that's what my husband thinks!' one netizen hooted. She confessed that she was bracing for the nastiest moments, such as fights, boredom, and regrets, but instead, married life brought more happiness to her than she anticipated. 'We cooked on rotation, invited friends over for cookouts, and still head out for events like Durian Workshops.' So why the delay? If marriage isn't a death sentence for one's social life, why does this feeling persist? This may have stemmed from shared expectations, particularly the label that men must surrender freedom, spontaneity, hobbies, and friendships once the ring is placed on the finger. Others propose that the absence or the lack of communication and shared respect early in relationships has caused these worries to twist into self-fulfilling predictions. End of freedom? If one is still viewing marriage as the termination of autonomy, maybe the issue isn't marriage per se, but the model of marriage one has been exposed to. As one commenter prudently puts it: 'Marriage is not about consuming each other. It's about complementing each other.' If you can find someone who understands that, then life isn't over. It just gets a lot more fascinating.
Toronto Star
a day ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
England soccer heroine Hannah Hampton reveals heartbreak at loss of grandfather
FILE - England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton kicks the ball during the Women's Euro 2025 final soccer match between England and Spain at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, file) SG flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Dabao-ed for You: Local Flavours with a 7-Eleven Twist
In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro finds out more about convenience store 7-Eleven's new nostalgic tribute to the local dishes of Singapore by reimagining classic favourites into takeaway treats. Called 'Dabao Flavours of Singapore 2.0', 7-Eleven's MD Anushree Khosla and Product Development Manager Ken Yap will talk about how they teamed up with heritage brands like ANDES by ASTONS to bring about bites and dishes like: Chicken Laksa Linguine, Beef Meatball with Mushroom Sauce and Chicken Curry Rice. Desserts like MILO lava cake will also be discussed – and celebrated!
