foodpanda Teams Up With Food Aid Foundation – Give A Little, Help A Lot

Food Aid Foundation and foodpanda Malaysia team up to raise funds for food for Persatuan Rumah K.I.D.S. Orphanage in Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — foodpanda hopes to help people learn about the importance of eating healthy and provide some basic knowledge about nutrition. With the “give a little, help a lot” initiative we would like to show that it takes very little effort to make significant changes. Together with Food Aid Foundation, our project is in the best hands: Food Aid Foundation will take care of the distribution and the transportation of the food.

“Our goal is to collect EUR1,000 (EUR1 = MYR3.94), to help cover two months of groceries for the orphanage. The collected money will go to Food Aid Foundation’s official fund raising account. They will buy the most necessary food stuffs for Rumah K.I.D.S Orphanage from the collected amount,” says Sidney, Country Manager of foodpanda Malaysia.

About Rumah K.I.D.S Orphanage

Persatuan Rumah Kanak-Kanak Ini Di Sayangi (Rumah K.I.D.S) began its operations in 1991. They are located at 7, Jalan Durian, Kawasan 6, 41100 Klang, Selangor. It is a registered non-profit charitable home for orphans and abandoned children. It is registered with the Registrar of Society and subsequently with Jabatan Kebajukan Masyarakat Malaysia and other related governmental departments.

The children are separated in two homes, based on gender. They between 4 to 18 years old. The orphanage needs support in order to provide food security for the children and assistance to cover the utility bills.

About foodpanda

foodpanda group is the leading global food delivery marketplace, active in 39 countries on five continents. The company enables restaurants to become visible in the online and mobile world and provides them with the latest online technology. For consumers, foodpanda/hellofood offer the convenience to order food online and with the widest gastronomic range, from which they can choose their favourite meal on the web or via the app.

Look us up at:
Website: www.foodpanda.my
Facebook:
facebook.com/FoodpandaMalaysia

For more information on this press release, or to arrange interviews with company management, please contact:

Sidney Ng
Country Manager, Malaysia
Unit D-3A-08, Level 3A, Block D,
Southgate Commercial Centre,
No.2 Jalan Dua off Jalan Chan Sow Lin, 55200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +6016-3062330
Email: s.ng@foodpanda.my

Trisha Ang
Marketing Manager
Unit D-3A-08, Level 3A, Block D,
Southgate Commercial Centre,
No.2 Jalan Dua off Jalan Chan Sow Lin, 55200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +6016-7252996
Email: t.ang@foodapanda.my

In Partnership with Much-Talked-About “Machicon” International Exchange Event: Holding “YOKOHAMA x TAIWAN TOMODACHI PARTY” in Taipei!

YOKOHAMA, Japan, March 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau will hold the “YOKOHAMA x TAIWAN TOMODACHI PARTY” at BARCODE, a popular restaurant in Taipei, on March 15 in partnership with the “Machicon” international exchange event.

“Machicon” is an event name that represents interaction with “Machi,” which is a Japanese word meaning town, and “contact” with other people regardless of race or nationality. The event has been held nine times in Taiwan since 2012, joined by a total of about 2,000 people.

The “YOKOHAMA x TAIWAN TOMODACHI PARTY” is a new tourism promotion blitz under the theme: “Let’s make friends from Yokohama and go visit Yokohama.” The bureau is also soliciting the participation of Yokohama residents and people with links to Yokohama. At the upcoming “Machicon” event, exchanges among participants will be facilitated through trivia games and other events concerning Yokohama.

At the venue, the bureau will set up a section where participants can taste original ramen noodles, snacks, sake rice wine and other products of Yokohama as well as a booth for promoting tourism in Yokohama. A lot of drawing will also be held, with prizes including a trip to Yokohama.

-Seeking participants!

How to register:

Register on the Machicon website ( http://machicon-world.com/ )

Total participants:

Around 300

Participation fee:

NT$1,000 per person when registering on day of event

Pre-register for NT$900 per person! NT$1,300 for two people!! NT$1,900 for three people!!!

-Schedule:

March 15 (Sunday), 2015, 15:00 to 18:00 (doors open at 14:30)

-Venue:

BARCODE/The Den, 5th floor, NEO 19 building, Taipei, Taiwan

-Participants:

About 300 people in their 20s to 30s, including Taiwanese and Japanese living in Taiwan

-Sponsor:

Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Operator:

AI Agent Co., Ltd.

Cooperation:

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Hara Model Railway Museum, Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru/Yokohama Port Museum, Okura Art China, Inc., Yokohama Takashimaya, Sogo Yokohama, Keikyu Corp., Colowide East Japan Co., Ariake Co., Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu

-Co-sponsors:

Mitsuhashi Inc., Chikazawa Lace Co., Yokohama Minatomirai Manyo Club, the Brewing Society of Japan, Yokohama Iekei Ramen Yamatoya, Kuchiguchi Co., Matabei Co., Eva Airways Corp.

Yokohama tourism information

Website:

www.welcomeyokohama.com/tc/

*Coupon book in traditional Chinese available for downloading from March 16!

Facebook in traditional Chinese:

www.facebook.com/helloyokohamatc

Contact:
Hiromi Ikeda
Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau
+81-45-221-2111
asia-inbound@ycvb.or.jp

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-partnership-with-much-talked-about-machicon-international-exchange-event-holding-yokohama-x-taiwan-tomodachi-party-in-taipei-300049533.html

Kiyomi Launches at Jupiters Gold Coast with Star-studded Event

GOLD COAST, Australia, Dec. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Jupiters Gold Coast launched its brand new Japanese restaurant and bar Kiyomi on December 17 with a star-studded celebrity and media cocktail event.

Kiyomi Launch - Jupiters Hotel & Casino MD Queensland, Geoff Hogg with Executive Chef Chase Kojima and Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Donna Gates

Kiyomi Launch – Jupiters Hotel & Casino MD Queensland, Geoff Hogg with Executive Chef Chase Kojima and Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Donna Gates

Celebrity guests included Pamela Stephenson Connolly, The Veronicas (Lisa & Jess Origliasso), Ricki Lee Coulter, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Adam Liaw.

The evening was hosted by Managing Director, Queensland, Geoff Hogg, and internationally renowned Restaurant Executive Chef Chase Kojima, who celebrated the event with a traditional sake barrel ceremony, signifying harmony and good fortune.

Jupiters’ Managing Director, Queensland, Geoff Hogg, said that the launch of Kiyomi signified an important step in Jupiters’ transformation into a world-class integrated resort.

“We can now offer our guests and visitors dining to the standard found at globally-recognized high-end integrated resorts at Las Vegas or Macau, while at the same time providing a unique Gold Coast experience,” said Geoff.

Restaurant Executive Chef Chase Kojima said he was excited to give celebrities and media a taste of what visitors could expect from his second Australian restaurant.

“I’ve been amazed by the quality of produce here in Queensland and it has inspired me to design a menu that is not only modern Japanese but with the flavors of the Gold Coast and Queensland infused throughout,” said Chase.

Guests were treated to a selection of delicious tasting plates including scallop, yuzu honey, scorched corn and mache; hiramasu kingfish, miso ceviche, crispy potato and lime; and a “Goma Street” dessert – tempered dark chocolate, caramelized white chocolate mousse and black sesame ice cream.

Also unveiled at the launch event was a custom-created fluorescent UV artwork by Tokyo-based Houxo Que, a Japanese street artist. The large-scale piece covering an entire wall of the restaurant was installed at the venue over several days and is Houxo Que’s first exhibited work in Australia.

Kiyomi is the first restaurant to be launched as part of the property’s $345 million transformation. It follows a new poolside experience which opened last week featuring private bungalows, cabanas, and a poolside bar. A new Italian restaurant, Cucina Vivo, will also open this Summer.

When complete the redevelopment will also include a new six-star luxury hotel tower and an array of contemporary restaurants and bars.

For further information please contact:

Rebekah Boyle
Public Relations & Communications Director
Jupiters Hotel & Casino 
P: +61-7-5592-8600
E: rebekah.boyle@echoent.com.au

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20141219/8521407636

“Starry Christmas” & “Shaun the Sheep Love Christmas” @ Harbour City

First Overseas Restaurant of Popular Moomin Cafe from Japan Arrived at LCX, Harbour City

HONG KONG, Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —

1. “Starry Christmas” & “Shaun the Sheep Love Christmas” @ Harbour City

This Christmas, Harbour City revolves the theme of “Starry Christmas” from now until January 4, 2015. The Ocean Terminal Forecourt transforms into a Christmas train station with red, white and gold as the main colours. A 30-meter long “Starry Christmas Train” with giant steam locomotive funnel releasing countless Christmas stars will stop at the station. The other carriage displays giant Snowman, Teddy bear, and Gift box. By donating HK$20 to the Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation, you will be able to pass through the starry tunnel of the train and enjoy the full experience of this magical ride.  

This Christmas, Harbour City uses “Starry Christmas” and the British character ‘Shaun the sheep’ as the main theme of the decorations.

This Christmas, Harbour City uses “Starry Christmas” and the British character ‘Shaun the sheep’ as the main theme of the decorations.

 

30 pantone-colored Shaun the sheep are littered all over Harbour City.

30 pantone-colored Shaun the sheep are littered all over Harbour City.

 

First Overseas Restaurant of Popular Moomin Cafe from Japan arrived at LCX, Harbour City.

First Overseas Restaurant of Popular Moomin Cafe from Japan arrived at LCX, Harbour City.

 

On the other hand, Harbour City has raised funds for the “Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation” for 13 consecutive years since 2002. This Christmas, Harbour City features “Shaun the Sheep” as the theme for different Christmas scenes at Gateway Arcade and Kids Zone on Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal to let you you enjoy a warm and memorable Starry Christmas at Harbour City! 

Please go to the below link to download the images of
Shaun the sheep: http://bit.ly/1vPHYAb
1st overseas Moomin cafe: http://bit.ly/1wv0rFB
Harbour City Xmas 2014: http://bit.ly/1si1eCd  

Giant thematic Christmas decorations @ Gateway Arcade and Ocean Terminal

30 colourful Shaun the Sheep figures will be hosted at the Harbour City Gateway Arcade corridor, as well as a large barn along with a Christmas tree made out of Shaun himself. The barn will be filled with a warm atmospheric living room, in which Shaun and friends will come out and greet everyone. The 30 pieces of Shaun Charity Christmas figurines will be sponsored by various Harbour City tenants, organizations and donors. Donations will go towards the Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation, sharing and extending our love and Christmas spirit to Hong Kong.

Date: 4 December, 20144 January, 2015
Time: 10am – 10pm
Location: Gateway Arcade and Ocean Terminal, Ground Floor, Harbour City

2. Tove Jansson’s 100th Anniversary – First Overseas Restaurant of Popular Moomin Cafe from Japan arrived at LCX, Harbour City

As the world celebrate the 100th birthday of Moomin’s creator Tove Jansson, the highly popular Moomin Cafe from Japan is going to debut its first overseas restaurant at LCX of Harbour City in Hong Kong on December 5, 2014. Guests will be able to indulge in the fascinating environment inspired by Moominvalley and savor seasonal cuisines with the Moomin family and friends. The souvenir shop in the cafe will also delight fans with the exclusive Moomin collectibles, completing the adventure into the dreamlike world of the Moomins.

While Hong Kong people are more familiar with the animation series, the Moomins imagined by novelist and artist Tove Jansson represent an intriguing story and the originality of hand drawn paintings. In Japan, these lovely characters welcome by stylish ladies and have become a very popular brand. Over the years, Moomin products have attracted many loyal fans craving for the various exquisitely design.

[Cafe Decoration Higlights]

  • The cafe will feature the warm and welcoming hues of white birch and navy blue to create a relaxing and comfortable dining environment.
  • The Moomin family will stay in the cafe and occasionally join the guests for dinner.
  • The walls will be decorated by the original Moomin paintings.
  • Some seats will mimic the Moomins’ garden.
  • The exquisite stilt house and bridges from the story will be featured throughout the cafe.
  • Window seats will be the perfect choice for couples as they can enjoy the magnificent view of the Victoria Harbour and the delicious dinner at the same time.

[Signature Menu]

1. Moominhouse Pancake   

Moominmamma’s spongy and delicious pancakes which made by rich milk is the signature food of Moomin Cafe and will be exclusively available at the Hong Kong Moomin Cafe! 

The three-storage Moominhouse will be loaded with custard pudding, chocolate mousse, mango jelly and served with a variety of seasonal fruits such as strawberries and blueberries etc. Customers can choose their favorite tastes and fully enjoy the fun!

The Feve ceramic dolls that adorn the pancakes are yours to take home. There will be five favorite characters to choose from and they will be exclusively available in Hong Kong!

2. Moomin Silhouette Latte              

Enjoy a cup of latte adorned with the lovely face of Moomintroll, Little My, Snufkin or the Hattifattener!

[Cafe Information]

Name

MOOMIN CAFe Harbour City LCX

Address

Shop 32, LCX, Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui

Tel

2730-0963

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/moomincafehk

Opening Hours

Cafe: 11:00a.m. – 11:00p.m.

(Last order for food: 10:00p.m.; last order for drinks: 10:30p.m.)

Shop : 10:00am – 10:00p.m.

[Details] The menu may vary during different time slots.

Lunch: 11:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.

Afternoon Tea: 3:00p.m. – 6:00p.m.

Dinner: 6:00p.m. – last.

Closed Days

Open year-round

Area

210.5 square meters

Number of seats

73

Opening Date

December 5, 2014 (Friday)

Enquiry hotline: (852) 2118 8666 

Website:  http://www.harbourcity.com.hk

Facebook:     @harbourcity  #hcxmas #harbourcity
Twitter :         @hkharbourcity #harbourcity
Instagram:     @harbourcity #hcxmas #harbourcity

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20141210/8521407449-a
Photo –
http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20141210/8521407449-b
Photo –
http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20141210/8521407449-c 
Logo –
http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140721/8521404095LOGO

A Heritage Inspirational Exchange UNESCO-Awarded Tai O Heritage Hotel Hosted the Second International Children Painting Competition 2013/2014

HONG KONG, Sept. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Initiated and operated as a non-profit social enterprise by Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited (HCF), UNESCO-awarded Tai O Heritage Hotel is committed to promote heritage conservation and the appreciation of historic sites. The award-winning hotel is also an art and culture-oriented Living Hotel Museum, providing an open platform for artistic exposure and shaping Tai O as a destination with distinctive cultural values.

90 young artists from Hong Kong and 17 countries and regions sketched the Tai O fishing village and the UNESCO-awarded Tai O Heritage Hotel, bringing them a joyous memory

90 young artists from Hong Kong and 17 countries and regions sketched the Tai O fishing village and the UNESCO-awarded Tai O Heritage Hotel, bringing them a joyous memory

 

Demonstrating its commitment to supporting artistic creations, Tai O Heritage Hotel has sponsored ‘Brushstrokes Over Hong Kong: International Children Painting Competition in Hong Kong 2013/14′ (ICPC), the international painting competition in Hong Kong, for two consecutive years, as part of its effort to encourage artistic and cultural exchange between Hong Kong and other parts of the world, and to promote Hong Kong as an international art hub that nurtures local young talents.

ICPC 2013/14 selected representative heritage sites and scenic locations where a total of 90 young artists aged 13 to 18, from Hong Kong and 17 countries and regions conducted on-site sketching during 25 to 29 August 2014. Tai O Heritage Hotel and Hong Kong Gold Coast along the coast of Castle Peak are among the selected sketching sites.

Henry Lau, Committee Member of Promotion of Young Artists Foundation, said, “We would like to express our gratitude towards Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation for its sponsorship and support from which our young artists visited the award-winning Tai O Heritage Hotel, and to sketch this 112-year-old, colonial-style architecture, and also the historic and culture-rich Tai O fishing village. We aim to promote an international youth cultural exchange in art through a calendar of on-site painting activities at scenic and historic sites in Hong Kong.”

On 25 August 2014, 90 young artists visited Hong Kong Gold Coast as their first destination. The holistic coast is comprised of Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, Gold Coast Yacht and Country Club, Hong Kong Gold Coast Residences and Gold Coast Piazza. With its idyllic coastline and landscape exuding the European and Mediterranean romance, Hong Kong Gold Coast is a perfect location for sketching and photo shooting and has inspired and stimulated all young talents’ creativity.

The following day, the young artists arrived at the tranquil Tai O fishing village and Tai O Heritage Hotel. Perched on the western-most tip of Lantau Island, Tai O Heritage Hotel, graded as a Grade II historic building by the Hong Kong Antiquities Advisory Board, was revitalised from the former Tai O Police Station. With the cultural and human richness of the century-old village at its doorstep and the artefacts from the police station days including the cannons, searchlight and guard towers, the hotel enjoys a panoramic view of the South China Sea, presented all young artists inspirational sketching themes.

11 judges including Mr Kosta Hadji Antonovski from Macedonia, Mr Jose Peres Pacheco De Faria from Portugal, Mr Jerome Sterbecq from France, and the others from Russia, Slovenia, United Kingdom and China formed the panel of judges and chose four paintings by young artists from Ukraine, Russia and Hong Kong as “Best of the Day” for their full-day sketching in Tai O. Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation also presented six merit certificates to the talents from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand.

International Children Painting Competition in Hong Kong 2013/14 Grand Finale Dinner and Award Presentation Ceremony was held at YUE, Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel on 30 August 2014. 60 outstanding sketches were displayed in a lush green garden for viewing. The Honourable Mr Paul Chan, MH, JP, Secretary for Development, Hong Kong SAR Government Development Bureau, Sir David Akers-Jones, Patron of Promotion of Young Artists Foundation and Ms Nikki Ng, Director of Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation attended the occasion. Chiu Man Yan and Ashley Chung Hoi Lam from Hong Kong garnered the first and third prizes and Anna Parygina of Moscow took home the second prize of the week-long competition.

Award List:

Grand Prize, International Children Painting Competition in Hong Kong 2013/14

Russia (Secondary Art School N1188)

 

International Best Young Artist, International Children Painting Competition in Hong Kong 2013/14

 

First Prize: Chiu Man Yan (Hong Kong)
Second Prize: Anna Parygina (Russia)
Third Prize: Ashley Chung Hoi Lam (Hong Kong)

About Tai O Heritage Hotel (www.taioheritagehotel.com)

Tai O Heritage Hotel, graded as a Grade II historic building by the Antiquities Advisory Board, was revitalised from the old Tai O Police Station, a history-steeped building that dates back to 1902. It is now home to nine colonial-style rooms, a Heritage Interpretation Centre and a glass-roofed open view restaurant Tai O Lookout. As a non-profit social enterprise, Tai O Heritage Hotel is committed to engaging the public in bolstering Tai O’s local economy, achieving synergy with local communities, and promoting heritage conservation, tourism and green living.

About Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited (www.hkheritage.org)

The Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organisation set up by the Ng Teng Fong family in March 2008. The primary objectives of the company are to revitalise and maintain heritage buildings, as well as to promote the conservation and appreciation of heritage and historic places and their importance in community life. The organisation’s management team has solid experience in heritage revitalisation and has previously participated in a number of heritage projects in Singapore, including The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Waterboat House, Clifford Pier and Far East Square.

Tai O Heritage Hotel

Address: Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2985 8383 Fax: +852 2985 8881
Email: info@taioheritagehotel.com Website: www.taioheritagehotel.com
Facebook: taioheritagehotel

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140901/8521404937
Logo – http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2013/09/05/20130905173330875115.jpg

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group to Ban Shark Fin in Asia Pacific Hotels

SINGAPORE, Sept. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group  today announced that the company has joined the fight in reversing the rapid decline in the shark population and signaling its commitment towards sustainable seafood sourcing. Reaffirming its commitment to operate as a responsible business, the company will stop serving shark fin at its leased and managed hotels and Food & Beverage establishments across Asia Pacific beginning September 1, 2014. This initiative marks the 11th anniversary of Carlson Rezidor’s Responsible Business Month, where its hotels are encouraged to take action by championing activities that benefit the local community and the environment.

An estimated 100 million sharks are killed each year to feed consumer demands, and they are particularly vulnerable because of their relatively low reproduction rates. In 2010, over 180 species of sharks were considered threatened, being listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List

“The hotel industry has a responsibility to conserve the environment and play an active role in its sustainable future. By making this stance, Carlson Rezidor hopes to encourage others to join this ban, influence consumer behavior and more importantly, to contribute to the preservation of marine biodiversity for the benefit of future generations. This ban on shark fin at our leased and managed hotels and Food & Beverage outlets and moving towards sustainable seafood is our commitment to operating as a responsible business,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.         

Carlson Rezidor has a rich history of responsible business practices, being one of the first global hospitality and travel companies to sign up to the United Nations Global Compact in 2010, aligning to the company’s environmental policy to minimize its impact on the environment. Carlson Rezidor’s responsible business practice centres on the three pillars including People, which takes responsibility for diversity and inclusion, as well as the health and safety of employees and customers. The second pillar Community promotes social and ethical leadership within the company and the community while Environment aims to reduce our negative impact on the earth.

About Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups. The Carlson Rezidor portfolio includes more than 1,350 hotels in operation and under development with a footprint spanning over 105 countries and territories and a powerful set of global brands including Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu®, Radisson®, Radisson Red, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. In most hotels, guests can benefit from Club Carlson, one of the most rewarding loyalty programs in the world. Carlson Rezidor and its brands employ 88,000 people.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., and Brussels, Belgium. www.carlsonrezidor.com

Logo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140508/8521402636LOGO

Maybank PE Leads Series D Financing For YPX Cayman Holdings

Looking to capitalize on the strong growth opportunities in China’s food & beverage industry, Maybank PE, the private equity arm of Maybank, made its maiden investment in China by investing in YPX

SHANGHAI, Aug. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — YPX Cayman Holdings Co. (“the Company” or “YPX”), a leading quick service restaurant company headquartered in Shanghai, announced today the closing of its series D financing round of USD 25M. MAM PE Asia Fund I (Labuan) LLP, a fund managed by Maybank Private Equity Sdn Bhd (“Maybank PE”), is the lead investor in the latest financing round, with follow-on investments from existing investors such as LionRock Capital, Ignition Capital, as well as renowned individual investors such as Mr. Koh Boon Hwee, former DBS Bank and Singapore Airlines Chairman, and Mr. Peter Tan, former President of McDonalds Greater China and ex-CEO of Burger King for Asia Pacific. Series D financing proceeds will be utilized to grow YPX directly-owned stores and to expand YPX’s franchising system.

Cloud 9 Store

Cloud 9 Store

 

Three-cup Chicken

Three-cup Chicken

“We are truly excited to have an investment from a fund seeded by Malayan Banking Berhad, or better known as Maybank. Maybank is one of South East Asia’s largest banks, and the largest in Malaysia by market capitalisation. Named one of the Top 20 strongest banks in the world consecutively in 2013 & 2014 (by Bloomberg Markets Magazine July / August 2014), Maybank through its private equity arm has a very rigorous due diligence process, and we are honored to have passed their stringent test on our business and management. It is a very significant event for me and the Company to have the fund investing in us. Maybank PE brings a wealth of experience to help us grow our business,” says Chris Tay, CEO and founder of YPX Cayman Holdings.

Mr. Pneh Tee Keong, CEO of Maybank PE, says, “We are very pleased with this outcome. The upside for this segment in China is enormous, given the increasing middle class population. We are also comforted by the fact that we are investing in a sound business, and backing an experienced management team to help us navigate through the intricacies of operating in this market. We are very excited to be a part of what I believe will be a successful partnership with Chris, his team and all the other shareholders.”

With this fresh funding, YPX will be able to grow more stores via direct-owned operations as well as franchisees across China. The company will also allocate some proceeds for R&D to diversify its menu offering, brand awareness and information technology to support its future growth. “Serving good quality, value for money food has been the hallmark of YPX since its inception. This year, we have continued to focus on improving our food quality and safety standards; we see this as an ongoing pursuit that will continue to underpin all that we do at YPX. 2014 is also our inaugural year for franchising, and we are very committed to being a responsible franchisor. We will set up a robust system to support and train our franchisees as they are in all ways business people and want a good return on their investments,” says Tay.

“In the past, franchising had an undesirable reputation in China, due to a laggard monitoring system and a mismatch of values between franchisors and franchisees. The industry was further tarnished by unethical practices by franchisors who emphasized short-term gains over creating a sustainable brand name. However things are changing, albeit slowly, and the market is maturing for the better; franchisees are more informed and educated than before. We want to be the first one to stand out as the most sought after and most responsible franchisor in China. Needless to say, this will not slow down our own corporate-owned stores. Not only will this positively add to our revenue growth, it will also provide support to our franchised stores. In addition to this, we are true believers in the use of information technology in the F&B industry, when often times IT takes a back seat in our kind of business. So we will invest heavily on IT in the coming years. The hottest potential is that China is still urbanizing rapidly and its consumer market is going to be the largest in the world in the next few years, if it isn’t already,” adds Tay.

YPX’s first brand is Cloud9, a Taiwanese Fast Casual Restaurant chain, which currently has more than 40 stores in 12 cities. Founded in late 2010, Cloud9 was seed-funded by Qiming Venture Partners, well known for its highly successful investment in Xiaomi. Over the next year, YPX hopes to add two more brands, be it from the USA or another country that has good brand equity amongst Chinese consumers. Tay says, “We will not add another brand for the sake of adding a brand. It has to have the same core values as the first brand: serving a majority of the Chinese customers with the best food at the most affordable pricing. We have strict principles that we adhere to when developing and nurturing a brand. We do not want to segregate any spectrum of the customers. We want brands that can understand the Chinese consumers’ needs and always staying relevant. And it has to be scalable at the same time. We have a solid management team and our reputation of being professional, reliable and accountable attracts many brands from overseas to want to work with us to expand in China.”

On the topic of food safety, Tay adds, “food safety is of paramount concern in China. YPX will not compromise on food safety for the sake of growth as these two important objectives are not contradicting. We can do both. A high moral standard and superior transparent management culture are held in very high esteem in YPX.”

Mr. Daniel Tseung, MD of LionRock Capital, says, “We are delighted to have a Maybank associated fund as the lead investor in the latest Series D round and look forward to working with Maybank PE, other YPX shareholders, and the company management team in strengthening YPX leading position in the Quick Service Restaurant industry in China.”

Mr. Rich Tong of Ignition Partners says, “This latest investment shows that YPX is one of the best teams in the highly competitive food and beverage market. We congratulate them on this great milestone.”

About YPX www.ypxfood.com

Founded in Shanghai in 2010, YPX Cayman focuses on the management of casual F&B chains in China. CLOUD 9, the Company’s first brand, mainly focuses on the Taiwanese casual F&B and snacks segment. The brand now has more than 40 stores across China including Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Changzhou, and Hefei. The Company’s management team has a combined F&B chain management experience of over 80 years, having worked in brands like KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King, Dicos, Dairy Queen and Yoshinoya. The Company aims to be a leading casual F&B platform in China.

About Maybank PE www.maybank-am.com

Maybank PE is a wholly owned subsidiary of Maybank Asset Management Group Berhad (“MAMG”), which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian Banking Berhad (Maybank). Maybank PE targets minority investments in the consumer and consumer related segments across the Asian region.

Its parent, MAMG, is Maybank’s asset management business unit and offers investors a diverse range of investment solutions. MAMG has in-depth experience in managing investments ranging from equity, fixed income to money market instruments mainly on behalf of and for corporations, institutions, insurance and takaful companies and individual clients. In addition to that, MAMG also offers unit trust and wholesale funds. It has regional footprint and on-the-ground presence in key markets of the region – Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

About LionRock Capital http://www.lionrockcapitalhk.com

LionRock Capital provides strategic, financial, and corporate governance support for growth stage companies in Greater China. It is supported by some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and family organizations, who also serve as valuable resources for LionRock’s investee companies and investment partners. LionRock seeks to build active, value-added, long-term relationships with company management teams and investors; its Managing Directors & Senior Advisors are internationally recognized leaders in business, investment, and corporate governance. The firm’s team of seasoned Asian professionals has a demonstrated track record of successfully helping management teams build & develop their businesses in Greater China and beyond.

About Ignition Capital http://www.igncap.com

Ignition Capital is the growth equity arm of a $3 billion global fund group which provides emerging industry leaders the investment and operations support to help them reach their long-term potential, in the technology, communications, consumer and healthcare sectors. Over the last 14 years, they’ve been working with a broad array of companies that have become market leaders in technology, telecommunications, consumer services and healthcare. They have seen their companies deal with difficult economic situations while still growing dramatically to either become public companies, or be sold to larger market leaders.

Photo: http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140822/0861406013-a
Photo: http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140822/0861406013-b