News In Brief

Welcome to our ‘News In Brief’ column in which we digest all the news releases for you in no more than five paragraphs.
Below are snippets of all the media releases we received from July 1 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.

HOYTS Winter Blockbusters

Sydney, July 1: HOYTS is delighting audiences these winter school holidays with top movies.
“Inside Out 2” dominates with a weekend take of $5.93M, hitting a global milestone of $1 billion faster than any animated film in history.
“Despicable Me 4” follows with $5.35M, and “A Quiet Place: Day One” debuts at $3.94M. The Indian film “Kalki 2898 AD” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” round out the top five.
New releases this week include “The Bikeriders” and “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter One”. HOYTS also extends its $10 Sunday morning ticket offer.
The National Australian Box Office saw a weekend total of $20.24M, up eight per cent from the prior weekend.

Buckled Up Launches

Sydney, July 1: Buckled Up, an independent onsite retail media agency, has launched in Australia. Founded by Mary Arbuckle and Irina Dwyer, the agency simplifies retail media by planning, buying, managing, and measuring all onsite activities through retailers’ online self-service systems.
“It’s just the two of us – we are a micro-agency specializing in a very small part of the total RM channel,” said Irina Dwyer, Co-Founder and Director.
“We’ve worked ‘in the trenches’ so we really understand the challenges that brands face and how internal silos can be tricky to manage.”
Mary Arbuckle, Co-Founder and Director, emphasized their hands-on approach. “Our point of difference is that we work from a brand perspective; we don’t get any kick-backs from the retailers. We simply work with brands to understand how onsite RM can help them achieve their KPIs.”
Buckled Up brings extensive experience from brands like Bunnings, Dulux, Simplot, Sorbent, General Mills, WesHealth, and Specsavers, working collaboratively with other agency partners to produce a unified retail media approach.

Hawai‘i Launches Qurator Certification

Sydney, July 3: The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) has introduced Qurator, a certification for local businesses that promotes responsible tourism practices. Qurator helps visitors find products and experiences that benefit the environment, community, and economy.
“Qurator isn’t just a stamp of approval,” said Mufi Hannemann, HTA board chair.
“It speaks to a set of brand values for the Hawaiian Islands, that we care deeply about our land, our people, our culture, and our guests.”
Qurator evaluates businesses on six criteria: Environment, Cultural Support, Equity, Safety, Community, and Guest Experience.
Thirteen businesses, including Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, were certified in a pilot program in May.
HTA interim president Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i noted Qurator helps travelers identify businesses that align with responsible tourism values.
Each business completes a tailored survey with 150-225 questions, independently scored and audited. Qurator recognizes businesses in any or all categories and awards tiers of certification: “Qurator Certified,” “Qurator Honored,” and “Qurator Elite.”
Developed with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), Qurator sets new standards for the tourism industry, covering diverse sectors from airlines to surf schools.
Input came from over 100 groups, including industry and advocacy organizations, and a 24-member advisory committee.
Businesses can apply at www.Qurator.Travel.

Australia’s Safest Homes Revealed

Sydney, July 5: Home insurance quote data from Budget Direct reveals Western Australia as the most secure state, with 63.17 per cent of homeowners having security alarms.
New South Wales and Victoria follow with 53.06 per cent and 51.76 per cent, respectively.
Tasmania ranks lowest at 30.59 per cent, closely followed by Queensland at 33.80 per cent.
Budget Direct’s Chief Growth Officer, Jonathan Kerr, noted, “It’s no surprise that people are wanting to feel more secure. As we’ve been seeing on the news, home invasions and break-ins are increasing at an alarming rate.”
Among suburbs, Launceston in Tasmania leads with 5.18 per cent of homes having alarms. Dunlop tops the Australian Capital Territory with 4.06 per cent. Other leading suburbs include Armadale in Western Australia (2.07 per cent), Mawson Lakes in South Australia (1.74 per cent), Hoppers Crossing in Victoria (1.48 per cent), Kellyville in New South Wales (1.34 per cent), and Goodna in Queensland (0.57 per cent).
For more details on alarm system installations by state, see the full report here.

Tex Cycle Moves to Main Market

Kuala Lumpur, July 5: Tex Cycle Technology (M) Berhad (“Tex Cycle”), a leading waste management and recycling solutions provider, announces its proposed transfer from the ACE Market to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. This significant milestone underscores the Group’s robust financial performance and commitment to operational excellence.
Driven by Tex Cycle’s consistent financial achievements, the move meets the stringent profit requirements set by the Securities Commission Malaysia. The Group has reported an aggregate profit after tax exceeding RM20.0 million over the last three to five financial years and RM7.93 million in the most recent fiscal year.
Group CEO Mr. Gary Dass stated, “We are immensely proud of Tex Cycle’s upcoming transition to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, which marks a significant milestone in our journey. This move not only reflects our solid financial performance and dedication to sustainable practices but also positions us to enhance shareholder value and attract further investment. We believe this strategic step will provide us with a stronger platform to advance our commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence.”
As of 5:00 P.M., 5 July 2024, Tex Cycle’s share price closed at RM1.28, representing a market capitalization of RM327.9 million.

Proven Land Partners with EXSIM

Kuala Lumpur, July 5: Proven Land Sdn Bhd (“Proven Land”) has announced a strategic partnership with EXSIM Development Sdn Bhd (“EXSIM”) by subscribing to a stake in the renowned property development company. This collaboration aims to leverage EXSIM’s innovative and sustainable project portfolio for significant growth opportunities.
EXSIM, known for its green and sustainable developments like Expressionz Professional Suites, Ceylonz Suites, Scarletz Suites, and Mossaz, has a strong presence in the property sector, shaping urban landscapes and driving economic growth.
Jack Leong, Director of Proven Land, stated, “Our investment in EXSIM marks a significant milestone for Proven Land.
By subscribing to the stake, we are poised to leverage their innovative projects and expertise, enhancing our portfolio and creating new opportunities for growth.”
Lim Aik Hoe, Managing Director of EXSIM, added, “We are delighted to welcome Proven Land as our partner. This collaboration signifies their confidence in EXSIM’s ability to build more green and sustainable developments while elevating the lifestyle of our buyers.”
Proven Land also signed an agreement with Octowill Trustees Berhad (“Octowill”) to support future developments. The Management of Octowill Trustees remarked, “Our investment in Proven Land underscores our belief in their strategic vision and robust potential. This collaboration is set to unlock significant value for our stakeholders and drive sustainable growth.”
Proven Land is optimistic about the future growth of the property development landscape in Malaysia and remains committed to driving innovation and economic prosperity in the region.