Tag Archives: EDU

ClassIn raises $265 million in Series C funding, led by Hillhouse Ventures

BEIJING, Dec. 22, 2020 — Global EdTech giant ClassIn, creator of online interactive classroom ClassIn, has announced its Series C funding of $265 million.

ClassIn screenshot
ClassIn screenshot

The new round of financing, led by Hillhouse Ventures, followed by Tencent, SIG, Ince Capital and Gaocheng Capital, comes just months after the company secured its over 50 million Series B round from Ince Capital in July.

The fresh injection of capital will be harnessed to expand product R&D, develop new and advanced technologies in education, and explore more markets abroad increasing global reach, while ensuring it maintains its leading position in the China market.

Designed to tackle head-on the lack of interactivity in online learning scenarios, ClassIn offers group video chat on top of a range of sophisticated interactive classroom settings and teaching features to create a fully interactive online learning experience that, combined with smart scheduling and quality teachers, can outperform the effect of traditional offline settings. 

With over a dozen self-developed interactive tools and digital blackboard syncing technology, ClassIn creates a diversified interactive online classroom, which resembles the offline learning experience.

It supports a wide range of classroom sizes from 1 to 2000, allowing teachers and students to video chat, co-edit documents in real time, deliver lectures and online presentations, hold group discussions and more.

The product is highly adapted to a small-class scenario, ensuring the highest quality online learning experience and most cost-effective option for students and schools compared to 1-on-1 classes.

The teaching platform has now served over 60,000 K12, university and private sector clients, and is used by 20 million monthly active users (teachers and students) in 150 countries.

ClassIn screenshot
ClassIn screenshot

ClassIn is also the dominant online teaching platform in many of the world’s most prestigious universities, including Peking University in China, Cairo University in Egypt, Alcala University in Spain and Abu Dhabi University in the UAE. The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization, ALESCO, has listed it as a recommended remote teaching solution to all of its partner schools.

"We have dedicated a great deal of time and energy into developing our technologies and design to provide an online learning experience capable of surpassing the effect of a traditional classroom," said Junbo Song, founder and CEO of ClassIn.

"Amid the pandemic, we have made tremendous impact that has led to a tremendous increase in our user volume."

ClassIn is backed up by full courseware support in order to suit the needs of different classroom types and teaching scenarios, including blended learning and dual-teacher mode.

By way of its multi-channel video conferencing technology, 16 channels of audio and video, and comprehensive global deployment of cloud communication systems, ClassIn achieves global synchronization levels of up to 300ms ensuring near-zero latency, enabling teachers and students connecting to the platform from any network environment to realize a flawless interactive classroom experience.

ClassIn’s superior technical know-how and understanding in the field of online education has also brought formidable partners like Sony International Education and The British Council (organizer of the IELTS test) into the mix. The EdTech giant is now jointly developing a new interactive online learning platform with the former while providing tech support for the latter.

"ClassIn has created a first-rate, world-class product that I believe will ultimately reshape the entire world of education," says Huang Liming, Partner of Hillhouse Ventures.

"ClassIn has opened our eyes to the future of education. Already, it has empowered tens of millions of students and teachers across the globe, while it will continue to create value and accelerate transformation in offline classrooms all over the world."

ClassIn is now shaping a new era in education with its futuristic take on blended learning.

Its newly released product version, ClassInX, seamlessly transforms a traditional offline classroom space into a connected, online-merge-offline learning experience through its capabilities in digitizing offline blackboards and learning content, with remotely connected tablets used by individual students to play games, perform activities, sit quizzes and tests, bringing an unprecedented level of interactivity and versatility into the classroom.

About ClassIn

ClassIn is a world leading SaaS service provider in the education industry. Founded in 2014, ClassIn is dedicated to developing the world’s leading online classroom platform. ClassIn, its primary product and one of the first online classrooms in the world, was released in 2017 and now upgraded to ClassIn X which helps to digitize offline classrooms, providing a connected, online-merge-offline learning experience.

 

China Liberal Education Holdings Limited Starts Higher Volume Production and Expands Domestic Sales Channels of All-in-one Machine AI-Space

BEIJING, Dec. 18, 2020 — China Liberal Education Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: CLEU) ("China Liberal", or the "Company", or "we"), an educational services provider in China, today announced that the Company had started higher volume production and expanded domestic sales channels of AI-Space ("AI-Space"), an all-in-one machine designed to provide highly integrated visualization solutions for various scenarios with strict reliability requirements.

The Company has signed four regional sales cooperation agreements (the "Agreements") with four companies (the "Regional Sales Agents") covering the markets of five provincial-level regions in China, which are Sichuan, Shandong, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi and Fujian.

Pursuant to the Agreements, the Company authorized Shanxi Guangyun Jiuzhou Technology Co., Ltd, Chongqing Xueding Commerce and Trade Co., Ltd, Beijing Yunban Technology Co., Ltd and Xiamen Deyu Tiancheng Technology Co., Ltd. as sales agents to sell AI-Space to universities in the regions they cover, effective for one year from January 1 to December 31, 2021. The Regional Sales Agents agreed to take charge of the marketing and sales of AI-Space, maintain the brand image of China Liberal, and collect the sales and market feedback timely.

The Company also signed two project framework agreements (the "Framework Agreements") with two Chinese host universities, namely Fuzhou Melbourne Polytechnic ("FMP") and Straits Institute of Minjiang University ("Minjiang University") on December 10, 2020.

Pursuant to the Framework Agreements, the Company agreed to deliver AI-Space to FMP and Minjiang University by the agreed delivery dates, assist in product debugging and provide after-sales services. FMP and Minjiang University can purchase AI-Space from the Company at a fixed price for 2 years.

AI-Space can be applied to various scenarios including command center, lecture hall, conference room, multi-functional exhibition hall, smart classroom, vehicle emergency, portable command, telemedicine, science and technology court, and smart home. The Company began to develop AI-Space in September 2019, following a thorough market research and demand analysis. AI-Space adopts the design concept of all-in-one, and integrates audio processor, seamless mixed video matrix unit, programmable central control unit, gigabit switch unit, cross-platform runtime, recording and broadcasting codec, video conference terminal and multi-party interactive MCU. It adopts a hot-swappable design, which is easy to operate, has powerful application functions and can be applied to a wide range of applicable scenarios, offering users integrated solutions.

Ms. Ngai Ngai Lam, Chairwoman and CEO of China Liberal, commented, "We are excited to have entered into the Agreements with the Regional Sales Agents after careful selection, and have entered into the framework agreements with FMP  and Minjiang University. These agreements prove our product AI-Space is widely popular and well recognized by the market. Looking ahead, we will select more qualified university sales agents to expand our product’s market layout across China at the earliest time possible to become partners with smart conferences providers, smart homes vendors, and high-end clubs in the future."

About China Liberal Education Holdings Limited

China Liberal, headquartered in Beijing, is an educational services provider in China. It provides a wide range of services, including those under Sino-foreign jointly managed academic programs; overseas study consulting services; technological consulting services for Chinese universities to improve their campus information and data management system and to optimize their teaching, operating and management environment, creating a "smart campus"; and tailored job readiness training to graduating students. For more information, visit the company’s website at ir.chinaliberal.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as "may," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "contemplates," "estimates," "believes," "plans," "projected," "predicts," "potential," or "hopes" or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.

Investor Relations Contact

China Liberal Education Holdings Limited
Email: ir@chinaliberal.com 

Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Ms. Tina Xiao
Email: tina.xiao@ascent-ir.com 
Tel: +1 917 609 0333

China Distance Education Holdings Limited Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2020

– Fourth Quarter 2020 Net Revenue was $65.5 Million, Exceeding Guidance –
Fourth Quarter 2020 Gross Profit was $36.7 Million, with Gross Margin of 56.0% –
Fourth Quarter 2020 Operating Income was $12.9 Million, with Operating Margin of 19.7% –
Fourth Quarter 2020 Net Income Attributable to CDEL was $4.9 Million, with Net Income Margin of 7.4% –

BEIJING, Dec. 17, 2020 — China Distance Education Holdings Limited (NYSE: DL) ("CDEL", or the "Company"), a leading provider of online education and value-added services for professionals and corporate clients in China, today announced unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 ended September 30, 2020.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2020 Financial and Operational Highlights

  • Net revenue decreased by 4.6% to $65.5 million from $68.7 million in the prior year period.
  • Total course enrollments were 931,500, a decrease of 17.7% from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
  • Cash receipts from online course registration were $38.2 million, a 12.8% decrease from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
  • Gross profit decreased by 15.4% to $36.7 million from $43.4 million in the prior year period.
  • Non-GAAP[1] gross profit decreased by 15.3% to $36.8 million from $43.4 million in the prior year period.
  • Gross margin was 56.0%, compared with 63.2% in the prior year period. Non-GAAP[1] gross margin was 56.1%, compared with 63.2% in the prior year period.
  • Operating income decreased by 32.9% to $12.9 million from $19.2 million in the prior year period.
  • Non-GAAP[1] operating income decreased by 36.0% to $13.6 million from $21.2 million in the prior year period.
  • Net income attributable to CDEL was $4.9 million, compared with net income attributable to CDEL of $13.8 million in the prior year period.
  • Non-GAAP[1] net income attributable to CDEL was $6.2 million, compared with non-GAAP[1] net income attributable to CDEL of $18.6 million in the prior year period.
  • Basic and diluted net income per American Depositary Share ("ADS") attributable to CDEL were $0.144 and $0.143, respectively, compared with both basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to CDEL of $0.411, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Each ADS represents four ordinary shares.
  • Basic and diluted non-GAAP[1] net income per ADS attributable to CDEL were $0.185 and $0.184, respectively, compared with basic and diluted non-GAAP[1] net income per ADS attributable to CDEL of $0.558 and $0.554, respectively, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
  • Cash outflow from operations was $1.7 million, compared with cash inflow from operations of $20.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.

Fiscal Year 2020 Financial and Operational Highlights

  • Net revenue decreased by 1.1% to $209.6 million from $211.8 million in fiscal year 2019.
  • Total course enrollments were 4,255,000, an increase of 12.2% from fiscal year 2019.
  • Cash receipts from online course registration were $179.0 million, a 15.4% decrease from fiscal year 2019.
  • Gross profit increased by 0.8% to $108.0 million from $107.1 million in fiscal year 2019.
  • Non-GAAP[1] gross profit increased by 0.9% to $108.1 million from $107.1 million in fiscal year 2019.
  • Gross margin was 51.5%, compared with 50.6% in fiscal year 2019. Non-GAAP[1] gross margin was 51.6%, compared with 50.6% in fiscal year 2019.
  • Operating income decreased by 17.8% to $18.8 million from $22.8 million in fiscal year 2019.
  • Non-GAAP[1] operating income decreased by 18.8% to $21.4 million from $26.4 million in fiscal year 2019.
  • Net income attributable to CDEL decreased by 50.9% to $10.4 million from $21.3 million in fiscal year 2019.
  • Non-GAAP[1] net income attributable to CDEL decreased by 50.3% to $13.7 million from $27.6 million in fiscal year 2019.
  • Both basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to CDEL were $0.309, compared with both basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to CDEL of $0.635 for fiscal year 2019.
  • Basic and diluted non-GAAP[1] net income per ADS attributable to CDEL were $0.410 and $0.406, respectively, compared with basic and diluted non-GAAP[1] net income per ADS attributable to CDEL of $0.830 and $0.823, respectively, for the fiscal year 2019.
  • Cash flow from operations decreased by 51.1% to $40.0 million from $81.8 million in the fiscal year 2019.

Mr. Zhengdong Zhu, Chairman and CEO of CDEL, said, "We concluded fiscal 2020 with fourth-quarter revenue of $65.5 million, exceeding the upper end of our guidance range. This quarter’s revenue outperformance was primarily driven by a less-severe than previously expected impact from the pandemic-related postponement or suspension of certain professional certification examinations. The appreciation of the Renminbi against U.S. dollar also contributed to the fourth quarter revenue performance. However, our cash receipts from online course registration have declined year-over-year for the past three consecutive quarters due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

"We believe in the long-term growth prospects of China’s online education industry and are well prepared to serve a growing student demographic. We remain dedicated to consistently delivering knowledge to an even broader student constituency and extending convenience, flexibility and engagement to their learning experiences. Meanwhile, we will continue to integrate cutting-edge technologies into our educational solutions, and diversify our course offerings to fulfill the needs of students at different stages of their study and career development. With our 20-year track record and an unwavering commitment to education, we have proven to be the premier partner of choice for students in their journey of lifelong learning," Mr. Zhu concluded.

Mr. Mark Marostica, Co-Chief Financial Officer of CDEL, added, "Despite our efforts to control costs amid revenue weakness stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, our fourth quarter non-GAAP operating profit declined year-over-year. With fiscal 2021 well underway, we remain committed to our balanced growth strategy, and deeply focused on improving both revenue growth and profitability."

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2020 Financial Results

Net Revenue. Total net revenue decreased by 4.6% to $65.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $68.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Net revenue from online education services, books and reference materials, and other sources contributed 78.4%, 9.6% and 12.0%, respectively, of total net revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

Online education services. Net revenue from online education services increased by 3.9% to $51.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $49.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, mainly due to the revenue growth from the accounting vertical.

Books and reference materials. Net revenue from books and reference materials increased by 9.9% to $6.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $5.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, primarily attributable to the publication of certain Legal Professional Qualification Examination books in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, which were previously expected to be published in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.

Others. Net revenue from other sources decreased by 41.9% to $7.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $13.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, primarily due to the significant decrease in revenue from the sale of college-related learning simulation software, and the significant decrease in the provision of offline training courses due to COVID-19.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased by 14.0% to $28.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, from $25.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Non-GAAP[1] cost of sales increased by 13.8% to $28.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, from $25.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The increase in cost of sales was mainly due to the increase in cost of books and reference materials, and salaries. This increase was partially offset by the decrease in rental and related expenses, and lecture fees.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin. Gross profit was $36.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, a decrease of 15.4% from $43.4 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP[1] gross profit was $36.8 million, decreasing by 15.3% from $43.4 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 56.0% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, compared with 63.2% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Non-GAAP[1] gross margin was 56.1% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, compared with 63.2% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses increased by 5.3% to $26.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, from $24.7 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP[1] total operating expenses increased by 11.8% to $25.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, from $22.7 million in the prior year period.

Selling expenses. Selling expenses increased by 8.9% to $17.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $16.1 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP[1] selling expenses increased by 8.8% to $17.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, from $16.1 million in the prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by higher advertising and promotional expenses, and the increase in commission to agents. This increase was partially offset by the decrease in rental and related expenses.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by 19.8% to $8.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $7.1 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP[1] general and administrative expenses increased by 19.2% to $7.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, from $6.6 million in the prior year period. The increase was mainly due to the professional fees associated with the Company’s going private transaction. This increase was partially offset by the significant decrease in provision for doubtful debts, compared with the prior year period. In the prior year period, significant provision for doubtful debts was made mainly associated with the Company’s investee company, Hangzhou Wanting Technology Co., Ltd., and the sale of learning simulation software.

Impairment loss from long-term investments. Impairment loss from long-term investments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 was $0.9 million, compared with $6.9 million in the prior year period, due to impairment of the value of the investee company, Beijing Xinrui Education Technology Co., Ltd.

Income Tax Expenses. Income tax expense decreased by 30.5% to $4.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 from $6.0 million in the prior year period, primarily due to the decrease in taxable income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

Net Income Attributable to CDEL. As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to CDEL was $4.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, compared with net income attributable to CDEL of $13.8 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP[1] net income attributable to CDEL was $6.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, compared with non-GAAP[1] net income attributable to CDEL of $18.6 million in the prior year period.

Operating Cash Flow. Net operating cash outflow was $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, compared with net operating cash inflow of $20.0 million in the prior year period. The operating cash outflow was mainly attributable to the decrease in deferred revenue, and partially due to the decrease in cash receipts from online course registration, lease liability, and the decrease/increase in amount due to/from related parties. The operating cash outflow was partially offset by net income before non-cash items generated in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, the decrease in inventories, and the increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities, and income tax payable.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Term Deposits, Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments. Cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, restricted cash and short-term investments as of September 30, 2020 increased by 0.9% to $134.9 million from $133.7 million as of June 30, 2020, mainly due to the appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. The increase was partially offset by (i) the operating cash flow used in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, (ii) the capital expenditure of $1.9 million, (iii) the repayment of an onshore loan of $3.3 million, and (iv) the dividend distribution by an affiliated entity to its noncontrolling interests’ shareholders of $1.7 million.

Fiscal Year 2020 Financial Results

Net Revenue. Total net revenue decreased by 1.1% to $209.6 million in fiscal year 2020 from $211.8 million in fiscal year 2019. Net revenue from online education services, books and reference materials, and other sources contributed 76.0%, 10.6% and 13.4%, respectively, of total net revenues for fiscal year 2020.

Online education services. Net revenue from online education services increased by 9.2% to $159.3 million in fiscal year 2020 from $145.9 million in fiscal year 2019.

Books and reference materials. Net revenue from books and reference materials decreased by 19.4% to $22.1 million in fiscal year 2020 from $27.4 million in fiscal year 2019.

Others. Net revenue from other sources decreased by 26.9% to $28.2 million in fiscal year 2020 from $38.5 million in fiscal year 2019.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales decreased by 3.0% to $101.6 million in fiscal year 2020 from $104.7 million in fiscal year 2019. Non-GAAP[1] cost of sales decreased by 3.1% to $101.5 million in fiscal year 2020, from $104.7 million in fiscal year 2019.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin. Gross profit was $108.0 million in fiscal year 2020, up 0.8% from $107.1 million in fiscal year 2019. Non-GAAP[1] gross profit was $108.1 million, increasing by 0.9% from $107.1 million in fiscal year 2019. Gross margin was 51.5% in fiscal year 2020, compared with 50.6% in fiscal year 2019. Non-GAAP[1] gross margin was 51.6% in fiscal year 2020, compared with 50.6% in fiscal year 2019.

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses increased by 8.5% to $95.3 million in fiscal year 2020, from $87.9 million in fiscal year 2019. Non-GAAP[1] total operating expenses increased by 10.0% to $92.8 million in fiscal year 2020, from $84.4 million in fiscal year 2019.

Selling expenses. Selling expenses increased by 13.6% to $69.8 million in fiscal year 2020 from $61.5 million in fiscal year 2019. Non-GAAP[1] selling expenses increased by 13.6% to $69.8 million in fiscal year 2020, from $61.5 million in fiscal year 2019.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by 2.2% to $25.5 million in fiscal year 2020 from $24.9 million in fiscal year 2019. Non-GAAP[1] general and administrative expenses increased by 0.5% to $23.1 million in fiscal year 2020, from $22.9 million in fiscal year 2019.

Impairment loss from long-term investments. Impairment loss from long-term investments in fiscal 2020 was $0.9 million, compared with $6.9 million in fiscal year 2019, due to impairment of the value of the investee company, Beijing Xinrui Education Technology Co., Ltd.

Income Tax Expenses. Income tax expense was $5.5 million in fiscal year 2020, compared with income tax expense of $8.1 million in fiscal year 2019.

Net Income Attributable to CDEL. As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to CDEL was $10.4 million in fiscal year 2020, compared with net income attributable to CDEL of $21.3 million in fiscal year 2019. Non-GAAP[1] net income attributable to CDEL was $13.7 million in fiscal year 2020, compared with non-GAAP[1] net income attributable to CDEL of $27.6 million in fiscal year 2019.

Operating Cash Flow. Net operating cash inflow decreased by 51.1% to $40.0 million in fiscal year 2020 from $81.8 million in fiscal year 2019.

China Distance Education Holdings Limited Enters into Definitive Merger Agreement for Going Private Transaction

On December 1, 2020, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Champion Distance Education Investments Limited ("Parent") and China Distance Learning Investments Limited ("Merger Sub"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving entity and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (the "Merger"), in a transaction in which the Company will be acquired by a group of certain of the Company’s existing shareholders (including Mr. Zhu, Ms. Baohong Yin, co-founder of the Company, deputy chairman of the Board and the spouse of Mr. Zhu, and their affiliated entity) and certain other existing shareholders of the Company and equity investors. Upon the effectiveness of the Merger, all outstanding ordinary shares of the Company (each, an "Ordinary Share"), including Ordinary Shares represented by American depositary shares, each representing four Ordinary Shares ("ADSs"), other than Excluded Shares (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and ADSs representing Excluded Shares, will be cancelled in exchange for the right of the holders thereof to receive $2.45 in cash per Ordinary Share, or $9.80 in cash per ADS.

The Company cautions its shareholders and others considering trading in its securities that there remain risks and uncertainties with respect to the Merger, including the possibility that the Merger will not occur as planned if events arise that result in the termination of the Merger Agreement, or if one or more of the various closing conditions to the Merger are not satisfied or waived or if requisite shareholder approval is not obtained, and other risks and uncertainties regarding the Merger Agreement and the Merger.

[1] For more information about the non-GAAP financial measures contained in this press release, please see "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

About China Distance Education Holdings Limited

China Distance Education Holdings Limited is a leading provider of online education and value-added services for professionals and corporate clients in China. The courses offered by the Company through its websites are designed to help professionals seeking to obtain and maintain professional licenses and to enhance their job skills through our professional development courses in China in the areas of accounting, healthcare, engineering & construction, legal and other industries. The Company also offers online test preparation courses for self-taught learners pursuing higher education diplomas or degrees, and practical accounting training courses for college students and working professionals. In addition, the Company provides business services to corporate clients, including but not limited to tax advisory and accounting outsourcing services. For further information, please visit http://ir.cdeledu.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "may," "should," "potential," "continue," "expect," "predict," "anticipate," "future," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "estimate" and similar statements. Among other things, quotations from management in this announcement, the Company’s strategic and operational plans (in particular, the impact of COVID-19 on our businesses including the postponement or suspension of certain professional certification examinations; balancing growth and profitability; the growth prospects of online professional education in China; as well as the anticipated benefits of our strategic growth initiatives, including the promotion of the Company’s life-long learning ecosystem) as well as the risks and uncertainties of the Merger, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic and annual reports to the SEC, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the impact of COVID-19, together with the postponement or suspension of certain professional certification examinations; the results and impact of the Merger; our goals and growth strategies; future prospects and market acceptance of our courses and other products and services; our future business development and results of operations; projected revenues, profits, earnings and other estimated financial information; projected enrollment numbers; our plans to expand and enhance our courses and other products and services; anticipated benefits of acquisition or disposal of businesses, competition in the education and test preparation markets; and Chinese laws, regulations and policies, including those applicable to the Internet, Internet content providers, the education and telecommunications industries, mergers and acquisitions, taxation and foreign exchange.

Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed or furnished with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Statement Regarding Unaudited Financial Information

The unaudited financial information set forth in this press release is preliminary and subject to adjustments. Adjustments to the financial statements may be identified when audit work is performed for the year-end audit, which could result in significant differences from this preliminary unaudited financial information.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the Company’s consolidated financial results presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, the Company uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures: non-GAAP net income attributable to CDEL, operating income, gross profit, cost of sales, selling expenses, general and administrative expenses, net income margin attributable to CDEL, operating margin, gross profit margin, and basic and diluted earnings per ADS and per share attributable to CDEL. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to comparable GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this release.

The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance by excluding share-based compensation expenses, impairment loss from long-term investments net of noncontrolling interests and taxes calculated using specific tax treatments applicable to the adjustments based on their respective jurisdictions, and impairment of goodwill. However, non-GAAP financial measures may not be indicative of the Company’s operating performance from a cash perspective. The Company believes that both management and investors benefit from these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal comparisons to the Company’s historical performance and liquidity. The Company computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. A limitation of excluding share-based compensation expenses, impairment loss from long-term investments net of noncontrolling interests and taxes calculated using specific tax treatments applicable to the adjustments based on their respective jurisdictions, and impairment of goodwill from the above-mentioned line items and presenting these non-GAAP measures is that such items may continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in our business. Management compensates for this limitation by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying table at the end of this release provides more detail on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures.

Contacts:

In China:

China Distance Education Holdings Limited
Jiao Jiao
Tel: +86-10-8231-9999 ext. 1826
Email: IR@cdeledu.com

The Piacente Group, Inc. 
Jenny Cai 
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: dl@tpg-ir.com

In the United States: 

The Piacente Group, Inc.
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1 212-481-2050
Email: dl@tpg-ir.com

 

 

(Financial Tables on Following Pages)

 

 

China Distance Education Holdings Limited

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands of US Dollars, except number of shares and per share data)

September 30, 2019

September 30, 2020

(Derived from Audited)

(Unaudited)

Assets:

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

67,977

80,056

Term deposits

13,440

Restricted cash

38,358

4,212

Short term investments

22,118

20,343

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of US$1,864 and
US$1,282 as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively

7,330

6,154

Inventories

4,232

4,863

Prepayment and other current assets

26,732

31,316

Amounts due from related parties

515

3,580

Deferred costs

1,427

1,657

Total current assets

168,689

165,621

Non-current assets:

Restricted cash

16,849

Property, plant and equipment, net

37,935

42,331

Operating lease right of use asset

30,029

Goodwill, net

74,829

78,966

Long term investments

25,379

26,324

Other intangible assets, net

30,113

23,161

Deposit for purchase of non-current assets

4,448

2,186

Deferred tax assets

3,865

5,690

Other non-current assets

10,092

7,490

Total non-current assets

186,661

233,026

Total assets

355,350

398,647

Liabilities and equity:

Current liabilities:

Bank borrowings

38,502

4,012

Accrued expenses and other liabilities (including accrued expenses and other
liabilities of the consolidated VIE without recourse to China Distance Education
Holdings Limited of US$49,232 and US$35,491 as of September 30, 2020 and 2019,
respectively)

38,267

55,454

Amount due to related parties

600

1,309

Income tax payable (including income tax payable of the consolidated VIE without
recourse to China Distance Education Holdings Limited of US$14,451 and
US$8,188 as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively)

10,899

17,378

Deferred revenue – current portion (including deferred revenue of the consolidated
VIE without recourse to China Distance Education Holdings Limited of US$104,929
and US$93,364 as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively)

94,202

105,953

Refundable fees – current portion (including refundable fees of the consolidated VIE
without recourse to China Distance Education Holdings Limited of US$1,729 and
US$435 as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively)

435

1,729

Operating lease liability – current portion (including operating lease liability of the
consolidated VIE without recourse to China Distance Education Holdings Limited
of US$3,835 and nil as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively)

4,160

Total current liabilities

182,905

189,995

Non-current liabilities:

Deferred revenue – non-current portion (including deferred revenue of the
consolidated VIE without recourse to China Distance Education Holdings Limited
of US$33,928 and US$33,564 as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively)

33,564

33,928

Refundable fees – non-current portion (including refundable fees of the consolidated
VIE without recourse to China Distance Education Holdings Limited of US$2,602
and US$2,440 as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively)

2,440

2,602

Deferred tax liabilities

12,695

6,088

Long-term bank borrowing

16,000

Operating lease liability – non-current portion (including operating lease liability of
the consolidated VIE without recourse to China Distance Education Holdings
Limited of US$22,749 and nil as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively)

23,089

Total non-current liabilities

48,699

81,707

Total liabilities

231,604

271,702

 

Equity:

Ordinary shares (par value of US$0.0001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized;
135,320,433 and 134,210,745 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020
and 2019, respectively)

13

14

Additional paid-in capital

24,507

27,318

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(12,357)

(833)

Retained Earnings

60,668

51,477

Total China Distance Education Holdings Limited shareholder’s equity

72,831

77,976

Noncontrolling interests

50,915

48,969

Total equity

123,746

126,945

Total liabilities and equity

355,350

398,647

 

 

China Distance Education Holdings Limited

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations

 (in thousands of US dollars, except number of shares, per share and per ADS data)

Three Months Ended September 30,

2019

2020

Sales, net of value-added tax and related surcharges:

Online education services

49,467

51,399

Books and reference materials

5,740

6,310

Others

13,484

7,837

–  Sale of learning simulation software

3,366

2,225

–  Business start-up training services

483

331

–  Others

9,635

5,281

Total net revenues

68,691

65,546

Cost of sales

Cost of services and others

(22,791)

(24,080)

Cost of tangible goods sold

(2,492)

(4,740)

Total cost of sales

(25,283)

(28,820)

Gross profit

43,408

36,726

Operating expenses

Selling expenses

(16,133)

(17,574)

General and administrative expenses

(7,064)

(8,462)

Impairment of goodwill

(1,517)

Total operating expenses

(24,714)

(26,036)

Other operating income

535

2,222

Operating income 

19,229

12,912

Impairment loss from long-term investments

(6,920)

(910)

Interest income

493

603

Interest expense

(525)

(120)

Exchange gain (loss)

3,399

(4,107)

Income before income taxes

15,676

8,378

Income tax expense

(6,044)

(4,201)

(Loss) gain from equity method investments

(465)

292

Net income

9,167

4,469

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

(4,602)

(396)

Net income attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited

13,769

4,865

 

Net income per share attributable to China Distance Education Holdings
Limited:

Net income attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited 
shareholders

Basic

0.103

0.036

Diluted

0.103

0.036

 

Net income per ADS attributable to China Distance Education Holdings
Limited:

Net income attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited 
shareholders

Basic

0.411

0.144

Diluted

0.411

0.143

Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per share
attributable to
China Distance Education Holdings Limited:

Basic

133,399,392

134,510,192

Diluted

134,333,486

135,537,758

 

 

China Distance Education Holdings Limited

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations

 (in thousands of US dollars, except number of shares, per share and per ADS data)

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2020

Sales, net of value-added tax and related surcharges:

Online education services

145,917

159,338

Books and reference materials

27,372

22,061

Others

38,533

28,159

–  Sale of learning simulation software

12,996

9,520

–  Business start-up training services

2,741

2,158

–  Others

22,796

16,481

Total net revenues

211,822

209,558

Cost of sales

Cost of services and others

(85,252)

(81,976)

Cost of tangible goods sold

(19,489)

(19,622)

Total cost of sales

(104,741)

(101,598)

Gross profit

107,081

107,960

Operating expenses

Selling expenses

(61,460)

(69,848)

General and administrative expenses

(24,919)

(25,478)

Impairment of goodwill

(1,517)

Total operating expenses

(87,896)

(95,326)

Change in fair value in connection with business combination

695

Other operating income

2,968

6,155

Operating income 

22,848

18,789

Impairment loss from long-term investments

(6,920)

(910)

Interest income

2,207

2,555

Interest expense

(2,819)

(1,021)

Gain from disposal of an investment

318

Gain from deconsolidation of a subsidiary

6,869

Exchange gain (loss)

3,296

(5,261)

Income before income taxes

25,799

14,152

Income tax expense

(8,121)

(5,460)

Loss from equity method investments

(1,484)

(555)

Net income

16,194

8,137

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

(5,060)

(2,293)

Net income attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited

21,254

10,430

 

Net income per share attributable to China Distance Education Holdings
Limited:

Net income attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited 
shareholders

Basic

0.159

0.077

Diluted

0.159

0.077

 

Net income per ADS attributable to China Distance Education Holdings
Limited:

Net income attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited 
shareholders

Basic

0.635

0.309

Diluted

0.635

0.309

Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per share 
attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited:

Basic

133,060,900

133,984,929

Diluted

134,138,117

135,232,224

 

 

China Distance Education Holdings Limited

Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to comparable GAAP measures

(In thousands of US Dollars, except number of shares, per share and per ADS data)

Three Months Ended September 30,

2019

2020

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

Cost of sales

25,283

28,820

Share-based compensation expense in cost of sales

45

Non-GAAP cost of sales

25,283

28,775

Selling expenses

16,133

17,574

Share-based compensation expense in selling expenses

18

Non-GAAP selling expenses

16,133

17,556

General and administrative expenses

7,064

8,462

Share-based compensation expense in general and administrative expenses

490

626

Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses

6,574

7,836

Gross profit

43,408

36,726

Share-based compensation expenses

45

Non-GAAP gross profit

43,408

36,771

Gross profit margin

63.2%

56.0%

Non-GAAP gross profit margin

63.2%

56.1%

Operating income

19,229

12,912

Share-based compensation expenses

490

689

Impairment of goodwill

1,517

Non-GAAP operating income

21,236

13,601

Operating margin

28.0%

19.7%

Non-GAAP operating margin

30.9%

20.8%

Net income attributable to CDEL

13,769

4,865

Share-based compensation expenses

490

689

Impairment loss from long-term investments, net of tax effect of US$228 and nil
     for the year ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively

6,920

682

Impairment of goodwill

1,517

Noncontrolling interests impact on adjustments

(4,094)

Non-GAAP net income attributable to CDEL

18,602

6,237

Net income margin attributable to CDEL

20.0%

7.4%

Non-GAAP net income margin attributable to CDEL

27.1%

9.5%

Net income per share attributable to CDEL—basic

0.103

0.036

Net income per share attributable to CDEL—diluted

0.103

0.036

Non-GAAP net income per share attributable to CDEL—basic

0.139

0.046

Non-GAAP net income per share attributable to CDEL—diluted

0.138

0.046

Net income per ADS attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited
     shareholders—basic (note 1)

0.411

0.144

Net income per ADS attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited
     shareholders—diluted (note 1)

0.411

0.143

Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to China Distance Education
     Holdings Limited shareholders—basic (note 1)

0.558

0.185

Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to China Distance Education
    Holdings Limited shareholders—diluted (note 1)

0.554

0.184

Weighted average shares used in calculating basic net income per share
     attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited

133,399,392

134,510,192

Weighted average shares used in calculating diluted net income per share
    attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited

134,333,486

135,537,758

Weighted average shares used in calculating basic non-GAAP net income per
    share attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited

133,399,392

134,510,192

Weighted average shares used in calculating diluted non-GAAP net income per
    share attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited

134,333,486

135,537,758

Note 1: Each ADS represents four ordinary shares.

 

 

China Distance Education Holdings Limited

Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to comparable GAAP measures

(In thousands of US Dollars, except number of shares, per share and per ADS data)

Year Ended September 30,

2019

2020

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

Cost of sales

104,741

101,598

Share-based compensation expense in cost of sales

23

139

Non-GAAP cost of sales

104,718

101,459

Selling expenses

61,460

69,848

Share-based compensation expense in selling expenses

10

58

Non-GAAP selling expenses

61,450

69,790

General and administrative expenses

24,919

25,478

Share-based compensation expense in general and administrative expenses

1,972

2,421

Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses

22,947

23,057

Gross profit

107,081

107,960

Share-based compensation expenses

23

139

Non-GAAP gross profit

107,104

108,099

Gross profit margin

50.6%

51.5%

Non-GAAP gross profit margin

50.6%

51.6%

Operating income

22,848

18,789

Share-based compensation expenses

2,005

2,618

Impairment of goodwill

1,517

Non-GAAP operating income

26,370

21,407

Operating margin

10.8%

9.0%

Non-GAAP operating margin

12.4%

10.2%

Net income attributable to CDEL

21,254

10,430

Share-based compensation expenses

2,005

2,618

Impairment loss from long-term investments, net of tax effect of US$228 and
     nil for the year ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively

6,920

682

Impairment of goodwill

1,517

Noncontrolling interests impact on adjustments

(4,094)

Non-GAAP net income attributable to CDEL

27,602

13,730

Net income margin attributable to CDEL

10.0%

5.0%

Non-GAAP net income margin attributable to CDEL

13.0%

6.6%

Net income per share attributable to CDEL—basic

0.159

0.077

Net income per share attributable to CDEL—diluted

0.159

0.077

Non-GAAP net income per share attributable to CDEL—basic

0.207

0.102

Non-GAAP net income per share attributable to CDEL—diluted

0.206

0.102

Net income per ADS attributable to China Distance Education Holdings
     Limited shareholders—basic (note 1)

0.635

0.309

Net income per ADS attributable to China Distance Education Holdings
     Limited shareholders—diluted (note 1)

0.635

0.309

Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to China Distance Education
     Holdings Limited shareholders—basic (note 1)

0.830

0.410

Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to China Distance Education
     Holdings Limited shareholders—diluted (note 1)

0.823

0.406

Weighted average shares used in calculating basic net income per share
     attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited

133,060,900

133,984,929

Weighted average shares used in calculating diluted net income per share
     attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited

134,138,117

135,232,224

Weighted average shares used in calculating basic non-GAAP net income per
     share attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited

133,060,900

133,984,929

Weighted average shares used in calculating diluted non-GAAP net income per
     share attributable to China Distance Education Holdings Limited

134,138,117

135,232,224

Note 1: Each ADS represents four ordinary shares

 

 

Mapúa University, Malayan Colleges Laguna and Malayan Colleges Mindanao Select McGraw Hill’s ALEKS and Connect Solutions for Math and Science Courses


The partnership will further increase the capability to deliver quality, fully online courses

SINGAPORE, Dec. 14, 2020 — Mapúa University and its subsidiaries, Malayan Colleges Laguna and Malayan Colleges Mindanao, premier technology and engineering institutions based in the Philippines, have chosen McGraw Hill’s ALEKS adaptive learning software and Connect digital platform to enhance the learning experiences of students in Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology, Accounting and other course areas. The two programs will be made available to nearly 6,000 Mapúa University students in the academic year 2020-2021, representing the latest step in Mapúa University’s ongoing efforts to deliver world-class online lectures and laboratory courses.

"Mapúa University has consistently been a leader in delivering quality education to its students," said Dr. Bonifacio T. Doma, Jr., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mapúa University. "Our partnership with McGraw Hill will help to strengthen the university’s capabilities of delivering outcomes-based, fully digital education solutions that enrich our students’ learning experiences and that also help teachers to develop more creative, effective and efficient teaching styles."

For more than 20 years, McGraw Hill ALEKS has helped educators in Math and Chemistry to quickly and accurately focus in on exactly which topics students understand and which topics they need help with, empowering teachers to deliver the most effective instruction possible. Built on the theory of "knowledge spaces" from cognitive science, ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces) uses artificial intelligence to create personalized and dynamic learning paths for K-20 students based on their individual needs. To date, ALEKS has served more than 20 million students at thousands of K-12 schools, colleges and universities throughout the world. 

McGraw Hill’s Connect platform is a digital learning solution that also offers the course management and adaptive learning solution SmartBook 2.0, which creates a new reading experience for students. Using SmartBook 2.0, each student can better identify topics that they already know and also learn new topics through the technology’s ability to understand topics they’re ready to learn next. The software also measures the length of time each student spends on assessment and creates questions that evaluate the student’s understanding of a certain concept.

"We are proud to partner with Mapúa University to help their students achieve a higher level of educational outcomes by leveraging our industry-leading ALEKS and Connect learning platforms," said Joseph Chong, Managing Director of McGraw Hill in Asia. "As we continue to navigate the challenges of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative reaffirms both McGraw Hill’s and the university’s commitment to providing innovative, high quality digital solutions to help each student succeed."

About Mapúa University

Mapúa University is a premier engineering and technological university in the Philippines. A 4-Star institution under the QS Stars Rating System and a QS Asia Top 500 university, it envisions itself to be among the best universities in the world, unceasingly fostering its long tradition of leading-edge excellence in various fields of studies and providing students a learning environment that will make them globally competitive.

Offering locally and internationally accredited academic programs and other developmental programs that provide international learning opportunities to its students, a Mapúa education meets global quality standards of the professions for which it prepares graduates.

A recognized leader in digital education and online learning in the Philippines, Mapúa continuously provides enriching and engaging learning experiences to its students using the latest in educational technology, enhancing its capability for effective teaching and learning in a digital environment.

McGraw Hill

McGraw Hill is a learning science company that delivers personalized learning experiences that drive results for students, parents, educators and professionals. We focus on educational equity, affordability and learning success to help learners build better lives. Headquartered in New York City, McGraw Hill has offices across North America, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and South America, and makes its learning solutions for PreK-12, higher education, professionals and others available in more than 75 languages. Visit us at mheducation.com or find us on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn or Twitter.

Contact:
Tyler Reed
McGraw Hill
(914) 512-4853
tyler.reed@mheducation.com 

“Chateau School Online” Officially Launched

TOKYO, Dec. 9, 2020 — Chateau School launched "Chateau School Online" from November 27.

Chateau School is an international, multilingual school for children from ages zero to six in Tokyo. Opened in 2011, the school grew by devoted families from art, fashion, music, entertainment, technology, etc. and became an institution for world-famous families of creative industries.

Images: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202011307875?p=images

The name "Chateau" refers to a "powerhouse" where children collect inspiration and polish individual values and creativity.

Chateau School has developed an exclusive "World Diplomacy Program" which is a full-year curriculum to explore over 110 countries in 9 months across the globe.

Chateau School Online offers its signature World Diplomacy Program from an iPad, handphone or computer. Children can experience Chateau School in a new way.

Learn about a country’s overview on Monday, music and dances on Tuesday, arts and crafts on Wednesday, cooking on Thursday and national sports and games on Friday. In the future, the program plans to upgrade with more features.

Chateau School Online creates an opportunity for global citizens to learn the in-depth cultural values of worldwide countries from an early age.

Please note that this is a soft launch. Updates will bring more countries and content to explore. The school hopes citizens will check the app and start learning about the world with their children from home.

Official website: https://chateau-school.com/

Related Links :

https://chateau-school.com/

Dain Leaders tests the digital tracking technology for international students using the ‘Proof of Concept (PoC).’

Secures the credibility of application forms of international students and enables systematic management.

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 29, 2020 — Dain Leaders (http://www.dainleaders.com/), a Blockchain edutech specialist, has announced that they have supported the proof of concept (PoC) of Blockchain for international student matching platform to ensure the credibility of application forms and manage students’ history systematically.

The ‘proof of concept (PoC)’ is a project sponsored by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) and its purpose was to prevent forgery and alteration of documents required for the admissions of international students and reduce the amount of work required to verify authenticity for the credibility of admissions process. The underlying technology is the Blockchain testing technology.

Focusing on the untact business that has become popular due to COVID19, Dain Leaders expects that it would serve as a new platform to bring some of the manual processes of the admissions procedure into the online systems.

There currently are about 160,000 international students from 180 countries taking degree programs and language training courses at colleges in Korea. As more international students are coming to Korea every year, cases of applicants submitting fraudulent documents for illegal employment are also growing. Therefore, it is difficult for the colleges and other educational institutions to verify the authenticity of documents that have been forged so elaborately.

Fortunately, the integrated digital tracking platform for international students based on Blockchain makes it easy to review the documents to enhance the credibility of admissions procedure. The procedure compares the original copies of documents recorded onto the Blockchain in hash value to the files requested by colleges and other educational institutions to ensure alignment.

"The proof of concept (PoC) ensures the credibility of documents submitted by international students and tracks them systematically," said President Moo Ho Lim of Dain Leaders. "Even after the project, it will continue to be improved with the feedback of diverse users, including colleges, educational institutions, international students, study abroad agencies, and more."

Dain Leaders is an edutech specialist with technology that leads the global market of untact education by developing optimized customer-centered systems and bringing blockchain, AI, and Big Data together for educational institutions and companies in Korea and abroad.

Dain Leaders releases the ‘digital tracking platform for international students based on Blockchain’ for the untact era.

Proof of concept (PoC) of performance and stability.

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 28, 2020 — Dain Leaders (http://www.dainleaders.com/), a Blockchain edutech specialist of Korea, is planning to release the ‘international student matching platform based on Blockchain’ that combines the Blockchain with digital tracking technology.

The ‘international student matching platform based on Blockchain’ that secures the confidentiality of online admissions instead of the manual services has been developed for the new market for safe international admissions in the post-COVID era and supports the security of digital applications of students applying for K-Study with the Blockchain technology.

It is also noticeable that the credibility of data is ensured for each college to access and view. Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA), a nationally accredited software quality testing certifier, has begun to test the platform to secure the integrity of data on the Blockchain, security and repairability when saving and restoring data and DB, and technology related to the performance and stability of Blockchain.

In the process, Hanyang University has promptly provided the data of 2,000 international applicants and the testbed for verifying the technology and cooperated for the development and testing of digital tracking platform for the college admissions officials handling the admissions documents such as transcripts and diplomas.

The platform will be tested for 15 items related to the functionality of Blockchain and about 10 items related to its quality and performance. The test environment will be servers using general CPU and servers and nodes of Blockchain and the target value will be 20TPS.

TPS is not the absolute index of performance of Blockchain, but it is required to support a certain level of TPS and block processing speed for the stability of commercial services. 

"After TTA verification, the platform will be released before the end of this year for use by more people, including international students and college officials," said President Moo-ho Lim of Dain Leaders. "Colleges and other educational institutions in Korea can now track international students on the digital platform based on Blockchain through the K-Study Platform."

ViewSonic Organized The ColorPro Gallery for ColorPro(TM) Award 2020: Kindness

BREA, Calif., Nov. 27, 2020 — ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual and educational solutions, organized the ColorPro Award 2020 Global Photography Contest with four leaders in the creative industry — Blurb, Shoot the Frame (STF), Tinyspace, and TourBox — centered on the theme of kindness to celebrate kindness around the world. Followed by the award ceremony, the ColorPro Gallery website was launched on November 13 to showcase the top 100 entries and to contitune spreading positive energy through these beautiful photographs to the world.

The top 10 winners of the ColorPro Award 2020 Global Photography Contest were selected from more than 2,100 extraordinary photo entries from 18 countries and regions. ViewSonic and partners seek to encourage people to share their precious moments through photographs and to inspire creativity and highlight the meaningful stories happening around us each and every day. Through the vision of ColorPro Award, you would rediscover the world from a different angle.

Visit the online gallery to see the stories behind all these astonishing photos: https://color.viewsonic.com/colorproaward2020/.

1st Prize Winner

Kindness by Antonio Aragon Renuncio, Spain

1st Prize Winner, Kindness by Antonio Aragon Renuncio, Spain (photo credit: ViewSonic)
1st Prize Winner, Kindness by Antonio Aragon Renuncio, Spain (photo credit: ViewSonic)

In Africa, children with disabilities are at high risk of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and are often abandoned by their families. Misconceptions and superstitions are prevalent. For example, people say that disabilities are due to divine punishment (with those suffering from disabilities often referred to as "snakes" as they lie on the ground). These children are in dire need of specialized care and attention to improve their quality of life. In Bombouaka, Togo, Kodjo, a 14-year-old child in a wheelchair, helps his classmate with homework before a soccer game in a makeshift classroom at the Don Orione Center — a care center for children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities. Kodjo’s act shows tremendous kindness, love, solidarity, and companionship.

2nd Prize Winner

Harvesting Water Lily by Tanvir Alam, Bangladesh

2nd Prize Winner, Harvesting Water Lily by Tanvir Alam, Bangladesh
2nd Prize Winner, Harvesting Water Lily by Tanvir Alam, Bangladesh

Satla is the largest water lily farming village in Barishal, Bangladesh. Various kinds of water lilies are grown, and almost 10,000 acres of canal and wetland areas are overflowing with these beautiful plants. About 70% of the people in this village are associated with water lily cultivation. The two farmers in the photo are working together to process water lilies in order to sell them in a market, enabling them to support their families.

3rd Prize Winner

Drought Ladies by Chin Leong Teo, Singapore 

3rd Prize Winner, Drought Ladies by Chin Leong Teo, Singapore
3rd Prize Winner, Drought Ladies by Chin Leong Teo, Singapore

Farmers rely on mother nature to take care of their crops. As the global warming crisis escalates, the change of weather patterns become more extreme and unpredictable, resulting in more droughts and floods. This farmer was devastated when seeing the impact of drought on her farmland. Her sister comforts her by showing support, compassion, and companionship. 

One Love One Heart by Sultan Ahmed Niloy, Bangladesh

One Love One Heart by Sultan Ahmed Niloy, Bangladesh
One Love One Heart by Sultan Ahmed Niloy, Bangladesh

According to the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, over 33,000 people are infected with waterborne diseases during the monsoon season from June to September in Bangladesh. As heavy rains in the neighboring Indian state of Assam caused massive floods in Bangladesh, many people were impacted. People helped each other regardless of age, demonstrating that they can overcome the challenges posed by these floods with love, support, and companionship.

A Man Who Feeds the Migratory Birds by Saurabh Narang, Germany 

A Man Who Feeds the Migratory Birds by Saurabh Narang, Germany
A Man Who Feeds the Migratory Birds by Saurabh Narang, Germany

As the sun sets, Mr. Ramnath, who resides on the banks of the Yamuna River near Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi, India, feeds thousands of seagulls who travel there every year between October and March to escape from the harsh Siberian winters. The experience of taking this photograph was very special to Saurabh Narang. It features an incredible scene of humanity and nature while thousands of seagulls are flying overhead.

About ViewSonic

Founded in California, ViewSonic is a leading global provider of visual solutions and conducts business in over 100 countries worldwide. As an innovator and visionary, ViewSonic is committed to providing comprehensive hardware and software solutions that include monitors, projectors, digital signage, ViewBoard interactive displays, and the myViewBoard software ecosystem. With over 30 years of expertise in visual displays, ViewSonic has established a strong position for delivering innovative and reliable solutions for education, enterprise, consumer, and professional markets and helping customers "See the Difference." To find out more about ViewSonic, please visit www.viewsonic.com.

Be safe with K-Study – Pay attention to Dain Leaders’ ‘digital tracking platform for international students based on Blockchain.’

Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) begins performance test.

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 27, 2020 — As Korea has controlled COVID19 quite successfully, ‘K-Quarantine’ has been highly recognized.  More international students wish to come to Korea for studies and the ‘international students’ matching platform based on Blockchain’ developed by Dain Leaders(http://www.dainleaders.com/), a Blockchain edutech specialist of Korea, has attracted attention.  

The ‘international students’ matching platform based on Blockchain’ for safe admissions in the Post-COVID era is the K-Study platform that combines Blockchain with the digital tracking technology to process the entire admissions procedure for K-Study online for safety.

The platform particularly supports the confidentiality of digital documents of international applicants applying for colleges in Korea and secures the credibility of data for the convenience of each college.

Dain Leaders has entered the data credibility verification process. It is led by Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA), a nationally accredited software quality testing certifier, is securing the integrity of data on the Blockchain, security and repairability when saving and restoring data and DB, and technology related to the performance and stability of Blockchain.

In the process, Hanyang University provided the data of 2,000 international applicants and the testbed for verifying the technology and cooperated for the development and testing of digital tracking platform for the college admissions officials handling the admissions documents such as transcripts and degrees.

The platform will be tested for 15 items related to the functionality of Blockchain and about 10 items related to its quality and performance. The test environment will be servers using general CPU and servers and nodes of Blockchain and the target value will be 20TPS. TPS is not the absolute index of performance of Blockchain, but it is required to support a certain level of TPS and block processing speed for the stability of commercial services.   

"After TTA verification, the platform will be released before the end of this year for use by more people, including international students and college officials," said President Moo Ho Lim of Dain Leaders. "Colleges and other educational institutions in Korea can now track international students on the digital platform based on Blockchain through the K-Study Platform."

Dain Leaders visualizes the digital tracking platform for international students made available by the Blockchain technology.

Manual processes of international student admissions to online.

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 26, 2020 — Kim (36), an official handling international student admissions at College A in Korea, is spending too much time reviewing the application forms from international students for authenticity.

Linhuei (18), a student from Ho Chi Minh, has recently gained interests in the Korean Wave and decided to study in Korea. She wants to know a lot about the Korean colleges and culture, but it is hard for her to find accurate information.

For the past few years, the number of international students pursuing degree programs and language training courses at colleges in Korea has been growing and more are demanding online tracking systems for the untact business due to COVID19. In order to review the enormous number of application forms of international students, a platform is required to simplify the procedure.

Dain Leaders, a Blockchain edutech specialist of Korea, has attracted attention by launching the digital tracking platform on which students can certify their documents and submit application forms online.

Dain Leaders is testing technology for the stability and credibility of data on the platform through the proof of concept (PoC) project sponsored by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) for commercial application later this year.

The biggest benefit is that it can save time and cost. International students who wished to apply for a college in Korea had to prepare the same packet of application forms every single time and pay the application fees redundantly. The digital tracking platform has the embedded Smart Contract tool, so they can apply for several colleges using their verified documents.

In case of school officials who had to process all application packets manually can use the convenient and efficient online systems and save space without the paperwork. The documents of applicants cannot be forged or altered by certain individuals or groups as they are recorded on the Blockchain network to ensure credibility and security.

"We will continue to improve the service to save and manage on the Blockchain network all the transcripts, degrees, and resumes of international students, so they can use their records while studying in Korea and finding jobs after graduation," said the spokesperson of Dain Leaders.

Dain Leaders is an edutech specialist with technology that leads untact education by developing optimized customer-centered systems and bringing blockchain, AI, and Big Data together for educational institutions and companies in Korea and abroad. For more information, you can visit Dain Leaders’ official website. (http://www.dainleaders.com/)