BITUNG, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 December 2025 - OceanX and Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have begun a deep-ocean expedition to investigate the Sulawesi seamount chain, one of the most remote and least understood areas of the Indo-Pacific. The mission will run from December through January and is designed to uncover how geological forces, biodiversity, and ecosystem processes interact beneath the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Science team members gather in Bitung before boarding OceanXplorer to begin the joint deep-sea expedition led by OceanX and BRIN.
The expedition begins in Bitung with public education activities and media engagement planned from 3 December 2025 to 31 January 2026 builds directly on the findings of the 2024 OceanX – BRIN collaboration, where scientists mapped five previously unknown seamounts north of Sulawesi. This new mission returns with a larger scientific team, expanded research objectives, and advanced tools to create Indonesia's most complete deep-sea dataset to date.
Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Scientist at OceanX, said the mission opens a window into a part of Indonesia's ocean that has remained almost entirely undocumented. "Seamounts can shape currents, host rare species, and act as stepping-stones for life across the deep ocean. Very few of the hundreds in Indonesia's waters have been explored. Working with BRIN to study these systems will give us an entirely new perspective on how Indonesia's deep ocean supports its wider marine environment."
Investigating a Living Geological System
The mission started in Bitung with education activities for students and local government officers, including a vessel tour. The vessel has now deployed to the seamount region for two linked research legs.
The first leg focuses on geological and hydrothermal features. Scientists will use high-resolution mapping, visual surveys, and sub-bottom profiling to document volcanic structures and tectonic formations that shape the deep-sea environment.
The second leg will study the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of the seamount chain. ROVs, submersibles, environmental DNA sampling, and oceanographic instruments will document species distribution, connectivity, and ecosystem structure. OceanX's SeaSwipe AI platform will support rapid annotation of imagery, enabling researchers to track species and habitats in near real time.
Strengthening Indonesia's Long-Term Ocean Knowledge
Chairman of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria, emphasized the importance of this expedition for Indonesia's marine science sovereignty. "As an archipelagic nation and a center of global biodiversity, Indonesia must take the lead in marine science across the region. This joint expedition with OceanX not only enriches our scientific knowledge but also strengthens the nation's capacity to map, understand, and independently manage the deep sea. This is a crucial foundation for Indonesia's blue economy transformation," he said.
Capacity building is a core pillar of the mission. Early-career researchers and technicians from BRIN and partner universities will join the expedition for hands-on training across mapping, sampling, genomics, and data processing. This aligns with Indonesia's national research roadmap and supports the objectives of Project Krisna and I ndonesia's Blue Economy Development. Project Krisna, or Kapal Riset Nasional, is a project to strengthen Indonesia marine scientific research by building research vessels funded by AFD France.
This mission is also supported by Bappenas, which emphasizes marine research and capacity building as an important pillar of Indonesia's blue economy program, enabling evidence-based governance and the development of new sustainable ocean-based sectors. This momentum can be leveraged to advance ocean literacy among policymakers, practitioners, and students, and to bring ocean findings and knowledge into policy discussions and formulation to support stronger future ocean governance for Indonesia.
The scientific datasets generated during the mission can contribute to marine spatial planning, hazard assessment, and the development of biodiversity baselines for northern Sulawesi. These outputs offer evidence that can support future research, national assessments, and long-term planning efforts as determined by Indonesian authorities.
With a mission that integrates scientific exploration, capacity building, and large-scale data integration, OceanX and BRIN are confident that this deep-sea expedition will become an important milestone for Indonesia's marine science, advancing understanding of the deep ocean while strengthening the country's future marine governance.
Hashtag: #OceanX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About OceanX
** The press release content is from Media OutReach Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Prudent Risk Management Yields Solid Outcomes metrics, Core Pawn Business Demonstrates Resilient Growth with Proposed Final Dividend of HK$1.15 cents per share
Results Highlights:
- Profit for the year attributable to shareholders increased by approximately 47.8% YoY to approximately HK$82.6 million
- Net profit margin increased by approximately 16.2 p.p. YoY to approximately 50.2%
- Impairment losses recognized on loan receivables decreased by approximately 72.6% YoY to HK$12.7 million
- Revenue from pawn loan business increased by approximately 12.9% YoY to approximately HK$98.6 million
- Proposed final dividend of HK$1.15 cents per share
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 27 May 2026 - The board of directors of Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited (HKEx stock code: 1319.HK, the "Group" or "Oi Wah") announced its annual results and its financial position. For the year ended 28 February 2026 ("FY2026"), the Group recorded revenue of approximately HK$164.4 million. Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company reached approximately HK$82.6 million, representing an increase of 47.8% compared to the year ended 28 February 2025 ("FY2025"). During the year, net interest margin expanded to approximately 17.2%.
As of 28 February 2026, the cash and cash equivalents (net of bank overdraft) amounted to approximately HK$376.9 million, representing a substantial increase of approximately 74.8% YoY. The net assets increased to approximately HK$1,155.7 million. Concurrently, the gearing ratio dropped to 4.1%. During the year, the earnings per share increased by approximately 48.3% YoY to HK 4.3 cents. The Board of Directors recommends a final dividend of HK 1.15 cents per share.
BUSINESS REVIEW
Mortgage loan business
In FY2026, the economy entered a phase of gradual recovery, leading to a steady resurgence in financing demand. The revenue from the mortgage loan business was approximately HK$65.8 million and accounted for approximately 40.0% of the Group's total revenue during the year. The gross mortgage loan receivables were approximately HK$612.5 million as at 28 February 2026. During the year, net interest margin of the mortgage loan business was approximately 10.1%.
In FY2026, the Group maintained a disciplined and risk-sensitive approach in its lending activities. While we observed an encouraging stabilization in the residential property market, the Group exercised intensified vigilance toward the commercial and industrial sectors due to persistent supply overhangs and valuation pressures. Our underwriting strategy remained focused on building a resilient loan portfolio by prioritizing high-quality collaterals and prudent loan-to-value ratios. During the year, the average loan-to-value ratio for first mortgage was approximately 56.27%, while overall average loan-to-value ratio for subordinate mortgage was approximately 40.82% of which, average loan-to-value ratio of subordinate mortgage that the Group participated in was approximately 3.73%.
Reflecting our robust credit risk management, the charge for impairment losses recognized on loan receivables decreased from approximately HK$46.3 million to approximately HK$12.7 million, representing a decrease of approximately 72.6% or HK$33.6 million.
Pawn Loan Business
The revenue from the pawn loan business increased by approximately 12.9% to approximately HK$98.6 million in FY2026. The business's profitability was further bolstered by a significant 73.0% increase in the gain on disposal of repossessed assets, which reached approximately HK$19.2 million as compared to approximately HK$11.1 million in FY2025. This performance was mainly attributed to the unprecedented strength of gold prices and a highly active secondary market for luxuries, particularly high-end timepieces. These factors have further solidified the pawn loan business as a resilient and strategic hedge against broader economic volatility.
During the year, the Group continued to channel resources to advertising and promotion to enhance the Group's brand exposure. Such effort has generated demand for one-to-one pawn loan appointment services for pawn loans exceeding HK$0.1 million.
PROSPECTS
Looking ahead, the Group maintains a stance of cautious optimism regarding the global economic recovery. While macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties may persist, we remain dedicated to a proactive yet prudent strategy to ensure sustainable long-term growth and maximize returns for our shareholders.
Within the mortgage loan market, our strategy will be characterized by a calibrated and divergent approach. We continue to hold an optimistic outlook on the residential property segment, where we intend to capitalize on the stabilizing interest rate environment by identifying high-quality mortgage opportunities. Conversely, we maintain cautious and vigilant towards the commercial and industrial sectors. Given the structural challenges of inventory overhang and the increasing prevalence of distressed assets, the Group will exercise intensified oversight in its credit underwriting and collateral appraisal to mitigate valuation risks.
Regarding our core operations, we anticipate our pawn loan business to remain resilient, supported by a firm gold price trajectory and sustained demand for liquidity management. To further enhance operational efficiency, the Group is actively optimizing its pawn shop network. We are strategically identifying more cost-effective locations within our established service areas, aiming to relocate our pawn outlets to premises with more competitive lease terms to reduce operating overheads while maintaining our leading market presence.
Simultaneously, our strategic partnership with PACM Group remains a key driver for geographic diversification. By proactively exploring institutional credit opportunities in developed markets while maintaining rigorous investment oversight, the Group is well-positioned to navigate evolving industry dynamics and deliver stable value to all stakeholders.
Mr. Edward Chan, Chairman and CEO of the Company, said, "Global geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties intertwine, placing pressure on the global economic recovery and posing ongoing challenges to the local property market. In the face of a complex external environment, Oi Wah has consistently adhered to a proactive yet prudent management strategy. Our core pawn loan business has fully demonstrated its role as a strategic tool to hedge against macroeconomic fluctuations, showcasing the Group's strong resilience amidst market challenges.
Looking forward, we will adopt a carefully calibrated differentiation strategy and continue to drive regional diversification. Under strict investment monitoring, we will actively explore business opportunities in developed markets to further expand our revenue streams and customer base, striving to deliver long-term, stable, and sustainable returns for our shareholders."
Hashtag: #OiWah
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited
Oi Wah is a financing service provider in Hong Kong, mainly providing short-term secured financing, including pawn loans and mortgage loans. The Group established its first pawnshop in 1975 and currently owns 10 pawnshops and one premium service center in various locations in Hong Kong. Oi Wah diversified into mortgage loan business in 2009. The Group is the first local pawn shop which successfully listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 12 March 2013.
Results Highlights:
- Profit for the year attributable to shareholders increased by approximately 47.8% YoY to approximately HK$82.6 million
- Net profit margin increased by approximately 16.2 p.p. YoY to approximately 50.2%
- Impairment losses recognized on loan receivables decreased by approximately 72.6% YoY to HK$12.7 million
- Revenue from pawn loan business increased by approximately 12.9% YoY to approximately HK$98.6 million
- Proposed final dividend of HK$1.15 cents per share
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 27 May 2026 - The board of directors of Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited (HKEx stock code: 1319.HK, the "Group" or "Oi Wah") announced its annual results and its financial position. For the year ended 28 February 2026 ("FY2026"), the Group recorded revenue of approximately HK$164.4 million. Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company reached approximately HK$82.6 million, representing an increase of 47.8% compared to the year ended 28 February 2025 ("FY2025"). During the year, net interest margin expanded to approximately 17.2%.
As of 28 February 2026, the cash and cash equivalents (net of bank overdraft) amounted to approximately HK$376.9 million, representing a substantial increase of approximately 74.8% YoY. The net assets increased to approximately HK$1,155.7 million. Concurrently, the gearing ratio dropped to 4.1%. During the year, the earnings per share increased by approximately 48.3% YoY to HK 4.3 cents. The Board of Directors recommends a final dividend of HK 1.15 cents per share.
BUSINESS REVIEW
Mortgage loan business
In FY2026, the economy entered a phase of gradual recovery, leading to a steady resurgence in financing demand. The revenue from the mortgage loan business was approximately HK$65.8 million and accounted for approximately 40.0% of the Group's total revenue during the year. The gross mortgage loan receivables were approximately HK$612.5 million as at 28 February 2026. During the year, net interest margin of the mortgage loan business was approximately 10.1%.
In FY2026, the Group maintained a disciplined and risk-sensitive approach in its lending activities. While we observed an encouraging stabilization in the residential property market, the Group exercised intensified vigilance toward the commercial and industrial sectors due to persistent supply overhangs and valuation pressures. Our underwriting strategy remained focused on building a resilient loan portfolio by prioritizing high-quality collaterals and prudent loan-to-value ratios. During the year, the average loan-to-value ratio for first mortgage was approximately 56.27%, while overall average loan-to-value ratio for subordinate mortgage was approximately 40.82% of which, average loan-to-value ratio of subordinate mortgage that the Group participated in was approximately 3.73%.
Reflecting our robust credit risk management, the charge for impairment losses recognized on loan receivables decreased from approximately HK$46.3 million to approximately HK$12.7 million, representing a decrease of approximately 72.6% or HK$33.6 million.
Pawn Loan Business
The revenue from the pawn loan business increased by approximately 12.9% to approximately HK$98.6 million in FY2026. The business's profitability was further bolstered by a significant 73.0% increase in the gain on disposal of repossessed assets, which reached approximately HK$19.2 million as compared to approximately HK$11.1 million in FY2025. This performance was mainly attributed to the unprecedented strength of gold prices and a highly active secondary market for luxuries, particularly high-end timepieces. These factors have further solidified the pawn loan business as a resilient and strategic hedge against broader economic volatility.
During the year, the Group continued to channel resources to advertising and promotion to enhance the Group's brand exposure. Such effort has generated demand for one-to-one pawn loan appointment services for pawn loans exceeding HK$0.1 million.
PROSPECTS
Looking ahead, the Group maintains a stance of cautious optimism regarding the global economic recovery. While macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties may persist, we remain dedicated to a proactive yet prudent strategy to ensure sustainable long-term growth and maximize returns for our shareholders.
Within the mortgage loan market, our strategy will be characterized by a calibrated and divergent approach. We continue to hold an optimistic outlook on the residential property segment, where we intend to capitalize on the stabilizing interest rate environment by identifying high-quality mortgage opportunities. Conversely, we maintain cautious and vigilant towards the commercial and industrial sectors. Given the structural challenges of inventory overhang and the increasing prevalence of distressed assets, the Group will exercise intensified oversight in its credit underwriting and collateral appraisal to mitigate valuation risks.
Regarding our core operations, we anticipate our pawn loan business to remain resilient, supported by a firm gold price trajectory and sustained demand for liquidity management. To further enhance operational efficiency, the Group is actively optimizing its pawn shop network. We are strategically identifying more cost-effective locations within our established service areas, aiming to relocate our pawn outlets to premises with more competitive lease terms to reduce operating overheads while maintaining our leading market presence.
Simultaneously, our strategic partnership with PACM Group remains a key driver for geographic diversification. By proactively exploring institutional credit opportunities in developed markets while maintaining rigorous investment oversight, the Group is well-positioned to navigate evolving industry dynamics and deliver stable value to all stakeholders.
Mr. Edward Chan, Chairman and CEO of the Company, said, "Global geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties intertwine, placing pressure on the global economic recovery and posing ongoing challenges to the local property market. In the face of a complex external environment, Oi Wah has consistently adhered to a proactive yet prudent management strategy. Our core pawn loan business has fully demonstrated its role as a strategic tool to hedge against macroeconomic fluctuations, showcasing the Group's strong resilience amidst market challenges.
Looking forward, we will adopt a carefully calibrated differentiation strategy and continue to drive regional diversification. Under strict investment monitoring, we will actively explore business opportunities in developed markets to further expand our revenue streams and customer base, striving to deliver long-term, stable, and sustainable returns for our shareholders."
Hashtag: #OiWah
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited
Oi Wah is a financing service provider in Hong Kong, mainly providing short-term secured financing, including pawn loans and mortgage loans. The Group established its first pawnshop in 1975 and currently owns 10 pawnshops and one premium service center in various locations in Hong Kong. Oi Wah diversified into mortgage loan business in 2009. The Group is the first local pawn shop which successfully listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 12 March 2013.
** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
