Latest news with #Au
Extra.ie
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Aussie star Suaalii lies in wait as Lions campaign commences in Dublin
The British and Irish Lions get their campaign up and running against Argentina at Aviva Stadium on Friday night – but the three-Test series has got more daunting with cross-code superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in line to face Andy Farrell's side this summer. The 21-year-old was recruited from rugby league side Sydney Roosters on a three-year-deal worth a reported Au$5.35million (€3m) and Suaalii made an immediate impact on rugby union during the autumn internationals with a star turn against England in Twickenham. There were fears that the centre would have to sit out the series after he broke his jaw in a collision with New South Wales Waratahs teammate Andrew Kellaway in May. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in action for Australia. Pic:But Suaalii is on course to feature against the Lions, with head coach Joe Schmidt naming him in a 36-player squad on Thursday. The former Leinster and Ireland coach has also included giant La Rochelle lock Will Skelton. But veteran out-half James O'Connor has missed the cut. The 34-year-old has endured no shortage of disciplinary issues in the past, but the talented Australian back had found his best form since a galvanising move to the Crusaders this season. O'Connor played a prominent role for the Wallabies against the Lions 12 years ago, starting all three Tests in the No10 shirt. But Schmidt has opted for Ben Donaldson, Noah Lolesio and Tom Lynagh as his options at out-half for the warm-up Test against Fiji on July 6. James O'Connor playing with the Crusaders. Pic:'We've invested in three guys in that (No) 10 spot, and we felt trying to balance things up, we're going to keep investing in those guys,' said Schmidt. 'We didn't want to interrupt that. I'm not saying we got it right, I'm just saying that's what we chose to do.' Western Force back-row forward Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies winger Corey Toole are the only two uncapped players in the large squad while Ulster-bound loosehead Angus Bell, backrowers Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson and scrumhalf Tate McDermott are familiar faces. Japan-based stalwarts Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete as well as Bordeaux No8 Pete Samu were all omitted. Australia head coach Joe Schmidt. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo 'Selection is always tight and there'll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed,' Schmidt reasoned. 'As coaches, there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we've selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad. 'There's some continuity from last year, plus a few new or returning players, who have forced their way into the mix through strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific. 'This squad's immediate focus is Fiji, and we will need to hit the ground running having not been together since early January.' The Wallabies play Fiji on July 6 in Newcastle.
RTHK
2 days ago
- Business
- RTHK
HK likely to be top IPO market in 2025: Deloitte
HK likely to be top IPO market in 2025: Deloitte Deloitte forecasts that the city will raise over HK$200 billion of proceeds from 80 new listings this year. Photo: RTHK Southern region managing partner Edward Au said Deloitte China is "cautiously optimistic" that the city can be the top IPO market throughout this year. Photo: RTHK Accounting giant Deloitte on Thursday upgraded its forecasts for Hong Kong's initial public offering (IPO) market outlook for this year as the city regained the world fundraising crown in the first half, with money raised exceeding that by Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange. The firm noted that Hong Kong is set to see around HK$102.1 billion raised from 40 IPOs between January and June, which represents a 33 percent increase year on year in terms of number of deals and six to seven times more in terms of size. The strong performance was boosted by four mega A+H listings, including that of battery giant CATL, which raised HK$41 billion, as well as a H-share listing by bubble tea chain Mixue that raised HK$444 million. Deloitte now predicts the city will raise more than HK$200 billion from 80 listings this year – taking into consideration that almost 200 listing applications are currently in the pipeline, with five of them expected to raise at least HK$7.8 billion each. That's notably higher compared with its December forecasts of between HK$130 billion and HK$150 billion this year. The managing partner of Deloitte China's southern region, Edward Au, said the firm is "cautiously optimistic" that the city could maintain its top spot throughout the year – if there are no adverse geopolitical or macroeconomic disruptions at a time when the local bourse is continuing to woo global capital with reforms. "What Hong Kong needs to do is on liquidity, how to continue to attract investors to Hong Kong, and secondly, to connect with the other exchanges, for example, in Asean and the Middle East, to facilitate secondary listings in Hong Kong," he said. "The local bourse operator should also continue to upgrade its existing listing regime, to see if some of the listing rules and thresholds could be improved," he said. Most of the new IPO heavyweights will come from the technology, media and telecommunications, consumer as well as medical and life sciences industries, Au added.
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Toronto Sun
MANDEL: Toronto cop spared jail in assault of teen who later died -- but can't be trusted with 'deadly weapon'
Get the latest from Michele Mandel straight to your inbox Toronto Police logo What a bitter pill to swallow. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account In a Brampton courtroom Wednesday morning, suspended Toronto Police Const. Calvin Au, 34, avoided jail time and was handed a suspended sentence and a year's probation for the violent takedown of 19-year-old Chadd Facey after he tried to sell a fake Apple watch. Hours after the assault, the teen died of an intracerebral hemorrhage. The only consolation for his family is that Superior Court Justice Jennifer Woollcombe also imposed anger management counselling for Au and more surprising, a three-year weapons ban with no exemption for his policing work. So Au's time as a cop could soon be officially done, especially after the judge's damning assessment. 'I am very concerned that, despite all of his police training and experience, Au demonstrated the inability or unwillingness to assess a situation and then to use reasonable force,' Woollcombe said. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'My concerns are elevated were he to have any deadly weapon in the various volatile and challenging scenarios in which police officers regularly find themselves. My concerns are rooted in the safety of the public, having regard to what I find to be Au's poor judgment and inability to control himself.' For Facey's mom and sisters, though, it is hard to fathom how he has evaded any jail time. From left, Chadd Facey's sister Tanisha Hutton, mom Fay Fagan and sister Nicole Hutton. MICHELE MANDEL/TORONTO SUN 'It's very hard. I don't think it's fair,' said his mother, Fay Fagan, outside the courthouse. 'I lost my child and for him to get 12 months probation? That's not enough. Not even one day in jail? That's not enough.' His sisters Nicole and Tanisha Hutton were still trembling. 'It's been a slap in the face to us and he gets a slap on the wrist,' Tanisha said. 'He has zero remorse. He's very angry. He's never once looked to us to apologize.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Even when offered a chance to address the court before his sentencing, the father of a three-year-old child declined to utter even one word of regret. How callous is that? On April 26, 2021, Au was off-duty with his partner Gurmakh Benning to meet Facey to buy an Apple watch he was selling over Kijiji. But after paying him $400, they realized the watch was fake and began to chase the young Black teen to get back the cash. After about five minutes, they caught up to him. Facey, 5-foot-10 and 128 pounds, was outnumbered and outmuscled by the larger officers. 'He'd given up,' Woollcombe said. Benning snatched his money back. 'Unprovoked by the unarmed Facey, but still angry that this young man had got the better of them, Au failed to engage his police training to control and de-escalate the situation,' the judge continued. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Instead, he opted to use violence, running at Facey and taking him to the ground in a situation, when doing so was unwarranted, unjustified, excessive and put Facey at risk of injury.' Originally facing a manslaughter charge, that was withdrawn in September 2024 after prosecutors couldn't prove Facey's death was directly tied to being tackled. Woollcombe convicted Au last fall of assault — but acquitted him of assault causing bodily harm. The Crown had urged her to impose a four-month prison sentence and a five-year weapons prohibition. The defence argued for a conditional discharge, noting that any time in custody would almost certainly result in his being fired. So defence lawyer Peter Brauti was pleased with a suspended sentence, but admitted he was surprised by the weapons ban. No decision has been made yet on an appeal. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'This was a case that didn't involve a weapon, didn't involve a threat of a weapon,' Brauti said. 'It doesn't end his career necessarily but it's obviously a significant factor that the service will consider.' Read More Police chief Myron Demkiw told reporters he hasn't been briefed on the judgment details but will consider his 'options' regarding Au's future. Meanwhile, he remains suspended with pay as he awaits a disciplinary tribunal. And more trouble lies ahead for this officer. The Special Investigations Unit has reopened an investigation into an incident a month after the Facey assault where Au was initially cleared after firing four shots at an 18-year-old driver — narrowly missing his head — when the racialized teen tried to flee an underground garage. In an April judgment, Superior Court Justice Heather McArthur stayed the charges against the teen after finding Au used unreasonable lethal force. Sure looks like a pattern, doesn't it? mmandel@ RECOMMENDED VIDEO NHL Canada Soccer Canada Toronto Maple Leafs
Global News
2 days ago
- Global News
Off-duty Toronto cop avoids jail time for teen's assault in ‘Kijiji deal gone bad'
An off-duty Toronto police officer guilty of assaulting a teenager during a 'Kijiji deal gone bad' has been handed a suspended sentence and 12 months probation. Const. Calvin Au was also given a three-year weapons ban by Superior Court Justice Jennifer Woollcombe inside a Brampton, Ont., courtroom Wednesday. 'I am very concerned that despite his police training, Au demonstrated the unwillingness to assess the situation and then used excessive force,' Woollcombe said in part. 'In a situation where there were many other better options, his judgement was extremely poor.' Au was found guilty of assault, but not guilty of assault causing bodily harm, in November for the April 26, 2021, incident involving 19-year-old Chadd Facey. That day, off-duty Toronto police Const. Gurmakh Benning agreed to meet Facey to purchase an Apple Watch after he had posted on Kijiji to sell it. Story continues below advertisement 2:08 Assault trial for Toronto cop begins During the trial, court heard Benning had asked Au, his partner, to accompany him, given he viewed Au as more tech savvy and wanted him to authenticate the watch. Facey negotiated a price of $400 with Benning. Dressed in plain clothes, the two met Facey in the parking lot at Beryl Ford Public School on Ironshield Drive, near Cottrelle Boulevard and Highway 50, in Brampton for the transaction. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Benning had purchased the watch before realizing it was counterfeit. Facey took off and following a five-minute foot pursuit with Au, Benning caught up to him and got his money back. At the trial, Benning testified that Au took Facey down, without saying anything, because he thought Au didn't know that he had already got his money back. Au testified, in his own defence, that he didn't know Benning had got his money back and took down Facey because he was going to arrest him. However, he did not identify himself as an officer or say he was arresting Facey. Woollcombe said she found that problematic when she delivered her ruling. Story continues below advertisement Woollcombe said in her ruling she found Au used force that was 'excessive and unreasonable.' 'The force Au used was out of proportion with the objective of getting the money back,' Woollcombe said. 2:01 An off-duty Toronto Police officer has been charged with manslaughter. Au was originally charged with manslaughter, but the charge was later downgraded to assault causing bodily harm. At the beginning of the trial, an agreed statement of facts was entered that said 'the Crown is not in a position to allege that Facey's death was caused by the interaction with Au.' Benning had called 911 and told the dispatcher about the 'Kijiji deal gone bad' before the off-duty officers took off. Facey had called his friends who had earlier dropped him off at the location where the transaction took place after the rip-off. The friends testified they arrived on scene after the assault and picked him up. Story continues below advertisement A few hours later, Facey's friends noticed a bump on his forehead. He later died in hospital because of an intracerebral hemorrhage. Woollcombe found that the forensic evidence was not clear on how Facey got a bruise on his forehead and said the Crown failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Au was guilty of assault causing bodily harm. Crown prosecutors were asking Au to serve four months in custody, followed by 12 months' probation, as well as a five-year weapons ban and DNA order. Au's defence was asking for a conditional discharge and said a DNA order was not necessary Woollcombe said Wednesday Au needed to be sentenced for the assault he was convicted of, and not for causing Facey's death. 'The sentence must not seek to punish him for Facey's death or the effect it's had on his family,' Woollcombe said. 'I'm mindful that any conviction will put Au's career in jeopardy. I do not think it is necessary to impose … a sentence that will inevitably result in his dismissal.' Woollcombe ruled Au should have no communication with Facey's family, take anger management counselling as directed by his probation officer and be subject to a DNA order. Should he remain employed by the Toronto Police Service, he should take remedial training and 50 hours of community service focused on improving relations between police and the Black community, Woollcombe ruled. Story continues below advertisement 'While the incident has caused a loss of public confidence with police within the Black community, no evidence it was motivated because Facey was black; race was irrelevant to them,' Woollcombe wrote. Au has been suspended with pay since the charges were laid, and is still facing charges under provincial legislation governing policing.
Business Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
CEO's wealth hits US$33 billion as unprofitable Chinese medicine firm's stock soars
[NEW YORK] A blistering rally in a tiny, money-losing traditional Chinese medicine company's stock has vaulted its founder's net worth to among the world's largest fortunes. The firm, Hong Kong-based Regencell Bioscience Holding, was for all intents and purposes trading as a microcap stock on the Nasdaq just eight weeks ago. But its shares have since exploded, gaining more than 82,000 per cent since its Feb 13 low. The move has boosted the value of chief executive officer Yat-Gai Au's 86 per cent stake to US$33.3 billion, according to the Bloomberg billionaires Index, making Au's paper wealth greater than rich-list stalwarts such as Phil Knight and Masayoshi Son. The shares closed up 30 per cent to US$78 on Tuesday (Jun 17) in New York trading, after gaining 283 per cent on Monday following a 38-for-1 stock split. Regencell is an improbable vehicle for creating a multibillion-dollar fortune. Largely self-funded by Au, the company sells herbal medicine treatments for ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. The firm is still in the R&D phase and has never turned a profit since going public, losing US$4.4 million in the fiscal year through Jun 30, 2024, according to filings. Its chief medical officer position has been vacant since the last doctor to hold the job resigned in 2022. 'Both entities [Regencell and its associated foundation] are Gai's passion projects, and he will continue to invest his personal funds to defend what he believes in,' according to Au's bio page on the company's website. 'He has literally put his money where his mouth is by investing over USUS$9 million in RGC to demonstrate his personal belief and commitment.' Regencell did not respond to a request for comment. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Family business Founded in 2014, Regencell's main line of business is marketing and licensing traditional treatments developed by the founder's father, Sik-Kee Au. The elder Au has a background in electrical engineering and formerly owned a security alarm business in California. In August 2021, he was found guilty of professional misconduct by a practitioners' board in Hong Kong for overprescribing medicine, according to a public order. Regencell has exclusive rights over traditional medicinal formulas developed by Sik-Kee Au trademarked under the name Brain Theory. They consist of liquid-based herbal compounds taken twice daily, aimed at treating neurocognitive disorders. The younger Au started Regencell after he was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and suffered from dyslexia through much of his schooling. Despite those learning difficulties, he attended the Haas School of Business at the University of California-Berkeley and landed a job at Deutsche Bank in the late 1990s, working on more than US$4 billion in deals before founding Regencell. His older brother Yat-Pang is the founder and CEO of Veritas Investments, a property investment company that manages roughly 250 buildings on the US West Coast. In 2019, Bloomberg valued his wealth at more than US$100 million. As a high schooler growing up in Silicon Valley, Yat-Pang made headlines as a symbol of alleged anti-Asian discrimination in college admissions when he was rejected from UC Berkeley despite an excellent academic record, according to a 1987 Los Angeles Times report. He later went on earn an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2000. Boosting stake Yat-Gai Au has spent more than US$12 million buying Regencell shares since it went public in 2021. The company's next-largest backer is Samuel Chen, an investor whose early investments in Zoom Video Communications made him a fortune when the company's stock soared almost 1,500 per cent during the pandemic. Chen owned a stake in Regencell worth more than US$2.9 billion at Tuesday's closing price. Beyond investing in neurological treatments, Regencell has dabbled in other areas, too. In 2021, the company signed a two-year licensing agreement to distribute traditional Chinese medicine treatments for Covid-19 in Asia. It's unclear what prompted Monday's massive stock move, which wasn't preceded by any company news and came immediately after the forward stock split. Regencell's shares are very thinly traded: Only about 6 per cent of its outstanding shares float, which makes the stock price more susceptible to extreme fluctuations. BLOOMBERG
