Financial Performance - The group recorded consolidated revenue of approximately HKD 99 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of 5.2% compared to HKD 104 million for the year ended December 31, 2020[23]. - The net loss attributable to owners of the company was approximately HKD 18.6 million, an increase of 263% from a loss of HKD 5.1 million for the previous year[23]. - The loss was primarily due to a prudent accounting treatment of a HKD 12.9 million investment in VAX, a company seeking licensing from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission[23]. - The company recorded a loss attributable to owners of approximately HKD 18,600,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to a loss of approximately HKD 5,100,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on revenue and increased expected credit losses[53]. - Total revenue decreased by approximately HKD 5,500,000, from approximately HKD 104,200,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, to approximately HKD 98,800,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021[55]. Cost Management and Operational Adjustments - The company implemented cost-saving measures, including relocating some offices to lower-rent locations, to counteract the negative impacts of the COVID-19 crisis[24]. - The financial division's performance was adversely affected by a deteriorating financial environment, prompting stricter cost control measures[27]. - Employee benefit expenses decreased from approximately HKD 76,900,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, to about HKD 73,500,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021, mainly due to reduced hiring[78]. - Other operating expenses decreased to approximately HKD 22,200,000 from about HKD 28,000,000 in the previous year, with the ratio to sales declining from approximately 27% to about 22%[78]. Business Development and Future Outlook - Despite uncertainties in the financial markets and global economy, the company remains optimistic and is actively exploring further investment and collaboration opportunities in virtual asset development services[24]. - The company plans to establish partnerships with other financial and professional entities to capitalize on the development potential of new business trends[24]. - The company expanded its investment in virtual asset-related financial sectors, aiming to leverage blockchain technology for asset tokenization[28]. - The company is optimistic about the potential investment returns from its acquisition of VAX, which is applying for regulatory licenses for a virtual asset trading platform[42]. - The company anticipates increased demand for its multimedia customer contact center systems, particularly those equipped with AI capabilities, in response to ongoing business continuity challenges[41]. - The company plans to continue investing in human resources and technology to address talent shortages and capture potential business opportunities[41]. Corporate Governance - The company has maintained compliance with all corporate governance codes as of December 31, 2021[98]. - The board consists of two executive directors and three independent non-executive directors, ensuring a balanced structure with relevant expertise[100]. - The company is committed to enhancing transparency and accountability in its corporate governance practices[97]. - The company has a dedicated code of conduct for directors regarding securities trading, confirming compliance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021[99]. - The company’s management team includes experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in finance, operations, and technology[94][95]. - The company has been actively reviewing and improving its corporate governance practices to align with international best practices[98]. - The board is responsible for setting corporate and strategic goals, monitoring operational activities, and reviewing financial performance[102]. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiatives - The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report outlines the measures and performance taken by the group for long-term sustainable development during the reporting period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021[161]. - The board is responsible for overseeing ESG-related matters and approving the main direction of the group's ESG strategy[161]. - An ESG committee was established to regularly review and analyze relevant data, assess risks, and provide recommendations to the board[161]. - The group is committed to reducing environmental impact through energy conservation, waste reduction, and recycling initiatives[162]. - The group has implemented an environmental policy based on the principles of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Replace" to minimize operational impacts[179]. - The group emphasizes stakeholder communication, including shareholders, employees, customers, and regulatory bodies, to enhance its environmental, social, and governance performance[167]. - Key issues identified as highly significant for the group include health and safety, customer data protection, employment practices, and social contributions[173]. Emissions and Resource Management - Total greenhouse gas emissions decreased by approximately 13.3% from about 425,548 kg in 2020 to approximately 368,973 kg in 2021[184]. - Direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1) reduced by about 11.4% from 8,143 kg in 2020 to 7,218 kg in 2021[183]. - Total emissions density per square foot decreased from 21.3 kg in 2020 to 19.4 kg in 2021, reflecting an 8.9% reduction[183]. - Total waste paper collected for recycling increased significantly to approximately 5,179 kg in 2021 from 1,445 kg in 2020[193]. - Paper usage reduced by approximately 18.6% from about 1,193 kg in 2020 to 971 kg in 2021[188]. - Total electricity consumption decreased by approximately 14.9% from about 650,758 kWh in 2020 to 553,904 kWh in 2021[196]. - Total water consumption increased by approximately 16.9% from 3,363 cubic meters in 2020 to 3,931 cubic meters in 2021 due to increased usage by third-party clients[199].
易通讯集团(08031) - 2021 - 年度财报