TIDMWSL
RNS Number : 2721X
Worldsec Limited
30 April 2021
WORLDSEC LIMITED
Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Board of Directors
Non-Executive Chairman
Alastair GUNN-FORBES *
Executive Directors
Henry Ying Chew CHEONG (Deputy Chairman)
Ernest Chiu Shun SHE
Non-Executive Directors
Mark Chung FONG*
Martyn Stuart WELLS*
Stephen Lister d'Anyers W ILLIS *
* independent
Company Secretary
Vistra Company Secretaries Limited
First Floor, Templeback, 10 Temple Back, Bristol, BS1 6FL,
United Kingdom
Assistant Company Secretary
Ocorian Services (Bermuda) Limited
Victoria Place, 5(th) Floor, 31 Victoria Street , Hamilton HM
10, Bermuda
Registered Office Address
Victoria Place, 5(th) Floor, 31 Victoria Street , Hamilton HM
10, Bermuda
Registration Number
EC21466 Bermuda
Principal Bankers
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
1 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong
External Auditor
BDO Limited
25th Floor, Wing On Centre, 111 Connaught Road Central, Hong
Kong
Principal Share Registrar and Transfer Office
Ocorian Management (Bermuda) Limited
Victoria Place, 5(th) Floor, 31 Victoria Street , Hamilton HM
10, Bermuda
International Branch Registrar
Link Market Services (Jersey) Limited
12 Castle Street, St Helier, JE2 3RT, Jersey, Channel
Islands
United Kingdom Transfer Agent
Link Group
10(th) Floor, Central Square, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1
4DL
Investor Relations
For further information about Worldsec Limited, please
contact:
Henry Ying Chew CHEONG
Executive Director , Worldsec Group
Unit 607, 6th Floor, FWD Financial Centre, 308 Des Voeux Road
Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
enquiry@worldsec.com
Company's Website
http://www.worldsec.com
CONTENTS
Page
Chairman's statement 1
Directors' report 3
Statement of directors' responsibilities 20
Independent auditor's report 21
Consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive
income 26
Consolidated statement of financial position 27
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 29
Consolidated statement of cash flows 30
Notes to the consolidated financial statements 31
Investment policy 72
Biographical notes of the directors 73
Chairman's Statement
RESULTS AND REVIEW
I am pleased to report that, for the year ended 31 December 20
20 , Worldsec Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiaries
(together the "Group") achieved an audited consolidated profit of
US$ 944 ,000, compared with a loss of US$704,000 in 201 9 .
Earnings per share were US 1 . 10 cent s (201 9 loss per share : US
0.83 cent). Net asset value per share was US 6 . 7 cents (201 9 :
US 5 . 5 cents). Detailed discussion of the results and financial
position of the Group is set out in the directors' report on pages
3 to 19.
Subsequent to the year end, the Group made a new investment,
through the Class B Ordinary Shares (the "Cambium Class B Shares")
of Cambium Grove Growth Opps IV Limited (the "Cambium Opps"), in
Dingdong (Cayman) Limited ("Dingdong"). Dingdong operates a fresh
produce and grocery mobile e-commerce platform, Dingdong Maicai,
that provides convenient and expeditious doorstep delivery services
.
On 31 March 2021, the Group redeemed 15% of its holdings in the
Unicorn Equity Investment Portfolio Class D Shares (the "Homaer
Class D Shares) of the Homaer Asset Management Master Fund SPC (the
"Homaer Fund"), the sole underlying investment asset of which is an
equity interest in ByteDance Ltd. ("ByteDance"). The net cash
proceeds of US$400,000 generated from the redemption of these
shares are intended to be used for general working capital and/or
to fund acquisitions of future investments.
PROSPECTS
The fear, havoc and confusion across the globe have more or less
subsided a year after the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disruptions in business and economic activities have been mitigated
by the implementation of various financial measures and stimulus
packages. Many regional economies have seen moderate rebound or
revival in trading as well as employment, and these positive signs
generally strengthen the confidence of the markets and the
consumers.
Although the global economic situation has gradually stabilised,
the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced irreversible changes to both
the economic makeup as well as consumer behaviours. Tourism and
other related industries have suffered heavily. The uncertainty and
panic mood in the early months of the pandemic that have driven
down business transactions and activities have not dissipated
completely. With the end-date of the pandemic uncertain and the
economic impact extensive, reduced spending and consumption and
increased aversion to risk will likely prevail in the foreseeable
future.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, the tension in trade and
tariffs matters between China and the United States are expected to
ease moderately. Given a more engaging attitude from both
governments, a breakdown in or highly unfavourable outcomes of
trade negotiations will be less likely. However, with many critical
differences and disputes still remaining unresolved between the two
economic giants, the Sino-American relations will be overshadowed
by uncertainties in the foreseeable future.
The unexpected mortalities and medical complications associated
with COVID-19 vaccinations and the emergence of new and more
infectious variants, coupled with the repeated resurgence of the
infections that has triggered new waves of lockdowns, have fuelled
mistrust and scepticism towards the safety and effectiveness of the
vaccines and the overall anti-pandemic strategies. These unexpected
outcomes together with the growing resentment against extensive
isolation and torpid socioeconomic measures are grim reminders that
the pandemic is a difficult scientific, political, and
socioeconomic challenge. With only a few countries managing to
exert full, satisfactory control on the disease, a worldwide cure
of the pandemic and a full recovery of the global economy are
expected to take a long tortuous path.
The world stock markets will doubtlessly experience further
swings in these unsettling and uncertain times. Given the market
environment beclouded in the near term, it is important to seek out
new investment opportunities with favourable longer term return
potential. In this regard, the Group will strive to make progress
in expanding and refining its investment portfolio in accordance
with the Company's investment objective and the larger market
environment.
NOTE OF APPRECIATION
I wish to thank my fellow directors and staff for their efforts
and contributions made during the year ended 31 December 2020. I
would also like to extend a note of appreciation to shareholders
for their continued support of the Company.
Alastair Gunn-Forbes
Non-Executive Chairman
30 April 2021
DIRECTORS' REPORT
The directors submit the annual report of the Company and the
audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2020.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The principal activity of the Company is investment holding. The
Company and its subsidiaries are principally engaged in investment
in unlisted companies in the Greater China and South East Asian
region.
RESULTS AND FINANCIAL POSITION
The audited consolidated profit of the Company and its
subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 20 20 was US$ 944 ,000
, compared with a loss of US$ 704 ,000 in 201 9 . Earnings per
share were US 1 . 10 cent s (201 9 loss per share : US 0.83 cent).
The profit was mainly contributed by a positive change in the fair
value of the Group's holdings in the Homaer Class D Shares as a
result of an increase in the valuation of the underlying investment
in ByteDance . There was also a stable contribution of dividends
received from the Group's investment in the ICBC Specialised Ship
Leasing Investment Fund (the "ICBC Shipping Fund") generating
revenue in the amount of US$96,000 .
As at 31 December 20 20 , the net assets of the Group amounted
to US$ 5.6 million (2019: US$ 4.7 million), equivalent to US 6.7
cents per share (201 9 : US 5.5 cents). Owing mainly to the
positive fair value change in the Group's holdings in the Homaer
Class D Shares, f inancial assets at fair value through profit or
loss increased to US$4.0 million from US$2.5 million a year ago.
Meantime, cash and cash equivalents declined to US$1. 2 million
from US$ 1 .6 million, reflecting basically the use of cash
resources in operations.
Further details of the Group's results and financial position
are set out in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and
other comprehensive income on page 26, the consolidated statement
of financial position on page 27 and notes to the consolidated
financial statements on pages 31 to 71.
The Board does not propose to declare any dividend for the year
ended 31 December 20 20 (201 9 : nil).
REVIEW
The Company is a closed-ended investment company with a premium
listing under Chapter 15 of the Listing Rules of the Financial
Conduct Authority in the UK. In accordance with the Company's
investment policy, a copy of which is set out on page 72 , the
investment strategy of the Group focuses on investing in small to
medium sized trading companies based mainly in the Greater China
and South East Asian region with a view to building a diversified
portfolio of minority investments in such companies. The investment
objective of the Company is to achieve attractive investment
returns through capital appreciation on a medium to long term
horizon. To spread the investment risk of the Group, none of the
Group's investments at the time when made exceeded 20% of its gross
assets.
As at the date of this report, the investment portfolio of the
Group comprises a total of seven investments and investee
companies.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
ICBC Shipping Fund - As mentioned in the section headed "Results
and Financial Position" on page 3, during the year under review,
the Group's investment in the ICBC Shipping Fund , which is
involved in marine vessel leasing, continued to provide a stable
contribution through dividend income generating revenue amounting
to US$96,000
Velocity Mobile Limited ("Velocity") - Velocity, an unlisted
investee company of the Group, is the holding company of a
technology group that operates a lifestyle mobile e-commerce
platform targeting premium consumers with services that focus on
the sectors of travel, experiences and luxury goods. During the
year under review, the Velocity group, with an asset-light model
that can swiftly and expeditiously tailor its offerings in response
to changing market conditions, managed to achieve resilient
performance. When compared with other lifestyle-oriented
businesses, the Velocity group was able to better contain the
adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and even though t here was
a decline in revenue, cash flow from operations actually improved .
Notwithstanding the difficult market environment, Velocity for
Business, a white-label product designed for enterprise customers,
made notably strong contribution thanks to an expanding user base
and increasing users' spending that boosted the sales of the Luxury
Good division. Velocity's commitment in continued investment in
software and technology development also paid off well. Operational
efficiency and productivity continued to be improved by Gravity, a
patent-pending proprietary concierge automation software developed
in-house, and the Velocity group saw continued improvement in gross
profit per customer agent payroll for a fourth consecutive year.
Moreover, the recent launch of voice assistant capabilities has
enabled customers to select services and complete transactions
conversationally via Apple's Siri. A similar conversational
interface is scheduled to be launched on Amazon's Alexa shortly.
Velocity 2.0, a completely new mobile application engine that
offers intelligent feed, will further enhance personalisation for
customers. In recognition of the growth the Velocity group has
achieved, Velocity has been named in Deloitte's 2020 UK Tech Fast
50 list placing 12th with a revenue growth rate of 3107% over the
period from 2016/2017 to 2019/2020 and in Financial Times' 2021
Europe's Fastest Growing Companies list placing 32nd with a revenue
growth rate of 2494% over the period from 2016 to 2019. In
addition, Velocity has won a major research and development grant
from the Lithuanian Government to develop AI-based personalised
service concierge technology .
ayondo Ltd ("Ayondo") - Ayondo, an investee company of the Group
listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange, is the holding
company of a financial technology group that, prior to the
financial difficulty it encountered in 2019, used to focus on
social trading activity. During the year under review, Ayondo
managed to make progress in fund raising and business restructuring
with a view working towards the goal of resuming trading in Ayondo
shares which has been suspended since 1 February 2019. Through the
issue of certain convertible notes, Ayondo had raised interim
financing for working capital and debt repayment purposes. As part
of the restructuring effort, it had also conditionally agreed to
acquire (the "Proposed Acquisition") the entire equity capital of
Rich Glory International Investment Limited ("Rich Glory"), a
company that is engaged in the business of licensed collateralised
lending in Hong Kong. The Proposed Acquisition , which will be
subject to, inter alia, shareholder and regulatory approvals, will,
if undertaken and completed, constitute a reverse takeover
involving the issue of Ayondo shares. However, because of the
various restriction measures implemented under the COVID-19
pandemic as well as a change of the accountant by Rich Glory , due
diligence work has been delayed. Under such circumstances, Ayondo
has applied to and has been granted no objection by the Singapore
Exchange for an extension of time to submit the proposal for the
resumption of trading in Ayondo shares until the end of April
2021*. Amid the ongoing business restructuring, Ayondo received in
the last quarter of 2020 an order from the Monetary Authority of
Singapore (the "MAS") requiring the provision of information and
documents in relation to an investigation into a possible offence
under the Securities and Futures Act. Two members of the Ayondo
board attended interviews conducted by the MAS and the Commercial
Affairs Department (the "CAD") of the Singapore Police Force, but
no charge was made against any person or entity. Nonetheless,
taking into account Ayondo's state of affairs and prospects, the
Group has decided to write off the remaining carrying value of its
investment in Ayondo by the end of the period under review .
* But up to the date of this report, there has yet to be any
update announcement.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Agrios Global Holdings Ltd. ("Agrios") - Agrios, an investee
company of the Group previously listed on the Canadian Securities
Exchange, is the holding company of a data analytics driven
agriculture technology and service group that owns, leases and
manages properties and equipment for eco-sustainable agronomy and
provides advisory services for aeroponic cultivation to the
cannabis industry. Claiming delays in audit caused by the COVID-19
pandemic, Agrios failed to file, inter alia, its annual audited
financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2020 and its
interim financial report for the period ended 30 June 2020. This
failure in filing periodic disclosure required by the relevant
legislation eventually led to the issuance of a cease trade order
in Agrios shares by the British Columbia Securities Commission on
20 October 2020. In mid January 2021, Agrios announced that it
failed to meet interest payment obligations payable under certain
convertible instruments. On 3 February 2021, Agrios shares were
delisted from the Canadian Securities Exchange, and by mid February
2021, all directors and officers have resigned from Agrios, leaving
no members of management to be engaged at its operations.
Considering the lack of clarity on Agrios' current status, the
Group has decided to write off the remaining carrying value of its
investment in Agrios by the end of the period under review.
Oasis Education Group Limited ("Oasis Education") - Oasis
Education is a 50% joint venture of the Group. The operating
subsidiary of Oasis Education, Oasis Education Consulting
(Shenzhen) Company Limited ( ( ) , " Oasis Shenzhen " ), provides
consulting and support services to the Huizhou Kindergarten in the
Guangdong Province in China. During the early part of the year
under review, the operations of the Huizhou Kindergarten were
adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with in-person classes
suspended for more than three months. But as the pandemic was
brought largely under control, the situation gradually improved.
Following the graduation of 65 pupils in the summer of 20 20 , the
Huizhou Kindergarten has managed to enrol 1 27 new pupils for the
academic term commencing in February 202 1 , thus raising its total
pupil enrolment to 2 5 9. However, d etails relating to the
implementation of the requirements set out in a notice (the
"Notice") issued by the State Council of the People's Republic of
China (the "State Council") in 2019 specifying that existing
private kindergartens in urban communities should be handed over to
local education authorities and turned into public kindergartens or
nonprofit inclusive private ones have yet to be clarified.
ByteDance through the Homaer Fund - ByteDance is an unlisted
holding company of a technology group that operates machine
learning-enabled content platforms across cultures and geographies.
The ByteDance group has a portfolio of mobile applications that are
available in over 150 markets and 75 languages and that include
Douyin, Toutiao, TikTok, Xigua Video, Helo, Lark and Babe. On the
back of a surge in mobile application downloads and installs
following the lockdown restrictions imposed in the wake of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the platforms of the ByteDance group have
enjoyed a significant boost in usage. Under this backdrop, the
ByteDance group achieved strong performance with rapidly rising
revenue and profit during the year under review. At the same time,
with substantial resources and a massive user base, the ByteDance
group was well placed to act upon the opportunities arising out of
the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the heightened demand for online
education and contactless payment driven by the health crisis, the
ByteDance group has recently launched its edtech brand, Dali
Education, to seek further expansion in the education technology
sector, and its e-wallet, Douyin Zhifu, to enter the digital
payment market to compete with Alipay and WeChat pay. Apart from
launching new initiatives, the ByteDance group has also refined its
product portfolio, shutting down news aggregators, TopBuzz, for
declining downloads, and News Republic, over alleged political
censorship of news articles. Under the unfavourable and inimical
geopolitical climate, on the other hand, the challenges surrounding
TikTok have yet to be resolved. The divestment by ByteDance of the
TikTok business in the United States ordered by the former Trump
Administration has made
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
little progress, and amid the persistent border tension between
China and India, TikTok is among one of the many Chinese mobile
applications that remain banned by the Indian Government. On top of
that, the S tate Administration for Market Regulation (the "SAMR"),
China's anti-competition watchdog, has embarked on a wide-ranging
antitrust campaign targeting, inter alios, major Internet
platforms. In response and under the guidance of the SAMR,
ByteDance made a commitment pledge to comply with the relevant laws
and not to abuse its market dominance position. Meantime, in tandem
with the rapid rise in the revenue and profit of the ByteDance
Group, the valuation of Bytedance has risen rapidly. With an
exceptionally hefty gain since investing less than two years ago,
the Group redeemed on 31 March 2021 15% of its holdings in the
Homaer Class D Shares for net cash proceeds of US$400,000. The
proceeds generated from the redemption of these shares are intended
for general working capital and/or to fund acquisitions of future
investments.
Dingdong through the Cambium Opps - Subsequent to the year end,
the Group invested US200,000 in the Cambium Class B Shares , the
sole underlying investment asset of which is an equity interest in
Dingdong. Dingdong operates a fresh produce and grocery mobile
e-commerce platform, Dingdong Maicai, where users can place orders
and make purchases to be fulfilled by convenient and expeditious
doorstep delivery. The operations of Dingdong Maicai cover 29
cities in China including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and
Guangzhou, offering products ranging from vegetables, soy products,
fruits, sea food, rice, flour, oils to snack foods. To provide
expeditious doorstep delivery services, Dingdong Maicai operates a
close-to-store warehouse model, under which it runs self-built
store-front warehouses and self-operated logistics. With fresh
produce and perishable goods accounting for a substantial portion
of its sales, Dingdong Maicai also uses big data analytics to
analyse historical sales data and predict future orders for the
purpose of reducing waste rate that could be particularly
meaningful in enhancing profit margin in the highly competitive
online grocery space. In its latest Series D round of fund raising,
which was co-led by Coatue Management and DST Global and in which
the Group participated through the Cambium Opps, Dingdong raised
US$700 million in April 2021. The funds raised will be used to
expand geographical coverage, improve supply chains and prepare for
an initial public offering.
PROSPECTS
In this torrid time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group's
investment in the ICBC Shipping Fund will continue to generate a
stable recurring income at a favourable yield particularly under
the persistently low interest rate environment. The outlook for the
other investments or investee companies of the Group, however,
appears mixed .
The resilient performance achieved by the Velocity group during
the year under review has demonstrated its ability to weather the
difficult conditions under the COVID-19 pandemic. With
forward-looking efforts made to upgrade and enhance the
user-oriented service interface through the launch of voice
assistant capabilities and the introduction of Velocity 2.0, the
Velocity group is well prepared for an eventual recovery in the
luxury lifestyle sector. When the ill effects of the health crisis
subside, the headwinds from the pandemic could turn into tailwinds
by releasing pent-up demand. There are the expectations of spending
catch-up as premium consumers targeted by the Velocity group seek
out activities and experiences that are sorely lacking under the
lockdown restrictions, the secular and structural trend in the rise
of mobile e-commerce and the decline in traditional retail
accelerated by the pandemic would also be beneficial for the
development of the Velocity group in the longer term.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
The future for Ayondo is less than certain and is clouded by the
ongoing investigation by the MAS and the CAD in relation to a
possible offence under the Securities and Futures Act. But should
the Proposed Acquisition obtain shareholder and regulatory
approvals and be undertaken and completed, Ayondo would be able to
reactivate its operations and expand into new business areas to
rebuild shareholder value in the longer term. This could also form
the basis for and lead to the resumption of trading in Ayondo
shares.
The failure to meet interest payment obligations payable under
certain convertible instruments followed by the delisting of Agrios
shares from the Canadian Securities Exchange and the resignation of
the entire management team without any transition plan suggest that
the Agrios group will unlikely remain operational and continue as a
going concern. Given the lack of clarity on Agrios' current status,
as mentioned in the section headed "Review" on pages 3 to 6, the
Group has decided to write off the remaining carrying value of its
investment in Agrios by the end of the period under review .
With the COVID-19 vaccinations underway and the spread of the
coronavirus largely under control, in-person classes are generally
permitted across most of China. Barring an unforeseen resurgence of
new coronavirus infections, the Huizhou Kindergarten is expected to
be able to continue with its normal operations. However, the
outlook for the Huizhou Kindergarten and hence Oasis Education and
Oasis Shenzhen still remains uncertain pending the clarification of
the requirements set out in the Notice which, if implemented, may
have, inter alia, an adverse impact on the levels of kindergarten
tuition fees.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a favourable business
environment for the ByteDance group as the population that has been
kept homebound under the lockdown restrictions has increasingly
been driven into the digital world for the conduct of daily
activities. This change in the population's habits and behaviours
is likely to have a lasting effect on the mobile application
economy that could prove to be beneficial for the development and
provide added momentum to sustain the growth of the ByteDance
group. As reflected by the recent launch of its edtech brand, Dali
Education, and its e-wallet, Douyin Zhifu, the ByteDance group,
with substantial resources and a massive user base, is well placed
to seize opportunities arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic to
expand and diversify its operations and income sources that could
further strengthen its position as one of the world's leading
Internet and technology players. In the process of advancing its
global ambition, however, the ByteDance group will continue to face
geopolitical challenges under rising national sentiment. Meantime,
to capitalise on the favourable valuation that prevails in the
technology sector, ByteDance has, as widely reported, kicked off
the preparation for what could be one of the largest and most high
profile initial public offerings in history.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdowns have also
accelerated the development of the online grocery market in China.
Notwithstanding the easing of the lockdown measures, for health
safety reasons, there remains the general preference for shoppers
to purchase groceries and household staples through Internet-based
channels, notably mobile e-commerce platforms, which offer
contactless payment and delivery services. Nonetheless, the online
grocery space is highly competitive as nearly all of China's
largest Internet firms have established a presence in the industry
that is perceived to have excellent growth potential. Facing the
rapids of competition, Dingdong Maicai will continue to expand and
scale its operations. Having recently raised US$700 million as
mentioned in the section headed "Review" on page 3 to 6, Dingdong
does have the wherewithal to fund the capital demanding expansion
under the close-to-store warehouse model operated by Dingdong
Maicai. In addition, Dingdong is planning for an initial public
offering with additional fund raising that could further strengthen
its financial capability.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
As far as the Group is concerned, having written off the
remaining carrying value of its investments in Ayondo and Agrios,
it does not expect any further impact from such investments unless
there is any positive development that might lead to a recovery in
certain of the written-off amounts. On the other hand, the Group
would stand to benefit should ByteDance and/or Dingdong
successfully complete an initial public offering, which could be
expected to lead to an increase in the underlying valuation of the
Group's investments in the Homaer Fund and/or the Cambium Opps.
On a broader perspective, more than a year since the outbreak,
the COVID-19 pandemic remains front and centre on the world stage.
The emergence of new coronavirus variants that are more infectious
and the vaccine hesitancy sentiment aggravated by reports of
medical complications linked to the vaccines that have been
developed at unprecedented speed could further delay the timeline
in bringing an end to the health crisis. A worldwide cure of the
pandemic and a full recovery of the global economy are expected to
take a long tortuous path. Under these unsettling and uncertain
times with the investment climate beclouded in the near term, the
Group will continue to exercise care and diligence in identifying
appropriate investments with good longer term return potential in
order to further expand and diversify its investment portfolio in
accordance with the Company's investment policy.
Directors
The directors during the year under review and up to the date of
this report were and are:
Non-Executive Chairman
Alastair Gunn-Forbes*
Executive Directors
Henry Ying Chew Cheong
Ernest Chiu Shun She
Non-Executive Directors
Mark Chung Fong*
Martyn Stuart Wells*
Stephen Lister d'Anyers Willis*
* independent
Brief biographical notes of the directors serving at the date of
this report are set out on pages 74 to 75.
Save as disclosed in this report and in note 26 to the
consolidated financial statements on page 70, none of the directors
had during the year under review or at the end of the year a
material interest, directly or indirectly, in any contract of
significance with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Messrs Alastair Gunn-Forbes and Mark Chung Fong have served on
the Board for more than nine years. (In accordance with Provision
21 of the UK Corporate Governance Code on corporate governance
published in July 2018 by the Financial Reporting Council of the
United Kingdom (the "Code"), both Messrs Alastair Gunn-Forbes and
Mark Chung Fong retired by rotation and were re-elected to office
by separate resolutions passed at the Annual General Meeting held
on 12 July 2019 .) During the past nine year period, however,
neither of them has had any major interest in the issued share
capital of the Company, has been an employee or involved in the
daily management of any of the Group companies, or has had any
material relationship with any of the Group companies or any of the
major shareholders or managers of any such companies other than
being a member of the Board. Accordingly, and in accordance with
Provision 10 of the Code, the Board has determined that their
independence and objectivity have not been impaired and that they
will therefore be able to continue to act independently in
character and judgement.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
At the Annual General Meeting held on 29 September 2014,
shareholders approved the inclusion of the Group's non-executive
directors as eligible participants of the Worldsec Employee Share
Option Scheme 1997 (the "Scheme"). As explained in the 2014 annual
report of the Company, the reason for such inclusion was to enable
the Group to reward its non-executive directors for their
commitments to the Company beyond the nominal annual fees that the
Group could afford to pay during its development stage.
Accordingly, and in accordance with Provision 10 of the Code, given
such circumstances, the Board has determined that the participation
of Messrs Alastair Gunn-Forbes, Mark Chung Fong , Martyn Stuart
Wells and Stephen Lister d'Anyers Willis in the Scheme will not
affect their ability to act independently in character and
judgement.
DIRECTORS' INTERESTS
The interests of the individuals who were directors during the
year under review in the issued share capital of the Company,
including the interests of persons connected with a director
(within the meaning of Sections 252, 253 to 255 of the United
Kingdom Companies Act 2006 as if the Company were incorporated in
England), the existence of which was known to, or could with
reasonable diligence be ascertained by, that director, whether or
not held through another party, were as follows:
At 1 January 2020 At 31 December
2020
No. of shares No. of shares
Alastair Gunn-Forbes 45,000 45,000
Henry Ying Chew Cheong (Note
i) 11,722,620 11,722,620
Mark Chung Fong Nil Nil
Ernest Chiu Shun She 550,095 550,095
Martyn Stuart Wells Nil Nil
Stephen Lister d'Anyers Willis 16,000 16,000
Notes: Mr Henry Ying Chew Cheong ("Mr Cheong") wholly owns HC
(i) Investment Holdings Limited ("HCIH"). HCIH beneficially
owned 20,000,000 ordinary shares of US$0.001 each in
the Company at 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020, respectively.
In total, Mr Cheong and his associates were the legal
and beneficial owners of 31,722,620 ordinary shares of
US$0.001 each in the Company, representing 37.3% of the
Company's issued share capital, at 1 January 2020 and
31 December 2020, respectively. The Company and Mr Cheong
entered into a relationship agreement on 2 August 2013
(the "Relationship Agreement"). Pursuant to the Relationship
Agreement, Mr Cheong has agreed to exercise his rights
as a shareholder at all times, and to procure that his
associates exercise their rights, so as to ensure that
the Company is capable of carrying on its business independently
of Mr Cheong or any control which Mr Cheong or his associates
may otherwise be able to exercise over the Company. Moreover,
Mr Cheong has undertaken to ensure, so far as he is able
to, that all transactions, relationships and agreements
between Mr Cheong or his associates and the Company or
any of its subsidiaries are on arms' length terms on
a normal commercial basis. Mr Cheong and the Company
have also agreed, amongst other things, that he will
not participate in the deliberations of the Board in
relation to any proposal to enter into any commercial
arrangements with Mr Cheong or his associates.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
At 1 January 2020 At 31 December 2020
No. of share options No. of share options
(Note) (Note)
Alastair Gunn-Forbes 850,000 850,000
Henry Ying Chew Cheong 850,000 850,000
Mark Chung Fong 850,000 850,000
Ernest Chiu Shun She 850,000 850,000
Martyn Stuart Wells 850,000 850,000
Stephen Lister d'Anyers Nil Nil
Willis
Note: 500,000 of the share options granted on 1 December 2015
entitle the holders to subscribe on a one for one basis
new ordinary shares of US$0.001 each in the Company at
an exercise price of US$0.122 per share. These share
options vested six months from the date of grant and
were then exercisable within a period of 9.5 years. 350,000
of the share options granted on 29 May 2019 entitle the
holders to subscribe on a one for one basis new ordinary
shares of US$0.001 each in the Company at an exercise
price of US$0.034 per share. These share options vested
six months from the date of grant and were then exercisable
within a period of 9.5 years.
Save as disclosed above, none of the above named directors had
an interest, whether beneficial or non-beneficial, in any shares or
debentures of any Group companies at the beginning or at the end of
the year under review. Save as disclosed above, none of the above
named directors, or members of their immediate families, held,
exercised or were awarded any right to subscribe for any shares or
debentures of any Group companies during the year.
The Board confirms that (i) the Company has complied with the
independence provisions set out in the Relationship Agreement since
it was entered into; and (ii) so far as the Company is aware, Mr
Cheong and his associates have complied with the independence
provisions set out in the Relationship Agreement since it was
entered into.
DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION
The remuneration of the directors for the year ended 31 December
20 2 0 was as follows:
Share-based Other emoluments
Fees payment expenses Total
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Alastair Gunn-Forbes 13.5 - - 13.5
Henry Ying Chew Cheong 13.5 - - 13.5
Mark Chung Fong 13.5 - - 13.5
Ernest Chiu Shun She 13.5 - - 13.5
Martyn Stuart Wells 13.5 - - 13.5
Stephen Lister d'Anyers
Willis 13.5 - - 13.5
-----------------
81.0 - - 81.0
======= ================= ================ =======
PROVIDENT FUND AND PENSION CONTRIBUTION FOR DIRECTORS
During the year under review, there was no provident fund and
pension contribution for the directors.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT/ SERVICE CONTRACTS
Messrs Alastair Gunn-Forbes, Mark Chung Fong and Martyn Stuart
Wells, each has entered into a letter of appointment with the
Company dated 28 November 2017 , and Mr Stephen Lister d'Anyers
Willis has entered into a letter of appointment with the Company
dated 3 June 2019, to serve as non-executive director. Each of them
is entitled to a fee of GBP10,000 per annum. The appointment may be
terminated on one month notice in writing.
Messrs Henry Ying Chew Cheong and Ernest Chiu Shun She, each has
entered into a letter of appointment with the Company dated 2
August 2013 to serve as executive director. Each of them is
entitled to a fee of GBP10,000 per annum. The appointment may be
terminated on not less than six month notice in writing.
All directors are eligible to participate in the Group's bonus
arrangements under which bonuses may be granted at the discretion
of the Remuneration Committee and the Board. No bonus was
recommended for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Save as disclosed above, there are no existing or proposed
letters of appointment or service contracts between any of the
directors and the Company or any of its subsidiaries which cannot
be determined without payment of compensation (other than any
statutory compensation) within one year.
MAJOR INTERESTS IN SHARES
At 14 Apr 2021, the Company was aware of the following direct or
indirect interests representing 5% or more of the Company's issued
share capital:
Percentage of
No. of shares issued share capital
HC Investment Holdings Limited
(Note i) 20,000,000 23.5%
Yue Wai Keung 4,837,500 5.7%
Luis Chi Leung Tong 5,000,000 5.9%
Henry Ying Chew Cheong 11,722,620 13.8%
Aurora Nominees Limited (Note
ii) 18,750,000 22.0%
Vidacos Nominees Limited (Note
ii) 5,500,000 6.5%
Notes: Mr Cheong is the legal and beneficial owner of the entire
(i) issued share capital of HCIH.
(ii) Aurora Nominees Limited and Vidacos Nominees Limited
act as custodians for their customers, to whom they effectively
pass all rights and entitlements, including voting rights.
INTERNAL CONTROL, RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Board is responsible for establishing and maintaining
appropriate systems of internal control and risk management to
safeguard the Group's interests and assets. The control measures
that have been put in place cover key areas of operations, finance
and compliance and aim to manage rather than eliminate risks that
are inherent in the running of the business of the Group.
Accordingly, the Group's systems of internal control and risk
management are expected to provide reasonable but not absolute
assurance against material misstatements, loss or fraud.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Amongst the control measures, the key steps that have been put
in place include:
- the setting of the investment strategy and the approval of
significant investment decisions of the Group by the Board to
ensure consistency with the investment objective and compliance
with the investment policy of the Company;
- the segregation of duties between the investment management
and accounting functions of the Group;
- the adoption of written procedures in relation to the
operations of the bank accounts of the Group;
- the adoption of written procedures to deal with conflicts of
interests and related party transactions;
- the maintenance of proper accounting records providing with
reasonable accuracy at any time information on the financial
position of the Group;
- the review by the Board of the management accounts of the Group on a regular basis; and
- the engagement of external professionals to carry out company
secretarial works for the Company and to assist the Group on
compliance issues.
The Board considers the identification, evaluation and
management of the principal risks faced by the Group under the
changing environment to be an ongoing process and has kept under
regular review the effectiveness of the Group's systems of internal
control and risk management. The Board is satisfied that the
arrangements that have been put in place represent an appropriate
framework to meet the internal control and risk management
requirements of the Group.
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Board considers that the principal risks and uncertainties
that are relevant to the Group include:
Target market risk
Under the investment policy of the Company, the Group focuses on
investing in small to medium sized trading companies based mainly
in the Greater China and South East Asian region. Consequently, a
sharp or prolonged downturn in the economic environment or a
heightened uncertainty in the political environment in these target
markets could adversely and seriously affect the underlying
investments of the Group. This is clearly a risk factor beyond the
Group's control. Nevertheless, in line with the investment policy
of the Company, the Board will seek to invest in and maintain a
diversified portfolio in order to spread the investment risk of the
Group.
Investment opportunity risk
Given the abundance of liquidity under the persistently low
interest rate environment, the private equity space continues to be
awash with investment capital and dry powder. Competition for
quality deals therefore remains intense and aggressive, thus
limiting the availability of investment opportunities for the
Group. With the approval from shareholders, however, the Company
has broadened its investment policy. This offers greater
flexibility for the Group to make investment choices from a broader
range of opportunities to achieve the Company's investment
objective.
Key person risk
As the Group does not engage any external investment manager,
the Board is responsible for overseeing the Group's investment
management activities with frontline management duties delegated to
the executive directors. The Group is therefore heavily dependent
on the executive directors' abilities to identify and evaluate
investment targets, execute and implement investment decisions,
monitor investment performance and execute and implement exit
decisions. Both of the executive directors, Messrs Henry Ying Chew
Cheong and Ernest Chiu Shun She, have entered into a letter of
appointment with the Company with a termination clause of not less
than six month notice. Moreover, Mr Cheong is also the deputy
chairman and a major shareholder beneficially holding a substantial
interest in the Company's issued share capital.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Operational risks
The Group is exposed to various operational risks that are
inherent in the running of its business, including, amongst others,
the failure to comply with the investment policy of the Company,
the failure to prevent misstatements, loss or fraud due to
inadequacies in the Group's internal operational processes, and the
failure to comply with applicable rules and regulations by the
Group. As mitigating measures, the Board has established and
maintained systems of internal control and risk management to
safeguard the Group's interests and assets, details of which are
set out in the section headed "Internal Control, Risk Management
and Financial Reporting" on pages 11 to 12 .
Financial risks
The Group is exposed to a variety of financial risks, including
market risks, credit risk and liquidity risk, which arise from its
operating and investment management activities. The Group's
management of such risks is coordinated at the office of Worldsec
Investment (Hong Kong) Limited, the principal operating subsidiary
of the Group, in close cooperation with the Board. Details of the
Group's approach on financial risk management are described in note
5(b) to the consolidated financial statements on pages 50 to
54.
COVID-19 pandemic risk
More than a year since the outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic and
the consequent lockdowns continue to have a disruptive impact on
the economic and business activities across the globe. The
emergence of new coronavirus variants that are more infectious and
the vaccine hesitancy sentiment aggravated by reports of medical
complications linked to the vaccines that have been developed at
unprecedented speed could further delay the timeline in bringing an
end to the health crisis. As an investment holding company, the
Company has through its subsidiaries invested in various business
sectors in different regional markets and the majority of the
investee companies and investments of the Group have been adversely
affected under the pandemic environment. Nevertheless, with the
rollout and implementation of vaccination campaigns aiming to
achieve herd immunity and the gradual easing of the lockdown
measures, the economic and business environment is expected to
gradually normalise and the risk associated with the COVID-19
pandemic would eventually subside.
VIABILITY STATEMENT
The directors have assessed the viability of the Company for the
three years to 31 December 2023.
The directors consider that, for the purposes of this viability
statement, a three year period is appropriate taking into account
the Group's investment horizon under its investment strategy.
Besides, there should unlikely be any significant change to most if
not all of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group
over the timeframe selected for the assessment.
In assessing the viability of the Company and its ability to
meet liabilities as they fall due, the directors have taken into
consideration, amongst others:
- the investment strategy of the Group;
- the current position including the existing financial status and cost structure of the Group;
- the prospects of and the industry outlook for the Group;
- the economic and political environment of the Greater China
and South East Asian region, the primary target markets in which
the Group focuses its investment; and
- the potential adverse impact of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group and the effectiveness of the mitigating measures that have been put in place, details of which are described in the section headed "Principal Risks and Uncertainties" on pages 12 to 13.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
The directors note, in particular, that the Group:
- has a liquid amount of unrestricted cash and bank balances;
- does not have any borrowings;
- does not have any commitments other than certain leases with
modest outstanding rental payments; and
- has low operating expenses with a small but stable team under stringent cost control.
Accordingly, the directors are confident that the Company will
be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they
fall due over the assessment period.
GOING CONCERN
After making careful enquiries, the directors have formed a
judgement, at the time of approving the consolidated financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended
31 December 2020, that there was a reasonable expectation that the
Group would have adequate resources to carry out its operations for
a period of at least twelve months from the date of approving the
consolidated financial statements. For this reason, the directors
have adopted the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated
financial statements.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
As a company with a premium listing on the Main Market of the
London Stock Exchange, its business is subject to the principles
contained in the Code, a copy of which is available on the website
of the Financial Reporting Council of the United Kingdom. The Board
confirms that, throughout the accounting period from 1 January to
31 December 2020, the Group complied with the relevant provisions
of the Code, apart from certain exceptions set out and explained
below.
The Board, comprising a non-executive chairman, three
non-executive directors and two executive directors, is committed
to maintaining a high standard of corporate governance. All
non-executive directors are considered by the Board to be
independent of management and free from any business or other
relationship which could materially interfere with the exercise of
their independent judgement. All directors are able to take
independent professional advice in furtherance of their duties, if
necessary.
The Board is responsible for establishing strategic directions
and setting objectives for the Company and making significant
investment decisions and monitoring the performance of the Group.
The management is responsible for the day to day running of the
Group's operations.
BOARD MEETING
The Board held two meetings during the year under review and the
table below gives the attendance record.
Director Board Meeting
Alastair Gunn-Forbes 2 / 2
Henry Ying Chew Cheong 2 / 2
Ernest Chiu Shun She 2 / 2
Mark Chung Fong 2 / 2
Martyn Stuart Wells 2 / 2
Stephen Lister d'Anyers Willis 2/2
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Although the Board notes the requirement for a Nomination
Committee (Provision 17 of the Code) to make recommendations to the
Board on all new board appointments and to reassure shareholders of
the suitability of a chosen director, the Board considers that, due
to its small size and limited level of activities, it is not
necessary to establish such a committee. The Board as a whole
remains responsible for ensuring that a transparent, formal and
rigorous process would be followed for any future board
appointments, which would be made following a full review of the
Board's balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge.
Any future recruitment process would also provide an opportunity to
improve the diversity of the Board. The Board is satisfied that
appropriate succession planning is in place for appointments to
both the Board and senior management.
Again, due to its small size and limited level of activities,
the Board has not appointed a senior independent director and did
not consider an annual self-evaluation to be required during the
year under review. The responsibilities normally rested with a
senior independent director have been reverted to the Board as a
whole. These decisions will be re-considered annually by the
Board.
The Board established both an Audit Committee and a Remuneration
Committee upon the re-activation of the Group's business in 2013.
Details of these committees are set out below.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee held two meetings during the year under
review and the table below gives the attendance record.
Director Audit Committee Meeting
Mark Chung Fong 2/2
Martyn Stuart Wells 2/2
Stephen Lister d'Anyers Willis 2/2
The Audit Committee is chaired by Mr Mark Chung Fong and its
other current member s are Messrs Martyn Stuart Wells and Stephen
Lister d'Anyers Willis . The Audit Committee is appointed by the
Board and the committee's membership is comprised wholly of
non-executive directors.
The terms of reference of the Audit Committee (copies of which
are available at the Company's registered office and the Company's
website) generally follow, where applicable, those stated in the
provisions of the Code.
The Audit Committee meets a minimum of two times a year and may
be convened at other times if required. The responsibilities of the
Audit Committee include, amongst others, the examination and review
of the Group's risk management, internal financial controls and
financial and accounting policies and practices, as well as
overseeing and reviewing the work of the Company's external
auditor, their independence and the fees paid to them.
During the year under review, the activities undertaken by the
Audit Committee in discharge of its duties and functions included
(i) the review and recommendation to the Board of the reappointment
of BDO Limited as the Company's external auditor; (ii) the review
and recommendation to the Board for approval of the annual report
of the Company and the consolidated financial statements of the
Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 201 9 ;
and (iii) the review and recommendation to the Board for approval
of the interim report of the Company and the unaudited consolidated
financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the
six months ended 30 June 2020. In recommending the reappointment of
BDO Limited, the Audit Committee has taken into consideration,
amongst others, BDO Limited's independence, objectivity and terms
of engagement.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Subsequent to the year end, the activities that have been
undertaken by the Audit Committee in relation to 2020 included (i)
the review and recommendation to the Board of the annual report of
the Company and the consolidated financial statements of the
Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2020;
(ii) the monitoring of the effectiveness of the Group's risk
management and internal financial controls; and (iii) the
assessment of the effectiveness of the external audit process
through feedback from the management involved in the audit and
through interactions with and observations and review of the level
of audit services provided.
As the scale of the operations of the Group remains relatively
insubstantial, the Board has decided and the Audit Committee
concurs that it would not be necessary or cost-effective to set up
an internal audit function.
In connection with the review of the consolidated financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended
31 December 2020 , the Audit Committee has identified and reviewed
two issues which it considered significant and details on these
matters are set out in the table below.
Significant Reporting Issue Review and Assessment
Impairment review of the Group's The Audit Committee has (i)
interests in respect of its 50% reviewed the operational and
owned joint venture, Oasis Education financial performance and the
- At 31 December 2020, the Group latest development of Oasis
had an equity interest of US$97,000 Education and its subsidiary;
in and an amount of US$257,000 and (ii) assessed the assumptions
due from Oasis Education. These underlying the cash flow projection
carrying amounts were significant for Oasis Education and its
in the Group's context and their subsidiary as well as the reliability
valuation was subject to judgements, of such projection by comparing
estimation uncertainties and relevant historic budgets with
assumptions. actual results.
----------------------------------------
Valuation of equity investments The Audit Committee has (i)
classified as financial assets reviewed the operational and
at fair value through profit financial performance and the
or loss ("FVTPL") categorised latest development of the financial
within level 3 of the fair value assets at FVTPL categorised
hierarchy - At 31 December 2020, within level 3 of the fair value
the Group had equity interests hierarchy; and (ii) reviewed
in the ICBC Shipping Fund, Velocity, the valuation finding s prepared
Ayondo, Agrios and the Homaer by the management and discussed
Fund, all of which were accounted with the management the methodologies,
for as financial assets at FVTPL assumptions and input parameters
categorised within the level used in relation to such valuation.
3 of the fair value hierarchy,
totalling US$3,854,000 and carried
at fair value. These carrying
amounts were significant in the
Group's context and their valuation
was subject to judgements and
estimation uncertainties .
----------------------------------------
BDO Limited was appointed as the external auditor of the Company
in February 2015, since when audit services have not been tendered
competitively. The Audit Committee has concluded that a competitive
tender of audit services is not necessary at this time, but
acknowledges that circumstances could arise where a competitive
tender for audit services may be desirable. The performance of BDO
Limited as the Company's external auditor will be kept under annual
review, and if satisfactory, BDO Limited will be recommended by the
Audit Committee for reappointment. There are, however, no
contractual obligations that would restrict the Audit Committee's
choice of external auditor for the Company.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
As advised by the Audit Committee and concurred with by the
Board, the annual report of the Company and the audited
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2020, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the
Group's position and performance, business model and strategy.
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
In accordance with Provision 32 of the Code, the Company has set
up a Remuneration Committee. The Remuneration Committee held one
meeting during the year under review and the table below gives the
attendance record.
Director Remuneration Committee Meeting
Martyn Stuart Wells 1/1
Mark Chung Fong 1/1
Alastair Gunn-Forbes 1/1
Stephen Lister d'Anyers Willis 1/1
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Mr Martyn Stuart Wells
and its other current members are Messrs Alastair Gunn-Forbes ,
Mark Chung Fong and Stephen Lister d'Anyers Willis . The
Remuneration Committee is appointed by the Board and the
committee's membership is comprised wholly of non-executive
directors.
The terms of reference of the Remuneration Committee (copies of
which are available at the Company's registered office and the
Company's website) generally follow, where applicable, those stated
in the provisions of the Code. They provide for the Remuneration
Committee to meet at least two times a year. However, as the Group
has a very small and stable workforce, the Remuneration Committee
did not consider it meaningful or necessary to hold more than one
meeting during the year under review.
The Remuneration Committee's responsibilities include, amongst
others, the evaluation of the performance of the executive
directors and senior staff, and the comparison of the Group's
remuneration policy with similar organisations in the market to
form the basis for the recommendations to the Board to determine
the remuneration packages, which may include the grant of share
options under the Scheme, for individual staff and director
members.
In accordance with the Main Principle of Provision Q of the
Code, no director has been involved in deciding his own
remuneration.
During the year under review, the activities undertaken by the
Remuneration Committee in discharge of its duties and functions
included the review of and recommendation to the Board to retain
the Group's previous remuneration arrangements.
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
WORLDSEC EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION SCHEME 1997
The following table discloses the movements of the outstanding
share options under the Scheme during the year under review.
Number of options
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance Lapsed Balance Exercise
at 1 Granted Exercised Forfeited during at 31 price
Exercisable January during during during the December per share
Grantee period 2020 the year the year the year year 2020 (US$)
----------- -------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ------------ -----------
29 November
2019 to
28 May
Directors 2029 1,750,000 - - - - 1,750,000 0.034
1 June
2016 to
30 November
2025 2,500,000 - - - - 2,500,000 0.122
29 November
2019 to
28 May
Employees 2029 300,000 - - - - 300,000 0.034
1 June
2016 to
30 November
2025 450,000 - - - - 450,000 0.122
============ ========== ========== ========== ======== ============
5,000,000 - - - - 5,000,000
============ ========== ========== ========== ======== ============
Further details relating to the granting of the share options
are set out in note 25 to the consolidated financial statements on
pages 68 to 69 .
RELATION WITH SHAREHOLDERS
Communication with shareholders is given high priority.
Information about the Group's activities is provided in the annual
report and the interim report of the Company which are sent to
shareholders each year and are available on the website of the
Company. All shareholders are encouraged to attend the Annual
General Meeting at which directors are introduced and available for
questions*. Enquiries are dealt with in an informative and timely
manner. Directors, including non-executive directors, are also
available to meet with major shareholders on request.
* For the 2020 Annual General Meeting (the "2020 AGM"), because
of the COVID-19 restriction measures, arrangements were put in
place to enable shareholders to vote on the 2020 AGM resolutions by
appointing the Chair of the 2020 AGM as a proxy and to raise
questions to which the Company would respond in writing on its
website
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
EXTERNAL AUDITOR
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2020 have been audited
by BDO Limited.
A resolution will be submitted to the next Annual General
Meeting to reappoint BDO Limited as the Company's external
auditor.
On behalf of the Board
Henry Ying Chew Cheong
Executive Director
30 April 2021
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The directors are required under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981
to prepare consolidated financial statements for each financial
year. The directors acknowledge responsibility for the preparation
of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31
December 2020, which give a true and fair view of the financial
position of the Group as at the end of that financial year and of
the financial performance of the Group for that year and which
provide the necessary information for shareholders to assess the
business activities and performance of the Group during that year.
In preparing these consolidated financial statements, the directors
are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether the consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards as adopted by the European Union; and
- prepare the consolidated financial statements on a going
concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group
will continue in business.
The directors confirm that the above requirements have been
met.
The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting
records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial position of the Group. They are also responsible for the
Group's system of internal financial controls, for safeguarding the
assets of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of frauds and other irregularities.
The directors further confirm that, to the best of their
knowledge and understanding, the chairman's statements on pages 1
to 2 and the directors' report on pages 3 to 19 include a fair
review of the development and performance of the business and the
position of the Compan y and its subsidiaries taken as a whole
together with a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties that they face.
On behalf of the Board
Henry Ying Chew Cheong
Executive Director
30 April 2021
INDEPENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF WORLDSEC LIMITED
(incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)
REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OPINION
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of
Worldsec Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiaries (together the
"Group") set out on pages 26 to 71, which comprise the consolidated
statement of financial position as at 31 December 2020, and the
consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive
income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the
consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and
notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary
of significant accounting policies.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a
true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the
Group as at 31 December 2020, and of its consolidated financial
performance and its consolidated cash flows for the year then ended
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as
adopted by the European Union.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International
Standards on Auditing ("ISAs"). Our responsibilities under those
standards are further described in the "Auditor's Responsibilities
for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements" section of
our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the
International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants' Code of
Ethics for Professional Accountants (the "IESBA Code"), and we have
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the
IESBA Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional
judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the
consolidated financial statements of the current period. These
matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the
consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our
opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these
matters.
impairment ASSESSMENT of interest in a joint venture and amount
due from a joint venture
Refer to note 17 to the consolidated financial statements
The Group owns a 50% interest in a joint venture, Oasis
Education Group Limited ("Oasis Education"), which is accounted for
using the equity method less any impairment loss . The interest in
this joint venture amounted to approximately US$ 97 ,000 as at 31
December 2020 and the Group's share of its losses amounted to
approximately US$ 10,000 for the year then ended.
In addition, the Group has advanced an amount of approximately
US$257,000 to Oasis Education as at 31 December 2020, which is
subject to an impairment assessment by management.
The impairment assessment of investment in, and amount due from,
Oasis Education is considered by us as a key audit matter due to
significant judgement made by management over the assumptions on
the future cash flows to be generated from the operation of Oasis
Education.
INDEPENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF WORLDSEC LIMITED
(incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)
Key Audit Matters (Continued)
impairment ASSESSMENT of interest in a joint venture and amount
due from a joint venture (CONTINUED)
Our response:
Our audit procedures in relation to this matter included:
-- Obtaining an update of the latest development of Oasis Education's operation;
-- Assessing the financial performance of Oasis Education based on information provided by management;
-- Evaluating management's considerations of the impairment indicators of the investment in, and the amount due from,
Oasis Education;
-- Assessing the appropriateness of the management's assumptions concerning the future cash flows to be generated
from the operation of Oasis Education; and
-- Assessing reliability of the joint venture's forecast by comparing historical budget to actual performance and
obtaining explanations from management on any significant variances identified.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF EQUITY INVESTMENTS classified as
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL")
CATEGORISED WITHIN LEVEL 3 OF THE FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY
Refer to notes 5(c)(iii) and 18 to the consolidated financial
statements
As at 31 December 2020, the Group held a number of financial
assets at fair value through profit or loss, with measurement
categorised within the level 3 of the fair value hierarchy,
totalling approximately US$3,854,000.
The fair value determination of these financial assets at the
end of the reporting period involves the determination of
appropriate valuation models as well as the selection of inputs and
assumptions made by management. Different valuation models, as well
as inputs and assumptions applied may lead to a significant change
in the fair value of these financial assets.
We identified fair value determination of these financial assets
as a key audit matter because it involves a high degree of
estimation, uncertainty and judgement; and their aggregate carrying
value is material to the Group's consolidated financial statements
taken as a whole.
INDEPENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF WORLDSEC LIMITED
(incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)
Key Audit Matters (Continued)
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF EQUITY INVESTMENTS classified as
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss CATEGORISED
WITHIN LEVEL 3 OF THE FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY (CONTINUED)
Our response:
Our audit procedures in relation to this matter included:
-- Assessing the appropriateness of valuation methodologies applied on the fair value determination of these
financial assets;
-- Evaluating the reasonableness and relevance of key inputs and assumptions used in the fair value determination;
and
-- Involving an auditor's expert to assist our assessment on the appropriateness of the valuation methodologies and
reasonableness of key inputs and assumptions used in the fair value determination.
Other information in the annual report
The directors are responsible for the other information. The
other information comprises the information included in the
Company's annual report, but does not include the consolidated
financial statements and our auditor's report therein.
Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not
cover the other information and we do not express any form of
assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial
statements, our responsibility is to read the other information
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is
materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements
or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be
materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we
conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other
information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing
to report in this regard.
Directors' responsibilitIES for the consolidated financial
statements
The directors are responsible for the preparation of the
consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as
adopted by the European Union, and for such internal control as the
directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of
consolidated financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the
directors are responsible for assessing the Group's ability to
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters
related to going concern and using the going concern basis of
accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the
Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but
to do so.
The directors are also responsible for overseeing the Group's
financial reporting process. The audit committee of the Company
(the "Audit Committee") assists the directors in discharging their
responsibility in this regard.
INDEPENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF WORLDSEC LIMITED
(incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)
Auditor's responsibilitIES for the audit of the consolidated
financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue
an auditor's report that includes our opinion. This report is made
solely to you, as a body, in accordance with Section 90 of the
Bermuda Companies Act 1981, and for no other purpose. We do not
assume responsibility towards or accept liability to any other
person for the contents of this report.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will
always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements
can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if,
individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected
to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of
these consolidated financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise
professional judgement and maintain professional skepticism
throughout the audit. We also:
-- identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to
fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement
resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery,
intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
-- obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
Group's internal control.
-- evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and
related disclosures made by the directors.
-- conclude on the appropriateness of the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the
audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast
significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material
uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions
are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or
conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.
-- evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the
disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events
in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
-- obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business
activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible
for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit
opinion.
INDEPENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF WORLDSEC LIMITED
(incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)
Auditor's responsibilitIES for the audit of the consolidated
financial statements (CONTINUED)
We communicate with the Audit Committee regarding, among other
matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant
audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal
control that we identify during our audit.
We also provide the Audit Committee with a statement that we
have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding
independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and
other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our
independence, and where applicable, actions taken to eliminate
threats or safeguards applied.
From the matters communicated with the directors, we determine
those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the
consolidated financial statements of the current period and are
therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our
auditor's report unless law or regulation precludes public
disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare
circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be
communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of
doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public
interest benefits of such communication.
REPORT ON OTHER REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Under the listing rules of the Financial Conduct Authority in
the United Kingdom (the "Listing Rules"), we are required to review
the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the
Company's compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate
Governance Code specified for our review in accordance with Listing
Rule 9.8.10R(2). We have nothing to report arising from our
review.
BDO Limited
Certi ed Public Accountants
Tang Tak Wah
Practising Certi cate Number P06262
Hong Kong, 30 April 20 21
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Year ended 31 December
Notes 2020 201 9
US$'000 US$'000
Revenue 7 96 140
Other income, gains and losses,
net 9 1,400 (179)
Staff costs 10 ( 286 ) (320)
Other expenses ( 252 ) (328)
Finance costs 11 (4) (5)
Share of losses of a joint venture 17 (10) (12)
Profit/(loss) before income tax
expense 12 944 (704)
Income tax expense 13 - -
------------- ---------
Profit/(loss) for the year 944 (704)
------------- ---------
Other comprehensive income, net
of income tax
Items that may be reclassified subsequently
to
profit or loss:
Share of other comprehensive income
of a
joint venture 17 20 (7)
------------- ---------
Other comprehensive income for the
year,
net of income tax 20 (7)
------------- ---------
Total comprehensive income for the
year 964 (711)
============= =========
Profit/(loss) for the year attributable
to:
Owners of the Company 944 ( 704 )
============= =========
Total comprehensive income for the
year
attributable to:
Owners of the Company 964 ( 711 )
============= =========
Earnings/(loss) per share - basic 14 US 1.10 cents US (0.83)
and diluted cent
============= =========
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020
Notes 2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 16 - -
Interest in a joint venture 17 97 87
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss 18 3,854 2,470
Right-of-use asset 19 175 59
------- -------
4,126 2,616
------- -------
Current assets
Other receivables 282 393
Deposits and prepayments 30 28
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss 18 103 -
Amount due from a joint venture 17 257 257
Cash and cash equivalents 21 1,194 1,612
1,866 2,290
------- -------
Current liabilities
Other payables and accruals 22 147 145
Lease liabilities 19 61 60
------- -------
208 205
Net current assets 1,658 2,085
------- -------
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities 19 119 -
Net assets 5,665 4,701
======= =======
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020
Notes 2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Capital and reserves
Share capital 23 85 85
Reserves 24 5,580 4,616
------- -------
Total equity 5,665 4,701
======= =======
The consolidated financial statements on pages 26 to 71 were
approved and authorised for issue by the Board of
Directors on 30 April 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
Alastair Gunn-Forbes Henry Ying Chew Cheong
Director Director
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF changes in equity
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Foreign
Contri- Share currency
Share Share buted option translation Special Accumulated
capital premium surplus reserve reserve reserve losses Total
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
(note (note (note (note (note (note (note 24)
23) 24) 24) 24) 24) 24)
Balance at 1 January
2019 85 7,524 9,646 206 (30) 625 (12,687) 5,369
Loss for the year - - - - - - (704) (704)
Other comprehensive
income for the
year
Share of other
comprehensive income
of a joint venture
(note 17) - - - - (7) - - (7)
------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------- ----------- -------
Total comprehensive
income for the
year - - - - (7) - (704) (711)
Recognition of
share-based payments
(note 25) - - - 43 - - 43
------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- ------- ----------- -------
Balance as at 31
December 2019 and
1 January 2020 85 7,524 9,646 249 (37) 625 (13,391) 4,701
Profit for the
year - - - - - - 944 944
Other comprehensive
income for the
year
Share of other
comprehensive income
of a joint venture
(note 17) - - - - 20 - - 20
Total comprehensive
income for the
year - - - - 20 - 944 964
Balance at 31 December ( 12,447
2020 85 7,524 9,646 249 (17) 625 ) 5,665
======= ======= ======= ======= =========== ======= =========== =======
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Year ended 31 December
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit/(loss) before income tax expense 944 (704)
Adjustments for:
Bank interest income (1) (1)
Depreciation of right-of-use asset 74 78
Interest on lease liabilities 4 5
Share-based payment expenses - 43
Share of losses of a joint venture 10 12
Gain on disposal of financial assets
at fair value through profit or loss (6) -
Change in fair value of financial assets
at fair value
through profit or loss (1,371) 179
Operating loss before working capital
changes (346) (388)
(Increase)/decrease in deposits and prepayments (2) 2
Decrease/(increase) in other receivables 111 (385)
Increase in other payables and accruals 2 7
----------- -----------
Net cash used in operating activities (235) (764)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment in financial assets at fair
value through
profit or loss (527) (1,000)
Proceeds from disposal of financial assets
at fair value through profit or loss 417 -
Repayment of other financial assets at
amortised cost - 850
Bank interest income received 1 1
Net cash used in investing activities (109) (149)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of principal portion of lease
liabilities (70) (77)
Repayment of interest portion of lease
liabilities (4) (5)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities (74) (82)
----------- -----------
Net de crease in cash and cash equivalents (418) (995)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the year 1,612 2,607
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the year 1,194 1,612
=========== ===========
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Worldsec Limited (the "Company") is a public listed company
incorporated in Bermuda and its shares are listed on the Main
Market of the London Stock Exchange. The address of the registered
office of the Company is Victoria Place, 5(th) Floor, 31 Victoria
Street, Hamilton HM 10, Bermuda. Its principal place of business is
Unit 607, 6th Floor, FWD Financial Centre , 308 Des Voeux Road
Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.
The principal activity of the Company is investment holding. The
principal activities of the Company's subsidiaries are set out in
note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.
The functional currency of the Company is Hong Kong Dollars ("
HK $"). The consolidated financial statements of the Company and
its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Group") are
presented in United States Dollars ("US$" or "USD").
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with all applicable International Financial Reporting
Standards ("IFRS"), International Accounting Standards ("IAS") and
Interpretations adopted by the European Union ("EU") (collectively
referred to as "IFRSs").
2. APPLICATION OF NEW AND REVISED IFRSs
2.1 New and revised IFRSs applied
The following new and revised IFRSs had been applied by the
Group in the current year.
Amendments to IFRS 3 Definition of a Business
Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 Definition of Material
Amendments to IAS 39, IFRS 7 and Interest Rate Benchmark
IFRS 9 Reform
The new or amended I FRSs that became effective from 1 January
2020 did not have any significant impact on the Group's accounting
policies.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
2. APPLICATION OF NEW AND REVISED IFRSs (CONTINUED)
2.2 New and revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective
The Group has not applied the following new and revised IFRSs,
potentially relevant to the Group's financial statements that have
been issued but are not yet effective. Certain new or revised IFRSs
have yet been endorsed by the EU.
Amendments to IAS 1 Classification of Liabilities
as Current or Non-current (4)
Amendments to IAS 16 Proceeds before Intended Use (2)
Amendments to IAS 37 Onerous Contracts - Cost of Fulfilling
a Contract (2)
Amendments to IFRS 3 Reference to the Conceptual Framework
(3)
Amendments to IAS 39, IFRS Interest Rate Benchmark Reform
7, IFRS 9 and IFRS 16 - Phase 2 (1)
Amendments to IFRSs Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2018-2020
(2)
(1) Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January
2021
(2) Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January
2022
(3) Effective for business combinations for which the date
of acquisition is on or after the beginning of the first
annual period beginning on or after 1 January 2022
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January
2023
(4)
Amendments to IAS 1, Classification of Liabilities as Current or
Non-current
The amendments clarify that the classification of liabilities as
current or non-current is based on rights that are in existence at
the end of the reporting period, specify that classification is
unaffected by expectations about whether an entity will exercise
its right to defer settlement of a liability and explain that
rights are in existence if covenants are complied with at the end
of the reporting period. The amendments also introduce a definition
of 'settlement' to make clear that settlement refers to the
transfer to the counterparty of cash, equity instruments, other
assets or services.
The directors are currently assessing the impact that the
application of the amendments will have on the Group's consolidated
financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 16, Proceeds before Intended Use
The amendments prohibit a company from deducting from the cost
of property, plant and equipment any proceeds received from selling
items produced while bringing that asset to the location and
condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner
intended by management. Instead, the proceeds from selling such
items and the cost of producing those items are recognised in
profit or loss.
The directors are currently assessing the impact that the
application of the amendments will have on the Group's consolidated
financial statements.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
2. APPLICATION OF NEW AND REVISED IFRSs (CONTINUED)
2.2 New and revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective (Continued)
Amendments to IAS 37, Onerous Contracts - Cost of Fulfilling a
Contract
The amendments specify that the 'cost of fulfilling' a contract
comprises the 'costs that relate directly to the contract'. Costs
that relate directly to a contract can either be incremental costs
of fulfilling that contract (e.g. direct labour and materials) or
an allocation of other costs that relate directly to fulfilling
that contract (e.g. the allocation of the depreciation charge for
an item of property, plant and equipment used in fulfilling that
contract).
The directors are currently assessing the impact that the
application of the amendments will have on the Group's consolidated
financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 9 and IFRS 16, Interest Rate
Benchmark Reform - Phase 2
The amendments address issues that might affect financial
reporting when a company replaces the old interest rate benchmark
with an alternative benchmark rate as a result of the interest rate
benchmark reform (the "Reform"). The amendments complement those
issued in November 2019 and relate to (i) changes to contractual
cash flows in which an entity will not have to derecognise or
adjust the carrying amount of financial instruments for changes
required by the Reform, but will instead update the effective
interest rate to reflect the change to the alternative benchmark
rate; (ii) hedge accounting in which an entity will not have to
discontinue its hedge accounting solely because it makes changes
required by the Reform, if the hedge meets other hedge accounting
criteria; and (iii) disclosures in which an entity will be required
to disclose information about new risks arising from the Reform and
how it manages the transition to alternative benchmark rates.
The directors are currently assessing the impact that the
application of the amendments will have on the Group's consolidated
financial statements.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
2. APPLICATION OF NEW AND REVISED IFRSs (CONTINUED)
2.2 New and revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective (Continued)
Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2018-2020
The annual improvements amend a number of standards,
including:
-- IFRS 1, First-time Adoption of Hong Kong Financial Reporting
Standards, which permit a subsidiary that applies paragraph D16(a)
of IFRS 1 to measure cumulative translation differences using the
amounts reported by its parent, based on the parent's date of
transition to IFRSs.
-- IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, which clarify the fees
included in the '10 per cent' test in paragraph B3.3.6 of IFRS 9 in
assessing whether to derecognise a financial liability, explaining
that only fees paid or received between the entity and the lender,
including fees paid or received by either the entity or the lender
on other's behalf are included.
-- IFRS 16, Leases, which amend Illustrative Example 13 to
remove the illustration of reimbursement of leasehold improvements
by the lessor in order to resolve any potential confusion regarding
the treatment of lease incentives that might arise because of how
lease incentives are illustrated in that example.
The directors are currently assessing the impact that the
application of the amendments will have on the Group's consolidated
financial statements.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been
prepared in accordance with all applicable IFRSs.
Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under
the historical cost basis except for financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss ("FVTPL"), which are measured at fair value
as explained in the accounting policies set out below.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. Inter-company
transactions and balances between group companies together with
unrealised profits are eliminated in full in preparing the
consolidated financial statements. Unrealised losses are also
eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of impairment
on the asset transferred, in which case the loss is recognised in
profit or loss.
Subsidiaries
A subsidiary is an investee over which the Company is able to
exercise control. The Company controls an investee if all three of
the following elements are present: (i) power over the investee,
(ii) exposure, or rights, to variable returns from the investee,
and (iii) the ability to use its power to affect those variable
returns. Control is reassessed whenever facts and circumstances
indicate that there may be a change in any of these elements of
control.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Joint arrangements
The Group is a party to a joint arrangement where there is a
contractual arrangement that confers joint control over the
relevant activities of the arrangement to the Group and at least
one other party. Joint control is assessed under the same
principles as control over subsidiaries.
The Group classifies its interests in joint arrangements as
either:
- Joint venture: where the Group has rights to only the net assets of the joint arrangement; or
- Joint operation: where the Group has both the rights to assets
and obligations for the liabilities of the joint arrangement.
In assessing the classification of interests in joint
arrangements, the Group considers:
- the structure of the joint arrangement;
- the legal form of the joint arrangement structured through a separate vehicle;
- the contractual terms of the joint arrangement agreement; and
- any other facts and circumstances (including any other contractual arrangements).
Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method whereby
they are initially recognised at cost and thereafter, their
carrying amounts are adjusted for the Group's share of the
post-acquisition change in the joint ventures' net assets except
that losses in excess of the Group's interest in the joint venture
are not recognised unless there is a legal and constructive
obligation to make good those losses.
Profits and losses arising on transactions between the Group and
its joint ventures are recognised only to the extent of unrelated
investors' interests in the joint ventures. The investors' share in
a joint venture's profits and losses resulting from such
transactions is eliminated against the carrying value of the joint
venture.
Any premium paid for an investment in a joint venture above the
fair value of the Group's share of the identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is capitalised and
included in the carrying amount of the investment in the joint
venture. Where there is objective evidence that the investment in a
joint venture has been impaired, the carrying amount of the
investment is tested for impairment in the same way as other
non-financial assets.
The Group accounts for its interests in joint operations by
recognising its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses
in accordance with its contractually conferred rights and
obligations.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. The
cost of property, plant and equipment includes their purchase price
and the costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the
items.
Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or
recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is
probable that future economic benefits associated with the item
will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured
reliably. The carrying amount of a replaced part is derecognised.
All other repairs and maintenance are recognised as an expense in
profit or loss during the financial period in which they are
incurred.
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated so as to write off
their cost net of expected residual value over their estimated
useful lives on a straight-line basis. The useful lives, residual
value and depreciation method are reviewed, and adjusted if
appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. The useful lives
are as follows:
Leasehold improvements over the lease terms
An asset is written down immediately to its recoverable amount
if its carrying amount is higher than the asset's estimated
recoverable amount.
The gain or loss on disposal of an item of property, plant and
equipment is the difference between the net sale proceeds and its
carrying amount, and is recognised in profit or loss on
disposal.
Revenue recognition
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment
is established.
Interest income is accrued on a time basis on the principal
outstanding at the applicable interest rate.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Leasing
All leases (irrespective of whether they are operating leases or
finance leases) are required to be capitalised in the statement of
financial position as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities,
but accounting policy choices exist for an entity to choose not to
capitalise (i) leases which are short-term leases and/or (ii)
leases for which the underlying asset is of low-value. The Group
has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease
liabilities for low-value assets and leases which at the
commencement date have a lease term less than 12 months. The lease
payments associated with those leases are expensed on a
straight-line basis over the lease term.
Right-of-use assets
Right-of-use assets are recognised at cost and would comprise:
(i) the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability
(see below for the accounting policy to account for lease
liabilities); (ii) any lease payments made at or before the
commencement date, less any lease incentives received; (iii) any
initial direct costs incurred by the lessee; and (iv) an estimate
of the costs to be incurred by the lessee in dismantling and
removing the underlying asset to the condition required by the
terms and conditions of the lease, unless those costs are incurred
to produce inventories. The Group measures the right-of-use assets
applying a cost model. Under the cost model, the Group measures the
right-to-use at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and any
impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease
liability.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Leasing (Continued)
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities are recognised at the present value of the
lease payments that are not paid at the date of commencement of the
lease. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate
implicit in the lease, if that rate can be readily determined. If
that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group uses the Group's
incremental borrowing rate.
The following payments for the right-to-use the underlying asset
during the lease term that are not paid at the commencement date of
the lease are considered to be lease payments: (i) fixed payments
less any lease incentives receivable; (ii) variable lease payments
that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the
index or the rate as at the commencement date; (iii) amounts
expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value
guarantees; (iv) the exercise price of a purchase option if the
lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and (v)
payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term
reflects the lessee exercising an option to terminate the
lease.
Subsequent to the commencement date, the Group measures lease
liabilities by: (i) increasing the carrying amount to reflect
interest on the lease liability; (ii) reducing the carrying amount
to reflect the lease payments made; and (iii) remeasuring the
carrying amount to reflect any reassessment or lease modifications,
e.g., a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an
index or a rate, a change in the lease term, a change in the in
substance fixed lease payments or a change in assessment to
purchase the underlying asset.
Government grants
Government grants are not recognised until there is reasonable
assurance that the Group will comply with the conditions attaching
to them and that the grants will be received.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Foreign currencies
Transactions entered into by the group entities in currencies
other than the currency of the primary economic environment in
which they operate are recorded at the rates ruling when the
transactions occur. Foreign currency monetary assets and
liabilities are translated at the rates ruling at the end of the
reporting period. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of
historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.
Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary
items, and on the translation of monetary items, are recognised in
profit or loss in the period in which they arise.
On consolidation, income and expense items of foreign operations
are translated into the presentation currency of the Group (i.e.
US$) at the average exchange rates for the year, unless exchange
rates fluctuate significantly during the period, in which case the
rates approximating to those ruling when the transactions took
place are used. All assets and liabilities of foreign operations
are translated at the rate ruling at the end of the reporting
period. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in
other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity as foreign
currency translation reserve (attributed to minority interests as
appropriate). Exchange differences recognised in profit or loss of
group entities' separate financial statements on the translation of
long-term monetary items forming part of the Group's net investment
in the foreign operation concerned are reclassified to other
comprehensive income and accumulated in equity as foreign currency
translation reserve.
On disposal of a foreign operation, the cumulative exchange
differences recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve
relating to that operation up to the date of disposal are
reclassified to profit or loss as part of the profit or loss on
disposal.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments on identifiable assets
acquired arising on an acquisition of a foreign operation on or
after 1 January 2005 are treated as assets and liabilities of that
foreign operation and translated at the rate of exchange prevailing
at the end of the reporting period. Exchange differences arising
are recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Share-based payments
The Group operates equity-settled share-based compensation plans
and the share options are awarded to employees and directors
providing services to the Group.
All services received in exchange for the grant of any
share-based compensation are measured at their fair value. These
are indirectly determined by reference to the equity instruments
awarded. Their value is appraised at the grant date and excludes
the impact of any non-market vesting conditions.
All share-based compensation is recognised as an expense in
profit or loss over the vesting period if vesting conditions apply,
or recognised as an expense in full at the grant date when the
equity instruments granted vest immediately unless the compensation
qualifies for recognition as an asset, with a corresponding
increase in the share option reserve in equity. If vesting
conditions apply, the expense is recognised over the vesting
period, based on the best available estimate of the number of
equity instruments expected to vest. Non-market vesting conditions
are included in assumptions about the number of equity instruments
that are expected to vest. Estimates are subsequently revised, if
there is any indication that the number of equity instruments
expected to vest differs from previous estimates.
At the time when the share options are exercised, the amount
previously recognised in share option reserve will be transferred
to share premium. After the vesting date, when the vested share
options are forfeited or are still not exercised at the expiry
date, the amount previously recognised in share option reserve will
be transferred to retained profits.
Taxation
Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently
payable and deferred tax.
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the
year. Taxable profit differs from 'profit or loss before income tax
expense' as reported in the consolidated statement of profit or
loss and other comprehensive income because of items of income or
expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and items
that are never taxable or deductible. Current tax is calculated
using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by
the end of the reporting period.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Taxation (Continued)
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated
financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the
computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are
generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences.
Deferred tax assets are generally recognised for all deductible
temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that
taxable profits will be available against which those deductible
temporary differences can be utilised. Such deferred tax assets and
liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises
from initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of
assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the
taxable profit nor the accounting profit. In addition, deferred tax
liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises
from the initial recognition of goodwill.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the
end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is
no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be
available to allow all or part of the assets to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax
rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the
liability is settled or the asset realised, based on tax rates (and
tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the
end of the reporting period.
The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects
the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the
Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or
settle the carrying amounts of its assets and liabilities.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present
obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it
is probable that the Group will be required to settle the
obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of
the obligation.
The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the
consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end
of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and
uncertainties surrounding the obligation. When a provision is
measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present
obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash
flows (where the effect of the time value of money is
material).
When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a
provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a
receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain
that reimbursement will be received and that the amount of the
receivable can be measured reliably.
Cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows,
cash and cash equivalents included cash on hand and in banks.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Financial instruments
(i) Financial assets
A financial asset (unless it is a trade receivable without a
significant financing component) is initially measured at fair
value plus, for an item not at FVTPL, transaction costs that are
directly attributable to its acquisition or issue. A trade
receivable without a significant financing component is initially
measured at the transaction price.
All regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are
recognised on the trade date, that is, the date that the Group
commits to purchase or sell the asset. Regular way purchases or
sales are purchases or sales of financial assets that require
delivery of the assets within the period generally established by
regulation or convention in the market place.
Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in
their entirely when determining whether their cash flows are solely
payment of principal and interest.
Debt instruments
Subsequent measurement of debt instruments depends on the
Group's business model for managing the assets and the cash flow
characteristics of the assets. There are two measurement categories
into which the Group classifies its debt instruments:
Amortised cost: Assets that are held for collection of
contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely
payments of principal and interest are measured at amortised cost.
Financial assets at amortised cost are subsequently measured using
the effective interest rate method. Interest income, foreign
exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognised in profit
or loss. Any gain on derecognition is recognised in profit or
loss.
FVTPL: Financial assets at FVTPL include financial assets held
for trading, financial assets designated upon initial recognition
at FVTPL, or financial assets mandatorily required to be measured
at fair value. Financial assets are classified as held for trading
if they are acquired for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in
the near term. Derivatives, including separated embedded
derivatives, are also classified as held for trading unless they
are designated as effective hedging instruments. Financial assets
with cash flows that are not solely payments of principal and
interest are classified and measured at FVTPL, irrespective of the
business model. Notwithstanding the criteria for debt instruments
to be classified at amortised cost or at fair value through other
comprehensive income ("FVOCI"), as described above, debt
instruments may be designated at FVTPL on initial recognition if
doing so eliminates, or significantly reduces, an accounting
mismatch.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Financial instruments (Continued)
(i) Financial assets (Continued)
Equity instruments
On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held
for trading, the Group could irrevocably elect to present
subsequent changes in the investment's fair value in other
comprehensive income. This election is made on an
investment-by-investment basis. Equity investments at FVOCI are
measured at fair value. Dividend income are recognised in profit or
loss unless the dividend income clearly represents a recovery of
part of the cost of the investments. Other net gains and losses are
recognised in other comprehensive income and are not reclassified
to profit or loss. All other equity instruments are classified as
FVTPL, whereby changes in fair value, dividends and interest income
are recognised in profit or loss.
(ii) Impairment loss on financial assets
The Group recognises loss allowances for expected credit losses
("ECLs") on financial assets measured at amortised cost. The ECLs
are measured on either of the following bases: (1) 12-month ECLs:
these are the ECLs that result from possible default events within
the 12 months after the reporting date; and (2) lifetime ECLs:
these are ECLs that result from all possible default events over
the expected life of a financial instrument. The maximum period
considered when estimating ECLs is the maximum contractual period
over which the Group is exposed to credit risk.
ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses.
Credit losses are measured as the difference between all
contractual cash flows that are due to the Group in accordance with
the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to
receive. The shortfall is then discounted at an approximation to
the asset's original effective interest rate.
For debt financial assets, the ECLs are based on the 12-month
ECLs. However, when there has been a significant increase in credit
risk since origination, the allowance will be based on the lifetime
ECLs.
When determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset
has increased significantly since initial recognition and when
estimating ECLs, the Group considers reasonable and supportable
information that is relevant and available without undue cost or
effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information
analysis, based on the Group's historical experience and informed
credit assessment and including forward-looking information.
The Group assumes that the credit risk on a financial asset has
increased significantly if it is more than 30 days past due.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Financial instruments (Continued)
(ii) Impairment loss on financial assets (Continued)
Despite the foregoing, the Group assumes that the credit risk on
a debt instrument has not increased significantly since initial
recognition if the debt instrument is determined to have low credit
risk at the reporting date. A debt instrument is determined to have
low credit risk if (1) it has a low risk of default; (2) the
borrower has a strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow
obligations in the near term; and (3) adverse changes in economic
and business conditions in the longer term may, but will not
necessarily, reduce the ability of the borrower to fulfil its
contractual cash flow obligations.
The Group considers a financial asset to be in default when: (1)
the borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligations to the Group
in full, without recourse by the Group to actions such as realising
security (if any is held); or (2) the financial asset is more than
90 days past due.
A financial asset is credit-impaired when one or more events of
default that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash
flows of that financial asset have occurred. Evidence that a
financial asset is credit-impaired includes observable data about
the following events:
- significant financial difficulty of the issuer or the borrower;
- a breach of contract, such as a default or past due event;
- the lender(s) of the borrower, for economic or contractual
reasons relating to the borrower's financial difficulty, having
granted to the borrower a concession(s) that the lender(s) would
not otherwise consider;
- it is becoming probable that the borrower will enter
bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation; or
- the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset
because of financial difficulty of the issuer or the borrower.
Interest income on a credit-impaired financial asset is
calculated based on the amortised cost (i.e. the gross carrying
amount less loss allowance) of the financial asset. For non
credit-impaired financial assets interest income is calculated
based on the gross carrying amount.
The gross carrying amount of a financial asset is written off
(either partially or in full) to the extent that there is no
realistic prospect of recovery. This is generally the case when the
Group determines that the debtor does not have assets or sources of
income that could generate sufficient cash flows to repay the
amount subject to the write-off.
Subsequent recoveries of an asset that was previously written
off are recognised as a reversal of impairment in profit or loss in
the period in which the recovery occurs.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Financial instruments (Continued)
(iii) Financial liabilities
The Group classifies its financial liabilities, depending on the
purpose for which the liabilities were incurred. Financial
liabilities at FVTPL are initially measured at fair value and
financial liabilities at amortised cost are initially measured at
fair value, net of directly attributable costs incurred.
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Financial liabilities at amortised cost including other payables
and accruals and lease liabilities are subsequently measured at
amortised cost, using the effective interest method. The related
interest expenses are recognised in profit or loss.
Gains or losses are recognised in profit or loss when the
liabilities are derecognised as well as through the amortisation
process.
(iv) Effective interest method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the
amortised cost of a financial asset or financial liability and of
allocating interest income or interest expenses over the relevant
period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly
discounts estimated future cash receipts or payments through the
expected life of the financial asset or liability, or where
appropriate, a shorter period.
(v) Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the
proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.
(vi) Derecognition
The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual
rights to the future cash flows in relation to the financial asset
expire or when the financial asset has been transferred and the
transfer meets the criteria for derecognition in accordance with
IFRS 9.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligations
specified in the relevant contract are discharged, cancelled or
expire.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Impairment of other assets
At the end of each reporting period, the Group reviews the
carrying amounts of the following assets to determine whether there
is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment
loss or an impairment loss previously recognised no longer exists
or may have decreased:
-- property, plant and equipment; and
-- interest in a joint venture
If the recoverable amount (i.e. the greater of fair value less
costs to disposal and value in use) of an asset is estimated to be
less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is
reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised
as an expense immediately.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying
amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its
recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does
not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had
no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior
years.
A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss
immediately.
Value in use is based on the estimated future cash flows
expected to be derived from the asset or cash generating unit,
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money
and the risks specific to the asset or the cash generating
unit.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Related parties
(a) A person or a close member of that person's family is related to the Group if that person:
(i) has control or joint control over the Group;
(ii) has significant influence over the Group; or
(iii) is a member of key management personnel of the Group or the Company's parent.
(b) An entity is related to the Group if any of the following
conditions apply:
(i) The entity and the Group are members of the same group
(which means that each parent, subsidiary and fellow subsidiary is
related to the others);
(ii) One entity is an associate or joint venture of the other
entity (or an associate or joint venture of a member of a group of
which the other entity is a member);
(iii) Both entities are joint ventures of the same third party;
(iv) One entity is a joint venture of a third entity and the
other entity is an associate of the third entity;
(v) The entity is a post-employment benefit plan for the benefit
of the employees of the Group or an entity related to the
Group;
(vi) The entity is controlled or jointly controlled by a person identified in (a); or
(vii) A person identified in (a)(i) has significant influence
over the entity or is a member of key management personnel of the
entity (or of a parent of the entity).
(viii) The entity, or any member of a group of which it is a
part, provides key management personnel services to the Group or to
the Company's parent.
Close members of the family of a person are those family members
who may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that person
in his dealings with the entity and include:
(i) that person's children and spouse or domestic partner;
(ii) children of that person's spouse or domestic partner; and
(iii) dependents of that person or that person's spouse or domestic partner.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY
In the application of the Group's accounting policies, which are
described in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements,
management is required to make judgements, estimates and
assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and
underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other
factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may
differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an
ongoing basis. Revisions to an accounting estimate are recognised
in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision
affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and
future periods if the revision affects both current and future
periods.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a
significant risk of resulting in material adjustments to the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next
financial year are as follows:
(i) Impairment of financial assets (including amount due from a joint venture)
The loss allowances for financial assets are based on
assumptions about risk of default and expected loss rates. The
Group uses its judgement in making these assumptions and selecting
the inputs to the impairment calculation, based on the Group's past
history, existing market conditions as well as forward looking
estimates at the end of each reporting period.
(ii) Impairment of non-financial assets (including interest in a joint venture)
The Group assesses whether there are any indications of
impairment for all non-financial assets at each reporting date.
Non-financial assets are tested for impairment when there are
indications that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
(iii) Fair value measurement of equity investments classified as
FVTPL categorised within level 3 of the Fair Value Hierarchy (as
defined in note 5(c))
The fair value of equity investments that are not traded in an
active market is determined using valuation techniques. The Group
uses its judgement to select a variety of methods and make
assumptions that are mainly based on market conditions existing at
the end of each reporting period. D etails of the key assumptions
used and the impact of changes to these assumptions are disclosed
in note 5(c) to the consolidated financial statements .
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
5. FINANCIAL instruments
(a) Categories of financial instruments
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Financial assets
Financial assets at FVTPL 3,957 2,470
Financial assets at amortised cost 1,761 2,289
5,718 4,759
======= =======
Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities at amortised cost 327 205
======= =======
(b) Financial risk management objectives
Management monitors and manages the financial risks relating to
the operations of the Group through internal risk reports which
analy s e exposures by degree and magnitude of risks. These risks
include market risks (including foreign currency risk, interest
rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The
policies on how the Group mitigates these risks are set out below.
The Group does not enter into or trade derivative financial
instruments for speculative purposes.
Market risks
The Group's activities expose it primarily to the financial
risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates
and price risk.
There has been no change to the Group's exposure to market risks
or the manner in which these risks are managed and measured .
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
5. FINANCIAL instruments (CONTINUED)
(b) Financial risk management objectives (Continued)
Market risks (Continued)
(i) Foreign currency risk
Certain financial assets and financial liabilities of the Group
are denominated in foreign currencies other than the functional
currency of the relevant group entities, which exposes the Group to
foreign currency risk. The Group currently does not have a foreign
currency hedging policy. However, management monitors foreign
exchange exposure and will consider hedging significant foreign
currency exposure should the need arise. Under the Linked Exchange
Rate System in Hong Kong, HK$ is currently pegged to the USD within
a narrow range, the directors therefore consider that there is no
significant foreign exchange risk with respect to the USD.
The currency giving rise to this risk was primarily British
Pound Sterling ("GBP"). The carrying amounts of the Group's foreign
currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at
the end of reporting period were as follows:
Liabilities Assets
2020 2019 2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
GBP 91 82 1 1
======= ======= ======= =======
The following table details the Group's sensitivity to a 10%
(201 9 : 10%) increase and decrease in USD against the relevant
foreign currency. 10% is the sensitivity rate used when reporting
foreign currency risk internally to key management personnel and
represents management's assessment of the reasonably possible
change in the relevant foreign exchange rate. The sensitivity
analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated
monetary items and adjusts its translation as at year end for a 10%
(201 9 : 10%) change in the relevant foreign currency rate. A
positive number below indicates an increase in profit for the year
(2019: decrease in loss for the year) and a decrease in accumulated
losses where USD strengthens 10% (201 9 : 10%) against the relevant
foreign currency. For a 10% (201 9 : 10%) weakening of USD against
the relevant foreign currency there would have been an equal and
opposite impact on profit for the year (2019: loss for the year)
and on accumulated losses.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
5. FINANCIAL instruments (CONTINUED)
(b) Financial risk management objectives (Continued)
Market risks (Continued)
(i) Foreign currency risk (Continued)
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Change in post-tax profit or loss for
the year
GBP appreciate (9) (8)
GBP depreciate 9 8
======= =======
(ii) Interest rate risk
The Group's exposure to changes in interest rates is mainly
attributable to its bank deposits at variable interest rates. Bank
deposits at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest
rate risk.
The directors consider that the exposure to cash flow interest
rate risk was insignificant. Hence, no sensitivity analysis on the
exposure to the Group's cash flow interest rate risk is
presented.
(iii) Price risk
Price risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument
will fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices (other than
those arising from foreign currency risk), whether caused by
factors specific to an individual investment or its issuer, or
factors affecting all instruments.
All of the Group's unlisted investments are held for long term
strategic purposes. Their performance is assessed at least annually
against performance of any similar listed entities, based on the
limited information available to the Group, together with an
assessment of their relevance to the Group's long term strategic
plans.
Sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity analysis on price risk includes the Group's
financial instruments, the fair value or future cash flows of which
will fluctuate because of changes in their corresponding or
underlying asset's equity price. If the prices of the Group's
equity instruments had been 5% (201 9 : 5 %) higher/lower, profit
for the year (2019: loss for the year) would have
increased/decreased (2019: decreased/increased) by approximately
US$198,000 (2019: US$124,000).
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
5. FINANCIAL instruments (CONTINUED)
(b) Financial risk management objectives (Continued)
Credit risk
The Group's maximum exposure to credit risk which could cause a
financial loss to the Group due to failure to discharge an
obligation by the counterparties arises from the carrying amounts
of the respective recognised financial assets as stated in the
consolidated statement of financial position.
The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the major
counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by
international credit-rating agencies. As at 31 December 2020,
approximately 100% (201 9 : 99%) of the bank balances were
deposited with a bank with a high credit rating. Other than
concentration of credit risk on liquid funds deposited with that
bank, the Group did not have any other significant concentration of
credit risk.
For other receivables, deposits and amount due from a joint
venture, management makes periodic individual assessment on the
recoverability based on historical settlement records, past
experience and also available reasonable and supportive
forward-looking information. Management believes that there was no
material credit risk inherent in the Group's outstanding balances
of other receivables, deposits and amount due from a joint venture.
None of these receivables has been subject to a significant
increase in credit risk since initial recognition and the expected
credit loss was insignificant based on the risk of default of those
counterparties under 12-month ECLs approach as at 31 December 2020
and 31 December 2019. Thus, no loss allowance was recognised as at
31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019.
Liquidity risk
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with
the B oard of Directors, which has established an appropriate
liquidity risk management framework to meet the Group's short,
medium and long-term funding and liquidity management requirements.
The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves,
by regularly monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and by
matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities
.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
5. FINANCIAL instruments (CONTINUED)
(b) Financial risk management objectives (Continued)
Liquidity risk (Continued)
The following table details the Group's remaining contractual
maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities with agreed
repayment periods . The table has been drawn up based on the
undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the
earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay.
Total contractual
More than undiscounted
Within 1 1 year but cash flows Carrying
year or less than amount
on demand 5 years
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
As at 31 December
2020
Other payables and
accruals 147 - 147 147
Lease liabilities 69 125 194 180
----------- ------------ ----------------- ----------
216 125 341 327
=========== ============ ================= ==========
Total contractual
undiscounted
Within 1 cash flows Carrying
year or amount
on demand
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
As at 31 December 2019
Other payables and accruals 145 145 145
Lease liabilities 61 61 60
----------- ----------------- ----------
206 206 205
=========== ================= ==========
(c) Fair value of financial instruments
The fair value measurement of the Group's financial and
non-financial assets and liabilities utilises market observable
inputs and data as far as possible. Inputs used in determining fair
value measurements are categorised into different levels based on
how observable the inputs used in the valuation technique utilised
are (the "Fair Value Hierarchy"):
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1
that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and
Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on
observable market data (unobservable inputs).
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
5. FINANCIAL instruments (CONTINUED)
(c) Fair value of financial instruments (Continued)
(i) Financial instruments not measured at fair value
Financial instruments not measured at fair value include cash
and cash equivalents, other receivables, deposits, amount due from
a joint venture, other payables and accruals and lease
liabilities.
Due to their short term nature, the carrying value of cash and
cash equivalents, other receivables, deposits, amount due from a
joint venture, other payables and accruals and lease liabilities
approximates fair value.
(ii) Financial instruments measured at fair value
Financial assets at FVTPL included in the consolidated financial
statements require measurement at, and disclosure of, fair
value.
The fair value of financial instruments with standard terms and
conditions and traded on active liquid markets are determined with
reference to quoted market prices.
The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs
used in determining the fair value measurement of level 3 financial
instruments, as well as the relationship between key observable
inputs and fair value are set out in note (iii) below.
(iii) Information about level 3 fair value measurement
The fair value of the Group's level 3 equity investments in
Velocity (as defined in note 18) was estimated using market
approach with the significant inputs being the recent market
transaction price of the same instrument.
The fair value of the Group's level 3 equity investments in
Ayondo and Agrios (as defined in note 18) was estimated using
market approach with the significant inputs being the recent market
transaction price of similar instruments at a discount due to the
lack of marketability.
The fair value of the Group's unlisted equity investments in the
ICBC Shipping Fund and the Homaer Fund (as defined in note 18) was
estimated with reference to their net asset value, which was a
significant unobservable input.
There were no changes in these valuation techniques during the
year ended 31 December 2020, except in the case of the Group's
equity investment in Agrios which was previously measured at its
quoted market price as at 31 December 2019.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
5. FINANCIAL instruments (CONTINUED)
(c) Fair value of financial instruments (Continued)
The following table provides an analysis of the Group's
financial instruments carried at fair value by level of Fair Value
Hierarchy:
2020
----------------------------------
Level Level Level Total
1 2 3
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Listed equity investments 103 - - 103
Unlisted equity investments - - 3,854 3,854
------- ------- ------- -------
103 - 3,854 3,957
======= ======= ======= =======
Reconciliation for level 3 financial assets at FVTPL carried at
fair value based on significant unobservable inputs are as
follows:
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
At 1 January 2,388 1,342
Purchases - 1,000
Transfer to level 3 82 139
Fair value adjustment 1,384 (93)
------- -------
At 31 December 3,854 2,388
======= =======
The Group transferred its equity investment in Agrios of
approximately US$82,000 during the year 31 December 2020 from level
1 to level 3 as the quoted market prices of Agrios became
unavailable upon suspension of its share trading on the Canadian
Securities Exchange.
Fair value adjustment of financial assets at FVTPL was
recognised in the line item ' other income, gains and losses, net'
on the face of the consolidated statement of profit or loss and
other comprehensive income.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
6. CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Group's objective of managing capital is to safeguard the
Group's ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide
returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to
maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce cost of
capital.
In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group
may return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets
to reduce debts.
The capital structure of the Group consists only of equity
attributable to owners of the Company, comprising share capital and
reserves.
7. REVENUE
The Group had no revenue from contracts with customers as
defined under IFRS 15. An analysis of the Group's revenue from
other sources is as follows:
Year ended 31 December
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Dividend income from financial assets
at
FVTPL 96 96
Interest income from other financial
assets at
amortised cost - 44
------------ -----------
96 140
============ ===========
8. SEGMENT Information
An operating segment is a component of the Group that is engaged
in business activities from which the Group may earn revenue and
incur expenses, and is identified on the basis of the internal
management reporting information that is provided to and regularly
reviewed by the Group's chief operating decision makers in order to
allocate resources and assess performance of the segment. For the
years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019, the executive directors, who
were the chief operating decision makers for the purpose of
resource allocation and assessment of performance, have determined
that the Group had only one single business component / reportable
segment as the Group was only engaged in investment holding. The
executive directors allocated resources and assessed performance on
an aggregated basis. Accordingly, no operating segment is
presented.
The major operations and the revenue of the Group arise from
Hong Kong. The Board of Directors considers that most of the
non-current assets (other than the financial instruments) of the
Group are located in Hong Kong.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
9. OTHER INCOME, GAINS AND LOSSES, NET
Year ended 31 December
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Bank interest income 1 1
Gain on disposal of financial assets
at FVTPL 6 1
Change in fair value of financial
assets at FVTPL 1,371 (179)
Foreign exchange gain/(loss), net 2 (2)
Others 20 -
------------ -----------
1,400 (179)
============ ===========
10. STAFF COSTS
The aggregate staff costs (including directors' remuneration) of
the Group were as follows:
Year ended 31 December
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Wages and salaries 279 270
Contributions to pension and provident
fund 7 7
Share-based payment expenses (note
25) - 43
286 320
=========== ===========
Compensation of key management personnel was as follows:
Year ended 31 December
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Directors' fees 81 73
Other remuneration including
contributions to pension and provident - -
fund
Share-based payment expenses (note
25) - 36
-----------
81 109
=========== ===========
11. FINANCE COSTS
Year ended 31 December
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Interest on lease liabilities 4 5
=========== ===========
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
12. PROFIT/(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Profit/(loss) before income tax expense has been arrived at
after charging:
Year ended 31 December
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Auditor's remuneration 40 46
Depreciation of right-of-use asset 74 78
=========== ===========
13. INCOME TAX EXPENSE
No provision for taxation has been made as the Group did not
generate any assessable profits that were subject to United Kingdom
Corporation Tax, Hong Kong Profits Tax or tax in other
jurisdictions.
The tax charge for 2020 and 201 9 can be reconciled to the
profit/(loss) before income tax expense per the consolidated
statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as
follows:
Year ended 31 December
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Profit/(loss) before income tax
expense 944 (704)
=========== ===========
Profit/(loss) before tax calculated
at Hong Kong Profits Tax rate of
16.5% (2019: 16.5%) 156 (116)
Tax effect of non-deductible expenses 39 80
Tax effect of non-taxable income (247) ( 16 )
Tax effect of share of losses of
a joint venture 2 2
Tax effect of estimated tax losses
not recognised 50 50
Tax charge for the year - -
=========== ===========
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
13. INCOME TAX EXPENSE (CONTINUED)
As at 31 December 2020, the Group had estimated tax losses
arising in Hong Kong of approximately US$ 882 ,000 (2019:
US$574,000) that can be carried forward indefinitely. No deferred
tax asset has been recognised in respect of the unused tax losses
due to the unpredictability of future profit streams. No deferred
tax asset has been recognised in relation to the deductible
temporary differences of approximately US$62,000 (201 9 : US$ 52
,000) as it is not probable that taxable profits will be available
against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilised.
The deductible temporary differences can be carried forward
indefinitely.
14. EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE
The earnings/(loss) and weighted average number of ordinary
shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings/(loss)
per share were as follows.
Year ended 31 December
2020 201 9
Earnings/(loss) for the year attributable
to owners of
the Company (US$'000) 944 (704)
============ ==========
Number of shares
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares for the purposes of basic
and diluted earnings/(loss) per 85 , 101 ,
share 85,101,870 87 0
Earnings/(loss) per share - basic US1.10 cents US(0 . 83)
and diluted cent
============ ==========
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share was the same as basic
earnings/(loss) per share for the years ended 31 December 2020 and
2019 as the impact of the potential dilutive ordinary shares
outstanding had an anti-dilutive effect on the basic
earnings/(loss) per share presented for the years ended 31 December
2020 and 2019.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
15. DIVIDS
No dividend was paid or proposed during the year ended 31
December 2020, nor has any dividend been proposed since the end of
the reporting period (201 9 : nil).
16. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Leasehold
improvements
US$'000
Cost
At 1 January 201 9, 1 January 2020 and 31 December
2020 69
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2019, 1 January 2020 and 31 December
2020 69
=============
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2019 -
=============
At 31 December 2020 -
=============
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
17. INTEREST IN A JOINT VENTURE
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Unlisted investment, at cost 257 257
Accumulated share of post-acquisition
losses of the joint venture (143) (133)
Accumulated share of post-acquisition
other comprehensive income of the joint
venture (17) (37)
------- -------
Share of net assets of the joint venture 97 87
======= =======
Amount due from the joint venture 257 257
=== ===
The amount due from the joint venture was unsecured,
interest-free and repayable on demand.
Details of the joint venture at 31 December 2020 were as
follows:
Country Proportion Paid-up
of incorporation of ownership registered Principal
Name and operation interest capital activities
------------------------- ------------------ ------------ -----------------
Direct Indirect
Oasis Education Group
Limited
Investment
("Oasis Education") Hong Kong 50% - HK$4,000,000 holding
( ) The People's - 50% HK$5,000,000 Provision
Republic of education
of China consulting
(the "PRC") and support
services
to kindergartens
in the PRC
The contractual arrangement provides the Group with only the
rights to the net assets of the joint arrangement, with the rights
to the assets and obligations for the liabilities of the joint
arrangement resting primarily with Oasis Education. Under IFRS 11,
this joint arrangement was classified as a joint venture and has
been included in the consolidated financial statements using the
equity method.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
17. INTEREST IN A JOINT VENTURE (CONTINUED)
The aggregate amounts relating to the joint venture that have
been included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group
as extracted from relating financial statements of the joint
venture, adjusted to reflect adjustments made by the Group when
applying the equity method of accounting, are set out below:
2020 2019
Results of the joint venture for the US$'000 US$'000
year
Revenue - -
Other income - -
Expenses (21) (24)
-------- --------
L oss for the year (21) (24)
Other comprehensive income for the year 42 (14)
-------- --------
Total comprehensive income for the year 21 (38)
======== ========
Share of losses of the joint venture
for the year (10) (12)
====== ======
Share of other comprehensive income of
the
joint venture for the year 20 (7)
======
Accumulated share of results of the joint
venture (143) (133)
====== ======
Assets and liabilities of the joint venture at
31 December
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Non-current assets - -
Current assets 797 768
Non-current liabilities - -
Current liabilities (603) (595)
-------- --------
Net assets 194 173
======== ========
Included in the above amounts were:
Cash and cash equivalents 41 42
Depreciation and amortisation - -
Interest income - -
Interest expenses - -
Current financial liabilities (excluding
trade and other payables) 603 595
======== ========
Percentage of equity interest attributable
to the Group 50% 50%
Share of net assets of the joint venture 97 87
==== ============
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
18. FINANCIAL ASSET S AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Financial assets at FVTPL
Listed equity investments, at fair
value 103 95
Unlisted equity investments, at fair
value 3,854 2,375
------- -------
3,957 2,470
======= =======
Less: Current portion (103) -
------- -------
Non-current portion (Note) 3,854 2,470
======= =======
Note:
During the year ended 31 December 2015, the Group acquired its
equity interest in Ayondo Holding AG ("Ayondo AG") for a total cash
consideration of CHF320,000 (equivalent to approximately
US$325,000). During the year ended 31 December 2016, the Group
acquired additional equity interest in Ayondo AG for a total cash
consideration of CHF160,050 (equivalent to approximately
US$163,000). In connection with the listing in March 2018 of ayondo
Ltd. ("Ayondo"), the holding company of Ayondo AG, on Catalist, the
sponsor-supervised listing platform of the Singapore Exchange, the
Group exchanged its equity interest in Ayondo AG into the equity
interest in Ayondo under a pre-listing restructuring. Ayondo is a
company incorporated in Singapore and through its subsidiaries was
, prior to the financial difficulty it encountered in 2019,
involved in self-directed trading and social trading services for
contract-for-differences and spread betting .
During the year ended 31 December 2016, the Group acquired
equity interest in Velocity Mobile Limited ("Velocity") for a total
cash consideration of GBP337,120 (equivalent to approximately
US$496,000). Velocity is a company incorporated in England and
Wales and through its subsidiaries operates a lifestyle mobile
e-commerce platform targeting premium consumers with services that
focus on the sectors of travel, experiences and luxury goods .
During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group acquired
equity interest in Agrios Global Holdings Ltd. ("Agrios") for a
total cash consideration of CAD333,000 ( equivalent to
approximately US$ 249 ,000). Agrios is the holding company of a
data analytics driven agriculture technology and service group that
owns, leases and manages properties and equipment for
eco-sustainable agronomy and provides advisory services for
aeroponic cultivation to the cannabis industry. Agrios was listed
in November 2018 on the Canadian Securities Exchange but was
delisted in February 2021.
As at 31 December 2020 and 201 9 , the Group also owned certain
equity interest in the ICBC Specialised Ship Leasing Investment
Fund ("ICBC Shipping Fund") in an amount of US$800,000.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
During the year ended 31 December 2019, the Group invested
US$1,000,000 in the Unicorn Equity Investment Portfolio Class D
Shares (the "Homaer Class D Shares) of the Homaer Asset Management
Master Fund SPC (the "Homaer Fund") , the sole investment of which
is an equity investment in ByteDance Ltd.
The directors had no intention to dispose of the financial
assets at FVTPL classified as non-current assets at the end of the
reporting period. But because of the exceptionally hefty gain since
investing less than two years ago and for the purpose of raising
funds for general working capital and/or to finance acquisitions of
future investments, as mentioned in note 29 to the consolidated
financial statements, subsequent to the year end, the Group
redeemed 15% of its holdings in the Homaer Class D Shares for net
cash proceeds of US$400,000.
19. RIGHT-OF-USE ASSET AND LEASE LIABILITIES
The Group leased an office premise with a lease term of 3 years
at a fixed rate. The weighted average lessee's incremental
borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities recognised in the
consolidated statement of financial position was 5%. The carrying
amounts of the Group's right-of-use asset and lease liabilities
were as follows:
Office premises
Right-of-use Lease liabilities
asset
US$'000 US$'000
As at 1 January 2019 137 137
Lease payments - (82)
Depreciation charge (78) -
Interest expenses - 5
------------ -----------------
As at 31 December 2019 59 60
Addition 190 190
Lease payments - (74)
Depreciation charge (74) ) -
Interest expenses - 4
As at 31 December 2020 175 180
============ =================
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Future lease payments are due as follows:
Minimum lease Present
As at 31 December 2020 payments Interest value
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Not later than one year 69 (8) 61
Later than one year and
not later than five years 125 (6) 119
------------- ---------- -------
194 (14) 180
============= ========== =======
Minimum lease Present
As at 31 December 2019 payments Interest value
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Not later than one year 61 (1) 60
============= ========== =======
20. SUBSIDIARIES
Details of the subsidiaries of the Company as at 31 December
2020 were as follows:
Country Proportion Proportion
of incorporation of ownership of voting Principal
Name and operation interest power held activities
----------------------- ------------------ -------------- -----------
2020 2019 2020 2019
The British
Worldsec Financial Virgin Investment
Services Limited Islands 100% 100% 100% 100% holding
Worldsec Corporate The British 100%* 100%* 100%* 100%* Inactive
Finance Limited Virgin
Islands
Worldsec International Netherlands -** 100%* -** 100%* Inactive
NV Antilles
Worldsec Investment Hong Kong 100%* 100%* 100%* 100%* Investment
(Hong Kong) Limited holding
Worldsec Investment The British 100%* 100%* 100%* 100%* Investment
(China) Limited Virgin holding
Islands
* Indirectly held subsidiaries
** Voluntary liquidated during the year ended 31 December
2020
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
21. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Bank balances 1,193 1,611
Cash balances 1 1
1,194 1,612
======= =======
B ank balances bore interest at the then prevailing market rates
ranging from 0.001% to 0.01% (201 9 : 0.001% to 0.01%) per annum
and had original maturities of three months or less.
22. OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUALS
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Other payables and accruals 147 145
======= =======
23. SHARE CAPITAL
Number of Total
shares US$'000
Authorised:
Ordinary shares of US$0.001 each
At 1 January 2019, 1 January
2020 and 31 December 2020 60,000,000,000 60,000
================= =========
Called up, issued and fully paid:
Ordinary shares of US$0.001 each
At 1 January 2019, 1 January
2020 and 31 December 2020 85,101,870 85
================= =========
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
24. RESERVES
(a) The share premium account represents the premium arising
from the issue of shares of the Company at a premium.
(b) The contributed surplus represents the amount arising from
the reduction in the nominal value of the authorised and issued
shares of the Company and the reduction in the share premium
account pursuant to an ordinary resolution passed on 23 July
2003.
(c) Share option reserve comprises the fair value of the
Company's share options which have been granted but which have yet
to be exercised, as further explained in the accounting policy for
share-based payment transactions in note 3 to the consolidated
financial statements. The amount will either be transferred to the
issued capital account and the share premium account when the
related options are exercised, or be transferred to accumulated
losses should the related options expire or be forfeited.
(d) Exchange differences relating to the translation of the net
assets of the Group's foreign operations (including a joint
venture) from their functional currencies to the Group's
presentation currency were recognised directly in other
comprehensive income and accumulated in the foreign currency
translation reserve. Such exchange differences accumulated in the
foreign currency translation reserve will be reclassified to profit
or loss on the disposal of the foreign operations.
(e) The special reserve represents the amount arising from the
difference between the nominal value of the issued share capital of
each subsidiary and the nominal value of the issued share capital
of the Company along with the surplus arising in a subsidiary on
group reorganisation completed on 26 February 2007.
(f) Accumulated losses represent accumulated net gains and
losses recognised in the profit or loss of the Group.
25. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The Company operates an equity-settled share-based remuneration
scheme for the employees and directors.
On 1 December 2015, the Company granted to certain eligible
persons a total of 2,950,000 share options to subscribe for new
ordinary shares of US$0.001 each in the share capital of the
Company under the Worldsec Employee Share Option Scheme 1997 (the
"Scheme") which was revised on 24 September 2014. The options
vested six months from the date of grant and were then exercisable
within a period of 9.5 years.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
25. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (CONTINUED)
On 29 May 2019, the Company granted to certain eligible persons
a total of 2,050,000 share options to subscribe for new ordinary
shares of US$0.001 each in the share capital of the Company under
the Scheme. The options vested six months from the date of grant
and were then exercisable within a period of 9.5 years.
The following table discloses the movements of the outstanding
share options under the Scheme during the years ended 31 December
2020 and 2019 .
Number of options
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance Exercised Forfeited Lapsed Balance Exercise
at 1 Granted during during during at 31 price
Exercisable January during the the the December per share
Grantee period 2020 the year year year year 2020 (US$)
----------- -------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- -----------
29 November
2019 to
28 May
2029 1,750,000 - - - - 1,750,000 0.034
1 June
2016 to
30 November
Directors 2025 2,500,000 - - - - 2,500,000 0.122
29 November
2019 to
28
May 2029 300,000 - - - - 300,000 0.034
1 June
2016 to
30 November
Employees 2025 450,000 - - - - 450,000 0.122
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
5,000,000 - - - - 5,000,000
=========== ========== ========== ========== ======== ===========
Number of options
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance Exercised Forfeited Lapsed Balance Exercise
at 1 Granted during during during at 31 price
Exercisable January during the the the December per share
Grantee period 2019 the year year year year 2019 (US$)
----------- -------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- -----------
29 November
2019 to
28 May
2029 - 1,750,000 - - - 1,750,000 0.034
1 June
2016 to
30 November
Directors 2025 2,500,000 - - - - 2,500,000 0.122
29 November
2019 to
28
May 2029 - 300,000 - - - 300,000 0.034
1 June
2016 to
30 November
Employees 2025 450,000 - - - - 450,000 0.122
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
2,950,000 2,050,000 - - - 5,000,000
=========== ========== ========== ========== ======== ===========
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
25. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (CONTINUED)
Of the total number of share options outstanding at the end of
the year, all (201 9 : all) had vested and were exercisable at the
end of the year.
No share option was exercised during the years ended 31 December
2020 and 2019 .
The weighted average remaining contractual life for the share
options outstanding at the end of the reporting period was 6.4
years (2019: 7.4 years)
26. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Other than the compensation of key management personnel as
disclosed below, the Group did not have any related party
transactions during the years ended 31 December 2020 and 201 9
.
Compensation of key management personnel
Key management personnel are the directors only. The
remuneration of directors is set out in note 10 to the consolidated
financial statements .
2 7 . CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Group had no material contingent liabilities at 31 December
2020 (201 9 : nil).
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020
28. NOTES SUPPORTING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(a) Cash and cash equivalents comprise:
2020 2019
US$'000 US$'000
Cash available on demand 1,194 1,612
======== ========
(b) Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities:
Lease liabilities
(note 19)
US$'000
At 1 January 2019 137
Changes from cash flows:
Repayment of principal portion of
lease liabilities (77)
Repayment of interest portion of lease
liabilities (5)
------------------
Total changes from financing cash flows (82)
Other changes:
Interest on lease liabilities 5
------------------
At 1 January 2020 60
Changes from cash flows:
Repayment of principal portion of
lease liabilities (70)
Repayment of interest portion of lease
liabilities (4)
------------------
Total changes from financing cash flows (74)
Other changes:
Interest on lease liabilities 4
Addition on lease liabilities 190
------------------
194
At 31 December 2020 180
==================
2 9 . EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
Subsequent to the year end, the Group (i) redeemed 15% of its
holdings in the Homaer Class D Shares for net cash proceeds of
US$400,000; and (ii) invested US$200,000 in the Class B Ordinary
Shares of the Cambium Grove Growth Opps IV Limited , the sole
underlying investment asset of which is an equity interest in
Dingdong (Cayman) Limited .
INVESTMENT POLICY
The Company will invest in small to medium sized trading
companies, being companies, both start-up/early stage growth and
established, with a turnover typically up to US$20 million, based
mainly in the Greater China and South East Asian region, and
thereby create a portfolio of minority investments in such
companies.
The Company's investment objective is to achieve attractive
investment returns through capital appreciation on a medium to long
term horizon. The Directors consider between 2 to 4 years to be
medium term and long term to be over 4 years. The Directors intend
to build an investment portfolio of small to medium sized companies
based mainly in the Greater China and South East Asian regions. The
Company may also take advantage of opportunities to invest in
companies in other jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, which
have close trading links with Greater China and South East Asia.
Investments will normally be in equity or preferred equity but if
appropriate convertible loans or preference shares may be
utilised.
The Company has no intention to employ gearing, but reserves the
right to gear the Company to a maximum level of 25 per cent. of the
last published net asset value of the Group should circumstances
arise where, in the opinion of the Directors, the use of debt would
be to the advantage of the Company and the Shareholders as a
whole.
The investment portfolio will consist primarily of unlisted
companies but the Directors will also consider investing in
undervalued listed companies, if and when such an opportunity
arises. Where suitable opportunities are identified, investment in
companies considering a stock market listing at the pre-initial
public offering stage will be considered.
No more than 20 per cent. of the gross assets of the Group will
be invested in any single investment. The Directors consider that
opportunities will arise to invest in investee companies by the
issue of new ordinary shares of the Company at a discount of no
more than 10 per cent. of the mid market price at the time of
agreement of their issue in exchange for new equity, preferred
equity or convertible instrument in the investee company. Target
sectors are financial services, consumer retail distribution,
natural resources and infrastructure but the Company will seek to
take advantage of opportunities in other sectors if these
arise.
The Company's portfolio in due course will comprise at least
five different investee companies, thereby reducing the potential
impact of poor performance by any individual investment.
The Company does not intend to take majority interests in any
investee company, save in circumstances where the Company exercises
any rights granted under legal agreements governing its investment.
Each investment by the Company will be made on terms individually
negotiated with each investee company, and the Company will seek to
be able to exercise control over the affairs of any investee
company in the event of a default by the investee company or its
management of their respective obligations under the legal
agreements governing each investment. Where appropriate, the
Company will seek representation on the board of companies in which
it invests. Where board representation is secured in an investee
company, remuneration for such appointment will be paid to the
benefit of the Company thereby enhancing returns on the investment.
There will be no intention to be involved in the day to day
management of the investee company but the skills and connections
of the board representative will be applied in assisting the
development of the investee company, with the intention of
enhancing shareholder value. The Company will arrange no cross
funding between investee companies and neither will any common
treasury function operate for any investee company; each investee
company will operate independently of each other investee
company.
Where the Company has cash awaiting investment, it will seek to
maximise the return on such sums through investment in floating
rate notes or similar instruments with banks or other financial
institutions with an investment grade rating or investment in
equity securities issued by companies which have paid dividends for
each of the previous three years.
Any material change to the Investment Policy may only be made
with the prior approval of the Shareholders.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF THE DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for the
Group's affairs.
Brief biographical notes of the directors are set out below:
Alastair Gunn-Forbes - Non-Executive Chairman - aged 76
Mr Gunn-Forbes has been associated with Asian regional stock
markets since 1973 when he was a fund manager at Brown Shipley Ltd.
Subsequently, he was a director of W I Carr, Sons & Co.
(Overseas) Ltd until 1985, since when he held directorships with
other Asian securities firms in the United Kingdom prior to joining
the Group in 1993. Mr Gunn-Forbes is the Chairman of Opera Holdings
Limited, a recruitment company.
Henry Ying Chew Cheong - Executive Director and Deputy Chairman
- aged 73
Mr Cheong holds a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) degree from
Chelsea College , University of London and a Master of Science
(Operational Research and Management) degree from Imperial College,
University of London.
Mr Cheong has over 40 years of experience in the securities
industry. Mr Cheong and The Mitsubishi Bank in Japan (now known as
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd) founded the Worldsec Group in
1991. In late 2002, Worldsec Group sold certain securities
businesses to UOB Kay Hian Holdings Limited and following that Mr
Cheong became the Chief Executive Officer of UOB Asia (Hong Kong)
Ltd until early 2005. Prior to the formation of the Worldsec Group,
Mr Cheong was a director of James Capel (Far East) Ltd for five
years with overall responsibility for Far East Sales. His earlier
professional experience includes 11 years with Vickers da Costa
Limited in Hong Kong, latterly as Managing Director.
Mr Cheong was a member of the Securities and Futures Appeals
Tribunal and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Securities
and Futures Commission in Hong Kong ("SFC")(from 2009-2015). Mr
Cheong was previously a member of Disciplinary Panel A of Hong Kong
Institute of Certified Public Accountants (from 2005-2011). He was
a member of the Corporate Advisory Council of the Hong Kong
Securities Institute (from 2002-2009), a member of the Advisory
Committee to the SFC (from 1993-1999), a member of the board of
directors of the Hong Kong Future Exchange Limited (from
1994-2000), a member of GEM Listing Committee and Main Board
Listing Committee of Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited
("HKEX") (from May 2002-May 2006), a member of Derivatives Market
Consultative Panel of HKEX (from April 2000-May 2006), a member of
the Process Review Panel for the SFC (from November 2000-October
2006) and a member of the Committee on Real Estate Investment Trust
of the SFC (from September 2003-August 2006).
Mr Cheong is an Independent Non-Executive Director of CK Asset
Holdings Limited, CK Infrastructure Holdings Limited, New World
Department Store China Limited, and Skyworth Digital Holdings
Limited , all being listed companies in Hong Kong. Mr Cheong is
also an Independent Director of BTS Group Holdings Public Co mpany
Limited, being listed in Thailand. He was previously an Independent
Non-Executive Director of CNNC International Limited, Greenland
Hong Kong Holdings Limited , Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong
Holdings Limited and TOM Group Limited, all being listed companies
in Hong Kong.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF THE DIRECTORS (CONTINUED)
Ernest Chiu Shun She - Executive Director - aged 60
Mr She is an investment banker with extensive experience in the
field of corporate finance. In his executive management roles at
various investment banks and financial institutions, including
notably Worldsec Corporate Finance Limited where he had a long and
committed stint, Mr She has covered a broad and diverse range of
financial advisory and fund raising activities in the Asian
regional equity markets.
Since rejoining the Group to assist in the reactivation of its
business operations in 2013, Mr She has been an Executive Director
of the Company working on private equity investments.
Mr She has a deep-rooted and long-standing connection with the
Worldsec group of companies being one of the co-founding team
members at the time when the entities were established in the early
1990s. For more than a decade that followed and until the disposal
by the Group of certain securities businesses to UOB Kay Hian
Holdings Limited in 2002, Mr She held senior management positions
at Worldsec Corporate Finance Limited and Worldsec International
Limited with the main responsibility of developing and overseeing
the Group's corporate finance activities.
Prior to his tenure at the Worldsec group of companies, Mr She
was an I nvestment A nalyst and an A ssociate D irector at James
Capel (Far East) Limited where he was primarily responsible for
equity research in the real estate sector.
Mr She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor
of Applied Science degree in Industrial Engineering and obtained
from the Imperial College of Science and Technology a Master of
Science degree in Management Science specialising in Operational
Research. Mr She is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
From 2004 to 2010, Mr She served as an Independent Non-Executive
Director and the Chairman of the Audit Committee of New Island
Printing Holdings Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
Mark Chung Fong - Non-Executive Director - aged 69
Mr Fong was a n Executive Director for China development of
Grant Tho r nton International Ltd , a corporation incorporated in
England and had retired from Grant Thornton effective from 1
January 2014 . He has more than 4 0 years' experience in the
accounting profession. Mr Fong obtained a bachelor's degree in
science from the University College, London in August 1972 and a
Master 's degree in s cience from the University of Surrey in
December 1973 . He has been a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and Wales since January 1983 and a Fellow of
the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("HKICPA")
since March 1986. He was the President of the HKICPA in 2007. He
has been appointed as the Chairman of the Audit Committee of HKICPA
from 2016 to January 2019 and has also served on the Council of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales from 2016
to 2018.
Martyn Stuart Wells - Non-Executive Director - aged 76
Mr Wells was formerly an Executive Director of Citicorp
International Limited and has over 30 years ' experience in the
securities industry. In 1969 he joined Vickers da Costa,
international stockbrokers. He was involved in the fund management
industry for 20 years and participated in the launch of several
country funds investing in the Asian region, serving as a director
or as a member of the investment advisory councils of several of
those funds. He lived in Hong Kong for almost 28 years and since
2000 has resided in England.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF THE DIRECTORS (CONTINUED)
Stephen Lister d'Anyers Willis - Non-Executive Director - aged
66
Mr Willis is a financial services professional specialising in
Asia and global investing. He has been involved with Asia for over
35 years firstly with Standard Chartered Bank and subsequently with
the Asian specialist stockbroker, Vickers da Costa and a number of
other investment banking firms. In 2011, Mr Willis founded
Stelisdan Research Services to provide equity research to high net
worth investors whose assets are managed by Private Wealth
Managers. This covers all aspects of investment strategy, economics
and individual company research.
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END
FR LBLFXFZLXBBE
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 30, 2021 08:39 ET (12:39 GMT)
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