SMC Presents Secondary Battery Solutions at NAATBatt in Carlsbad, CA, Feb. 19-22

Mar 31, 2024 | Business

 In line with this focus, SMC presented on a variety of solutions for applications in the industry. SMC’s standard pneumatic and electric products play a crucial role in the advanced battery industry as they are well suited for automating cell assembly. SMC products are utilized across various advanced battery applications, including raw material mining, battery cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly, EV manufacturing, EV component recycling, and related EV services. As lasers have become more common in the cell assembly industry, SMC’s chillers have offered temperature control solutions for these applications, too.

Furthermore, SMC contributes significantly to the advanced battery industry through products specifically tailored for secondary battery environments. SMC’s 25A Series product line is designed using material compatible with secondary battery applications and is engineered for use in low dewpoint environments. These specialized products eliminate copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) material where possible. The 25A Series products are used in battery manufacturing applications including the following:

· Electro production: mixing and kneading machine; coating and rolling; slitting
· Cell assembly: winding; attaching tabs; welding cell lid and pouring electrolytic solution; pre-charging and welding infusion plug; punching electrodes; stacking; tab welding and lamination; sealing
· Inspection and packaging: charging/discharging and aging; packaging

In addition to presenting at the conference, SMC leaders had the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the current landscape of the industry. Mike Shillito, the National Sales Manager in New Energy Systems at SMC Corporation of America, reflected on his experience, stating, “One big takeaway for me is that the battery industry has vast potential for growth. There is a wide array of chemistries such as Li-cobalt, Li-Phosphate (LFP), NMC, NCM, and cutting-edge technologies like solid state, semi-solid, and electrolyte to explore.” Shillito further elaborated on market dynamics, noting the absence of a clear favorite among these technologies. He emphasized, “Preferences will be driven by considerations such as charge efficiency, safety, scalability, and recycling. Recycling is very important in this circular industry, and the effective, safe, and profitable recycling of these materials will be crucial for long-term success.”

Building upon these insights, Gary Heinonen, Global Automotive Industry Manager at SMC, shared how SMC is actively preparing to meet the demands of this expanding market, both in North America and globally. Heinonen stated, “There continue to be huge investments from government entities, such as the Department of Energy, into the industry. Even with the ‘softening’ of EV car sales, the battery infrastructure is moving full speed ahead. I believe this will trigger more US machine builders (OEMs) to pivot toward producing battery equipment as more US content is being required. SMC definitely has a focused approach to the growing secondary battery market: while Asia and Europe are well ahead of the US market, we are aligning our strategies globally to ensure we are prepared to meet the challenges in the US market.”

In preparation for this expanding market, SMC released 16 new products for the secondary battery industry in 2023, had 7 new products in production, and 11 new products in design.

About SMC Corporation of America
SMC Corporation of America, a subsidiary of SMC Corporation in Japan headquartered in Noblesville, IN, is a comprehensive manufacturer of components for the Automation, Controls, and Process industries. With technical centers in Japan, the US, Europe, and China, our vision to be the global standard for sustainable automation is realized through partnering with our customers to discover opportunities for energy and resource savings by reducing overall compressed air and electrical consumption.

About NAATBatt
NAATBatt International, the trade association for advanced battery technology in North America, promotes the development and commercialization of electrochemical energy storage technology and the revitalization of advanced battery manufacturing in North America.

SMC Corporation of America
Amanda Wease
800-762-7621

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Hong Kong – LCQ6: White Form Secondary Market Scheme

Jun 8, 2022 | International

LCQ6: White Form Secondary Market Scheme

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     Following is a question by the Hon Leung Man-kwong and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, in the Legislative Council today (June 8):



Question:



     Currently, under the White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) implemented by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), persons eligible for White Form status and allocated with quotas may buy flats with premium unpaid in the secondary market of subsidised sale housing flats (collectively referred to as “Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats”). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:



(1) given that the maximum mortgage guarantee period (guarantee period) for HOS flats currently provided by the HA is 30 years counting from the date of the first assignment, of a breakdown of the current number of HOS flats in the territory by the remaining guarantee period;



(2) as it is learnt that the remaining guarantee period of an HOS flat will affect the mortgage loan tenor to be granted to a home buyer under the WSM and the affordability of the flat to the buyer, and that currently quite a number of HOS flats are ageing with their remaining guarantee periods becoming shorter, whether the HA will consider extending the guarantee periods for HOS flats; if not, of the reasons for that; and



(3) given that only 10 per cent out of a quota of 4 500 was allocated to single persons under the new round of WSM launched in February this year, whether the HA will consider adjusting upward the quota for single persons, so as to increase the chance of single-person applicants in buying HOS flats; if not, of the reasons for that?



Reply:



President,



     In response to the aspirations of low-and middle-income families to buy their own homes, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) launched an Interim Scheme to extend the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Secondary Market to White Form buyers since 2013 so as to enrich the housing ladder. After a review and taking into account the sustained demand for Subsidised Sale Flats Scheme (SSFS) flats from White Form buyers, the HA endorsed the regularisation of the Interim Scheme as the White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) from 2018.



     To encourage banks and authorised financial institutions to provide better mortgage terms for purchasers of SSFS flats, the HA provides a mortgage default guarantee to the participating financial institutions. In accordance with the Deed of Guarantee (DoG) entered between the HA and the participating financial institutions, the HA undertakes to meet the shortfall in repayment in the event of default by the mortgagors of SSFS flats, under specified circumstances during the mortgage default guarantee period as set out in the applicable DoG. The mortgage default guarantee applies to SSFS flats in the primary market and under the Secondary Market Scheme.



     As provided in the prevailing DoG, the maximum mortgage default guarantee period for flats under the HOS and Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) is 30 years counting from the date of the first assignment of the flats.

 

     My consolidated reply to the Hon Leung Man-kwong’s question is as follows:



(1) and (2) According to the information, the total number of HOS/GSH flats with premium unpaid is 271 000 as at the end of March 2022. As some of the HOS flats were put up for sale in the early years and the HA does not have the information on the date of first assignments of these flats, we cannot work out the residual mortgage default guarantee period of all HOS flats. If it is assumed that the completion date of the HOS/GSH developments concerned is the same as the date of first assignment of all the flats in the same development, we could roughly estimate the residual mortgage default guarantee period of these flats. There are about 24 000 flats with a residual period of more than 20 years to 30 years, about 5 000 flats of more than 10 years to 20 years and about 76 000 flats of 10 years and below. 



     Considering the financial risk borne by the HA should be controlled at a suitable level, the HA currently provides a maximum mortgage default guarantee period of 30 years to participating financial institutions. The HA’s mortgage default guarantee period is only one of the factors for reference by banks and financial institutions in granting mortgage loans. Banks and financial institutions may provide different mortgage terms according to the actual circumstances of individual mortgage applications, such as the repayment ability and financial position of applicants as well as other relevant factors. As regards the mortgage repayment period, while the HA has required banks and financial institutions to grant mortgage loans not exceeding 25 years, it does not stipulate that the mortgage repayment period has to expire with the mortgage default guarantee period. In practice, banks or financial institutions will provide mortgages based on their commercial considerations and individual circumstances of mortgage applicants. Therefore, the HA has no plan to extend the mortgage default guarantee period. Nevertheless, the HA will keep in view the need for extending the mortgage default guarantee period from purchasers of SSFS flats and participating financial institutions providing mortgages as well as the financial risk to be borne by the HA; and will examine the subject at appropriate time.



(3) When the HA endorsed the extension of the HOS Secondary Market to White Form buyers under the Interim Scheme in September 2012, it had taken into account the needs of family applicants and one-person applicants for SSFS flats. At that time, considering that family applicants had more pressing need to purchase a flat as compared to one-person applicants, the HA set the allocation ratio for family and one-person applicants at 9:1. This was in line with the arrangements for other subsidised housing policy where higher priority is allocated to family applicants. The same allocation ratio was also adopted when regularising the WSM in 2018.



     Before the launch of each WSM exercise, the HA will discuss and endorse the implementation details of the exercise including the allocation ratio for family and one-person applicants. Taking into account the fact that demand from White Form applicants remains strong and that there has been no significant change in the proportion of family and one-person applicants in the past WSM exercises, the HA therefore endorsed in January 2022 to maintain the allocation ratio for family and one-person applicants at 9:1 when WSM 2022 was launched, apart from keeping the annual quota at 4 500. The HA will suitably take into account the prevailing situation (such as the utilisation of annual quota in the previous WSM exercise, the number of family and one-person applicants and other relevant factors) and the views of stakeholders when considering the allocation ratio in future exercises, and adjust such ratio as and when necessary.



     Thank you, President.

Weibo Secondary Listing in Hong Kong, Investors Optimistic about Its Investment Value

Dec 9, 2021 | Business

On December 8, 2021, Weibo officially launched its secondary listing on the Main Board of the HKEx, becoming a star stock in China’s social media platform sector. The public offering price of the stock (stock code 9898.HK) was HK$272.80.

It is learned that Weibo is a leading social media platform in China that has become one of the most influential online media platforms over a dozen years’ development, since its establishment in 2009.

Comprehensive Content Ecosystem, Bolstering Core Competitiveness

As a pioneer and leading social media in China, Weibo has been leading the industry’s development and innovation for years, with a rapidly growing user base. In September 2021, Weibo had 573 million MAUs and 248 million average DAUs.

In addition to a large and diverse user base, there are also significant connections and interactions among users on Weibo. In June 2021, its users generated 15.7 billion monthly social interactions on the platform, including the activities of Like, Comment, Repost and Follow. As of June 30, 2021, Weibo had 318 billion “follow” relationships existing on its platform. During the Track Record Period, Weibo’s ratio of average DAUs to MAUs remains as high as 43% to 45%, demonstrating user’s high engagement and stickiness to the platform.

Weibo offers the most comprehensive coverage of content categories. Its users can create, discover, consume and share various formats of content, including text, photo, video, live streaming, audio and topic. In June 2021, Weibo had 46 content verticals, such as celebrities and entertainment, humor, media, variety shows and TV programs, fashion, cosmetics, finance and games. Among these content verticals, 28 of them each has over 10 billion monthly views.

In addition, Weibo attracts a large number of talented content creators who remain highly engaged and active on the platform. In June 2021, Weibo had 41.9 million monthly active content creators, and top content creators reached 2.3 million.

Favorable Recognition of Investors, Weibo Enjoys Promising Future

“We delivered another solid quarter, with sustained user growth and top line expansion,” said Gaofei Wang, CEO of Weibo. According to the Third Quarter Financial Results released by Weibo, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021, its net revenues reached US$607.4 million with an increase of 30% year over year. Net income attributable to Weibo for the third quarter of 2021 was $181.7 million, compared to $33.8 million for the same period last year.

The positive performance and diversified ecosystem have earned Weibo high recognition from investment banks and brokers. Guosheng Securities and CITIC Securities both gave high performance expectations and target prices.

In the long term, the user base of social media platforms in China will continue to expand steadily. According to the CIC Report, the MAUs of social media platforms is anticipated to increase moderately in the coming years at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2020 to 2025 to 883.4 million by 2025, which suggests very promising industry prospects.

As a leading social media platform, Weibo has sound fundamentals, a large user base and a comprehensive and vibrant content ecosystem, allowing it to build a solid competitive barrier and further enhance its diversified monetization capability. Weibo shares are still at low valuations. With this secondary listing in Hong Kong, it is expected to share the bonus of the steady development of the social media industry with Hong Kong investors and enhance its investment value.






Topic: Press release summary

Sectors: Cloud & Enterprise


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Hong Kong – CE visits secondary school in Tseung Kwan O and listens to views of students on Policy Address (with photos/video)

Sep 9, 2021 | International

CE visits secondary school in Tseung Kwan O and listens to views of students on Policy Address (with photos/video)

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     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 9) visited Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) Lui Yun Choy Memorial College in Tseung Kwan O, following her visit to a secondary school in Tsing Yi last week, to learn more about the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the school and participate in a Citizenship and Social Development class. She also attended a session with students to listen to their views and suggestions on the upcoming Policy Address.

     Accompanied by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Chairman and Honorary Supervisor of the TWGHs, Mr Kazaf Tam; and the Supervisor of TWGHs Lui Yun Choy Memorial College, Mr Willie Lui, Mrs Lam listened to a briefing by the school on its STEM education curriculum and viewed a display of STEM teaching materials, including robotics, augmented reality and 3D printing technology. Mrs Lam then visited Secondary Four students to learn more about their learning of Citizenship and Social Development and the teaching of the first theme under the subject, Hong Kong under “One Country, Two Systems” and the position and duties of the Chief Executive. Mrs Lam was invited by the teacher to elucidate Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “One Country, Two Systems”, the organic integration of the Central Authorities’ overall jurisdiction over the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the HKSAR’s high degree of autonomy, as well as the constitutional arrangement of the dual responsibility of the Chief Executive to both the Central People’s Government and the HKSAR.

     Starting from Secondary Four this school year, the Citizenship and Social Development subject, in lieu of Liberal Studies, has become one of the four senior secondary core subjects together with Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics. The themes of the Citizenship and Social Development subject include Hong Kong under “One Country, Two Systems” and the country since its reform and opening up. The former is about the relationship between the country and the HKSAR to help students understand the essence of “One Country, Two Systems”, the constitutional basis founded upon the Constitution and the Basic Law, and the understanding of the country, while the latter helps students appreciate the development process of the country from the domestic and international perspectives. The Citizenship and Social Development subject also covers economics, technology, sustainable development and public health to allow students to understand the contemporary world facing human beings to broaden their horizons.

     “Together with other senior secondary subjects, the Citizenship and Social Development subject, which has become a senior secondary core subject this year, allows students to build a broad knowledge base and cultivate positive values by learning issues about Hong Kong, the country and the contemporary world, and to become a new generation with a sense of social responsibility and national identity, an affection for Hong Kong and an international perspective. I am pleased to have visited the school at the beginning of the school year to see that the school, teachers and students are devoted to the teaching and learning of the subject. The Education Bureau will continue to provide relevant support to schools,” Mrs Lam said.

     Mrs Lam then proceeded to the school hall to attend a session with students on the upcoming Policy Address. In addition to some 60 senior secondary students of the school, about 1 000 students from 17 other TWGHs schools joined the session through video conferencing. During the session, which lasted about an hour, more than 10 students put forward their views covering education, youth development, environmental protection and more. The students also expressed other views on topics such as heritage conservation and development of art and culture.

     Mrs Lam thanked students for their active participation in giving views. She said that the upcoming Policy Address will be the last one in her five-year term, but it will map out Hong Kong’s future developments and integration into the national development with a long-term vision. The Policy Address will also set out proposals on land and housing, which are of concern to the people, as well as relevant long term infrastructure  development. She appealed to the students to pay attention to the upcoming Policy Address, which will be delivered on October 6.

Hong Kong – CE visits secondary school and listens to views of students on Policy Address (with photos/video)

Sep 4, 2021 | International

CE visits secondary school and listens to views of students on Policy Address (with photos/video)

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     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 3) visited Po Leung Kuk Lo Kit Sing (1983) College in Tsing Yi to learn more about the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the school and listen to views and suggestions of students on the upcoming Policy Address.
 
     Accompanied by the Chairman of the Po Leung Kuk (PLK) and Chairman of the PLK Schools’ Supervisors Committee, Mr Calvin Lam, Mrs Lam listened to a briefing by the school on its experience in promoting STEM education, and viewed the award-winning works of students in various competitions and a display of STEM teaching materials, including sumo robots, 3D printing technology, a hydroponics system and virtual reality devices. Mrs Lam chatted with students and said she was pleased to see that they are devoted to STEM learning. She encouraged them to keep up their efforts and be brave in their endeavours to explore their interest and potential in STEM.
 
     “The current-term Government has devoted substantial resources to innovation and technology (I&T) development and attaches great importance to the promotion of STEM education in schools to stimulate students’ interest in I&T and innovative thinking as well as popularise science. In the past few years, the Government has implemented various measures to support STEM education in schools, including updating the curriculum, strengthening training for teachers, providing financial and other support, and organising large-scale learning activities. We will continue to enhance the relevant measures to develop students’ interest in STEM from a young age and strengthen learning to ensure a steady supply of talents for Hong Kong’s I&T development,” Mrs Lam said.
 
     Mrs Lam then proceeded to the school hall to attend a session with students on the upcoming Policy Address. In addition to some 60 Secondary Five and Six students of the school, about 800 students from 16 other PLK schools joined the session through video conferencing. During the session, which lasted about an hour, about 20 students put forward their views covering a wide range of areas, including youth development, education, I&T, healthcare and environmental protection. The students also expressed other views covering national security education, enhancement of support for Hong Kong athletes and more.
 
     Mrs Lam thanked the students for their active participation in giving their views on the upcoming Policy Address. She said that Hong Kong enjoys the institutional strength of “One Country, Two Systems” and a number of traditional advantages. She stressed that, together with the strong support of the country in the National 14th Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong’s development in a number of key areas, the future of Hong Kong is very promising. She encouraged the students to fully equip themselves and be courageous to pursue their dreams and develop bright prospects for themselves.