Latest news with #MICO
Korea Herald
06-08-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Newborn Town Issues Positive Profit Alert for First-Half 2025: Adjusted Operating Profit Surpasses RMB 600 Million, while the Profit Attributable to the Company's Equity Shareholders Increases over 108% YoY
HONG KONG, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 6th, Newborn Town ( released a positive profit alert for the first half of 2025. The Group achieved rapid revenue expansion alongside a substantial increase in profit, driven by the dual-engine growth of its social networking and innovative businesses. For the six months ended June 30th, 2025, the Group's total revenue is estimated to reach RMB 3,135 million and RMB 3,215 million, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 38% to 41.5%. Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the company is expected to range from RMB 470 million to RMB 510 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of approximately 108.9% to 126.7%. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to range from RMB 630 million to RMB 670 million, showing a year-on-year increase of 40.6% to 49.6%. AI Applications Intensify: Products with "Tens of Millions" Monthly Recharge Set to Expand in Three Years In the first half of 2025, the social networking business delivered robust profit growth. According to the announcement, the growth was driven by the continued expansion of diversified social products supported by AI technology, as well as the complete consolidation of NBT Social Networking Inc.'s financials following the acquisition of its non-controlling interests in December 2024. Newborn Town's global product portfolio continued to scale across markets. While flagship products like MICO and YoHo remained as steady contributors of profit and cash flow, the revenue contribution from newer products such as SUGO and TopTop continued to rise in the first half of 2025. During this period, Newborn Town also made significant strides in key markets like MENA. Through refined operational strategies, Newborn Town has enhanced user experience and monetization efficiency, further unlocking the market's vast potential. Meanwhile, the company has been deepening its "product replication + country replication" strategy to actively explore new markets. Currently, some products have already successfully entered these new regions. AI continues to empower the Group's products with deeper applications across operational scenarios. The self-developed multimodal algorithm Boomiix continues to be upgraded, enhancing social matching precision and intelligent operations, particularly effective in user acquisition across new markets and long-tail user engagement. Each key part of the R&D function of the company also applied AI technology to improve efficiency. For example, the self-development internal AIGC tools adopted by the design team have significantly enhanced efficiency in areas like virtual gift remix, animation effects addition and graphic design. With deeper market understanding, stronger localized operations, and broader AI integration, the Group is accelerating the pace of blockbuster product incubation. Over the next three years, two new products under development are expected to reach monthly recharge exceeding USD 10 million, further expanding the scale of the social networking business. The Group's diverse-audience social networking business sustained solid development in global markets. Through iterating social features and deepening content ecosystems, user experience and engagement depth under the business segment further improved. In addition, brand campaigns and social responsibility initiatives have elevated overall brand awareness and influence. At the beginning of 2025, HeeSay GALA events were held in Thailand and the Philippines, encouraging users to co-create vibrant, diverse community ecosystems with HeeSay. In the first half of 2025, as the moat around the social networking business continues to strengthen, Newborn Town's second growth curve - powered by quality games and social e-commerce - has become increasingly mature. Revenue from the innovative business is expected to reach RMB 335 million to RMB 355 million, up approximately 65.0% to 74.9% year-on-year. According to the announcement, the growth was driven by solid traffic monetization and social e-commerce performance, as well as contributions from quality games, which began monetizing in Q4 2024. Social e-commerce saw a notable performance boost, driven by upgraded user services, diversified business ecosystem, and expanded acquisition channels. In the first half of 2025, Heer Health achieved steady growth, further solidifying its leadership in the sexual health service and HIV prevention and control segments. Following its initial revenue contribution last year, Newborn Town's quality games segment officially entered a profit-generating phase in 2025. Flagship product, Alice's Dream: Merge Games moved into long-term operation, delivering steady returns. Leveraging its experience in the merge-game category, the Group has significantly shortened development cycles. Key metrics such as user retention and ARPU have remained strong, while new game development is progressing smoothly. In June 2025, Newborn Town officially established its global headquarters in Hong Kong, marking another milestone in the company's worldwide expansion and signaling a new chapter in its globalization strategy. Moving forward, the company will leverage Hong Kong as a strategic global hub, working closely with its R&D and operations centers worldwide. Through technological innovation and localized operations, Newborn Town will further expand its global business and create positive emotional value to users worldwide.
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
'Bengaluru existed before IT boom': Viral post counters city's retirement-town label
A Reddit post from a Bengaluru resident is gaining traction online for challenging the widely held perception that the city was merely a sleepy retirement hub before the IT industry took off. Redditors offered perspectives that painted Bengaluru as a city that has long balanced opportunity with livability.(Pexel) In the viral post, the user recalls a casual conversation with a colleague from Noida who claimed that 'nobody knew Bengaluru existed before the IT boom' and described it as 'just a hill station where retired people lived.' The Bengaluru user pushed back, arguing that such narratives oversimplify the city's complex and industrious past. (Also Read: 'We are growing backwards': This viral 1980s Bengaluru photo leaves residents lamenting a lost city) Read the full post here: 'This is a common narrative pushed by the media and content creators,' the post reads. 'But this isn't entirely accurate.' According to the Redditor, Bengaluru had a thriving working-class population even before the IT sector came to define its global identity. The post cites numerous public sector units and industries such as MICO, HMT, BHEL, BEL, and ISRO, as well as major banks like Canara Bank, SBI, and SBM, to illustrate that the city had long been home to engineers, scientists, bankers, teachers, and skilled workers. Prestigious institutions like IISc and BMS College are also mentioned as evidence of the city's longstanding educational and scientific ecosystem. The Redditor goes on to compare the socio-economic trajectory of South India with the North, suggesting that cities like Bengaluru and regions across southern India saw an earlier shift toward white-collar employment. 'Even among the top 10% in North India, many were still in government jobs, whereas in the South, people had already entered fields like science, medicine, and engineering,' the post claims. While acknowledging that certain parts of Bengaluru were indeed home to retired individuals living in quiet neighborhoods, the user emphasizes that this represented only a small fraction of the city's demographic. 'We can't characterize all of Bengaluru as if it was insignificant before the IT boom,' the post concludes. How did Reddit users react? Reddit users quickly joined the conversation, offering perspectives that painted Bengaluru as a city that has long balanced opportunity with livability. One user wrote, 'Retirees loved Bengaluru for its weather, peace, and greenery, but that doesn't make it a retirement hub. The city had numerous industries and peaceful residential areas long before the IT boom.' Some users even defended the "retirement city" label as a compliment. 'To be honest, I'd rather be known as a retirement city than a chaotic one,' said one commenter, alluding to the congestion and fast-paced nature of modern Bengaluru. A nostalgic take came from another user who recalled, 'I'm old enough to remember when people called it 'Pensioners' Paradise.' Before IT took over, the city was known for its weather, tree-lined streets, engineering and medical colleges, public sector companies, and pubs. It was both a retiree's haven and a youngster's dream.' Many agreed that the assumption of Bengaluru being 'insignificant' before the tech boom stems from a lack of historical context, especially among younger people unfamiliar with the city's legacy in education, industry, and culture. (Also Read: 'Why is she even here?': Canara Bank official faces backlash for not understanding Kannada. Watch)
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Newborn Town Sets up its Global Headquarters in Hong Kong Science Park
HONG KONG, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Newborn Town Inc. (Newborn Town or the company, stock code: a leading global social entertainment company, has officially announced the establishment of its global headquarters in Hong Kong. The launch ceremony, held on June 5th, was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. Chiang Hok Lai, Deputy Director-General from the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises ('OASES') and Ms. Gladys Oon, Director of Corporate Development Division from Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation ('HKSTP'), alongside key executives from Newborn Town, including Mr. Chunhe Liu, the Chairman ('Chairman Liu') and Mr. Pengliang Song, Senior Vice President, Mr. Linzhou Zheng, Vice President and Ms. Gloria Yu, Vice President. Newborn Town established its global headquarters in Hong Kong Science Park in the name of its subsidiary, Solo X Technology Limited. Regarding the strategic significance of establishing the global headquarters in Hong Kong, Chairman Liu emphasized, 'Hong Kong boasts a world-class business environment, a well-established capital market and access to top-tier talent. The decision to establish our global headquarters here represents a pivotal step in Newborn Town's worldwide expansion strategy, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our company.' Founded in 2009, Newborn Town has embarked on its global expansion journey since 2013 and went public on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2019. Over the years, the company has consistently upheld its commitment to globalization, establishing over 20 operational centers across a number of strategic markets, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Its flagship products—MICO, YoHo, TopTop, SUGO, and Alice's Dream: Merge Games—are now available in more than 150 countries and regions. During the launch ceremony, Mr. Pengliang Song outlined the company's future plans in Hong Kong, 'Our strategic focus will be twofold. Firstly, we aim to delve into the profound applications of artificial intelligence within the realm of social entertainment. Secondly, Secondly, we are dedicated to attracting global tech-savvy talent to drive collaborative initiatives between industry, academia, and research institutions.' Mr. Song also highlighted that Newborn Town established its MENA headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the second half of last year, strengthening its footprint in the Middle East. With the launch of its global headquarters in Hong Kong, a new chapter in Newborn Town's global expansion begins. 'We look forward to collaborating with the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), industry peers, and investment institutions and beyond. Through these partnerships, we aim to drive innovative developments in society, positioning ourselves as a global technology enterprise that exerts a positive influence on the world.' It has been reported that Newborn Town places significant emphasis on integrating AI into its business operations. The self-developed multi-model algorithm, Boomiix, has already enhanced commercialization efficiency across several products of the company. Ms. Gladys Oon, Director, Corporate Development Division from HKSTP added: "AI is a vital pillar in Hong Kong's diverse industries. The involvement of Newborn Town will accelerate innovation, research and development, as well as the practical application of AI technologies within the realm of social entertainment, further contributing to the city's development. HKSTP attracts global tech enterprises and talents, offering comprehensive support and fostering cross-sector collaboration to position innovation and technology as a new engine of economic growth. " Looking ahead, Mr. Song concluded: "In a future where AI significantly enhances productivity, the demand for leisure and entertainment will grow, highlighting the importance of ongoing innovation." In his view, Newborn Town will remain dedicated to nurturing the global social entertainment ecosystem, leveraging the market insights and vast user service experience it has accumulated. "Let the 'shrubs' of our app portfolio flourish and grow abundantly, cultivating a business ecosystem that evolves into global 'emotional values forests'—a digital space where global users can unwind, be entertained, and seek connection and comfort. With this vision, Newborn Town is rooted in Hong Kong and sets our sights on the world. By leveraging technology to empower social entertainment, we aim to deliver positive emotional experiences to a broader global audience." View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Newborn Town Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Korea Herald
05-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Newborn Town Sets up its Global Headquarters in Hong Kong Science Park
HONG KONG, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Newborn Town Inc. (Newborn Town or the company, stock code: a leading global social entertainment company, has officially announced the establishment of its global headquarters in Hong Kong. The launch ceremony, held on June 5th, was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. Chiang Hok Lai, Deputy Director-General from the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises ('OASES') and Ms. Gladys Oon, Director of Corporate Development Division from Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation ('HKSTP'), alongside key executives from Newborn Town, including Mr. Chunhe Liu, the Chairman ('Chairman Liu') and Mr. Pengliang Song, Senior Vice President, Mr. Linzhou Zheng, Vice President and Ms. Gloria Yu, Vice President. Newborn Town established its global headquarters in Hong Kong Science Park in the name of its subsidiary, Solo X Technology Limited. Regarding the strategic significance of establishing the global headquarters in Hong Kong, Chairman Liu emphasized, 'Hong Kong boasts a world-class business environment, a well-established capital market and access to top-tier talent. The decision to establish our global headquarters here represents a pivotal step in Newborn Town's worldwide expansion strategy, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our company.' Founded in 2009, Newborn Town has embarked on its global expansion journey since 2013 and went public on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2019. Over the years, the company has consistently upheld its commitment to globalization, establishing over 20 operational centers across a number of strategic markets, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Its flagship products—MICO, YoHo, TopTop, SUGO, and Alice's Dream: Merge Games—are now available in more than 150 countries and regions. During the launch ceremony, Mr. Pengliang Song outlined the company's future plans in Hong Kong, 'Our strategic focus will be twofold. Firstly, we aim to delve into the profound applications of artificial intelligence within the realm of social entertainment. Secondly, Secondly, we are dedicated to attracting global tech-savvy talent to drive collaborative initiatives between industry, academia, and research institutions.' Mr. Song also highlighted that Newborn Town established its MENA headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the second half of last year, strengthening its footprint in the Middle East. With the launch of its global headquarters in Hong Kong, a new chapter in Newborn Town's global expansion begins. 'We look forward to collaborating with the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), industry peers, and investment institutions and beyond. Through these partnerships, we aim to drive innovative developments in society, positioning ourselves as a global technology enterprise that exerts a positive influence on the world.' It has been reported that Newborn Town places significant emphasis on integrating AI into its business operations. The self-developed multi-model algorithm, Boomiix, has already enhanced commercialization efficiency across several products of the company. Ms. Gladys Oon, Director, Corporate Development Division from HKSTP added: "AI is a vital pillar in Hong Kong's diverse industries. The involvement of Newborn Town will accelerate innovation, research and development, as well as the practical application of AI technologies within the realm of social entertainment, further contributing to the city's development. HKSTP attracts global tech enterprises and talents, offering comprehensive support and fostering cross-sector collaboration to position innovation and technology as a new engine of economic growth. " Looking ahead, Mr. Song concluded: "In a future where AI significantly enhances productivity, the demand for leisure and entertainment will grow, highlighting the importance of ongoing innovation." In his view, Newborn Town will remain dedicated to nurturing the global social entertainment ecosystem, leveraging the market insights and vast user service experience it has accumulated. "Let the 'shrubs' of our app portfolio flourish and grow abundantly, cultivating a business ecosystem that evolves into global 'emotional values forests'—a digital space where global users can unwind, be entertained, and seek connection and comfort. With this vision, Newborn Town is rooted in Hong Kong and sets our sights on the world. By leveraging technology to empower social entertainment, we aim to deliver positive emotional experiences to a broader global audience."
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Volunteer registration portal launched
The telecommunication authority says that MICO has been registered as a Significant Social Media Company (SSMC) under Rule 7 (6) of the requisite provision. PHOTO: FILE In an effort to revitalise Civil Defence and bolster disaster preparedness, the Punjab Home Department has launched an online volunteer registration portal and established 22 Combined Control and Report Centres across the province to ensure rapid emergency response. The announcement came during a visit by Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal to a Civil Defence underground bunker at Nasir Bagh, Lahore on Thursday. Director Civil Defence Zameer Hussain briefed the secretary on existing safety protocols and operational preparedness. Highlighting the government's commitment, Mengal urged citizens to actively register through the new portal, noting that the department aims to train one million new volunteers across Punjab. "We are mobilising all necessary resources to meet this target," he said. According to the Home Department, Punjab now has 1,113 designated safe shelters with the capacity to accommodate up to 77,000 people in case of emergencies. The newly operational control centres are intended to streamline real-time communication and enable swift decision-making during crises. Mengal also stressed the urgent need to modernise Civil Defence infrastructure. "We have allocated Rs500 million for the immediate and transparent procurement of essential equipment and supplies," he said. He further revealed that Civil Defence, in collaboration with Rescue 1122, has trained over 150,000 citizensincluding a large number of studentswithin the past week through extensive awareness campaigns and disaster response drills. Despite Civil Defence having become largely inactive over the past decades due to the absence of conflict or urban attacks, the department is now being restructured to serve as a frontline institution for civil emergency response and public safety.
