DEAR SHAREHOLDERS,
In this second annual report and its first 12 full
months of operations, YSH delivered a good set of
financial and operating results for FY2008. We have
laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth by
combining ongoing organic growth initiatives with
selective strategic acquisitions. We recognise that
our future development and growth as a company
will continue to be driven by astute selection of
investment opportunities, proficient execution of
investment projects, and a constant and steadfast
reliance on our people.
In FY2008, I am pleased to report that our turnover
grew by 18% to S$10.9 million, while profits
attributable to equity holders stood at S$17.2
million. Our growth is a reflection of our unique
strategic position and the competitive advantage
we have built. We have in the past year, completed
both the acquisition of Plantation Resources Pte Ltd ("PRPL") and Winner Sight Investments Ltd, which
is reviewed below.
In February this year, we commenced with the
development of Ivory Court Residences, a new
cluster of single family bungalows on the existing
Pun Hlaing Golf Estate in Myanmar. Spreading our
wings further by capitalising on our expertise, we
incorporated V-Pile Singapore Pte Ltd, to provide
specialist micro piling, jack-in pile, jet-grouting,
ground anchor and soil investigation services in
Singapore.
WORLD-CLASS BIO-DIESEL PLAYER
Since last year, we have taken a majority stake in
Plantation Resources Pte Ltd, a company with the
exclusive rights to cultivate, manage and develop
a 100,000 acre Jatropha Curcas plantation in
Myanmar. This strategic initiative to produce critical Jatropha oil feedstock to meet the tremendous
demand for bio-diesel in the ensuing years has laid
the groundwork for us to become a major player in
the cultivation of Jatropha Curcas. We have seen a
lot of market interest in our plantation, as Jatropha
Curcas is increasingly showing great promise to be
the non-food feedstock for bio-diesel. Furthermore,
our plantation is run in an ecologically sustainable
manner, with various energy saving and recycling
initiatives.
To date, about 2,000 acres of land have been
cleared and prepared with 720 acres already
planted at the Maw Tin Estate plantation, located in
the Ayerwaddy Division of Myanmar. Plans for the
first shipment of Crude Jatropha Oil this year is also
in full progress.
At present, we are focused towards the use
of improved germplasm and providing optimal
conditions such as fertile soil and adequate moisture
to maximise the genetic potential of the plant.
With that in mind, we have entered into a formal
agreement with The Sichuan University Faculty
of Life Sciences, presently the foremost research
authority on Jatropha Curcas, to collaborate in
research and development to reap the fullest
potential of this fuel crop
We aim to be a world leader in producing sizeable and sustainable bio-diesel feedstock. To this end,
we have a number of natural advantages due to the
availability of large tracks of land and an abundant of
economical labour supply, and a favourable climate
in Myanmar.
CYCLONE NARGIS RELIEF EFFORT
We are most fortunate that the recent Cyclone
Nargis which devastated MyanmarԳ Ayerwaddy
Delta did not cause significant damage to our
plantation. Except for severe difficulties for access
and some minor loss of plants, the majority of our
crops remains intact. Nevertheless, in discharging
our duty as a good corporate citizen, we have
together with our associate companies, been
actively involved in the relief efforts to the affected
Ayerwaddy Division. Leading a large number
of volunteers from within the ranks of our group,
including medical staff from Pun Hlaing International
Hospital, we were one of the first private companies
present in the most remote corners of the affected
areas distributing much needed relief items and
saving lives. As the weeks went by, our work has
shifted gradually from emergency relief work to
rebuilding and reconstruction efforts to help victims
of the cyclone to rebuild their lives. We are grateful
to those who have generously donated to our Yoma
Cyclone Relief Fund.
DEVELOPING PREMIER REAL ESTATE PROJECTS
Our emphasis on developing premier real estates
projects will continue to be our guiding principle.
In May this year, we have signed up our first batch
of tenants at Yoma International Finance Centre
("Yoma IFC") at The Grand Central in Dalian, PRC,
the 110,000 square metres composite building
comprising the Yoma IFC office tower, Shama Luxe
5-star Serviced Apartments, and Grand Central
high-end shopping mall. Being the first project of
international standards in the Dalian Development
Area ("DDA"), we are pleased to see premier foreign
owned corporations choosing to move into the
building. The take-up rate of the respective spaces
in the project as well as the rental rates, are within
our targeted projections.
The Grand Central office and retail portions will
be managed by CBRE, while Shama Luxe Grand
Central, will be managed by Hong KongԳ renowned
Shama Group.
The Yoma IFC office tower has been operational
since end of June 2008 while the remaining phases
comprising the Shama Luxe Serviced Residences
and Grand Central Fashion and Lifestyle Mall is
expected to be completed by end 2008.
BALANCING RISKS AND RETURNS
We have grown over the years geographically and
sectorally. This is a growth formula that has reduced
our risks of execution and enhanced our returns on
investment. We are currently diversified across
businesses sectors of real estate development
and plantation management, as well as across
the geographical locations of Myanmar, China and
Singapore.
We remain on the lookout for opportunities in China
and Asia, which we believe will benefit from our
unique and innovative approach to deliver worldclass
projects. We hope to bring some of these
interesting projects to fruition soon
It has been a very satisfying year for YSH and on
behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all our
investors and business partners for their strong
support and confidence.
Yours truly,
Mr Serge Pun
Chairman & CEO |