Latest news with #DinoQuest
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Dezign Format targets $6.5m IPO on Catalist, eyes Malaysia expansion
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The offering will comprise 32.5 million new placement shares at 20 cents each, according to its offer document filed on Aug 1. SINGAPORE - Design agency Dezign Format is looking to raise $6.5 million through an IPO on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) Catalist board, which caters to fast-growing firms that may not yet meet mainboard listing requirements. The offering will comprise 32.5 million new placement shares at 20 cents each, according to its offer document filed on Aug 1. It is expected to hit a market capitalisation of $40 million after listing. The IPO will close at noon on Aug 13, and shares of the company are expected to begin trading on Aug 15 at 9am. Evolve Capital Advisory is the sponsor, issue manager and placement agent for the proposed IPO. Dezign Format specialises in installations for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice) events, as well as fit-outs for retail and commercial spaces. Its most significant projects include the 2024 lunar new year decorations at Marina Bay Sands; an 'imaginary gardens' themed installation for jewellery brand Van Cleef & Arpels' collaboration with French artist Julie Joseph; and the DinoQuest exhibition in conjunction with the Science Centre. Net proceeds of $4.8 million from the IPO will be channelled into business expansion plans that include joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the Mice sector and location-based entertainment space - a new division for the company. The funds raised will also be used to develop proprietary intellectual property (IP) and acquire IP rights from around the world. Regional expansion is also a priority for the the company, which currently employs 166 staff in its Singapore office. Dezign Format is gearing up for expansion in Malaysia, its first overseas market, in the fourth quarter of 2025. The company expects its new 50,000 square feet facility in the Johor Special Economic Zone to boost production capacity while lowering operational costs. It is also eyeing Thailand and Vietnam for future expansion, citing strong growth potential in the Mice sector. The company had first broached the idea of going public in 2019, but those plans had to be put on the backburner due to the pandemic. A post-Covid recovery reignited the company's listing ambitions, with profits rising to $5 million for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024 from earnings of $3.3 million the year before. Revenue rose to $33.4 million in FY2024, up from $26 million in FY2023. Mr Mike Chong, chief executive and executive chairman of Dezign Format, said while Hong Kong was initially considered, the company ultimately decided to go public in Singapore due to the bulk of its business being located here, as well as proximity to the rest of South-east Asia for expansion. He added that the Government's recent initiatives to revitalise the Singapore stock market, particularly its support for small and mid-cap stocks, also encouraged him to list the company. Dezign Format was established in 1988 by Mr Chong and his elder brother Chong Nen Sing, and has been a family-owned company since. With more second-generation family members joining the company's ranks bringing new ideas and vision, the company also needed to evolve, said Mr Chong. 'With this IPO, our objective is to bring this company forward from a family-run business to a future-ready enterprise with more structure and standardised systems in place. 'This would also attract more talent to join our company, which is very important for staff renewal.' Mr Jonathan Chong, executive director of Dezign Format and son of the older Mr Chong, said the timing to list was ideal for the company's transition from the first to second generation of family business owners. He added that the listing would also increase the company's standing and reputation. 'We want to strengthen the foundation that the first generation of family members have built to forge strategic alliances and partnerships. 'Listing the company would elevate our stakeholders' trust in us and increase our transparency and corporate governance, which is critical for our regional expansion plans.' Dezign Format is the t hird homegrown company to list on the SGX amid a revival in IPOs so far this year, and the second on Catalist. Singapore software company Info-Tech Systems, which listed on the mainboard in July 4, closed Aug 5 at 80 cents, down 12 per cent since listing. In contrast, local property revitalisation firm Lum Chang Creations closed at 38 cents, up almost 21 per cent since it began trading on July 21. Another local firm, semiconductor optics company MetaOptics, lodged its preliminary prospectus for a listing on Catalist on July 30. Two foreign companies have also joined SGX this year: Japan's NTT DC Reit, which is down 6 per cent since going public, and China Medical System, which is down 7 per cent.
What's On
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
9 non-Valentine's things to do in Dubai this weekend
Things to do in Dubai this weekend. That's it, that's the post. Sometimes you just don't want to celebrate Valentine's Day or any of the fluff that comes along with it and that's perfectly fine. Here are the best non-Valentine's things to do in Dubai this weekend so you can turn a blind eye to the love floating around (yuck). Friday, February 14 Bring the kids to be explorers Calling all young explorers! OliOli® has launched Dino Quest, an exciting new experience that invites kids to step into the shoes of paleontologists. It's a temporary exhibition is set to captivate curious minds and budding scientists alike as they dig into the fascinating world of dinosaurs. Dino Quest is included with PLUS tickets starting from Dhs169 for one child and one adult. Book here. OliOli®, Al Quoz, Mon 10am to 7pm, Tues 12pm to 7pm, Wed to Fri 10am to 7pm, Sat 9am to 8pm, Sun 9am to 7pm, starting from Dhs69, @olioliuae See an up and coming DJ DJ Sona, the trailblazing DJ and producer and son of renowned DJ and producer Black Coffee is heading to Ling Ling Ultra Lounge in Atlantis The Royal on Friday 14. The night will kick off at 11pm with a warm-up set, leading up to DJ Sona's headline performance. There's a minimum spend of Dhs5,000. He's also playing at WHITE Beach on Sunday 16 too if you can't make it on Friday. Ling Ling Ultra Lounge at Atlantis The Royal, from 11pm, minimum spend Dhs5,000 @linglingdubai Go If you didn't travel to Greece recently but you wish you had, or if you just fancy some delicious Greek food, Ammos has a brunch every Friday from 8pm to 11pm. Think seafood orzo, chicken souvlaki, and beef soutzoukakia. The entertainment is also on point with a live band and DJ so you can get up and dance, if that's your thing. See you there. Ammos, Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs295 sof, Dhs355 house, Dhs395 premium, @ammosgreekdubai Saturday, February 15 Meet a football legend The famous football legend, Roberto Carlos is visiting Real Madrid World this Saturday, February 15 between 2pm to 4pm. Go and watch the exclusive Q&A and be entered into the draw to meet him too. If that's not a very cool thing to do in Dubai this weekend, then we don't know what is. More info here. Football fans assemble. Real Madrid World, Dubai Parks and Resorts @realmadridworlddubai Watch the fountains Even living in Dubai, sometimes you want to watch the fountains but not amongst the hundreds and thousands of tourists standing around outside the Dubai Mall. Head to Third Avenue for an incredible view and some yummy food. Every table outside has direct view of the fountains so you're not looking over peoples shoulders to try and get a glimpse of the dancing water. Third Avenue, Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall, Sun to Wed 10am to 12am, Thurs to Sat 10am to 1am, @thirdavenueboutique Show the love to yourself With all of the love floating around at the moment, it's only right that you show it to yourself too and what better way to do it then with some beauty pampering. Head to the girly haven in JLT, The British Salon, for a mani, pedi and blowdry. Don't worry if you're pushed for time, they can do it all in one go. They do 15 per cent crew and teacher discounts too. Remember self care is a necessity… The British Salon, Cluster V, JLT Tel: 058 572 6839 @thebritishsalondubai Sunday February 16 Go to a foodie festival From February 14 to 16, Taste of Dubai Festival is coming to Media City Amphitheater. Taste of Dubai will feature 16 of the city's best restaurants all in one place, there are cooking demos, kids entertainment, live music and much more so it's set to be a fun day so if you're looking for something to do in Dubai this weekend. Get tickets here. Media City Amphitheater, 14 to 16 February, 12pm to 12 am, from Dhs75, children under 12 free, @tasteofdubai Get the Hype Grab your bestie, your partner (or your kids, I guess) and head down to House of Hype in Dubai Mall. It' s just opened and it's a colourful, fun, charming, bright, interesting world full of magical things to do and see. We've been there and you'll just have to go to see it to understand. Purchase tickets on House of Hype, Dubai Mall – Chinatown, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, @houseofhype Try a new food trend We love a random food trend in Dubai, and why not try the latest one? Get down to La Serre in City Walk and try the hot chocolate croissant, for Dhs38. It's a New York Roll with a croissant's buttery, flaky magic, filled with a dreamy hot chocolate. Delish. La Serre, Citywalk, Dhs38, 8am to 4pm, @ Have a great weekend, whatever you're doing…
Khaleej Times
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Meet legends, attend concerts: Top things to do in the UAE from February 14-16
The weekend is here, so is our guide to the best events and activities happening around town. Here's the list: Meet football legend Roberto Carlos Football legend Roberto Carlos will appear at Real Madrid World, Dubai, on February 15, from 2pm to 4pm. Visitors can also enjoy 40+ attractions, including the world's tallest amusement ride (Stars Flyer), the Hala Madrid Coaster, and interactive experiences like The Real Challenge and the Bernabéu Experience. Purchase the tickets from the venue's official website. Kids become paleontologists OliOli presents Dino Quest, an exciting half-term experience where kids become paleontologists, uncovering life-sized dinosaur bones through hands-on excavation. This immersive adventure fosters problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking, making learning about the prehistoric era fun and engaging. Included with PLUS tickets from Dh169 (1 Child + 1 Adult), Dino Quest offers young explorers a thrilling journey into the world of dinosaurs. Cannot go wrong with ballet Dubai Opera presents La Bayadère, one of the world's most revered ballet masterpieces, from February 14–16, 2025. Starring Vadim Muntagirov, Fumi Kaneko, and a stellar cast, this breathtaking production tells a tale of love, betrayal, and destiny set in ancient India. With choreography by Jaroslav Slavický, Ludwig Minkus's evocative score, and lavish sets and costumes, the performance promises a visually and emotionally profound experience. Tickets are available now at Melodic house and deep beats Anjunadeep is bringing its signature melodic house and deep beats to Bohemia Beach Club at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, for an electrifying night on February 15. Founded by Above & Beyond and James Grant, the globally renowned label has introduced artists like Lane 8, Yotto, and Dusky, with legendary events worldwide. Label head James Grant calls the Dubai show a special annual gathering for fans across the region. Don't miss this exclusive beachside celebration—book your tickets now with prices starting from Dh200. Party with Black Coffee in Abu Dhabi Louvre Abu Dhabi's Masquerave 2025 returns on February 15, transforming the museum into a vibrant dance floor under its iconic dome. Headlined by Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee and electro-music star SONA, the event blends deep, soulful beats with African-inspired rhythms, drawing from the Kings & Queens of Africa exhibition. Guests can enhance the immersive experience with masks by artist Zak Ové. Running from 10:30pm – 3:30am for ages 21+, tickets start at Dh495 for General Admission and Dh1099 for VIP. Find your partner! Find Your Swan, the UAE's premier matchmaking and coaching service, is hosting a Valentine's giveaway until February 28, offering a free 1-hour coaching session with certified matchmaker Mia Pavlikova. Specialising in personalised matchmaking and transformative coaching, Find Your Swan helps individuals build meaningful relationships through self-awareness and compatibility. Women can access free matchmaking, while men receive a tailored, paid service. To enter the giveaway, participants must follow @findyourswan on Instagram, like the giveaway post, tag a friend, and share it in their Instagram Story for an extra chance. The winner, selected after February 28, will receive expert relationship guidance from Mia Pavlikova. This is war, or love? This Valentine's Day, couples can swap candlelit dinners for adrenaline-fueled action at Singo Paintball, where love is tested on the battlefield. Offering an exciting alternative to traditional date nights, pairs can suit up in combat gear, strategise together, and engage in some friendly competition. With top-notch fields, professional-grade gear, and on-site referees, Singo Paintball ensures a thrilling yet safe experience, making it the perfect unconventional bonding adventure for both new and longtime couples.
