Salute, 2020!
In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the norms of the society and economy, and the global financial markets also went through various fluctuations and adjustments. While we experience physical distancing and isolated moments, we feel the warmth and unity of our souls in the midst of critical moments and changes; we have witnessed the society’s hesitation and anxieties, but they have also strengthened one’s resilience and courage to drive innovation. There were certainly challenges and difficulties in 2020, but we all become much stronger to prepare ourselves for a better 2021. Farewell to 2020, and we are full of hope, striving through storms and waves, and welcome the first light of 2021!
During the past year, AMTD’s business has continued to expand and build upon our five business pillars of “IDEAS” in Investment Banking, Digital Solutions, Education, Alpha Assets, and Professional Services. The AMTD SpiderNet ecosystem has been successful in attracting more innovative members. AMTD International (NYSE: HKIB / SGX:HKB) completed its secondary listing on the Singapore Exchange, becoming the first ever dual-listed company on the New York Stock Exchange and the Singapore Exchange in history. It is also the first company with weighted voting rights scheme listed in Singapore, and a majority independent board structure with Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, President of The University of Waterloo in Canada, serving as the Independent Board Chairman, and Mr. Yu Gao, Co-CIO of Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia and Head of MSPEA’s China Operation, serving as the Independent Vice Chairman, making its corporate governance to attain international best practices and the highest standards. AMTD International’s management team has also completed the transition into the second generation of leadership. AMTD Capital, a subsidiary of AMTD International, has been officially approved by Chinese regulatory authorities to operate foreign-invested equity management business (QFLP) in China, which further links the domestic and foreign capital markets and helps more Chinese enterprises to go global; AMTD together with Xiaomi jointly established and launched Airstar Bank, one of Hong Kong’s eight virtual banks, and AMTD Digital, through its “fusion-in” strategy, acquired leading FinTech companies in Southeast Asia such as PolicyPal, CapBridge Financial, and FOMO Pay, providing extensive coverage in InsurTech, digital asset and private exchange, and digital payments; AMTD has selected Singapore as its digital headquarters and the Group’s international base to expand into the Southeast Asian market, launching the AMTD-ASEAN Solidarity Fund together with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the ASEAN Financial Innovation Network (AFIN) with a fund size of SGD 80 million, and completed the first batch of investments in sectors covering artificial intelligence, SME financing, InsurTech, cross-border remittance, and card payment solution areas; AMTD Assets officially announced the soft opening of Hong Kong-based AMTD iClub Sheung Wan Hotel, a joint venture with Regal Hotels International; “Shock Wave 2“, a 2020 blockbuster co-produced by AMTD Digital together with Universe Entertainment, was also released during the Christmas season, with favourable reviews; AMTD also announced the strategic acquisition of Nexus TS, a member firm of the leading consulting network Nexia International, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world, to expand its business coverage and solutions in professional services sector. AMTD has been committing to talents’ development and grooming the leaders of tomorrow in Asia, recently recruited a team with rich industry experience and professional knowledge in Southeast Asia.
Time flies quickly and we have now reached the very last day of 2020, despite the sweat and tears, achievements and challenges. Standing at the new starting point of 2021, we will face a dynamic outlook, an ever-changing world, more fierce competition, and more innovative approaches to get ready for newer opportunities. May the bright light of New Year shine on your dream, and we wish you all hold firmly to your faith, forge ahead fearlessly towards your dreams.
Let us have confidence in ourselves and Imagine the future;
Let us commit to continuously Develop and upskill talents;
Let us innovate and Explore in wide open ways;
Let us Aspire to conquer mountains and seas;
Let us Solidarize to strive through storms and waves…
Because we believe in the power of AMTD IDEAS!
