TIDMASIA
RNS Number : 7189D
Asia Strategic Holdings Limited
23 June 2023
23 June 2023
Asia Strategic Holdings Ltd.
("Asia Strategic" or the "Company" or the "Group")
Interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2023
The Board of Asia Strategic Holdings Ltd. (LSE: ASIA), the
independent developer and operator of consumer businesses located
in emerging Asia, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim
results for the six-month period ended 31 March 2023.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial information in this report to the six-month
financial period ended 31 March 2023 ("6M'23" or "FPE 2023") and
the Group's financial year ended 30 September 2022 ("FYE 2022"),
unless otherwise stated. The comparative six-month financial period
from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 is referred to as "6M'22" or
"FPE 2022".
-- Group revenues for the six-month financial period ended 31
March 2023 increased 38% year-on-year ("YOY") to US$11.5 million,
of which 77% derived from Education and 23% from Services (6M'22:
64% derived from Education and 36% from Services). The double-digit
revenue growth was driven by (i) Myanmar's Education segment
surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels with revenue growth of 141% YOY
despite the complex political and economic environment, and (ii)
the continued turnaround in Vietnam's Education segment, delivering
revenue growth of 22% YOY. The strong performance in the Education
segment compensated for the weaker revenue generation in the
Services segment in Myanmar, which recorded a 13% decline YOY due
to the adverse economic conditions and the currency impact.
-- Group gross profit for the six-month financial period ended
31 March 2023 increased 106% YOY to US$6.6 million, of which 90%
derived from Education and 10% from Services (6M'22: 68% derived
from Education and 32% from Services). As a percentage of Group
revenues, the gross profit margin stood at 57% for 6M'23 vs. 38%
for 6M'22, thanks to (i) the strong commercial performance post
COVID-19, (ii) the shift to higher margin products and (iii) the
higher utilisation of teaching personnel and facilities.
-- Despite the significant improvement in gross margin to 57%
for 6M'23 (6M'22: 38%), the Group recorded only a moderate
improvement in net losses to US$2.3 million for 6M'23 (6M'22:
US$2.6 million net loss). Excluding the operating losses incurred
in the financial period for the newly launched business of
Kids&Us, net losses of the Group would be reduced by US$0.6
million to US$1.7 million. Other contributing factors were (i) the
high volatility of the foreign exchange rates in Myanmar, (ii) the
slower than expected recovery of Wall Street English ("WSE")
Vietnam, and (iii) the lower profitability of EXERA due to a US$0.4
million decline in revenues.
-- The Group recorded a net comprehensive loss (including the
foreign exchange difference in the translation of foreign
operations and changes in fair value of FVOCI) for 6M'23 of US$2.4
million (6M'22: US$2.7 million).
-- Student fees in the Education segment and risk management
report subscriptions at EXERA are generally collected in advance of
service performance. For 6M'23, the Group collected cash from
customers in advance of service performance amounting to US$9.4
million, an increase of US$2.9 million compared to the previous
financial period (6M'22: US$6.5 million). At 31 March 2023, the
Group's current and long-term deferred revenue amounted to US$9.8
million and US$0.7 million respectively (30 September 2022: US$8.1
million and US$1.9 million). Current deferred revenues shall be
realised within the next twelve months while long-term deferred
revenues shall be realised in FYE 2024 and FYE 2025.
-- As a result of strong sales performance from the Education
segment, the Group recorded positive cash flows from operating
activities of US$1.6 million, an increase of US$0.4 million
compared to 6M'22 (US$1.2 million). If repayment of lease
liabilities were considered, the Group would have recorded US$0.2
million cash inflows from operating activities (6M'22: US$0.2
million cash outflows).
-- The Group maintains a loan facility of US$3.0 million with
MACAN, the Group's largest corporate shareholder and had drawn down
US$1.7 million at the date of this report (US$1.5 million as at 31
March 2023). The recent additional loan drawn down was to fund the
short-term working capital of Kids&Us in Vietnam and capital
expenditures during its start-up phase.
-- The diversification of the Group's operations between Vietnam
and Myanmar continues to play an important role in mitigating
single-country exposure. Management has assessed that there are
sufficient mitigating actions within the control of the Group to
ensure liquidity for at least the next twelve months from the date
of this report. These include (i) undertaking a controlled
expansion of its existing and future businesses, (ii) maintaining
financial liquidity discipline, and (iii) accessing the unutilised
credit facility of US$1.3 million with MACAN.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Education
-- Group revenues from the owned Education businesses for 6M'23
were US$8.8 million (6M'22: US$5.1 million). Furthermore, during
the period the Group completed service delivery to legacy students
resulting in the managed Education business contributing only
US$0.01 million for 6M'23 (6M'22 US$0.2 million).
-- The increase in Education revenues is attributable to (i) a
US$2.8 million increase in Myanmar revenues (+141% YOY), driven by
strong revenue growth at Auston and Wall Street English Myanmar
which exceeded pre-COVID-19, (ii) a US$0.7 million improvement in
WSE Vietnam revenues, and (iii) a US$0.1 million revenue
contribution from the launch of Kids&Us in Vietnam with four
centres opened since late 2022. It is worth noting that, despite
persistent headwinds in Myanmar, high revenue and student growth
demonstrate underlying robust demand and willingness to invest in
high quality and globally recognised educational programmes.
-- At 31 March 2023, the Group's current and long-term deferred
revenue from Education businesses were US$9.6 million and US$0.7
million (6M'22: US$7.9 million and US$1.9 million),
respectively.
-- The Education segment currently operates the Group's owned
businesses and services legacy students for the managed business of
a related party, and comprises:
(i) Adult English language education (Wall Street English) in Vietnam and Myanmar;
(ii) Tertiary education (Auston University) in Myanmar;
(iii) Children English language education (Kids&Us) in Vietnam and Myanmar; and
(iv) K-12 international school (Yangon American International School) in Myanmar.
Through these businesses Asia Strategic provides a wide range of
education services to students from the age of one. Furthermore,
Wall Street English supports the training of the Group's employees
and provide synergistic value to the learning and development goals
of the Group.
At 31 March 2023, the number of centres and students were as
follows:
Number of centres Number of students
31-Mar-2023 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2023 31-Mar-2022
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Vietnam
* Wall Street English 7 7 3,584 2,465
* Kids&Us 4 - 228 -
Myanmar
* Wall Street English 5 4 3,631 1,821
* Auston 2 1 583 165
* Yangon American 1 1 57 80
-(#) - - -
* Kids&Us
Group 19 (#) 13 8,083 4,531
(#) The first Kids&Us centre in Myanmar has opened in June
2023, bringing the total number of centres to 20.
Wall Street English
-- The Group has exclusive development and franchising
agreements with Wall Street English International to develop
English language centres across Myanmar. At 31 March 2023, WSE
Myanmar served over 3,600 (+99% YOY) students over 5 centres.
-- In July 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of the
Wall Street English business in Vietnam. At 31 March 2023 WSE
Vietnam operated 7 centres in Ho Chi Minh and Binh Duong serving
ca. 3,600 students (+45% YOY).
-- 6M'23 revenues for Wall Street English Vietnam and Myanmar
were US$4.0 million and US$3.4 million (6M'22: US$3.3 and US$1.4
million), respectively. Together, the businesses contributed 64%
(6M'22: 57%) of the Group's revenue.
-- At 31 March 2023, WSE's deferred revenues (current and
long-term) amounted to ca. US$8.4 million, up from US$8.2 million
at 30 September 2022, including US$7.9 million to be realised as
revenue in the next twelve months, up from US$6.7 million at 30
September 2022.
Auston
-- Auston University ("Auston") is the result of a strategic
collaboration with the Auston Institute of Management, an operator
of private schools in Singapore that prepares students for careers
in Engineering, Information Technology and Project Management
through higher education learning.
-- In February 2020, the Company entered a partnership with
Liverpool John Moores University ("LJMU") to provide high quality
engineering training programmes for young, working professionals in
Myanmar. The partnership enables a path towards a globally
recognised engineering degree earned in Myanmar from lecturers with
at least a master's degree or a PhD from a recognised awarding
body.
-- For 6M'23 Auston's revenue grew exponentially, up 544% YOY,
to US$0.9 million (6M'22: US$0.1 million), due to 253% growth in
enrolled student (583 students at 31 March 2023 vs. 165 at 31 March
2022). This has resulted in higher monthly average sales of ca.
US$0.3 million.
-- At 31 March 2023, Auston's deferred revenues (current and
long-term) amounted to ca. US$1.5 million, up from US$1.0 million
at 30 September 2022, including US$1.4 million to be realised as
revenue in the next twelve months, up from US$0.7 million at 30
September 2022.
Kids&Us
-- The Group entered into exclusive franchising agreements with
Kids&Us English, S.L.U ("Kids&Us") for the development of
English language centres for children under the brand "Kids&Us
School of English" in Myanmar and Vietnam on 25 April 2022 and 15
August 2022, respectively, for a period of ten years each.
-- Kids&Us is the leading provider of English language
education for children from age one. Founded in Manresa (Barcelona,
Spain) in 2003, Kids&Us teaches annually over 150,000 students
across more than 500 schools in nine countries, achieving a loyalty
rate in excess of 90%.
-- Under the terms of these agreements, the Group paid initial
fees of US$216,000 for Myanmar and Vietnam (EUR100,000 for each
territory) and has committed to pay (i) ongoing service fees as a
percentage of revenues, (ii) cumulative opening fees of EUR150,000
within four years from signing of the Vietnam franchising
agreement, and (iii) didactic materials based on consumption, among
other fees.
-- Four Kids&Us centres opened between September 2022 and
November 2022 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with the flagship
locations situated in prominent and prime locations to create brand
awareness. The first centre in Myanmar was opened in June 2023.
More centres are scheduled for the second half of calendar year
2023 in both Myanmar and Vietnam.
-- Revenues at Kids&Us Vietnam for 6M'23 amounted to US$0.1
million serving over 200 students. At 31 March 2023, current
deferred revenues were ca. US$0.2 million.
Yangon American
-- The Group owns and operates Yangon American International
School ("Yangon American") an International Baccalaureate Primary
Years Programme ("IB PYP") accredited and Myanmar Investment
Commission-approved international school. Yangon American's 3,000
sqm campus has a planned capacity of 400 students and its enrolment
for the academic year 2022-2023 was 57 students (31 March 2022: 80
students).
-- For 6M'23, Yangon American generated revenues of US$0.4
million in line with 6M'22. Yangon American remains in a
development phase having opened in the school year 2019-2020 ahead
of COVID-19 and the Myanmar's State of Emergency. Demand for
international education remains strong as parents are in search for
a quality education as a path for their children to study
abroad.
-- At 31 March 2023, Yangon American's deferred revenues
(current and long-term) amounted to ca. US$0.3 million, down from
US$0.6 million at 30 September 2022, including US$0.2 million to be
realised as revenue in the next twelve months, down from US$0.5
million at 30 September 2022. The decrease in deferred revenues is
mainly due to the timeline of the school year which begins in early
August (higher collection) and ends in early June (deferred
revenues realised as revenues) of the following year.
Services
-- Through its Services division, the Group is active in (i)
owned security services (EXERA) and (ii) managed hospitality
services (Ostello Bello).
-- 6M'23 revenues from the owned services businesses amounted to
US$2.6 million vs. US$3.0 for 6M'22. No revenues were contributed
by the managed hospitality business.
EXERA
-- EXERA is a provider of security and risk management services
operating exclusively in Myanmar. As at 31 March 2023, EXERA
employed an experienced workforce of over 1,400 (31 March 2022:
1,500) security officers and provides a range of integrated
security, manned guarding, protective services, secured logistics
and cash in transit, training, and nationwide risk consulting, to a
wide range of international and local clients across ca. 200 sites
(6M'22: 200).
-- EXERA's customer base includes multi-national corporations,
large oil and gas companies, established local businesses,
governmental bodies and international organisations and embassies.
EXERA's services are essential to the continued presence of these
organisations in Myanmar throughout the current political and
economic instability.
-- EXERA's 6M'23 revenues were US$2.6 million down 13% YOY from
US$3.0 million for 6M'22 due to (i) the loss of contracts with
certain customers which exited Myanmar due to a challenging
political and economic environment, and (ii) the weakening of the
Myanmar Kyat from an average of 1,855 per US$ in FYE 2022 to 2,100
in 6M'23.
-- The ability to continuously maintain and secure new
high-profile customers is mainly due to EXERA's competitive
advantage as the only company in Myanmar with ISO 18788 Management
System for Private Security Operations, ISO 9001, OHSAS 18000, and
ANSI/ASIS PSC 1 accreditations. These accreditations are the
hallmark of EXERA's intent on delivering high-quality services for
the benefit of our customers.
-- At 31 March 2023, EXERA's deferred revenues (current) to be
realised as revenue in the next twelve months amounted to ca.
US$0.2 million in line with 30 September 2022.
Ostello Bello
-- Ostello Bello, comprises boutique hostels with ca. 300 beds
and over 70 rooms in two locations across Bagan and Mandalay.
-- Due to the adverse political situation in Myanmar, inbound
tourism has become virtually non-existent. Accordingly, in December
2022, management ceased operations in one location in Bagan. The
closure of this outlet does not have a material impact on the Group
as the operations and management fees were already minimal.
-- It is worth noting that through its boutique hostels, the
Group provides livelihood for hundreds of individuals in developing
communities such as Bagan. Management takes great pride and
acknowledges its role as a responsible long-term investor in these
communities. Furthermore, Ostello Bello Mandalay hosts teachers and
security personnel, providing safe accommodation and flexibility to
grow the headcount in Mandalay to enable expansion of the Group's
Education operations.
New Business Development
-- Asia Strategic continues to develop its business network and
expand its presence within the Group's existing sectors while
exploring new sectors. The Group is focused on expanding its
educational offering by building a stronger presence on the ground
in Vietnam whilst seeking new opportunities throughout emerging
Asia to diversify the Group's geographical exposure.
-- Management also routinely conducts in-depth studies of new
sectors (e.g. Healthcare, Retail and Financial Services) to
determine whether to allocate additional human and financial
resources to selected initiatives.
The Group's minority investments include, among others:
-- A minority interest in Myanmar Investments International
Limited ("MIL"), a Myanmar-focused investment company listed on the
AIM market of the London Stock Exchange with investments in the
telecommunications and financial sectors. At 31 March 2023, the
quoted share price of MIL was US$0.09 (31 March 2022: US$0.27) per
share and based on available information, the audited net asset
value reported by MIL at 31 March 2023 was US$8.7 million (31 March
2022: unaudited US$13.2 million), equivalent to US$0.23 (31 March
2022: US$0.35) per share.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
a) Issuance of shares in lieu of bonus payments
Taking into consideration the recommendations of the
Remuneration Committee of the Company, the Directors approved the
payment of US$0.2 million of annual bonuses to certain Group key
management personnel with respect to the financial year ended 30
September 2022. These bonuses were satisfied through the issuance
of 40,000 new ordinary shares in the Company at a price of US$5.00
per share (being the closing bid price of the Company's ordinary
shares as of 31 January 2023). Refer to Note 18 for further
details.
b) Employee Share Options Scheme
On 6 February 2023, the Company granted 33,000 share options to
a director of the Company under the Company's 2022 employee share
option plan.
MACROECONOMIC UPDATE
Vietnam macroeconomic highlights
-- Vietnam achieved (i) a GDP growth rate of 8.0% in 2022, due
in part to the low base effect post COVID-19 and (ii) a more modest
growth of 3.3% in 1Q2023. The gross regional domestic product of
the two largest cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi increased by
5.8% and 0.7%, respectively. The Asian Development Bank forecasts
GDP growth of 6.5% for 2023 and 6.8% for 2024.
-- According to Mirae Asset Securities Vietnam, to meet the full
year GDP growth target of 6.5% set by the National Assembly, public
investment is expected to be deployed in a strong and consistent
manner. The Prime Minister set a government spending budget of
VND707 trillion (US$30 billion) in 2023.
-- According to preliminary data from the General Statistics
Office ("GSO"), trade activities reached
US$154.3 billion in the first quarter of 2023, of which exports
were US$79.2 billion (down 11.9% YOY) and imports registered
US$75.1 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$4.1 billion.
The United States is Vietnam's largest export market, with an
estimated turnover of US$20.6 billion (down 22% YOY), followed by
China at US$11.5 billion (down 14% YOY). Meanwhile, China is
Vietnam's largest import market, with an
estimated turnover of US$23.6 billion (down 15% YOY).
-- Over the longer term, Vietnam continues to be a prime
destination in Southeast Asia for supply chain and manufacturing
relocations by global manufacturers due to strong economic
fundamentals and a favourable foreign investment environment.
According to the GSO, total registered foreign direct investment in
the first quarter or 2023 increased by 20% YOY, reaching US$7.8
billion.
Myanmar macroeconomic highlights
-- The World Bank's Myanmar Economic Monitor forecasts 3.0%
economic growth for the fiscal year ending September 2023. However,
Myanmar's economy is unlikely to yet reach pre-pandemic levels in
the foreseeable future due to ongoing challenges such as exchange
rate volatility, inflation, and low confidence.
-- In April 2022, the Central Bank of Myanmar ("CBM") introduced
foreign exchange control measures, mandating the conversion of all
foreign currency receipts into Myanmar Kyat ("MMK") at a reference
rate lower than the market rate. Between mid-April and late August
2022, the MMK depreciated 14% against the US Dollar ("USD"). The
CBM then shifted the reference rate from 1,850 to 2,100 MMK-USD in
August 2022. To alleviate market concerns, the CBM exempted certain
entities from these measures. The CBM also permitted exporters to
convert 65% of their earnings to MMK at the reference rate and sell
the remaining 35% at market rates within one month of receipt.
Additionally, the CBM allowed the use of Thai Baht ("THB") and
Renminbi ("RMB") for trade-related payments, which further
stabilized the USD exchange rate.
-- According to S&P Global, in May 2023, Myanmar
manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index ("PMI"), declined to 53.0%
from the previous month's record high of 57.4%, the softest
expansion since February. This indicates a slower but still solid
improvement in business conditions. This slight slowdown was driven
by a weaker increase in new orders, leading to a less pronounced
growth in output. Workforce numbers saw fractional expansion as
companies hired additional employees to support production.
-- The near-term economic outlook remains weak due to
macroeconomic and regulatory uncertainties. The country's growth
prospects are further hampered by gloomy global economic
conditions, inflationary pressures, and strained relationships with
trading partners such as the United States and the European Union.
However, with the reopening of China's economy in 1Q23,
expectations in trade flows and the manufacturing sector have
improved.
Enrico Cesenni, Chief Executive Officer of Asia Strategic
Holdings, said:
"I am pleased to report that over the six-month financial period
ended 31 March 2023, Asia Strategic Holdings has achieved
significant growth in both revenue (+38% YOY) and gross profit
margins (+106% YOY), while further strengthening its business
foundations with the launch of Kids&Us in both Vietnam and
Myanmar.
"As the COVID-19 related restrictions have substantially ceased
across ASEAN, the Group has experienced a strong rebound in its
Education business, particularly in Myanmar, supported by pent-up
demand and limited local availability of high-quality products. The
total number of students enrolled with the Group rose 78% YOY to
ca. 8,100, almost evenly split between Vietnam and Myanmar.
"In 2022, the Group expanded its Education product portfolio
with the partnership with Kids&Us and opened four schools in Ho
Chi Minh City and one in Yangon, yielding ca. 300 students as of
June 2023. Building on the initial commercial success, the Group
plans additional openings during 2023.
"On the other hand, the Services division experienced a 13%
contraction in revenue driven by the exit of certain customers from
Myanmar and the adverse FX impact. Management expects a rebound in
monthly revenues in the second half of FY'23 driven by the
successful negotiation of price increases in existing contracts and
the acquisition of new high-profile customers.
"While global inflation, supply chain shortages and local shocks
may reduce disposable income and hinder discretionary spending, the
Board believes that the Group is strategically positioned in
sectors that will attract continued investments such as Education
and that demonstrate less correlation to the broader economy such
as Security services. In turn, this allows us to take a strategic
view, pursue a long-term agenda and strengthen our foundations,
confident in our capital structure.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank our
shareholders for their continued support and all staff members
across the Group for their hard work and sacrifice through these
challenging, uncertain and troubling times."
For more information, please visit www.asia-strategic.com or
contact:
Asia Strategic Holdings Ltd.
Richard Greer, Independent Non-Executive richard@asia-strategic.com
Chairman enrico@asia-strategic.com
Enrico Cesenni (OSI), Founder and CEO
Allenby Capital Limited (Broker)
Nick Athanas
Nick Naylor
Lauren Wright +44 (0)20 3328 5656
Yellow Jersey PR (Financial PR)
Sarah Hollins
Bessie Elliot +44 (0) 20 3004 9512
Notes to editors
Asia Strategic Holdings Ltd.
Asia Strategic Holdings Ltd. (LSE: ASIA) is an independent
developer and operator of consumer businesses in emerging Asia. The
Company's portfolio focuses on Education and Services with the view
to expand within the broader consumer sector and is located in
Vietnam and Myanmar, two of the fastest growing economies in the
world over the last decade.
Education sector: the Company operates a range of brands across
English language learning, tertiary education and K-12. As of June
2023, it operated 20 schools (19 at 31 March 2023), serving ca.
8,200 students (ca. 8,100 at 31 March 2023).
The Company currently has exclusive development and franchising
agreements with Wall Street English to develop English language
centres across Myanmar. As of June 2023, Wall Street English
Myanmar served over 3,600 students through five centres.
In July 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of the Wall
Street English business in Vietnam. Founded in 2013, the WSE
Vietnam business operates through seven centres in Ho Chi Minh and
Binh Duong serving over 3,700 students (3,600 at 31 March
2023).
The Company also operates a joint venture with Auston Institute
of Management to develop and operate the Auston University. Auston
opened in May 2018 offering diplomas in Engineering Technology,
Mechanical Engineering and Networking, Information Systems, and
Security. English language learning is also provided by the
Company's nearby Wall Street English centre. In February 2020, the
Company announced a partnership with Liverpool John Moores
University to provide high quality engineering training programmes
for young, working professionals in Myanmar, to be taught by its
teaching staff in Myanmar. As of 30 June 2023, Auston University
served ca. 600 students (580 at 31 March 2023).
In August 2019 the Company launched its first private K-12
international school, the Yangon American International School
("Yangon American") in Yangon. In July 2021 Yangon American was
recognised as an official International Baccalaureate Primary Years
Programme ("IB PYP") school by the International Baccalaureate
Organization.
In April 2022, the Company entered into an exclusive franchising
agreement with Kids&Us for the development of English language
schools for children across Myanmar. The first centre opened in
Yangon in June 2023. In August 2022, the Company entered into an
exclusive franchising agreement with Kids&Us for the
development of English language schools for children across
Vietnam. The first four centres are operational in Ho Chi Minh.
Services sector: through its acquisition of EXERA, the Company
offers security, risk management and secure logistics services.
Founded in 2013, EXERA employs approximately 1,400 well-trained and
high-quality security officers (1,500 on 31 March 2023) making it
one of the largest security services providers accredited to "ISO
18788 Management System for Private Security Companies" in
Myanmar.
Furthermore, the Company provides hospitality services, managing
two boutique hotels in core tourist locations in Myanmar, operating
under the award-winning Ostello Bello budget hospitality brand. The
Company operates an asset-light strategy, entering into long-term
operating and management agreements with local hotel owners.
Vietnam and Myanmar were among the fastest growing economies in
Asia in 2017-2020 (Source: Asian Development Bank). Vietnam's
annual GDP growth rate is expected to be 6.5% in 2023 and 6.8% in
2024, while Myanmar's is expected to be 2.8% in 2023 and 3.2% in
2024 (Source: Asian Development Bank).
The Company is well positioned to provide investors early
exposure to Vietnam's and Myanmar's strong economic fundamentals
enhanced by ASEAN's wider growth prospects.
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here under the 'RNS' header:
https://asia-strategic.com/investor-relations/
FINANCIAL REVIEW
-- Group revenues from owned and managed businesses for 6M'23
were US$11.5 million (+38% YOY) vs. US$8.3 million for 6M'22 (+9%
YOY).
-- The double-digit revenue growth was a combination of (i)
strong improvements across the Education businesses in Myanmar
(+141% YOY), (ii) the recovery in Education in Vietnam (+22% YOY),
leading towards the completion of WSE Vietnam's turnaround and
supported by the opening of four new Kids&Us English language
learning centres in late 2022, and (iii) the underperformance at
EXERA (-13% YOY) due to the loss of certain customers due to the
challenging political and economic environment.
FPE 2023 FPE 2022 FPE 2021 FYE 2022 FYE 2021
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Audited Audited
6M'23 6M'22 6M'21 12M'22 12M'21
Brands US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
Owned businesses
Education - Vietnam 4,055,667 3,312,986 4,014,274 7,391,025 7,479,035
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
- English language
learning WSE 3,971,580 3,312,986 4,014,274 7,391,025 7,479,035
- English language Kids&Us 84,087 - - - -
learning
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Education - Myanmar 4,741,070 1,790,716 553,681 4,485,240 1,331,422
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
- English language
learning WSE 3,356,148 1,248,184 218,079 3,204,937 734,606
- International
school Yangon
(K-12) American 447,192 397,660 335,602 804,396 567,982
- Tertiary education Auston 937,730 144,872 - 475,907 28,834
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Education 8,796,737 5,103,702 4,567,955 11,876,265 8,810,457
Services EXERA 2,642,785 3,025,078 2,707,920 5,794,603 5,664,019
Total owned businesses 11,439,522 8,128,780 7,275,875 17,670,868 14,474,476
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Managed businesses
Education (Legacy) - Myanmar 14,177 184,700 365,159 236,006 497,849
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
- English language
learning WSE 14,177 184,000 355,016 235,363 485,819
- Tertiary education Auston - 700 10,143 643 12,030
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Ostello
Services Bello - - 6,857 - 13,712
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Total managed
businesses 14,177 184,700 372,016 236,006 511,561
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Group Revenue 11,453,699 8,313,480 7,647,891 17,906,874 14,986,037
=========== ========== ========== =========== ===========
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
-- The Group's gross profit for 6M'23 was US$6.6 million up 106%
vs US$3.2 million for 6M'22. The notable improvement in gross
profit margin (57% for 6M'23 vs. 38% for 6M'22) was attributable to
(i) the strong commercial performance, (ii) the shift to
higher-margin products and (iii) the higher utilization of teachers
and facilities thanks to the ramp-up in enrolled students.
-- The growth in Group revenue (+US$3.1 million YOY) and gross
profit (+US$3.4 million YOY) was partially offset by the increase
in foreign exchange loss (+US$0.3 million YOY) and administrative
and other operating expenses (+US$2.8 million YOY). The latter rose
primarily due to (i) higher marketing expenses, and (ii) an
increase in personnel costs due to the expansion in the Education
businesses and salary increments to mitigate the inflationary
pressures affecting the Group's employees.
-- The Group was close to Adjusted EBITDA break-even for 6M'23
vs. a US$0.5 million loss for 6M'22. When adjusted for the impact
of the right-of-use assets ("ROUs"), the Group's Adjusted EBITDA
loss amounted to US$1.8 million vs. a US$2.2 million loss in
6M'22.
FPE 2023 FPE 2022 FPE 2021 FYE 2022 FYE2021
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Audited Audited
6M'23 6M'22 6M'21 12M'22 12M'21
US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
Revenue 11,453,699 8,313,480 7,647,891 17,906,874 14,986,037
Cost of services (4,897,166) (5,130,275) (5,431,559) (9,924,470) (10,466,705)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------
Gross profit 6,556,533 3,183,205 2,216,332 7,982,404 4,519,332
------------
Gross profit margin 57% 38% 29% 45% 36%
Other income 8,314 85,052 40,080 80,711 70,350
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain,
net (386,886) (121,198) - (972,259) 767,833
Administrative and other
operating expenses (7,988,551) (5,227,357) (4,769,401) (12,176,613) (10,320,565)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------
Loss from operations (1,810,590) (2,080,298) (2,512,989) (5,085,757) (4,963,050)
Finance cost (442,146) (432,306) (449,630) (862,678) (999,992)
------------
Loss before income tax (2,252,736) (2,512,604) (2,962,619) (5,948,435) (5,963,042)
Income tax (expense)/credit - (82,520) 17,611 (33,646) 114,688
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------
Loss for after income
tax (2,252,736) (2,595,124) (2,945,008) (5,982,081) (5,848,354)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------
Selected non-cash items:
Total depreciation of plant
and equipment 371,187 205,506 246,594 436,363 419,057
Total amortisation of right-of-use
assets 1,382,345 1,350,354 1,331,375 2,694,870 2,560,875
Total amortisation of intangible
assets 38,215 28,268 113,270 74,342 113,684
Impairment of trade and
other receivables (6,187) 18,421 103,207 15,453 1,004,384
Finance costs (excluding
interest on lease liabilities) 44,887 65,342 93,945 115,890 243,547
Total interest on lease
liabilities 398,454 372,105 355,685 754,370 756,445
Reversal of impairment
of intangible assets - - - (30,000) -
------------ ------------ -------------- -------------
2,228,901 2,039,996 2,244,076 4,061,288 5,097,992
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------
Adjusted (loss)/earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation,
and amortisation ("EBITDA") (23,835) (472,608) (718,543) (1,887,147) (865,050)
============ ============ ============ ============== =============
Adjusted EBITDA after
impact of ROUs (1,804,634) (2,195,067) (2,405,603) (5,336,387) (4,182,370)
============ ============ ============ ============== =============
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
-- At 31 March 2023, the Group's cash and cash equivalents
amounted to US$1.4 million, compared to US$2.0 million at 30
September 2022. The decrease of US$0.6 million is primarily due to
capital expenditures of US$0.8 million and bank loan repayments of
US$0.1 million.
-- The Group generated positive cash flows from operating
activities of US$1.6 million, an increase of US$0.4 million vs
6M'22 (US$1.2 million) mainly due to the increase in prepayments
and deposits received from customers of US$0.8 million (6M'22:
increase of US$3.0 million) as of 31 March 2023. If repayment of
lease liabilities were considered, the Group generated cash from
operating activities of US$0.2 million (6M'22: cash outflows of
US$0.2 million).
-- For 6M'23, the Group incurred capital expenditures of US$0.8
million vs. US$0.6 million for 6M'22 mainly for leasehold
improvements related to the (i) opening of three Kids&Us
Centres in Vietnam, (ii) additional centres for Wall Street English
in Yangon and Auston in Mandalay, (iii) refurbishments at Wall
Street English Vietnam, and (iv) a new dedicated and secured
headquarter for EXERA.
-- In December 2022, the interest-free bank loan of US$0.1
million from a bank in Vietnam was repaid in full. The Group funded
its capital expenditures and business expansion through effective
cash management from its operating activities. No new shares nor
convertible notes have been issued during the financial period.
-- For 6M'22, the Group issued Convertible Notes which generated
cash inflows of US$3.2 million (excluding transaction costs) and
were utilised for working capital and partial repayment of the
shareholder loans and interest, totalling US$1.8 million.
OTHER INFORMATION
At 31 March 2023, 97% of the total workforce (30 September 2022:
96%) were local employees in the countries in which the Group
operates. All employees earn at least the local minimum wage and
are provided cost of living allowances to weather global inflation
and benefit from fair working conditions and shift patterns.
Approximately 75% (30 September 2022: 72%) of the Group's workforce
are female (excluding EXERA's security officers).
Direct and indirect Full Time 31-Mar-2023 31-Sep-2022 31-Mar-2022
Employees ("FTEs")
Male 121 127 100
Female 355 325 302
------------ ------------ ------------
476 452 402
Male (EXERA's security officers) 1,371 1,521 1,493
Total employees 1,847 1,973 1,895
============ ============ ============
Ratio of female representation
(excluding EXERA's security officers) 75% 72% 75%
Direct and indirect FTE decreased to 1,847 (30 September 2022:
1,973) mainly due to the reduction in EXERA's security officers
over the period.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
For the financial period from 1 October 2022 to 31 March
2023
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
Note US$ US$
Revenue 4 11,453,699 8,313,480
Cost of services (4,897,166) (5,130,275)
Gross profit 6,556,533 3,183,205
Other income 8,314 85,052
Administrative and other operating expenses (8,375,437) (5,348,555)
Loss from operations (1,810,590) (2,080,298)
Finance cost 6 (442,146) (432,306)
Loss before income tax 7 (2,252,736) (2,512,604)
Income tax expense 8 - (82,520)
Loss after income tax (2,252,736) (2,595,124)
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss:
Exchange difference in translation of
foreign operations (19,959) 8,754
Items that will not be reclassified
subsequently
to profit or loss:
Changes in fair value of equity instruments
at FVOCI 12 (80,774) (71,800)
Other comprehensive income for the period,
net of tax (100,733) (63,046)
Total comprehensive income (2,353,469) (2,658,170)
Loss for the period attributable to:
Owners of the Company (2,252,736) (2,549,665)
Non-controlling interests - (45,459)
(2,252,736) (2,595,124)
Total comprehensive income attributable
to:
Owners of the Company (2,353,469) (2,612,711)
Non-controlling interests - (45,459)
(2,353,469) (2,658,170)
Loss per share attributable to the
owners of the
Company (US$)
* Basic and diluted (US$) 21 (0.77) (0.88)
The above condensed interim consolidated statement of
comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying notes.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
POSITION
As at 31 March 2023
As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022
Note US$ US$
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Plant and equipment 9 2,364,727 2,032,390
Intangible assets 10 6,711,972 6,681,443
Right-of-use assets ("ROU") 11 10,105,062 11,275,139
Financial assets at FVOCI 12 76,288 157,062
Trade and other receivables 13 1,501,766 1,542,501
Total non-current assets 20,759,815 21,688,535
------------- -------------
Current assets
Inventories 184,509 165,891
Trade and other receivables 13 2,028,596 1,628,965
Cash and cash equivalents 14 1,353,782 1,980,232
Total current assets 3,566,887 3,775,088
------------- -------------
Total assets 24,326,702 25,463,623
============= =============
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Contract liabilities 4 747,006 1,872,423
Shareholder loans 15 1,544,877 1,500,000
Lease liabilities 8,156,086 9,142,979
Total non-current liabilities 10,447,969 12,515,402
------------- -------------
Current liabilities
Contract liabilities 4 9,816,410 8,093,625
Bank loans 16 - 115,530
Trade and other payables 17 4,674,597 3,636,898
Lease liabilities 2,243,574 1,961,444
Income tax payables 3,906 16,229
Total current liabilities 16,738,487 13,823,726
------------- -------------
Total liabilities 27,186,456 26,339,128
------------- -------------
Equity
Share capital 18 21,639,638 21,439,638
Convertible notes 19 5,730,000 5,730,000
Accumulated losses (30,477,593) (28,224,857)
Other reserves 248,201 179,714
------------- -------------
Equity attributable to owners
of the Company (2,859,754) (875,505)
Non-controlling interests 20 - -
------------- -------------
Total equity (2,859,754) (875,505)
------------- -------------
Total liabilities and equity 24,326,702 25,463,623
------------- -------------
The above condensed interim consolidated statement of financial
position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying
notes.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
EQUITY
For the financial period from 1 October 2022 to 31 March
2023
Equity
attributable
Share Fair Foreign to owners Non-
Share Convertible Equity option value exchange Accumulated of the controlling Total
Unaudited Note capital notes reserves reserve reserve reserve losses Company interests equity
31 March 2023 US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
Balance as at
1 October
2022 21,439,638 5,730,000 (212,271) 968,819 (605,692) 28,858 (28,224,857) (875,505) - (875,505)
Total
comprehensive
income for the
financial
year:
---------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
Loss for the
financial
period - - - - - - (2,252,736) (2,252,736) - (2,252,736)
Other
comprehensive
income - - - - (80,774) (19,959) - (100,733) - (100,733)
---------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
- - - - (80,774) (19,959) (2,252,736) (2,353,469) - (2,353,469)
Contribution
by owners
of the Company
---------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
Issuance of
shares in
lieu of bonus 18 200,000 - - - - - - 200,000 - 200,000
Recognition of
share-based
payments 5 - - - 169,220 - - - 169,220 - 169,220
---------- ----------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
200,000 - - 169,220 - - - 369,220 - 369,220
Balance as at
31 March
2023 21,639,638 5,730,000 (212,271) 1,138,039 (686,466) 8,899 (30,477,593) (2,859,754) - (2,859,754)
========== =========== ========= ========= ========= ======== ============ ============ =========== ===========
Equity
attributable
Share Fair Foreign to owners Non-
Share Convertible Equity option value exchange Accumulated of the controlling Total
Unaudited Note capital notes reserves reserve reserve reserve losses Company interests equity
31 March 2022 US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
Balance as at 1
October
2021 20,799,638 - (128,362) 774,102 (448,629) (123,237) (22,288,235) (1,414,723) (38,449) (1,453,172)
Total
comprehensive
income for the
financial
year:
---------- ----------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
Loss for the
financial
year - - - - - - (2,549,665) (2,549,665) (45,459) (2,595,124)
Other
comprehensive
income - - - - (71,800) 8,754 - (63,046) - (63,046)
---------- ----------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
- - - - (71,800) 8,754 (2,549,665) (2,612,711) (45,459) (2,658,170)
Contribution by
owners
of the Company
---------- ----------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
Issuance of
shares in
lieu of bonus 18 640,000 - - - - - - 640,000 - 640,000
Issuance of
convertible
notes 19 - 5,730,000 - - - - - 5,730,000 - 5,730,000
Recognition of
share-based
payments - - - 71,726 - - - 71,726 - 71,726
---------- ----------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
640,000 5,730,000 - 71,726 - - - 6,441,726 - 6,441,726
---------- ----------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
Changes in
ownership
interest
in a subsidiary
Acquisition of
non-controlling
interests 20 - - (83,909) - - - - (83,909) 83,908 (1)
Balance as at 31
March
2022 21,439,638 5,730,000 (212,271) 845,828 (520,429) (114,483) (24,837,900) (3,399,617) - (3,399,617)
========== =========== ========= ======= ========= ========= ============ ============ =========== ===========
The above condensed interim consolidated statement of changes in
equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying
notes.
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the financial period from 1 October 2022 to 31 March
2023
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
Note US$ US$
Operating activities
Loss before income tax (2,252,736) (2,512,604)
Adjustments for:
Interest income (2,456) (1,355)
Plant and equipment written off - (100)
Intangible assets written off - 3,011
Share-based compensation 5 169,220 71,726
6,
Interest expense on lease liabilities 7 398,454 372,105
Interest expense on loan from
corporate shareholder 6 44,877 65,342
Lease concession 7 - (80,745)
Amortisation of intangible assets 7 38,215 28,268
Depreciation of plant and equipment 9 371,187 205,506
Amortisation of right-of-use assets 11 1,382,345 1,350,354
Impairment loss on trade and other
receivables 13 (6,187) 18,421
Transfer of plant and equipment to
intangible assets - 4,528
Unrealised exchange difference 33,695 79,815
------------ ------------
Operating cash flows before working
capital changes 176,614 (395,728)
Working capital changes:
Trade and other receivables (352,709) (190,848)
Inventories (18,618) 17,700
Contract liabilities 597,368 1,259,464
Trade and other payables 1,212,199 577,247
------------ ------------
Cash flows provided from operations 1,614,854 1,267,835
Interest received 2,456 1,355
Income tax paid (12,323) (71,409)
Net cash provided from operating
activities 1,604,987 1,197,781
------------ ------------
Investing activities
Purchase of plant and equipment 9 (758,528) (594,169)
Advances to related parties - (423,813)
Purchase of intangible assets - (13,356)
Net cash flows used in investing
activities (758,528) (1,031,338)
------------ ------------
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
Note US$ US$
Financing activities
Repayment of shareholder loans 15 - (1,500,000)
Interest paid on shareholder loans 15 - (271,656)
(Repayment)/proceeds from bank
loan 16 (115,530) 120,492
Proceeds from convertible notes 19 - 3,230,000
Principal payment for lease liabilities (1,045,976) (990,415)
Interest payment for lease liabilities (332,664) (372,105)
Fixed deposits pledged to bank - 56,868
Acquisition of equity interest
from
non-controlling interests 20 - (1)
Net cash (used in)/provided from
financing activities (1,494,170) 273,183
------------ ------------
Net changes in cash and cash equivalents (647,711) 439,626
Effect of exchange rate changes
on cash and cash equivalents 21,261 (14,302)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of financial period 1,980,232 2,165,257
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of financial period 14 1,353,782 2,590,581
============ ============
The above condensed interim consolidated statement of cash flows
should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
For the financial period from 1 October 2022 to 31 March
2023
1 CORPORATE INFORMATION
Asia Strategic Holdings Limited (the "Company" or "Asia
Strategic") (Registration Number 201302159D) is a public company
limited by shares incorporated and domiciled in Singapore with its
principal place of business and registered office at 80 Raffles
Place #32-01, UOB Plaza, Singapore 048624. The Company's ordinary
shares are traded on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange
under the equity ticker ASIA.
The condensed interim consolidated financial statements as at
and for the six-month financial period ended 31 March 2023 comprise
the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Group").
For management purposes, the Group is organised into business
units based on its services, and has three reportable operating
segments as follows:
a) Education - Operation of education businesses ranging from
early years to tertiary education and including vocational
training, consultancy, advisory and project management services in
the education sector in Myanmar and Vietnam;
b) Services - Provision of integrated services, consultancy,
advisory and project management services in the security and
hospitality sectors in Myanmar. This reportable segment has been
formed by aggregating the relevant operating entities, which are
regarded by management to exhibit similar economic characteristics;
and
c) Others - Corporate services, management support and certain
shared services to subsidiaries of the Group. This segment includes
the Group's minor trading and investment holding activities which
are not included in reportable segments as they are not separately
reported to the chief operating decision maker.
These operating segments are reported in a manner consistent
with internal reporting provided to the chief operating
decision-maker responsible for allocating resources and assessing
the performance of the operating segments.
1.1 BASIS OF PREPARATION
The condensed interim consolidated statement of financial
position of the Group as at 31 March 2023 and the related condensed
interim consolidated profit or loss and other comprehensive income,
condensed interim consolidated statement of changes in equity and
condensed interim consolidated statement of cash flows for the
six-month financial period ended 31 March 2023 and the explanatory
notes have not been audited by the Group's Independent
Auditors.
The condensed interim consolidated financial statements as at
and for the financial period ended 31 March 2023 have been prepared
in accordance with International Accounting Standards ("IAS") 34
Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not
include all disclosures that would otherwise be required in a
complete set of financial statements and should be read in
conjunction with the annual report for the financial year ended 30
September 2022 which have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by
the European Union and are prepared under the historical cost
convention, except as disclosed in the accounting policies below.
However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events
and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the
changes in the Group's financial position and performance since the
last annual financial statements for the financial year ended 30
September 2022, which can be found on the Company's website at
www.asia-strategic.com .
The consolidated financial statements of the Group are presented
in United States dollars ("US$") which is the functional currency
and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial
statements.
2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the
previous financial years except for the adoption of new and amended
standards as set out below.
Changes in accounting policy
New or amended standards have become applicable for the current
reporting period. The adoption of these new or amended standards
did not result in substantial changes to the Group's accounting
policies and had no material effect on the amounts reported for the
current or previous financial periods.
IFRSs issued but not yet effective
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been
issued but are not yet effective for the current financial year
ending 30 September 2023 and have not been adopted early by the
Group. The Group expects that the adoption of these IFRSs, if
applicable, will have no material impact on the financial
statements in the period of initial application.
3 USE OF JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
In preparing the condensed interim financial statements,
management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions that
affect the application of accounting policies and the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. These
estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current
events and actions. Actual results may differ from these
estimates.
The significant judgements made by management in applying the
Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation
uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated
financial statements as at and for the financial year ended 30
September 2022.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing
basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the
period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods
affected.
There have been no material revisions to the nature and
estimates of amounts reported in prior periods, except those
necessitated by the changing circumstances of Myanmar's State of
Emergency.
3.1 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AND SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Myanmar's political and economic situation
Myanmar's political and economic situation is evolving daily.
The outcome and long-term effects remain unclear at this stage. The
business environment remains challenging due to (i) persistent
electricity and telecommunication outages, (ii) frequent regulatory
changes, (iii) stringent foreign exchange control measures, (iv)
inflationary pressure, and (v) increased security risks.
Despite these uncertainties, the economic activity and the
business environment in Myanmar experienced gradual improvement
over the past quarters, particularly in the key urban cities where
the Group operates such as Yangon and Mandalay. The Group
continuously monitors and applies appropriate mitigating actions to
ensure the Group's operations in Myanmar remain flexible and
adaptable to the current market environment.
The Group remains focused on expanding its current operations in
Vietnam which are expected to exceed Myanmar over time, however,
the contribution from both markets remains an important
diversification strategy to mitigate the overall geographical risk
exposure of the Group.
The Group has considered the current market environment in the
respective countries in which it operates as at the reporting date
and notes that there are no indicators that warrant material
adjustments to the key estimates and judgements on the
recoverability of the assets as of 31 March 2023.
3.2 SEASONAL OPERATIONS
The Group's businesses were not affected significantly by
seasonal or cyclical factors during the financial period ended 31
March 2023.
4 REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues are disaggregated below with the intention to depict
how the nature, amount, and timing of revenue and cash flows are
affected by economic factors.
Education Services Total
FPE 2023 FPE 2022 FPE 2023 FPE 2022 FPE 2023 FPE 2022
US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
Rendering of services - - 2,642,785 3,025,078 2,642,785 3,025,078
Technical support services
and
new centre fees 14,177 193,625 - - 14,177 193,625
Student fees 8,796,737 5,094,777 - - 8,796,737 5,094,777
8,810,914 5,288,402 2,642,785 3,025,078 11,453,699 8,313,480
========= ========= ========= ========= ========== =========
Timing of transfer of services
Point in time 1,732 7,167 88,299 143,997 90,031 151,164
Over time 8,809,182 5,281,235 2,554,486 2,881,081 11,363,668 8,162,316
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
8,810,914 5,288,402 2,642,785 3,025,078 11,453,699 8,313,480
========= ========= ========= ========= ========== =========
The timing of revenue recognition affects the amount of revenue
and deferred revenue (advances from customers) recognised as at the
reporting date in the consolidated statement of financial
position.
As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022
US$ US$
Contract liabilities
Deferred revenue 10,563,416 9,966,048
============ ============
Analysed as:
Current 9,816,410 8,093,625
Non-current 747,006 1,872,423
------------ ------------
10,563,416 9,966,048
============ ============
Significant changes in contract liabilities are as detailed
below:
As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022
US$ US$
At beginning of financial period/year 9,966,048 5,892,090
Cash received in advance of performance
and not
recognised as revenue 9,448,646 16,213,749
Revenue recognised during the financial
period/year:
------------ ----------------
- On contract liabilities at beginning
of financial period/year (7,543,274) (4,928,924)
- On cash received in advance during financial
period/year (1,348,021) (7,027,948)
------------ ----------------
(8,891,295) (11,956,872)
Foreign exchange difference 40,017 (182,919)
------------ ----------------
At end of financial period/year 10,563,416 9,966,048
============ ================
Remaining performance obligations
Deferred revenues reflect cash received in advance of
performance which will be recognised according to the
following:
(i) The Group collected new centre fees in prior years for the
Education businesses in advance of the performance obligations.
Deferred revenue for new centre fees of US$14,177 have been fully
realised in the profit or loss during the financial period.
(ii) Student fees for Education business segments are generally
collected one to twelve months in advance (30-Sep-2022: same) and
more than twelve months in advance for students who prepay in
advance of performance, with reference to the individual terms of
the student contracts. Deferred revenues from student fees are
recognised over the duration of the respective courses and the
remaining contract period ranging from one to 5.5 years (
30-Sep-2022 : one to six).
(iii) Fees related to certain security services are collected
six to twelve months (30-Sep-2022: same) in advance of performance
and revenues are recognised with reference to the individual terms
of the customer contracts.
1 October 2022 Education Services Others Total
to 31 March 2023 (FPE US$ US$ US$ US$
2023)
Revenue 8,810,914 2,642,785 - 11,453,699
Cost of services (2,937,114)(*) (1,960,052)(*) - (4,897,166)
--------------- --------------- ---------------- -----------------
Gross profit 5,873,800 682,733 - 6,556,533
Other income 6,137 541 1,636 8,314
Foreign exchange loss,
net (308,308) (42,782) (35,796) (386,886)
Administrative and other
operating expenses (6,621,871) (708,584) (658,096)(**) (7,988,551)
--------------- --------------- ---------------- -----------------
Loss from operations (1,050,242) (68,092) (692,256) (1,810,590)
Finance cost (383,633) (13,626) (44,887) (442,146)
Segment loss (1,433,875) (81,718) (737,143) (2,252,736)
Income tax expense - - - -
--------------- --------------- ---------------- -----------------
Loss after income tax (1,433,875) (81,718) (737,143) (2,252,736)
Other non-cash items:
--------------- --------------- ---------------- -----------------
Total depreciation of
plant and equipment 354,545 16,451 191 371,187
Total amortisation of
right-of-use asset 1,277,702 104,643 - 1,382,345
Total amortisation of
intangible assets 38,048 167 - 38,215
Reversal of impairment
of trade and other receivables - (6,187) - (6,187)
Finance costs (excluding
interest on lease liabilities) - - 44,887 44,887
Total interest on lease
liabilities 383,633 14,821 - 398,454
--------------- --------------- ---------------- -----------------
2,053,928 129,895 45,078 2,228,901
Adjusted EBITDA 620,053 48,177 (692,065) (23,835)
Adjusted EBITDA after
impact of ROU (1,041,282) (71,287) (692,065) (1,804,634)
Reportable segment
assets
as at 31 March 2023 21,052,841 3,033,082 164,491 24,250,414
Investment in FVOCI - - 76,288 76,288
Total Group's assets 24,326,702
=============== =============== ================ =================
Included in the segment
assets:
Additions:
Plant and equipment 730,235 28,293 - 758,528
Right-of-use assets 318,554 - - 318,554
=============== =============== ================ =================
Reportable segment
liabilities
as at 31 March 2023 (24,516,359) (875,886) (1,794,211) (27,186,456)
* Cost of services from "Education" and "Services" segments
comprise mainly employee benefit expenses amounting to US$1,475,452
and US$1,705,451, respectively.
** Other operating expenses from the "Others" segment comprise
mainly of employee benefit expenses of US$410,978 (includes
share-based payment of US$169,220).
1 October 2021 Education Services Others Total
to 31 March 2022 (FPE US$ US$ US$ US$
2022)
Revenue 5,288,402 3,025,078 - 8,313,480
Cost of services (3,131,494)(*) (1,998,781)(*) - (5,130,275)
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
Gross profit 2,156,908 1,026,297 - 3,183,205
Other income 79,981 341 4,730 85,052
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain,
net (151,501) 30,524 (221) (121,198)
Administrative and other
operating expenses (4,075,422) (616,637) (535,298)(**) (5,227,357)
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
(Loss)/profit from operations (1,990,034) 440,525 (530,789) (2,080,298)
Finance cost (335,741) (31,223) (65,342) (432,306)
Segment (loss)/profit (2,325,775) 409,302 (596,131) (2,512,604)
Income tax expense - (82,520) - (82,520)
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
(Loss)/profit after
income tax (2,325,775) 326,782 (596,131) (2,595,124)
Other non-cash items:
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
Total depreciation of
plant and equipment 188,249 16,732 525 205,506
Total amortisation of
right-of-use asset 1,238,017 112,337 - 1,350,354
Total amortisation of
intangible assets 28,101 167 - 28,268
Impairment of trade
and other receivables - 18,421 - 18,421
Finance costs (excluding
interest on lease liabilities) - - 65,342 65,342
Total interest on lease
liabilities 335,741 36,364 - 372,105
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
1,790,108 184,021 65,867 2,039,996
Adjusted EBITDA (535,667) 593,323 (530,264) (472,608)
Adjusted EBITDA after
impact of ROU (2,109,425) 444,622 (530,264) (2,195,067)
Reportable segment
assets
as at 31 March 2022 20,964,082 2,376,447 392,262 23,732,791
Investment in FVOCI - - 242,325 242,325
Total Group's assets 23,975,116
=============== =============== ================ ===============
Included in the segment
assets:
Additions:
Plant and equipment 580,871 13,298 - 594,169
Right-of-use assets 1,425,137 - - 1,425,137
=============== =============== ================ ===============
Reportable segment
liabilities
as at 31 March 2022 (18,667,934) (1,292,549) (7,414,250) (27,374,733)
* Cost of services from "Education" and "Services" segments
comprise mainly of employee benefit expenses amounting to
US$1,874,606 and US$1,747,784, respectively.
**Other operating expenses from the "Others" segment comprise
mainly of employee benefit expenses of US$300,355 (includes
share-based payment of US$71,726).
Geographic information
The Group's business segments operate in two main geographical
areas. Revenue is based on the country in which the customers are
located. Segment non-current assets consist primarily of
non-current assets other than financial instruments and deferred
tax assets. Segment non-current assets are shown by geographic area
in which the assets are located.
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
Revenue US$ US$
Vietnam 4,055,667 3,312,986
Myanmar 7,398,032 5,000,494
11,453,699 8,313,480
============ ==============
As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep- 2 022
Segment non-current assets US$ US$
Vietnam 7,469,410 12,408,875
Myanmar 11,688,808 7,554,647
Singapore 23,543 25,450
19,181,761 19,988,972
============ ================
Non-current assets consist of plant and equipment, intangible
assets and right-of-use assets in the Group consolidated statement
of financial position.
5 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT EXPENSES
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
US$ US$
Wages, salaries and allowances * 6,547,802 5,254,191
Share-based compensation 169,220 71,726
Termination benefits 13,461 35,806
Staff insurance and medical expenses 145,412 125,750
Staff accommodation and welfare 162,910 145,367
Others 110,613 25,462
7,149,418 5,658,302
========== ==========
Total employee benefit expenses:
* Cost of services 3,180,903 3,622,390
* Administrative and other operating expenses 3,968,515 2,035,912
---------- ----------
7,149,418 5,658,302
========== ==========
*Included in these expenses are Director fees and
remuneration.
6 FINANCE COST
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
US$ US$
Interest expenses:
* Lease liabilities 397,259 366,964
* Loan from a shareholder 44,887 65,342
-------- --------
442,146 432,306
======== ========
7 LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX
In addition to the charges and credits disclosed elsewhere in
the financial statements, the loss before income tax includes the
following charges/(credits):
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
US$ US$
Cost of services
Academic expenses 812,060 567,799
Student enrolment and support fees 450,961 214,755
Expenses relating to student instalment
plans 146,135 165,204
Depreciation expense 50,019 104,278
Security service expenses 116,050 81,276
Hotel related operating expenses 25,834 79,581
Amortisation of right-of-use assets 39,957 58,522
Amortisation of intangible assets 1,574 17,679
Interest on lease liabilities 1,195 5,141
Travelling and transportation expenses 69,147 53,205
Administrative and other operating
expenses:
Amortisation of right-of-use assets 1,342,388 1,291,832
Amortisation of intangible assets 36,641 10,589
Selling and marketing expenses 1,217,905 857,522
Professional fees 152,991 322,316
Depreciation expense 321,168 101,228
Lease expenses on:
* Short term lease expense 146,614 124,525
* Lease concession(1) (46,307) (80,745)
Travelling and transportation expenses 152,991 81,296
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain, net 386,886 121,198
(1) The lease concession is related to additional discounts
received from landlords (30-Sep-2022: due to the COVID-19
pandemic).
8 INCOME TAX EXPENSE
The corporate income tax rate applicable to the Company and its
subsidiaries in Singapore is 17% ( 6M'22 : 17%). The Group has
significant operations in Myanmar and Vietnam, for which the
applicable corporate income tax rates are 22% ( 6M'22: 25%) and 20%
( 6M'22 : 20%), respectively.
Taxation for other jurisdictions is calculated at the rates
prevailing in the relevant jurisdictions.
The Group calculates the period income tax expense using the tax
rate that would be applicable to the expected total annual earnings
of the respective entities. The material components of the income
tax expense in the condensed interim consolidated statement of
profit or loss are:
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
US$ US$
Current income tax
* Current year tax - (82,520)
-
* Under provision in respect of prior financial periods -
Deferred income tax
-
* current financial period -
Total income tax credit recognised in
profit or loss - (82,520)
======== ========
9 PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The changes in the net carrying amount of plant and equipment
are summarised below.
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
US$ US$
Purchase of plant and equipment
---------- ----------
* Computers and books 298,098 125,122
* Furniture and fittings 65,816 14,663
* Leasehold improvements 207,787 2,921
* Construction-in-progress 186,827 451,463
---------- ----------
758,528 594,169
Depreciation for the financial period (371,187) (205,506)
========== ==========
Construction-in-progress mainly relates to leasehold
improvements / renovations for the (i) opening of three Kids&Us
centres in Vietnam, (ii) additional centres for Wall Street English
and Auston in Myanmar, (iii) refurbishments at Wall Street English
Vietnam, and (iv) a new corporate office for EXERA.
10 INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The carrying amounts of significant intangible assets allocated
to the respective cash generating units ("CGU") which have been
grouped to the following segments:
Education Services
Myanmar Vietnam Myanmar
31-Mar-23 30-Sep-22 31-Mar-23 30-Sep-22 31-Mar-23 30-Sep-22
US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
Goodwill - - 4,775,925 4,734,832 1,438,990 1,438,990
Area development
and
centre fees 222,265 195,798 241,797 256,355 - -
As of the reporting date, there are no new additions to
intangible assets except for the purchase of computer software
licenses. Amortisation was US$38,215 for 6M'23 vs. US$28,268 for
6M'22.
11 RIGHTS-OF-USE ASSETS
The changes in the net carrying amount of rights-of-use assets
are summarised below.
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
US$ US$
Additions for the year 318,554 1,425,137
Amortisation for the six-month financial
period (1,382,345) (1,350,354)
============ ============
12 FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ("FVOCI")
As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022
US$ US$
At beginning of financial period/year 157,062 314,125
Fair value recognised in other comprehensive
income (80,774) (157,063)
At end of financial period/year 76,288 157,062
============ ============
Details of the investment are as follows:
Quoted equity instrument
- London Stock Exchange (AIM Market) 76,288 157,062
====== =======
The Group designated the investment as quoted equity security to
be measured at fair value through other comprehensive income as at
reporting date. The Group intends to hold this investment for
long-term capital appreciation as well as strategic investment
purposes.
The investment in a listed equity instrument has no fixed
maturity date nor coupon rate. The fair value of the equity
instrument is based on the quoted bid market price on the last
trading day of the reporting period (Level 1). The FVOCI are
denominated in United States dollar as at reporting date.
13 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022
US$ US$
Current
Trade receivables
Third parties 623,037 663,789
Less: Loss allowances (6,187) (15,453)
------------ ------------
Third parties, net 616,850 648,336
Accrued receivables 81,337 6,913
Total trade receivables 698,187 655,249
Other receivables
Third parties(ii) - 280,327
Less: Loss allowances - (280,327)
------------ ------------
- -
Rental deposits 56,725 77,619
Prepayments for enrolment and support fees 611,577 333,229
Sales tax 31,758 56,475
Advances and other prepayments 630,349 506,393
------------ ------------
Total other receivables 1,330,409 973,716
Total trade and other receivables (current) 2,028,596 1,628,965
------------ ------------
Non-current
Related party (Note 23)
* trade - 1,042,614
* non-trade 5,435,151 4,256,996
Less: Loss allowances (4,403,202) (4,400,124)
------------ ------------
1,031,949 899,486
Rental deposits 439,819 545,296
Prepayments for enrolment and support fees 29,998 97,719
------------ ------------
Total other receivables (non-current) 1,501,766 1,542,501
------------ ------------
Total trade and other receivables 3,530,362 3,171,466
Less: Advances and prepayments (1,271,924) (937,341)
Less: Sales tax (31,758) (56,475)
Add: Cash and cash equivalents (Note 14) 1,353,782 1,980,232
Financial assets at amortised cost 3,580,462 4,157,882
============ ============
Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on
15 to 60 days credit terms (30-Sep-2022: 15 to 60). They are
measured at the original invoice amount which represents their fair
value on initial recognition.
Amounts due from subsidiaries and related parties are non-trade
in nature, unsecured, interest-free and are repayable on
demand.
Expected credit loss allowances
i) Trade receivables - Third party
In the previous financial year, a one-off loss allowance of
US$15,453 was made for a third-party trade debtor as the likelihood
of recovery was remote. During 6M'23, a loss allowance reversal of
US$6,187 was recognised as the Group successfully recovered a
portion of the long outstanding receivables.
ii) Other receivables - Third party
In the previous financial years, allowances for impairment of
third-party receivables of US$280,327 were made with respect to
advances to the owners of the hostels under management as two of
the hostels under management experienced continuous losses and
recoverability is in doubt. These allowances were written off in
full during 6M'23 as the Group ceased to operate these hostels.
iii) Other receivables - Related party (non-current)
At 31 March 2023, the total carrying amount of non-current trade
and non-trade receivables due from a related party was US$1,031,949
(30-Sep-2022: US$899,486). These trade and non-trade related party
receivables are payments made on behalf and advances for the
managed operations of Wall Street English and Auston in Myanmar.
The loss allowance was made based on the financial information of
the related party and the expected repayment from the provision of
property management services to the Group.
The amounts due from a related party were classified as
non-current based on the expected settlement and recovery of the
balances which falls more than twelve months after the end of the
reporting period.
14 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND FIXED DEPOSITS
For the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash
equivalents comprise the following at the end of the reporting
date:
As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022
US$ US$
Cash at bank 1,076,885 986,400
Cash at financial institutions 20,226 47,980
Cash on hand 256,671 945,852
Cash and cash equivalents 1,353,782 1,980,232
============ ============
Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily
bank deposit rates. Cash and cash equivalents and fixed deposits
are denominated in the following currencies:
As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022
US$ US$
United States Dollar 383,560 1,142,830
Myanmar Kyat 676,460 430,909
Vietnamese Dong 200,176 151,097
Singapore Dollar 90,396 209,294
Euro 3,190 46,102
------------ ------------
1,353,782 1,980,232
============ ============
15 SHAREHOLDER LOANS (UNSECURED)
Below are the changes to shareholder loan balances ( interest
and principal) arising from financing activities:
Non-cash changes
As at Drawdown Repayment Subscription Interest As at
1-Oct- of loan of loans of convertible expense 31-Mar-
2022 notes 2023
US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
Facility
1 1,500,000 - - - 44,877 1,544,877
========== ========= ========== ================ ========= ==========
Non-cash changes
As at Drawdown Repayment Subscription Interest As at
1 Oct-2021 of loan of loans of convertible expense 30-Sep-2022
notes
US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
Facility
1 3,151,576 250,000 (2,004,725) - 103,149 1,500,000
Facility
2 2,591,971 - (104,712) (2,500,000) 12,741 -
------------ --------- ------------ ---------------- --------- -------------
5,743,547 250,000 (2,109,437) (2,500,000) 115,890 1,500,000
============ ========= ============ ================ ========= =============
(a) Loan Facility 1
On 1 July 2019, the Group secured a loan facility up to US$3.0
million with its largest corporate shareholder, Macan Pte Ltd
("MACAN") ("Loan Facility 1"). The Group has drawn down US$1.7
million as at the date of this report (US$1.5 million as at 31
March 2023).
(b) Loan Facility 2
On 23 March 2020, MACAN granted the Group an additional loan
facility of up to US$4.0 million ("Loan Facility 2").
On 20 October 2021, the Company entered into a loan
re-organisation with MACAN for the following:
i) Subscribed to US$3.5 million Zero Coupon Convertible Notes
(Note 19) of the Company satisfied through cash consideration of
US$1.0 million and the conversion of Macan's Loan Facility 2
amounting to US$2.5 million; and
ii) Terminated the Loan Facility 2 agreement with effect from 31
October 2021 subsequent to the repayment of all accrued interest
under Loan Facility 2 on 31 October 2021.
These Loan Facilities bear semi-annual interest at 6%
(30-Sep-2022: 6%) per annum and are repayable on demand in full
with all accrued interest, in any case no later than 30 June 2024.
As at reporting date, MACAN has indicated that it will not demand
repayment within the next twelve months from the approval date (30
January 2023) of the Group audited financial statements for the
financial year ended 30 September 2022.
16 BANK LOAN (UNSECURED)
On 25 January 2022, the Group secured a short-term interest free
bank loan from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies amounting to
US$115,530. The loan was denominated in Vietnamese Dong, repayable
eleven months from the date of disbursement of the loan with any
overdue balance bearing interest of 12% per annum. The loan was
repaid in full in December 2022.
17 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022
US$ US$
Trade payables
Third parties 747,776 940,798
Accrued enrolment expenses 166,472 116,103
------------ ------------
Total trade payables 914,248 1,056,901
------------ ------------
Other payables
Third parties 511,096 59,162
Accruals for suppliers, wages, others 1,525,103 1,742,902
Advances and deposits from customers 1,680,829 735,513
Sales tax 43,321 42,420
Total other payables 3,760,349 2,579,997
------------ ------------
Total trade and other payables 4,674,597 3,636,898
Add: Lease liabilities 10,399,660 11,104,423
Add: Shareholder loans (Note 15) 1,544,877 1,500,000
Add: Bank loans (Note 16) - 115,530
Less: Sales tax ( 43,321 ) (42,420)
------------ ------------
Financial liabilities carried at amortised
cost 16,575,813 16,314,431
============ ============
Trade amounts due to third parties are unsecured, non-interest
bearing and are on 15 to 45 day credit terms (30-Sep-2022: 15 to
45).
The non-trade amounts due to third parties and a related party
are unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand.
18 SHARE CAPITAL
As at As at As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022 31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022
Number of shares US$
Issued and fully paid
ordinary shares:
At beginning of financial
period/year 2,925,920 2,845,920 21,439,638 20,799,638
Shares issued during
the
financial period/year 40,000 80,000 200,000 640,000
At end of financial
period/year 2,965,920 2,925,920 21,639,638 21,439,638
============= ============= ============= =============
On 13 December 2021, the Company issued 80,000 ordinary shares
at US$8.00 per share (being the closing bid price of the Company's
ordinary shares as at date of issuance) in lieu of payment for
accrued employee bonuses of US$640,000. The accrued employee
bonuses are with respect to employment services rendered for the
financial year ended 30 September 2021.
In the current financial period, on 1 February 2023, the Company
issued 40,000 ordinary shares at US$5.00 per share (being the
closing bid price of the Company's ordinary shares as at 31 January
2023) in lieu of payment for accrued employee bonuses of
US$200,000. The accrued employee bonuses are with respect to
employment services rendered for the financial year ended 30
September 2022.
The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends
as and when declared by the Company. All ordinary shares have no
par value and carry one vote per share without restriction.
The Company did not declare any dividends during 6M'23 nor the
preceding financial year ended 30 September 2022.
19 CONVERTIBLE NOTES
As at As at
31-Mar-2023 30-Sep-2022
US$ US$
At beginning of financial period/year 5,730,000 -
Issued and paid during the financial period/year:
* Cash - 3,230,000
* Shareholder loans (Note 15) - 2,500,000
At end of financial period/year 5,730,000 5,730,000
============ ============
The Group launched a Convertible Notes Programme to raise up to
US$10 million for working capital and future investments. The
convertible notes ("CN") holders had an option to subscribe to
either (i) a 10% coupon ("10% Coupon Convertible Notes") or (ii) a
zero-coupon ("Zero Coupon Convertible Notes"). The proceeds from
the convertible notes were limited to 50% for activities in Myanmar
and rank pari passu to all present and future unsecured
obligations.
The CNs are mandatorily convertible at the date falling on the
earlier of the maturity date (30 October 2024) or when the
Qualifying Event is satisfied ("Conversion Date"). On the
Conversion Date, the CNs are converted based on the stipulated
conversion price and are paid in full to the note holders (interest
and principal) through the issuance of ordinary shares of the
Company.
Convertible notes were issued on 1 November 2021 and the Group's
existing shareholders have subscribed US$5,730,000 comprising:
i) Zero-Coupon Convertible Notes of US$5.23 million (including
subscription by MACAN amounting to US$3.5 million , of which US$1.0
million was in cash and the rest was from conversion of a loan from
MACAN, as detailed in Note 15 of the financial statements); and
ii) 10% Coupon Convertible Notes amounting to US$0.5
million.
Both the Zero-Coupon and 10% Coupon Convertible Notes met the
established criteria and the entire amount was recognised within
equity. The convertible notes are denominated in United States
dollars.
The salient features of the convertible notes are as
follows:
Type Zero-Coupon Convertible 10% Coupon Convertible
Notes Notes
Maturity 30 October 2024 30 October 2024
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
Coupon Zero-coupon 10% annually
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
Conversion price The higher of: The higher of:
(i) the Floor Subscription (i) US$15.00 per Share;
Price; and and
(ii) the Discounted Subscription (ii) 90% of the subscription
Price. price per Share for a
Qualifying Event
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
Discount Between 2.0% and 20.5% 10% vs. subscription
based on conversion schedule price for a Qualifying
Event
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
Floor conversion US$11.9 per share (based US$15.0 per share
price on the maximum discount
listed above)
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
Conversion date The date falling on the The date falling on the
earlier of: earlier of:
(i) the Maturity Date; (i) the Maturity Date;
and and
(ii) the Qualifying Event. (ii) the Qualifying Event.
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
Qualifying event Share issuance in excess Share issuance in excess
of of
US$5 million US$5 million
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
Use of proceeds Development of business Development of business
Working capital Working capital
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
Limitation to Max. 50% of the proceeds Max. 50% of the proceeds
use of proceeds for activities in Myanmar for activities in Myanmar
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
Rank Pari passu to all present Pari passu to all present
and future unsecured and future unsecured
obligations obligations
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
20 NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
On 7 February 2022, the Company acquired 3,000 ordinary shares
from the non-controlling interest of MS Auston Pte. Ltd. for a cash
consideration of US$1.00. The carrying value of the net liabilities
of the subsidiary company, MS Auston Pte Ltd as at the date of
acquisition was US$279,693 and the carrying value of the additional
equity interest of 30% acquired was US$83,908. The difference of
US$83,909 between the consideration and the carrying value of
additional interest acquired resulted in a premium paid on
acquisition of non-controlling interests recognised directly in
equity reserve.
21 LOSS PER SHARE
The calculation of the basic and diluted loss per share
attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company is based
on the following data:
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
Numerator
Loss for the financial period attributable
to the
owners of the parent (US$) (2,252,736) (2,549,665)
=========== ===========
Denominator
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
for the
purposes of basic and diluted loss per
share 2,939,035 2,895,319
=========== ===========
Loss per share (US$)
Basic and diluted (0.77) (0.88)
=========== ===========
In the current and previous financial period, diluted loss per
share is the same as the basic loss per share because the dilutive
potential arising from ordinary shares to be exercised are
anti-dilutive as the effect of the shares' conversion would be to
decrease the loss per share. Accordingly, the dilutive effect
arising from the dilutive share options and full conversion of
convertible notes into ordinary shares are not considered.
22 COMMITMENTS
As at the reporting date, commitments in respect of capital
expenditures are as detailed below:
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
US$ US$
Capital expenditures contracted but
not provided for:
- Property, plant and equipment 353,000 115,000
23 SIGNIFICANT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
For 6M'23, in addition to the information disclosed elsewhere in
these financial statements, the Group entered into the following
significant transactions with related parties at rates and terms
agreed between the parties:
FPE 2023 FPE 2022
US$ US$
With related parties*:
* Management fees 14,177 63,881
* Technical support service fees - 120,820
With a Director of the
subsidiaries:
* Professional fees 21,000 54,000
========= =========
*Related parties refer to entities where a director of the
subsidiaries have beneficial interests.
24 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
Financial instruments and measurements
Financial instruments not measured at fair value
Financial instruments not measured at fair value include cash
and cash equivalents, current trade and other receivables
(excluding advances, prepayments, sales tax, amounts due from a
related party), long term rental deposits and trade and other
payables. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amount of
these current financial assets and financial liabilities measured
at amortised costs approximate their fair values.
The carrying amount of the non-current loans due to a
shareholder approximates their fair value as the fixed interest
rate approximates market interest rates for such liabilities.
The non-current receivables due from a related party (Note 13)
amounting to US$1,031,949 (30-Sep-2022: US$899,486) have an
estimated fair value of US$1,031,949 (30-Sep-2022: US$899,486) and
are measured according to Level 2 of the fair valuation hierarchy.
The fair value of the amount due from a related party is determined
based on the discounted cash flow method, taking into consideration
the estimated duration required for the related party to repay and
the market interest rate used for discounting to present value.
The carrying amount of non-current receivables and non-current
rental deposits approximates their fair value due to insignificant
effects of discounting.
Financial instruments measured at fair value
The financial instruments, as disclosed in Note 12 to the
financial statements included in Level 1 of the fair value
hierarchy, are traded in active markets and their fair value is
based on quoted market prices at the reporting date.
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IR PPUUGQUPWUCW
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June 23, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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