As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2025.
Registration Statement No. 333-284322
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM F-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Agroz Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Cayman Islands | 100 | Not Applicable | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification Number) |
No. 2, Lorong Teknologi 3/4A, Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara,
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
+60 18-218 2300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP
1185 Avenue of the Americas
31st Floor, New York, NY 10036
Telephone: (212) 930-9700
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Ross D. Carmel, Esq. Shane Wu, Esq. Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 31st Floor New York, NY 10036 (212) 930-9700 |
Jason T. Simon, Esq. Yangyang Jia, Esq. Greenberg Traurig, LLP 1750 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1000 McLean, VA 22102 (703) 749-1300 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act:
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
| † | The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012. |
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
| PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS | SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 6, 2025 |
1,500,000 Ordinary Shares
75,000 Ordinary Shares underlying the Representative’s Warrants
Agroz Inc.

This is the initial public offering of the ordinary shares (“Offering”), par value US$0.0001 per share (“Ordinary Shares” or “Shares”), of Agroz Inc. (“Agroz”), an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, whose operating subsidiary is established in Malaysia. We are offering 1,500,000 Ordinary Shares of Agroz. We are also registering 75,000 Ordinary Shares underlying the warrants to be issued to U.S. Tiger Securities, Inc., the representative of the underwriters (“Representative”) or its designees (such warrants, the “Representative’s Warrants”).
Prior to this Offering, there was no public market for the Ordinary Shares. The offering price of the Shares in this Offering is expected to be $4.00 per Share. We have reserved the ticker symbol “AGRZ” for the Shares on The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”).
Listing of the Shares on Nasdaq is a condition to this Offering. There is no assurance that our Nasdaq application will be approved, and if our application is not approved, this Offering will not be completed.
Investing in the Shares is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. Before purchasing any Ordinary Shares, you should carefully read the discussion of material risks of investing in the Shares in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 of this prospectus.
We are an “emerging growth company” and a “foreign private issuer” as defined under the federal securities laws and, as such, will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. See “Prospectus Summary — Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Foreign Private Issuer” for additional information.
Upon the completion of this Offering, the outstanding shares of Agroz will consist of Ordinary Shares, assuming the Underwriters of this Offering (the “Underwriters”) do not exercise their Over-Allotment Option (as defined below), assuming the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in full.
| Per Share | Total(2) | |||||||
| IPO price | $ | 4.00 | $ | 6,000,000 | ||||
| Underwriting discounts(1) and commissions | $ | 0.28 | $ | 420,000 | ||||
| Proceeds, before expenses, to us | $ | 3.72 | $ | 5,580,000 | ||||
| (1) | Represents underwriting discounts equal to seven percent (7.0%) per Ordinary Share. |
| (2) | Assumes that the Underwriters do not exercise any portion of their Over-Allotment Option. In addition, we have agreed to grant to the Representative warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares equal to five percent (5%) of the total number of Ordinary Shares sold in the offering, exercisable upon the closing of the offering, at a price of 120% of the public offering price of the Ordinary Shares offered in this offering. The registration statement of which this prospectus is a part covers the Ordinary Shares issuable upon the exercise of the warrants. This table does not include a non-accountable expense allowance equal to one percent (1%) of the gross proceeds of this offering payable to the underwriters, or certain other expenses for which we have agreed to reimburse the underwriters. See the section titled “Underwriting” beginning on page 107 of this prospectus for additional disclosure regarding underwriter compensation and offering expenses. |
We expect our total cash expenses for this Offering (including cash expenses payable to our Underwriters for their out-of-pocket expenses) to be approximately US$1,457,848, exclusive of the above discounts and non-accountable expenses. In addition, we will pay additional items of value in connection with this Offering that are viewed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), as underwriting compensation. These payments will further reduce proceeds available to us before expenses. See “Underwriting.
Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. The Underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the Ordinary Shares. We have granted the Underwriters an option for a period of forty-five (45) days after the closing date of this Offering (the “Closing Date”) to purchase up to 225,000 additional Ordinary Shares from us at the IPO price (or 15% of the Ordinary Shares sold in this Offering), less underwriting discounts to cover over-allotments, if any. If the Underwriters exercise the Over-Allotment Option (as defined below) in full, assuming the public offering price per Ordinary Share is US$4.00, the total underwriting discounts payable will be US$483,000, the non-accountable expenses payable will be $69,000 and the total proceeds to us, before expenses, will be US$6,348,000.
If we complete this Offering, net proceeds will be delivered to us on the Closing Date.
The Underwriters expect to deliver the Ordinary Shares against payment as set forth under “Underwriting” on or about , 2025.
US Tiger Securities, Inc.
The date of this prospectus is , 2025.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
We are responsible for the information contained in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus we prepare or authorize. We have not, and the Underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information, and we and the Underwriters take no responsibility for any other information others may give you. We are not, and the Underwriters are not, making an offer to sell the Shares in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or the sale of any Ordinary Shares.
For investors outside the United States: neither we nor the Underwriters have done anything that would permit this Offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction, other than the United States, where action for that purpose is required. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the Ordinary Shares and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.
Agroz is an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and a majority of our outstanding Ordinary Shares are owned by non-U.S. residents. Under the rules of the SEC, we currently qualify for treatment as a “foreign private issuer.” As a foreign private issuer, we will not be required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as domestic registrants whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.
Until and including , 2025 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade the Shares, whether or not participating in this Offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as Underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
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DEFINED TERMS IN THIS PROSPECTUS
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus to:
| ● | “Agroz Group” refers to Agroz Group Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian private limited company, our operating subsidiary; |
| ● | “AgTech” refers agricultural technology; |
| ● | “Board of Directors” refers to the Board of Directors of the Company; |
| ● | “CEA” refers to controlled environment agriculture; |
| ● | “Companies Act” refers to the Companies Act (as revised) of the Cayman Islands, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time; |
| ● | “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “Agroz” refers to Agroz Inc., an exempted Company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on August 8, 2023, that will issue the Ordinary Shares being offered; |
| ● | “DGCL” refers to the Delaware General Corporation Law; |
| ● | “Exchange Act” refers to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; |
| ● | “IFRS” refers to International Financial Reporting Standards; |
| ● | “IPO” refers to an initial public offering of securities; |
| ● | “Memorandum and Articles of Association” refers to the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of our Company; |
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| ● | “MYR” refers to the Malaysian Ringgit; |
| ● | “Offering” means this initial public offering of Shares; |
| ● | “Ordinary Shares” or “Shares” refers to the ordinary shares of the Company, par value USD 0.0001; |
| ● | “Over-Allotment Option” refers to the Underwriters’ option to purchase up to 225,000 additional Ordinary Shares from us in the IPO; |
| ● | “PCAOB” refers to Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; |
| ● | “Representative” refers to US Tiger Securities, Inc., the representative of the Underwriters in this Offering; |
| ● | “RCPS” means redeemable convertible preferred shares of the Company; |
| ● | “SEC” or “Securities and Exchange Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; |
| ● | “Securities Act” refers to the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended; |
| ● | “Underwriters” refers to the underwriters of this Offering; and |
| ● | “U.S. dollars,” “$,” “US$,” “USD” or “dollars” refers to United States dollar(s), the lawful currency of the United States. |
We have made rounding adjustments to some of the figures included in this prospectus. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise by the Underwriters of their Over-Allotment Option.
Agroz is a holding company with operations conducted in Malaysia through its operating subsidiary in Malaysia, Agroz Group. The reporting currency of Agroz Group is MYR. This prospectus contains translations of MYR into U.S. dollars solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from MYR to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to MYR in this prospectus for the six months ended on June 30, 2024 were calculated at the rate of US$1 = MYR4.7157, representing the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers of MYR as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last trading day of June 28, 2024. Translations of amounts from MYR into US$ for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were calculated at the rate of US$1 = MYR4.5903, representing the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers of MYR as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last trading day of December 31, 2023. No representation is made that the MYR amount represents or could have been, or could be converted, realized or settled into US$ at that rate, or at any other rate.
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The following summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in the Shares. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, in each case included in this prospectus. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters discussed in the section of this prospectus titled “Business” before making an investment decision. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “Agroz,” “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” and similar designations refer to Agroz Inc., an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands.
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve food safety, food security, and sustainability for society by creating a reliable, accessible food supply through our agricultural technology (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “AgTech”) and vertical farming (synonymous with controlled environment agriculture and hereinafter sometimes referred to as “CEA”) methods.
Our Company
Agroz is a fully vertically integrated agricultural technology company applying technology solutions, innovative business models, processes, and systems to design, build, manage, and operate indoor CEA vertical farms. We also operate CEA vertical farms in local communities to grow and deliver clean, pesticide free, fresh and nutritious rich vegetables directly to consumers and businesses, and to educate the public on how our vegetables are grown.
Revenue Model
We primarily derive our revenue from: (1) designing and/or constructing indoor CEA vertical farms; (2) operating and managing indoor CEA vertical farms; (3) selling CEA vertical farms, and (4) selling fresh produce.
We offer a comprehensive set of farm solutions to our clients. We work with clients to set up CEA vertical farms, starting with the design phase, and continuing into the construction and implementation phrase. We build the structural framework for the CEA vertical farms, install their interior components, and integrate the Agroz OS (as defined below) which is essential to the operation of the CEA vertical farms we design and/or construct. After constructing the CEA vertical farms, we assist clients with operation and management as needed.
| 1. | Designing and/or Constructing Indoor Vertical Farms |
Our goal is to create efficient, sustainable, and environmentally controlled vertical farms which maximize crop yield and crop quality and allow for precise management of temperature, humidity, light and nutrients.
We design and/or construct indoor CEA vertical farms for our clients according to their specific needs. This involves planning each CEA vertical farm’s layout, designing its infrastructure, building the farm’s structural framework, setting up equipment, and implementing our Agroz Farm Operating System (“Agroz OS”) within the farm. The Agroz OS, at its most current stage of development, integrates certain hardware and software solutions detailed below. Through Agroz OS, we aim to improve productivity, boost yield, and improve the quality of produce generated within CEA vertical farms.
Agroz OS is currently comprised of digitally automated hardware systems capable of: (i) managing various environmental conditions within the CEA vertical farms and water quality and volume, (ii) providing irrigation and nutrient fertigation; (iii) providing light to crops; (iv) managing energy use; and (v) collecting data to enable management of temperature and lighting within the farms, as well as nutrient provision, irrigation and fertigation; and software solutions which enable email and communication systems for the organization of the farm, supported by Microsoft Azure Cloud and Microsoft Azure AI.
We envision that at a more advanced developmental stage, Agroz OS will consist of: (i) an AI agent system, which when fully deployed can undertake complex multi-step autonomous actions within vertical farms and result in vertical farms which can be independently and automatically operated; and software solutions which enable: (ii) tracking of every aspect of the vertical farm’s business activities through our proprietary Agroz ERP and (iii) financial accounting and bookkeeping, supported by Intuit Quickbooks software solutions. We expect that these software solutions will be fully integrated into Agroz OS in 2025.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have only implemented in Agroz OS (i) the above digitally automated hardware systems for Agroz OS and (ii) software solutions enabling email and communication systems for farm organization. The software solutions mentioned in the preceding sentence are supported by Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Azure AI, which solutions are possible pursuant to being Microsoft ISV and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner under the Microsoft Publisher Agreement and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Agreement filed herein as Exhibits 10.7 and 10.8, respectively.
For a more complete description of the types of hardware and software solutions in Agroz OS, see “Products and Services” below.
| 2. | Operating and Managing Indoor CEA Vertical Farms |
Following the successful design and/or construction of CEA vertical farms, our clients may also receive, at their option, farm operation and management services. The services we offer in this respect include the overseeing of day-to-day CEA vertical farm operations and performing regular maintenance of our clients’ CEA vertical farm systems, using all of the intellectual property we have developed, including Agroz OS and the standard operating procedure supporting CEA vertical farm operations. We began generating revenue from the operation and management services for our clients’ CEA vertical farms in fiscal year 2024.
Currently, we operate and manage two (2) CEA vertical farms.
The first CEA vertical farm we operate and manage is a 10,021 square foot indoor vertical farm in Kota Damansara. Agroz Group leases certain property located at Kota Damansara pursuant to the terms of the Tenancy Agreement between Agroz Group and Child’s Partner (M) Sdn. Bhd (“Child’s Partner”), the lessor of such property. Agroz Group remits monthly rent as consideration for renting such property. The Tenancy Agreement between Agroz Group and Child’s Partner is filed herein as Exhibit 10.9.
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The second CEA vertical farm we operate and manage is a 5,239 square foot educational vertical farm (“EduFarm”) at the AEON Mall Alpha Angle (“AEON Alpha Angle”), a shopping center in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Agroz Group is the lessee of certain space owned by AEON Co. (M) Berhad (“AEON”) in its mall at AEON Alpha Angle, Wangsa Maju, Malaysia pursuant to the terms of that certain Tenancy Agreement between Agroz Group and AEON. The Tenancy Agreement between Agroz Group and AEON is filed as Exhibit 10.4 herein. Pursuant to the terms of the Tenancy Agreement, AEON granted Agroz Group a tenancy to occupy this space and operate it as a CEA vertical farm. As consideration for occupying and renting this space, Agroz Group agreed to pay monthly rent as well 30% of the monthly revenue generated at the EduFarm. The lease term is for three (3) years, ending on April 30, 2026, unless Agroz Group requests for an extension of lease and AEON grants an extension thereof.
The Malaysia Book of Records, a publication of record setting achievements, recognizes the vertical farm we operate and manage at AEON Alpha Angle as the largest indoor vertical farm located inside a shopping mall in Malaysia. Additionally, in June of 2024, the Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, recognized the EduFarm for meeting Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (“myGAP.PF”) requirements in being pesticide free. MyGAP.PF is a certification scheme recognizing farms which adopt agricultural practices with an environmentally friendly concept, safeguarding the welfare and safety of workers and do not use synthetic pesticides to produce quality, safe and edible products. This certification covers 20 types of vegetables grown in the CEA vertical farms we manage and operate, including green butterhead, red butterhead, green coral, red coral, wild rocket, green kale, and arugula, to name a few.
Through the EduFarm, we also supply fresh produce sold at AEON Alpha Angle and at certain supermarkets operated by AEON.
| 3. | Sale of CEA Vertical Farms |
We sell CEA vertical farms to potential buyers once they are fully operational and optimized. Each CEA vertical farm includes Agroz OS. We aim to achieve high-yield crop production and resource management through these CEA vertical farms.
| 4. | Sale of Fresh Produce |
We also generate revenue from sales of fresh produce, which produce consist of (i) produce grown in the leased CEA vertical farms we operate and (ii) produce outsourced from our clients’ CEA vertical farms and other suppliers. To date, we have successfully grown 50 different crops and are currently offering 21 varieties of crops for sale. For a complete list of varieties that we have grown and those we are currently offering, see “Our Products and Services” below. Our key distribution avenue is the direct distribution of fresh produce to Malaysian-based wholesale distributors, and large supermarket brand retailers, such as AEON, and recently we have expanded our distribution to Village Grocer.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe the following strengths differentiate us from our competitors:
Vertical integration
We believe a core feature that sets us apart from our competitors is our status as a fully vertically integrated agricultural technology provider of (i) services for the design and/or construction of CEA vertical farms; (ii) services for the operation and management of CEA vertical farms; and (iii) fresh produce. To our knowledge, no company in Malaysia or Southeast Asia currently holds this status.
Innovative and Advanced Agriculture Technology (AgTech) solutions
We have proprietary CEA software, which we believe gives us a competitive advantage over other market players. We own the underlying source code to all of the software components which we plan to launch within Agroz OS in the future, including, but not limited to, (i) the source code to the software platform itself, (ii) the Agroz ERP and direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) online marketplace integrated within. We also own the underlying source code to the programmable logic controller (“PLC”), or industrial computer, which is an essential component enabling automation and environmental condition control and management within the CEA vertical farms we operate, integrated within the current version of Agroz OS.
We are currently a Microsoft Independent Software Vendor (“ISV”) and a Microsoft AI Cloud partner. We are a Microsoft ISV pursuant to the terms of that certain Microsoft Publisher Agreement between us and Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft Publisher Agreement”) filed herein as Exhibit 10.7 herein. Pursuant to the Microsoft Publisher Agreement, Microsoft Corporation allows us to open and maintain a publisher account, which we can use to list and sell software content developed by us on the Azure Marketplace, Microsoft AppSource, and any Microsoft owned or operated endpoints (such endpoints, the “Microsoft Commercial Marketplace”). ISVs like us can offer the software on the Microsoft Commercial Marketplace to reseller partners designated by us. We agreed to abide by certain customary terms and conditions for the use of such publisher account pursuant to the Microsoft Publisher Agreement, including, but not limited to: our maintaining good standing of such account; Microsoft Corporation’s removal and disablement policies as to the software listing; a license grant to Microsoft Corporation to host, install, reproduce, publicly perform and display our software; agreement not to infringe on third party intellectual property rights; and our appointment of Microsoft Corporation as agent or commissionaire, as applicable, to facilitate purchases through the Microsoft Commercial Marketplace.
We are currently a Microsoft AI Cloud partner pursuant to the terms of that certain Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Agreement between us and a Microsoft affiliate designated by Microsoft (the “Microsoft Cloud Partner Program Agreement”). The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Agreement is filed herein as Exhibit 10.8. Pursuant to the terms of the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program Agreement, we are allowed to use the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (the “MCPP”) administered by Microsoft. Through such use, we access certain Microsoft content, information, sales tools, documentation, branding materials such as logos, and resources in the development of our software solutions. We agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the MCPP set forth in the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program Agreement as a Microsoft Cloud Partner.
Our relationship with Microsoft through the Microsoft AI Cloud Program has allowed us to build, publish and develop our cloud-based Agroz OS software application on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, and gain access to various software and development tools owned by Microsoft to enhance and support Agroz OS and the CEA vertical farms we operate and manage.
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In May of 2024, we announced that we would be using the latest generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies made available through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to build and develop Agroz Copilot.
Our CEA methods and technology solutions have enabled us to improve crop productivity and farm efficiency using less space than conventional agricultural methods of production do. These methods and solutions have also enabled us to precisely manage our water use and deploy tailored artificial lighting to maximize the growth potential of our vegetables, eliminating the need to irrigate vast expanses of land like traditional farms do.
Healthy, clean and fresh vegetables
We deliver healthy, clean, and fresh vegetables to our customers. We go beyond organic practices by growing clean and fresh vegetables in a safe and sustainable manner. The CEA vertical farms we operate utilize non-genetically modified organism (“non-GMO”) seeds and organic nutrients that are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, fungicide, insecticide and herbicide.
Strategic Partnership with AEON Co. (M) Berhad
We have established a strategic business partnership with AEON, a leading Malaysian retailer which we believe can revolutionize the traditional grocery shopping experience and attract more high-consumption customers. We grow fresh vegetables within the EduFarm which are sold directly to visitors at the EduFarm and to shoppers at supermarkets operated by AEON. We, through Agroz Group, have a showcase display at the AEON MaxValu Prime at The Sphere, Bangsar South, Malaysia, a shopping center (“AEON MaxValu Prime”), where customers can choose the vegetables they wish to purchase at our sales counter, thereby applying a unique concept we introduced called “Farm-in-Supermarket.” This business partnership exists pursuant to the terms of that certain Concessionaire Agreement between Agroz Group and AEON dated May 31, 2023 (the “Concessionaire Agreement”), which specifies various material terms by reference to the Yearly Contract entered into between Agroz Group and AEON (the “Yearly Contract”). Under the Concessionaire Agreement, AEON agreed to permit Agroz Group to operate a sales counter at the AEON MaxValu Prime. Each month, AEON pays Agroz Group the account balance of the total gross receipt of sales of fresh produce sold at the sales counter, after deducting all costs, Margins (as defined below), reimbursement, indemnities and other related expenses for the month’s sales period. Agroz Group is required to pay AEON 30% of the total of the amount registered on AEON’s cash register per month (such percentage, the “Margin”). The Concessionaire Agreement currently has no expiration date, as specified in the Yearly Contract. However, the Concessionaire Agreement is terminable upon the occurrence of: (i) the Margin or any other sums or any part thereof payable by Agroz Group being in arrears for seven (7) days after the same becomes due and payable; (ii) there is a breach by Agroz Group of any other terms contained in the Concessionaire Agreement and such breach is not cured within three (3) days of Agroz Group’s receipt of a written notice from AEON requiring such breach to be cured, including the breach of Agroz Group’s obligation to meet or fulfill AEON’s imposed sales or trading target on Agroz Group for three (3) consecutive months or such other time frame specified by AEON; (iii) Agroz Group’s bankruptcy or a petition filed for bankruptcy, winding up, or Agroz Group’s entry into an arrangement with its creditors or cancellation of its business registration certificate; (iv) Agroz Group being forbidden by law to perform its obligations under the Concessionaire Agreement or loss of Agroz Group’s agency to sell or deal with its fresh produce; vi) a breach of the representations or warranties in the Concessionaire Agreement; or vii) in the opinion of AEON, Agroz Group becoming unable to pay Agroz Group’s debts. The Concessionaire Agreement is filed herein as Exhibit 10.5 and the Yearly Contract between Agroz Group and AEON is filed herein as Exhibit 10.6.
We believe this “Farm-in-Supermarket” concept revolutionizes the traditional grocery shopping experience, made possible in part through our partnership with AEON.
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| View of the Agroz Indoor
CEA Vertical Farm at AEON Alpha Angle in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur |
Agroz AgTech combines digital
automation with agronomy to grow quality greens closest to consumers |
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Positive public image
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a United Nations (“UN”) agency, identifies us as an active CEA market player.
On June 19, 2023, the UNDP, together with the government of Malaysia through the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (“MITI”) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), launched the Malaysia SDG Investor Map (the “Map”). The Map is an online market intelligence tool designed to help private investors find investment opportunities that are aligned to, and compliant with, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”). CEA was identified as an investment opportunity area within the Map, and we were identified therein as a company active in the CEA space.
We are strongly committed to supporting the UN’s SDGs. Our community-based indoor CEA vertical farms are at the forefront of supporting the UN’s SDGs. Currently, we actively contribute to ten (10) out of the 17 SDGs. By aligning our operations with these SDGs, we strive to make a positive impact on society and the environment, advancing sustainable development and creating a better future for all.
We believe the UN Development Programme’s recognition of us as an active CEA market player makes us unique and establishes our robust market position against our competitors.
Our Products and Services
Products
| (i) | Indoor CEA Vertical Farms |
We design and/or construct indoor CEA vertical farms for our clients according to their specific needs and in exchange for an agreed upon fee. Our design and/or construction services involve selecting and/or recommending the location for the vertical farm and overseeing and executing all aspects of the construction and building of a CEA vertical farm. Once the physical infrastructure of the CEA vertical farm has been constructed and completed, we incorporate and implement Agroz OS into our clients’ CEA vertical farms for operations. Agroz OS is a holistic system that enables operation of the vertical farms. This system incorporates both automated hardware and software solutions and is physically administered through our Agroz OS cloud software application, available through Microsoft Azure Cloud.
For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Fiscal Year”) and the six months ended June 30, 2024 (the “2024 Interim Period”), we provided design services to two clients during the 2023 Fiscal Year, which services have been completed as of the date of this prospectus, and design and construction services to two clients during the 2024 Interim Period. We sold two CEA vertical farms in the 2023 Fiscal Year and did not sell any farms in the 2024 Interim Period. We operated and managed two CEA vertical farms at AEON Alpha Angle and the Kota Damansara farm during both the 2023 Fiscal Year and the 2024 Interim Period. We did not own any CEA vertical farms during 2023 Fiscal Year or the 2024 Interim Period.
Agroz OS incorporates both automated hardware and software solutions and is physically administered through our Agroz OS cloud software application, available through Microsoft Azure Cloud.
The automated hardware components of Agroz OS include:
a) Environmental control devices capable of regulating air temperature, ventilation, humidity, air quality and air flow conditions;
b) Water management devices which filter and clean water using ultraviolet light to deter bacteria and viruses and reduce algae growth;
c) Irrigation and nutrient fertigation systems which control the precise mix of nutrients with water, specifically tailored to the type of cultivar being grown and their stage of growth;
d) Horticulture light-emitting diode (LED) lighting systems which are adjustable as to type of light spectrum, intensity and duration depending on the type of crop being grown and the stage of growth they are at;
e) Energy monitoring and management devices which monitor and optimize energy use within the CEA farm. These devices combine existing grids which connect electrical supplies to renewable green energy (“RE”) systems, which include solar photovoltaics.
f) Monitoring systems which include Human Machine Interface devices (HMI), enabling continuous and real-time monitoring and setting configuration through touchscreen interfaces; and
g) Internet of Things (IoT) sensors connected to PLCs (or industrial computers), which collectively enable data collection and the control and automation of: (1) nutrient mixing, (2) irrigation, fertigation and nutrient provision to produce; (3) horticulture LED lighting; and (4) air conditioning and temperature settings within the CEA vertical farm.
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As of the date of this prospectus, we have only implemented in Agroz OS (i) the above digitally automated hardware systems for Agroz OS and (ii) software solutions enabling email and communication systems for farm organization, including Email, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and file sharing through Microsoft OneDrive. The software solutions mentioned in the preceding sentence are supported by Microsoft Azure and Microsoft AI, which solutions are possible pursuant to being Microsoft ISV and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner under the Microsoft Publisher Agreement and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Agreement filed herein as Exhibits 10.7 and 10.8, respectively.
We are currently in the process of integrating an AI agent system into Agroz OS, which system is supported by Microsoft AI and capable of presenting complex agricultural decisions to farm managers and farm owners and autonomously executing such decisions after human approval is received. When fully deployed, we envision that the AI system’s agents can undertake complex multi-step autonomous actions within vertical farms and result in vertical farms which can be independently and automatically operated. We anticipate full deployment of this AI agent system by Q2 of 2025. Investors should be aware that such AI agent system is distinct from the Agroz Copilot; by contrast, Agroz Copilot is a GenAI application separate from Agroz OS, which enables human farmers to input queries and instructions into an application to receive recommendations for assistance with daily tasks, not a system for autonomous functioning of vertical farms. Although we have launched a pilot rollout for Agroz Copilot, this application is still under development and we do not currently have a date certain for the official launch of Agroz Copilot to the public.
We envision that at a more advanced developmental stage, Agroz OS will include software solutions for:
a) the aforementioned AI agent system, and the following software solutions:
b) Agroz ERP, a software system that tracks every aspect of the vertical farm’s business activities, including: (1) farm input materials (i.e., seeds, nutrients, growth media, packaging, consumables, carbon dioxide); (2) growth of produce at different stages; (3) farm personnel activity; (4) harvest inventory; (5) sales orders, invoices, and deliveries, and (6) accounting records. Agroz ERP is also accessible as a mobile application; and
c) Intuit QuickBooks to aid in financial reporting and bookkeeping, with such accounting software stored on cloud servers and financial information protected by encryption technology and firewall.
We expect that these software solutions will be fully integrated into Agroz OS in 2025.
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| (ii) | Fresh produce |
We deliver healthy, clean, flavorful and fresh vegetables to our customers. We go beyond organic practices by growing clean and fresh vegetables in a safe and sustainable manner. The CEA vertical farms we operate utilize non-genetically modified organism (“non-GMO”) seeds and organic nutrients that are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, fungicide, insecticide and herbicide. To date, we have successfully grown 50 different crops and are currently offering 21 varieties on the market.
Services
We assist clients with their design and/or construction of indoor CEA vertical farms, tailored to their specific needs and, upon their election, manage and operate their CEA vertical farms. The design and/or construction of CEA vertical farms involves selecting and/or recommending the location for the CEA vertical farm and overseeing and executing all aspects of the building of the CEA vertical farm from raw material.
The operation and management services we offer involve overseeing day-to-day CEA vertical farm operations using all of the intellectual property we have developed, including Agroz OS and the standard operating procedure supporting CEA vertical farm operation. We also perform regular maintenance of our clients’ CEA vertical farm systems.
Investing in our business is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. We face certain challenges in implementing the business strategies we have described above. Below are some particularly prominent challenges:
| ● | Limitations to CEA vertical farming. CEA vertical farming has certain limitations which may impede our ability to achieve successful financial performance or the financial performance necessary to continue as a going concern. For instance, CEA vertical farming currently permits production of a restricted range of crops. Certain staple crops like wheat and rice have very specific growth requirements and producing these staple crops is challenging using current CEA vertical farming methods and are more favorably grown using traditional farming methods. Some plant species are also more difficult to grow indoors than outdoors. CEA vertical farming also has higher costs and requires a high level of human skill for operation than traditional farming techniques due to the technology employed in CEA vertical farming. Certain natural conditions in which plants grow, including wind and insects, are also difficult to mimic in indoor settings, which may affect the quality of produce grown in indoor CEA vertical farms. |
| ● | Doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The audit report filed with this registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part includes a disclosure from our auditors that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our auditors made this statement based on our insufficient cash flows generated from operations and provided for development, and our incurrence of significant losses historically, along with our need to raise additional funds to meet obligations and sustain operations. |
| ● | Material weaknesses in internal controls. Management has identified certain material weaknesses in our internal controls. Investors should be aware that these material weaknesses may increase the possibility of us being unable to detect or prevent potential misstatements in our financial statements on a timely basis. | |
| ● | Related party transactions. Agroz Inc. and Agroz Group, on a consolidated basis, have had and continue to have significant related party transactions, set forth in more detail in the “Related Party Transactions” section. Our material related party transactions notably involve transactions for which the value involved is sizeable in comparison to the amount of assets we own. For instance, Agroz Group has two software development service contracts with Braiven Co., Ltd., an entity significantly influenced by our Chief Technology Officer, in amounts of approximately $500,000 and $4,000,000. For a more detailed discussion on these two software development service contracts, see “Related Party Transactions – Present and Ongoing Related Party Transactions – (h) Software development services provided to Agroz Group” on page 84. Agroz Group has also in the past sold CEA vertical farm solutions to Agroz Ventures, an entity significantly influenced by the Company, which totaled approximately $900,000 in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
To the best of the Company’s knowledge, related party transactions incurred to date were not entered into on more favorable terms than terms in non-related party transactions. Pricing and supply in such transactions were determined on a willing buyer, willing seller basis. Despite these pricing practices, investors should be aware that the Company cannot assure that there is an absence of conflicts of interests or influence of related parties over such related party transactions. See “Risk Factors” for our risk disclosure regarding our related party transactions. Investors should also be advised that the Company does not currently anticipate using any of the proceeds from this Offering to settle its liabilities and operating expenses for related parties. The Company plans to settle such liabilities and operating expenses using operating income instead. |
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| ● | Potential for diminished returns on investors’ investment in the Company due to the Company’s issued and outstanding RCPS, and certain rights of Share holders junior to the rights of RCPS holders. | |
Other than the Shares, we have another outstanding class of shares, RCPS, which may result in a diminished return on investment for investors. RCPS holders may, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, convert each RCPS into one (1) Ordinary Share. If such conversion occurs, investors’ ownership stake in the Ordinary Shares will be diluted. Additionally, if we determine to issue more RCPS in the future, investors’ ownership stake in the Ordinary Shares may be diluted.
At our option, each RCPS is redeemable in whole or in part at the RCPS subscription price of US$2.50 (the “RCPS Subscription Price”) (or the prorated amount in the case of redemption of a fraction of an RCPS), at any time after the RCPS share issuance date, by way of written notice or as otherwise specified by the Board of Directors from time to time, following which we shall pay the redemption proceeds to the RCPS shareholder within 14 business days from the date of our issuance of the written notice Further, all RCPS which remain outstanding on the second anniversary of their date of issuance (the “Maturity Date”) and have not been converted into Ordinary Shares will be fully redeemed by us at the RCPS Subscription Price. The funds which we use towards redemption payments will be diverted from funds we could have used for other corporate purposes. Therefore, investors may experience a diminished return on their investment in the Company through their ownership of the Ordinary Shares.
Holders of RCPS are entitled to receive dividends out of any assets legally available prior to any dividends payable to the Ordinary Shares, at a rate of 10% per annum of the RCPS holders’ subscription amount for the RCPS. The funds allocated towards these interest payments will also divert from funds we could have used for other corporate purposes and dividend payments to holders of Ordinary Shares. Investors should be aware of the risk of diminished returns on their investment and certain junior rights to those of RCPS holders before purchasing Shares.
For a more complete discussion of the rights of the RCPS holders, see “Description of Share Capital – Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares” below. Please also see “Risk Factors’ for a more complete description of the risks to Share holders due to the issued and outstanding RCPS. |
Please carefully consider the information set forth in the “Risk Factors” section before making an investment decision.
Corporate Structure
The chart below illustrates our corporate structure as of the date of this prospectus and upon completion of this Offering:
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at No. 2, Lorong Teknologi 3/4A, Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Our corporate website address is https://agrozgroup.com.
Market Opportunity
We believe there is vast market potential for the AgriTech and CEA vertical farming markets globally and in the Southeast Asia region, starting with Malaysia, and aim to match the top-grade* products we have available to where they are most highly demanded in these markets.
| * | “Top-grade,” as used herein, is a term we use here to describe what we believe are premium agricultural products which meet industry-leading standards in both quality and safety. The Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, recognized our EduFarm for meeting its standards for Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (“myGAP.PF”) in being pesticide free. We also use non-GMO seeds to grow produce, which we believe sets us apart from competitors which may rely on genetically modified crops. We believe that our use of non-GMO seeds is an increasingly important factor for customers prioritizing organic and sustainable food sources. |
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The Global AgriTech Market
According to Spherical Insights, a reputed market research firm, the global agricultural technology market was valued at $22.1 billion in 2022, and is projected to grow to over $75.87 billion by 2032, a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 13.1%. Future Market Insights, another market researcher, reports that the global indoor farming market is expected to reach a value of USD 10.69 billion in 2033, with a CAGR of 9.8% from 2023.
This market growth is reportedly driven by factors such as the increasing adoption of CEA vertical farming, the expansion of indoor farming technology, and the growing demand for higher crop yields to meet the rising global food demand.1 As an alternative to conventional produce gathering methods, CEA vertical farming can cater to the needs of this rising global demand. Statista, an online platform, reported that the global market size of vertical farming was valued at USD $5.6 billion in 20222 and according to J&A Capital Markets Report by Jahani & Associates, the market is projected to experience a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8%, reaching $21 billion by the year 2029.3 The market size of CEA vertical farming in the Asia-Pacific region reached US$2.43 billion in 2023 and is projected to experience growth at a CAGR of 29.2% from 2024 to 2030.4
The Malaysian AgriTech market
Within Malaysia, agricultural production is projected to grow at a CAGR of 0.6% from 2021 to 2026, reaching USD 24.9 billion by 2026, compared to USD 23.9 billion in 2021, according to ReportLinker.5 The same source cites a forecasted revenue for the Malaysian agricultural sector in 2027 as MYR 161 billion. In 2022, agriculture was the third-highest GDP contributor to the Malaysian economy, constituting approximately 8.93% of its GDP. We believe we can cater to the needs of this growing demand with our high-quality products.
The Malaysian government has also been supportive of improved technology and innovation in the agricultural sector, which we believe will contribute further to the growth of the Malaysian CEA vertical farming market.6 We believe this growth will allow us to establish a favorable position in the market, especially given our advantages over competitors.
The revenue potential of CEA vertical farming is also expected to lead to growth in this industry in the years to come.
| 1 | https://jahaniandassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20220719_Report_Global-Vertical-Farming-Market_JA.pdf |
| 2 | https://www.statista.com/statistics/487666/projection-vertical-farming-market-worldwide/#:~:text=The%20global%20vertical%20farming%20market,billion%20U.S.%20dollars%20by%202032. |
| 3 | https://jahaniandassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20220719_Report_Global-Vertical-Farming-Market_JA.pdf |
| 4 | https://www.stellarmr.com/report/Asia-Pacific-Vertical-Farming-Market/193 |
| 5 | https://www.reportlinker.com/clp/country/2/726406#:~:text=Malaysian%20Agricultural%20Production%20is%20projected,of%201.2%25%20year%20on%20year |
| 6 | http://www.ijlgc.com/PDF/IJLGC-2023-32-06-04.pdf. We have not commissioned any of the industry and market data included in this prospectus. |
Recent Developments
On September 30, 2024, the Branding Association of Malaysia presented Agroz Group with its Emerging Brand Legend Award. The Branding Association of Malaysia is a Malaysian association catering to small and medium sized enterprises, offering leadership, resources, and networking opportunities to its members and the broader business community. The Emerging Brand Legend Award is given to businesses that are less than 20 years old, and recognizes their rapid ascent and promising potential in Malaysia’s competitive market landscape.
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On September 13, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, a ministry of the government of Malaysia, awarded us with the Best Agrotechnology Award of 2024. This award is given to certain individuals, groups, organizations, and entities who have contributed to the field of agriculture and demonstrated outstanding achievements.
In January of 2024, we joined the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program pursuant to the terms of the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program Agreement.
As a program participant in the MCPP, we currently use the latest GenAI technologies made available through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to develop Agroz Copilot for Farmers (“Agroz Copilot”). Agroz Copilot is a GenAI application which enables human farmers to input queries and instructions into the application and receive recommendations from the application to assist with daily tasks. Early feedback from the pilot rollout of Agroz Copilot has been encouraging. We launched this pilot rollout at the EduFarm and the vertical farms we operate in Kota Damansara. We received positive feedback from the farm managers at such vertical farm locations. All of the farm managers at these vertical farms indicated to us that the Agroz Copilot enhanced their productivity in managing their teams and educating produce growers on the Company’s cultivation processes. We were also one of four (4) companies selected by Microsoft to showcase the Agroz Copilot to Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, during the Microsoft artificial intelligence event in Malaysia on May 2, 2024. We hope that when launched in the future, Agroz Copilot will support human farmers in their cultivation of diverse crops within CEA vertical farms, improve farm efficiency, increase crop productivity, and boost existing farm revenues. We believe Agroz Copilot will be transformative for farmers and fundamentally agriculture.
In July of 2023, we installed a 10,021 square foot indoor CEA vertical farm in Kota Damansara, Malaysia.
In August of 2023, we installed a “Farm In Supermarket” in the shopping center at AEON MaxValu Prime. Unlike the vertical farms we operate in Kota Damansara and AEON Alpha Angle, this installation is a showcase display used only for sales and promotional purposes, and is not a fully operational vertical farm. Visitors to AEON MaxValu Prime may choose the produce they would like to purchase, which come pre-harvested and packaged within the “Farm in Supermarket.”
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The above photos were taken from the Agroz Farm-in-Supermarket at AEON MaxValu Prime at The Sphere, Bangar South.
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Intellectual Property
Trademarks
As of the date of this prospectus, we have the following registered trademarks:
| No. | Trademark | Country
of registration |
Trademark
number |
Owner | Class | Application
Status | ||||||
| 1 | ![]() |
Malaysia | TM2023037737 | Agroz Group | 44** | Registered | ||||||
| 2 | ![]() |
Malaysia | TM2023037736 | Agroz Group | 31* | Registered |
As of the date of this prospectus, we have the following trademark applications pending with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (“MyIPO”): ***
| No. | Trademark | Country
of registration |
Trademark
Application Number |
Owner | Class | Application
Status | ||||||
| 3 | Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste | Malaysia | TM2023037738 | Agroz Group | 31* | Provisional Refusal (Objection) – Hearing(1) | ||||||
| 4 | Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste | Malaysia | TM2023037739 | Agroz Group | 44** | Provisional Refusal (Objection) – Hearing(2) |
| (1) | As of the date of this prospectus, this trademark application has been provisionally rejected by MyIPO on the grounds that Agroz Group has not met the following requirements under Trademarks Act 2019, specifically: (A) Section 23(1)(b) of the Trademarks Act 2019, which requires a mark with distinctive character; and (B) Section 23(1)(c), which states that trademarks may not be registered which mark consists only of signs or indications that may serve in trade, to designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin, time of production of goods or rendering of services or other characteristics of goods or services. MyIPO has stated that provisional refusal has been issued because the combination of the words “Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste” directly refers to the description of goods being applied for, as it gives the impression that the goods sold are fresh and are of the best quality. We are permitted under Section 29(5) of the Trademarks Act 2019 to appeal against this provisional refusal of our trademark application with MyIPO. We have requested a hearing date with MyIPO and are currently awaiting further notice regarding this request. See “Risk Factors” for a full description of the risks to our business associated with unregistered trademarks. |
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| (2) | As of the date of this prospectus, this trademark application has been provisionally rejected by MyIPO on the grounds that Agroz Group has not met requirements for registration under the Trademarks Act 2019, specifically: (A) Section 23(1)(b) of the Trademarks Act 2019, which requires a mark with distinctive character; and (B) Section 23(1)(c), which states that trademarks may not be registered which mark consists only of signs or indications that may serve in trade, to designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin, time of production of goods or rendering of services or other characteristics of goods or services. MyIPO has stated that provisional refusal has been issued because the combination of the words “Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste” directly refers to the description of services being applied for, as it gives the impression that the services are the best in goods production. We are permitted under Section 29(5) of the Trademarks Act 2019 to appeal against this provisional refusal of our trademark application with MyIPO. We have requested a hearing date with MyIPO and are currently awaiting further notice regarding this request. See “Risk Factors” for a full description of the risks to our business associated with unregistered trademarks. |
| * | Raw and unprocessed agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural and forestry products; raw and unprocessed grains and seeds; fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs; natural plants and flowers; bulbs, seedlings and seeds for planting; live animals; foodstuffs and beverages for animals; malt. |
| ** | Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services. |
| *** | Unlike copyrights, under Malaysian intellectual property law, unregistered trademarks do not receive automatic legal protection upon their creation.
The Company may still continue using its trademarks even if the aforementioned pending trademark applications are provisionally refused or permanently rejected. However, if legal ownership of any unregistered trademark is challenged, the Company will have to defend its trademark and prove that its trademark was first used by the Company under common law in order to continue use. See “Risk Factors” for a full description of the risks to our business associated with unregistered trademarks. |
Copyrights
As of the date of this prospectus, we have the following copyrights. We hold all of these copyrights in Malaysia. None of the following copyrights are currently registered. *
| i) | The source code to the PLC integrated into Agroz OS, which enables automation of various tasks within the indoor vertical farms we design, construct, operate, and manage; |
| ii) | The source code to Agroz OS and Agroz ERP; |
| iii) | The source code to Agroz Copilot for Farmers; |
| iv) | The source code to our Agroz DTC online marketplace; and |
| v) | The codified standard operating procedure for the various vertical farms we operate and manage. |
| * | Copyrights are protected under the Malaysia Copyright Act 1987. Under the Malaysia Copyright Act 1987, subject to the relevant criteria under the Malaysia Copyright Act 1987 being achieved, upon creation, original work becomes owned by the creator as copyrighted material and such original work becomes automatically protected. Registration of copyrights in Malaysia are optional but not necessary to achieve protection. Copyright owners can voluntarily register their copyrights to provide additional legal certainty if disputes arise concerning their copyrights. The Malaysia Copyright Act 1987 confers 50 years of protection for copyrights in literary works, including computer programs and manuals owned by corporate entities (which is applicable to our case), with the period beginning from the start of the calendar year following the literary work’s first publication or first made available to the public (whichever is the latest). |
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Summary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks, including risks that may prevent us from achieving our business objectives or may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects that you should consider before making a decision to invest in the Shares. These risks are discussed more fully in “Risk Factors.”
Risks Related to our Business and Industry
| ● | We have a limited operating history. |
| ● | We operate in an industry that is still relatively new and subject to many uncertainties. |
| ● | We may incur significant operating costs in the near future and cannot assure that we can recoup these losses to continue operating profitably or as a going concern. |
| ● | We cannot assure that we can maintain a steady labor supply of personnel with sophisticated knowledge necessary for CEA vertical farm operation and management. If we fail to do so, our financial performance may be negatively impacted. |
| ● | Failure to adequately manage our planned growth strategy may harm our business or increase our risk of failure. |
| ● | We may become subject to additional regulation of agricultural products. |
| ● | Agroz Group is currently not in compliance with certain regulatory requirements in Malaysia, and while it is taking measures to be in compliance, noncompliance will result in fines, penalties, or operational disruptions |
| ● | We could be adversely affected by a change in consumer preferences, perception and spending habits in the food industry, and failure to develop and expand our product offerings or gain market acceptance of our products may negatively impact our business. |
| ● | We build, manage, and develop vertical farms, which may be subject to unexpected costs and delays due to reliance on third parties for construction, material delivery, supply-chains and fluctuating material prices. |
| ● | We face strong competition in the agricultural technology and vertical farming industries and cannot assure that we can maintain a competitive position against other market participants. |
| ● | We may experience unexpected network interruptions, security breaches or malware attacks, and failures in our and our subsidiary’s information technology systems, which may negatively impact our financial performance. |
| ● | We may not successfully develop our products and services or improve existing ones. |
| ● | Disruptions to transportation channels that we use to distribute our products may adversely affect our margins and profitability. |
| ● | We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights that are material to our business. |
| ● | Our failure to maintain effective internal controls could cause our investors to lose confidence in us and adversely affect the market price of our Ordinary Shares. If our internal controls are not effective, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. |
| ● | We may be unable to successfully implement our future business plans and objectives. |
| ● | We depend on key management personnel and our operations may suffer if we are unable to retain or replace them. |
| ● | We may be subject to the threat or possibility of litigation, arbitration, or other legal proceedings. |
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Risks Related to the Shares
| ● | There has been no public market for our Ordinary Shares prior to this Offering; if an active trading market does not develop, you may not be able to resell the Shares at any reasonable price. |
| ● | The trading price of the Shares may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to you. |
| ● | We rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our operating subsidiary to fund our cash and financing requirements, and any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business. |
| ● | If we fail to meet applicable listing requirements, Nasdaq may delist the Shares from trading, in which case the liquidity and market price of the Shares could decline. |
| ● | If you purchase Shares in this Offering, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution in the book value of your Ordinary Shares. |
| ● | If a limited number of participants in this Offering purchase a significant percentage of this Offering, the effective public float may be smaller than anticipated and the price of the Shares may be more volatile than it otherwise would be. |
| ● | Because the amount, timing, and whether or not we distribute dividends at all is entirely at the discretion of the Board of Directors, you must rely on price appreciation of the Shares for return on your investment. |
| ● | Our management has broad discretion to determine how to use the funds raised in this Offering and may use them in ways that may not enhance our results of operations or the price of the Shares. |
| ● | Our disclosure controls and procedures may not prevent or detect all errors or acts of fraud. |
| ● | Securities analysts may not publish favorable research or reports about our business or may publish no information at all, which could cause our Ordinary Share price or trading volume to decline. |
| ● | Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable. |
| ● | You may have more difficulties protecting your interests than you would as a shareholder of a U.S. corporation. |
| ● | Cayman Islands economic substance requirements may have an effect on our business and operations. |
| ● | As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ significantly from Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. These practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. |
| ● | We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses. |
| ● | We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act and may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements. |
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Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Foreign Private Issuer
As a company with less than $1.235 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”), enacted in April 2012, and may take advantage of reduced reporting requirements that are otherwise applicable to public companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to:
| ● | being permitted to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our filings with the SEC; | |
| ● | not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting; |
| ● | reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in periodic reports, proxy statements, and registration statements; and | |
| ● | exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. |
We may take advantage of these provisions until the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of the Shares pursuant to this Offering. However, if certain events occur before the end of such five-year period, including if we become a “large accelerated filer,” our annual gross revenues exceed US$1.235 billion, or we issue more than US$1 billion of non-convertible debt in any three-year period, we will cease to be an emerging growth company before the end of such five-year period.
We are a foreign private issuer as defined by the SEC. As a result, in accordance with the rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, we may comply with home country governance requirements and certain exemptions thereunder rather than complying with Nasdaq corporate governance standards. We may choose to take advantage of the following exemptions afforded to foreign private issuers:
| ● | Exemption from filing quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or provide current reports on Form 8-K disclosing significant events within four days of their occurrence. | |
| ● | Exemption from Section 16 rules regarding sales of Ordinary Shares by insiders, which will provide less data in this regard than shareholders of U.S. companies that are subject to the Exchange Act. | |
| ● | Exemption from the Nasdaq rules applicable to domestic issuers requiring disclosure within four business days of any determination to grant a waiver of the code of business conduct and ethics to directors and officers. Although we will require board approval of any such waiver, we may choose not to disclose the waiver in the manner set forth in the Nasdaq rules, as permitted by the foreign private issuer exemption. |
Furthermore, Nasdaq Rule 5615(a)(3) provides that a foreign private issuer, such as us, may rely on our home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain of the rules in the Nasdaq Rule 5600 Series and Rule 5250(d), provided that we nevertheless comply with Nasdaq’s Notification of Noncompliance requirement (Rule 5625), the Voting Rights requirement (Rule 5640) and that we have an audit committee that satisfies Rule 5605(c)(3), consisting of committee members that meet the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2)(A)(ii). If we rely on our home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain of the rules of Nasdaq, our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq. If we choose to do so, we may utilize these exemptions for as long as we continue to qualify as a foreign private issuer.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive office is located at No. 2, Lorong Teknologi 3/4A, Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Our telephone number is +6018 218-2300. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the office of Vistra (Cayman) Limited, P.O. Box 31119 Grand Pavilion, Hibiscus Way, 802 West Bay Road, Grand Cayman, KY1 – 1205 Cayman Islands.
Our agent for service of process in the United States is Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP, located at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10036. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of, and shall not be incorporated by reference into, this prospectus.
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The Offering
| Securities being offered: | 1,500,000 Ordinary Shares (or 1,725,000 Ordinary Shares assuming the Underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full). | |
| IPO price: | We estimate the IPO price will be US$4.00 per Ordinary Share. | |
| Number of Ordinary Shares outstanding before this Offering: | 21,323,405 Ordinary Shares. | |
| Number of Ordinary Shares outstanding after this Offering: | 22,823,405 Ordinary Shares (or 23,048,405 Ordinary Shares assuming the Underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full). | |
| Over-Allotment Option: | We have granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 15% of the total number of Ordinary Shares sold in this Offering within 45 days after the Closing Date to cover over-allotments (such option, “Over-Allotment Option”). | |
| Use of proceeds: | Based upon an IPO price of US$4.00 per Share, we estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this Offering, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts, non-accountable expenses and the estimated offering expenses payable by us, of approximately US$4,062,152 if the Underwriters do not exercise their Over-Allotment Option, and US$4,890,152 if the Underwriters exercise their Over-Allotment Option in full, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions, non-accountable expense allowance and estimated offering expenses payable by us. | |
| We plan to use the net proceeds of this Offering as follows: |
| ● | Approximately 15% on capital expenditures; |
| ● | Approximately 25% on operating expenses; |
| ● | Approximately 20% on research and development; |
| ● | Approximately 15% for marketing; and | ||
| ● | Approximately 25% for our acquisitions of certain companies (i.e. no specific acquisition target companies have been identified at this time). |
The Company does not currently anticipate using any of the proceeds from this Offering to settle its liabilities and operating expenses for related parties. The Company plans to settle such liabilities and operating expenses using operating income instead. | ||
| For more information on the use of proceeds, see “Use of Proceeds” on page 31. | ||
| Representative’s Warrants | We will issue to the Representative or its designee(s), on the Closing Date, warrants to purchase a number of Ordinary Shares equal to 5% of the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares sold in this Offering, at an exercise price per share equal to 120% of the initial public offering price per Share. The Representative’s warrants will be exercisable for a period of three years after the Closing Date. See “Underwriting” for more details. |
| Lock-up: | We, any successor entities, and all of our directors, officers, and principal shareholders (defined as owners of 5% or more of the Shares) have agreed with the Underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, issue, sell, transfer, contract to sell, encumber, grant any option for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the Shares or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for the Shares for a period of 180 days after the effective date of the registration statement, which forms a part of this prospectus. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” and “Underwriting” for more information. | |
| Proposed Nasdaq symbol: | We have reserved the ticker symbol “AGRZ” for the Shares with Nasdaq. | |
| Transfer agent and registrar: | VStock Transfer, LLC. | |
| Risk factors: | Investing in the Shares is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. As an investor you should be able to bear a complete loss of your investment. You should carefully consider the information set forth in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 17. |
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Unless otherwise indicated, all information contained in this prospectus assumes:
| ● | to be based on 21,030,494 Ordinary Shares outstanding as of June 30, 2024; | |
| ● | the issuance of 371,500 RCPS and the conversion of these RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis, see “Capitalization”; | |
| ● | the surrender of 1,030,494 Ordinary Shares, as if such surrender had occurred on June 30, 2024, see “Capitalization”; | |
| ● | the conversion of 419,929 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis, see “Capitalization”; | |
| ● | the issuance of 3,556 Ordinary Shares, as if such issuance had occurred on June 30, 2024, see “Capitalization”; | |
| ● | the conversion of all of our outstanding 528,420 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis, see “Capitalization”; | |
| ● | no exercise of the Underwriters’ Over-allotment Option by the underwriters to purchase up to an additional 225,000 Ordinary Shares from us; and | |
| ● | no exercise of the Warrants to be issued to the underwriters in this Offering. |
16
An investment in the Shares involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following information about these risks, together with the other information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, before deciding to invest in the Shares. The occurrence of any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future growth prospects. In these circumstances, the market price of the Shares could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to our Business and Industry
We have a limited operating history.
We have a limited operating history from which to evaluate our business and it will continue to be difficult to make accurate predictions and forecasts on our growth and future prospects. There is no guarantee that our products or services will remain attractive to potential and current clients as our business continues to develop.
We operate in an industry that is still relatively new and subject to many uncertainties.
The vertical farming industry is still very new and subject to much uncertainty. New market participants may also emerge in this sector which we cannot anticipate. There is no guarantee that this sector will grow, or grow at a level that will benefit our business, or even if it grows, we cannot assure that our business will operate profitably in spite of favorable market conditions in this industry.
We may incur significant operating costs in the near future and cannot assure that we can recoup these potential costs to continue operating profitably or as a going concern.
High startup costs are one of the most significant concerns for market entrants in the CEA vertical farming industry. CEA vertical farming requires a significant initial investment of funds, including to pay for infrastructure like building facilities and climate control systems. Additionally, there are high electricity costs required to maintain the LED lighting system within vertical farms as well as labor costs. We cannot guarantee a return on our investment into the vertical farms we have developed thus far or that we will build and develop in the future. If we fail to do so, our financial performance may be adversely affected and there is a risk we cannot continue as a going concern.
We cannot assure that we can maintain a steady labor supply of personnel with sophisticated knowledge necessary to operate CEA vertical farms. If we fail to do so, our financial performance may be negatively impacted.
CEA vertical farms require a high level of technical expertise to establish, monitor, and sustain effectively. Our CEA technology minimizes the need for manual labor for crop production but requires sophisticated levels of knowledge to configure, supervise, and maintain them successfully. Furthermore, operating a profitable vertical farming operation necessitates not only advanced expertise in horticulture and engineering but also the presence of leadership abilities, prior management experience, financial literacy, effective communication skills, and keen powers of observation. We cannot assure that we can retain personnel with such technical expertise. If we fail to do so, our financial performance may be negatively impacted.
Failure to adequately manage our planned growth strategy may harm our business or increase our risk of failure.
For the foreseeable future, we intend to pursue a growth strategy for the expansion of our operations by further developing and improving our products and services. Our ability to rapidly expand our operations will depend upon many factors, including our ability to work in a regulated environment, establish and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, and obtain adequate and necessary capital resources on acceptable terms. Any restrictions on our ability to expand may have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Accordingly, we may be unable to achieve our targets for sales growth, and our operations may not be successful or achieve anticipated operating results.
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We may become subject to additional regulation of agricultural products.
Our business is subject to certain Malaysian laws and regulations, including the Food Act 1983 and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority Act 1965 (“FAMAA”), which govern the safety, hygiene, grading, packaging and labeling of agricultural products. Save and except for these laws and their corresponding regulations, in particular the Food Regulations 1985 and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Grading, Packaging and Labelling of Agricultural Produce) Regulations 2008, we do not believe that our products are subject to any further regulation in Malaysia or any state agency. However, changes in the industry, including growth, make it possible that additional regulations may be put into place and that such regulations could impact sales or otherwise negatively impact our revenues and business opportunities.
Agroz Group is currently not in compliance with certain regulatory requirements in Malaysia, and while it is taking measures to be in compliance, noncompliance will result in fines, penalties, or operational disruptions.
In addition to the other laws and regulations governing our business as set forth in the “Regulation” section of this prospectus, Agroz Group is subject to the Malaysian Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (“OSHA 1994”) and its relevant regulations. Pursuant to OSHA 1994, Agroz Group is required to, amongst other things, appoint an occupational safety and health coordinator. Any employer contravening this OSHA 1994 requirement will be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction, liable to a fine not exceeding MYR 50,000 (approximately $10,603 based on noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers of MYR as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last trading day of June 28, 2024, the “June 2024 Exchange Rate”), or to imprisonment for a term of up to six months, or both. In addition, OSHA 1994 also requires Agroz Group to adopt a general policy concerning workplace safety and health, and to conduct a risk assessment regarding safety and health risks posed to individuals affected by their undertakings in the workplace. Any person contravening this OSHA 1994 requirement will be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction, liable to a fine not exceeding MYR 500,000 (approximately $106,029 based on the June 2024 Exchange Rate), or to imprisonment for a term of up to two years (as to the compliance officer, partner, manager, secretary or other similar officer of a company), or both. Agroz Group is currently not in compliance with these OSHA 1994 requirements and is working to achieve compliance by June 2025. The aforesaid penalty fees, if incurred, do not present a material risk to our financial performance. However, if Agroz Group does not achieve compliance and its management members are liable for imprisonment, our operations and financial performance will be negatively impacted.
Under FAMAA, labels on agricultural products must meet specified size requirements and include relevant particulars of the product, such as its grade standard and the business address of the producer or distributor. Further, if the agricultural product is sold domestically in Malaysia, the labelling must also be in the national language (Malaysian). Failure to comply constitutes an offense and may result in a fine of up to MYR 25,000 (approximately $5,301 based on the June 2024 Exchange Rate) upon conviction, and for a second or subsequent offence, a fine of up to MYR 50,000 (approximately $10,603 based on the June 2024 Exchange Rate). If a corporate body is convicted of the offense, every director or officer thereto will be deemed to have committed the offense and may face a fine of up to MYR 15,000 (approximately $3,181 based on the June 2024 Exchange Rate) or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. For a second or subsequent offense, the penalty may increase to a fine of up to MYR 25,000 (approximately $5,301 based on the June 2024 Exchange Rate) or imprisonment for up to five years, or both, unless it can be proven that the offense was committed without knowledge or reasonable precautions are in place to prevent its occurrence. Agroz Group’s current agricultural product labels do not fully comply with the labelling requirements under FAMAA. and Agroz Group is taking measures to achieve compliance. The aforesaid penalty fees, if incurred, do not present a material risk to our financial performance. However, if Agroz Group does not achieve compliance and its management members are liable for imprisonment, our operations and financial performance will be negatively impacted.
We could be adversely affected by a change in consumer preferences, perception and spending habits in the food industry, and failure to develop and expand our product offerings or gain market acceptance of our products may negatively impact our business.
The market in which we operate is subject to changes in consumer preference, perception and spending habits. Our performance will depend significantly on factors that may affect the level and pattern of consumer spending in Malaysia. Such factors include consumer preference, consumer income, consumer confidence in and perception of the safety and quality of our products and shifts in the perceived value for our products relative to alternatives.
Consumer Preferences. There is no guarantee that the variety of produce we offer will continue to sustain popularity, that consumers will prefer the varieties of produce we offer, or that we will be successful in capturing a sufficient market share. If we are able to expand our product offerings, our financial performance will similarly be impacted by changes in consumer preferences.
Safety and Quality Concerns. Media coverage regarding the safety or quality of, or diet or health issues relating to, our products or the processes involved in the growth of our produce, may damage consumer confidence in our products. Any widespread safety or quality issues involving fresh fruits or vegetables — even if not involving us — could adversely affect consumer confidence in and demand for such vegetables or other fresh produce.
Consumer Income. A general decline in the consumption of our products could occur at any time as a result of change in consumer spending habits, including an unwillingness to pay a premium or an inability to purchase our products due to financial hardship, expectations of inflation, or increased price sensitivity.
The success of our products will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to accurately anticipate changes in market demand and consumer preferences, our ability to differentiate the quality of our products from those of our competitors, and the effectiveness of marketing and advertising campaigns for our products. We may not be successful in identifying trends in consumer preferences and growing or developing products that respond to such trends in a timely manner. We or our partners also may not be able to effectively promote our products by marketing and advertising campaigns and gain market acceptance. If our products fail to gain market acceptance, are restricted by regulatory requirements, have quality problems, or are affected by consumer perceptions of safety and quality even arising from our competitors’ products, we may not be able to fully recover costs and expenses incurred in our operations, and our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
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We build, manage and develop CEA vertical farms, which may be subject to unexpected costs and delays due to reliance on third parties for construction, material delivery, supply-chains and fluctuating material prices.
We build, manage, and develop CEA vertical farms that are dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs, including materials such as steel and glass and other supplies, as well as electricity and other local utilities. Any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain for key inputs could materially impact our business, financial condition and operating results. If our suppliers encounter unexpected costs, delays or other problems in providing us with supplies, materials, or utilities, our financial position and ability to execute on our growth strategy could be negatively affected. Any inability to secure required supplies and services or to do so on appropriate terms could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results.
The price of production, sale and distribution of these supplies may fluctuate widely based on the impact of numerous factors beyond our control, including international, economic and political trends, transportation disruptions, expectations of inflation, global or regional consumptive patterns, speculative activities and increased production due to new production and distribution developments and improved production and distribution methods. Additionally, we import some of the equipment and materials used to build CEA vertical farms facilities. Any prolonged disruption of third-party delivery and shipping services for materials may negatively affect development schedules for the CEA vertical farms we operate and manage, and delay the rates at which we ship produce to consumers and the rates in which our distributors ship produce to consumers. Rising costs associated with these delivery services may also adversely impact our building schedule and crop season planning, and more generally our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We face strong competition in the agricultural technology and vertical farming industries and cannot assure that we can maintain a competitive position against other market participants.
There are many competitors in the agricultural technology and vertical farming industry. There can be no guarantees that in the future other market participants will not enter these sectors by developing products and services that are in direct competition with us. One particularly strong limitation of CEA vertical farming compared to traditional crop production methods is that CEA vertical farming currently permits production of a restricted range of crops. The production of staple crops such as wheat and rice is a roadblock for large scale vertical farming due to these crops’ specific growth requirements and current vertical farming technology limitations. As a result, competitors with mega-farms, efficient transport connections, established distribution networks, and advanced food preservation technologies have competed more effectively than vertical farms in this respect.
We anticipate the presence as well as entry of other companies in our market space. There is a risk that we may not be able to establish, or if established, to maintain a competitive advantage in our market space. Some competing companies may have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, technical, sales and marketing resources. This may allow them to respond more quickly than us to market opportunities. It may also allow them to devote greater resources to the marketing, promotion and sale of their products and/or services. These competitors may also adopt more aggressive pricing policies and make more attractive offers to existing and potential customers, employees, strategic partners, distribution channels and advertisers. Increased competition is likely to result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and a potential loss of market share.
We may experience unexpected network interruptions, security breaches or malware attacks (computer virus attacks) and failures in our and our subsidiary’s information technology systems, which may negatively impact our financial performance.
Information technology systems substantially support our and our operating subsidiary’s operations. If these systems fail to perform, we could experience disruptions in operations, slower response time and diminished operating results. System interruptions, errors, or downtime can result from a variety of causes, including unexpected interruptions to the internet infrastructure, technological failures, changes to the systems, erroneous or corrupted data, changes in client usage patterns, linkages with third-party systems, and power, employee misconduct, unauthorized trading, malware attacks (including but not limited to computer viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware), cyberattacks, terrorist attacks, natural disaster, power outage, capacity constraints, software flaws, and other similar events.
Any failure to maintain the performance, reliability, security, or availability of the network infrastructure may cause significant damage to our and our operating subsidiary’s ability to continue operating profitably.
We may not successfully develop our products and services or improve existing ones.
Our future success depends on successfully competing in markets for our products and services and our ability to improve our existing product lines and services and to develop and offer them to meet consumer needs. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be successful in doing so. We also cannot assure that we can provide product and service innovations that satisfy consumer needs or achieve market acceptance, or that we will do so in a timely manner to meet market demands. If we fail to do so, our ability to maintain or grow our market share may be adversely affected, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the development and introduction of new products and services lines may require substantial research and development expenditures, which we may be unable to recoup if our products and services do not generate adequate revenue.
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Investors should be aware of our related party transactions.
Agroz Inc. and Agroz Group, on a consolidated basis, have had and continue to have significant related party transactions, set forth in more detail in the “Related Party Transactions” section. Our material related party transactions notably involve transactions for which the value involved is sizeable in comparison to the amount of assets we own. For instance, Agroz Group has two software development service contracts with Braiven Co., Ltd., an entity significantly influenced by our Chief Technology Officer, in amounts of approximately $500,000 and $4,000,000. Agroz Group has also in the past sold CEA vertical farm solutions to Agroz Ventures, an entity significantly influenced by the Company, which totaled approximately $900,000 in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Additionally, Agroz Group provided CEA vertical farm design and construction services to Agroz Vertical Farms, an entity significantly influenced by the Company, which totaled $222,678 during the six months ended June 30, 2024. Investors should carefully review and consider the existence of these related party transactions before making an investment into the Company. To the best of its knowledge, the Company does not believe its past related party transactions were entered into on more favorable terms than terms in non-related party transactions. However, investors should be aware that the Company cannot assure the absence of conflicts of interests or influence of related parties over such related party transactions, despite its pricing practices.
Disruptions to transportation channels that we use to distribute our products may adversely affect our margins and profitability.
We may experience disruptions to the transportation channels used to distribute our products, including increased congestion, a lack of transportation capacity, increased fuel expenses, import or export controls or delays, and labor disputes or shortages. Disruptions in our trucking capacity may result in reduced sales or increased costs, including the additional use of more expensive or less efficient alternatives to meet demand. Congestion can affect previously negotiated contracts with shipping companies, resulting in unexpected increases in shipping costs, reduction in our profitability or reduced sales.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights that are material to our business.
Our ability to compete effectively depends in part on our rights to copyright, service marks, trademarks, trade names and other intellectual property rights we own or license. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, proprietary information and/or brand names, we could suffer a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In particular, we own copyrights to (i) the software components of the current and future developmental version of Agroz OS; (ii) the PLC, an essential component enabling automation and environmental condition control and management, which PLC is integrated within the current version of Agroz OS; (iii) the source code to Agroz Copilot for Farmers; (iv) the source code to the Agroz DTC online marketplace; and (v) the codified standard operating procedure for various vertical farms we operate and manage. Malaysia copyright law grants protection automatically for such copyrights upon their creation, subject to the relevant criteria under the Malaysia Copyright Act 1987 being achieved. However, we cannot predict whether or not disputes concerning these copyrights will arise, in which case our financial performance may be negatively impacted by the potential expenditure of monetary and human resources in defense against such disputes. Further, while we are not required to register our copyrights, registering them provides additional legal certainty if disputes arise.
Further, we currently have two (2) trademark applications for the “Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste” tagline which have been submitted to MYIPO. As of the date of this prospectus, MYIPO has provisionally rejected these applications, on the grounds that these trademarks have not met the following requirements under the Trademarks Act 2019: (A) Section 23(1)(b) of the Trademarks Act 2019, which requires a mark with distinctive character; and (B) Section 23(1)(c) of the Trademarks Act 2019, which states that trademarks may not be registered which mark consists only of signs or indications that may serve in trade, to designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin, time of production of goods or rendering of services or other characteristics of goods or services. We have requested a hearing date with MyIPO to appeal the provisional refusals of these trademark applications and are currently awaiting further notice. Unlike copyrights, under Malaysian intellectual property law, unregistered trademarks do not receive automatic legal protection upon their creation. The Company may still continue using the “Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste” tagline even if these trademark applications are provisionally refused or permanently rejected. However, if legal ownership of any unregistered trademark is challenged, the Company will have to defend its trademark and prove that its trademark was first used by the Company under common law to prevail against the challenger. We cannot assure that we will be successful on the upcoming appeal of the provisional refusals for the aforementioned trademark applications. Additionally, we cannot predict whether or not disputes concerning our unregistered trademarks or registered trademarks will arise. We do not currently anticipate material impacts on our business if we have to cease use of the “Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste” tagline; however, our financial performance may be negatively impacted by the potential expenditure of monetary resources in defense against disputes on our unregistered trademarks.
Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect our proprietary information, or to defend against claims by third parties that our products or services infringe their intellectual property rights. Any litigation or claims brought by or against us could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources. A successful claim of trademark, patent or other intellectual property infringement against us, or any other successful challenge to the use of our intellectual property, could subject us to damages or prevent us from providing certain products or services, or using certain of our recognized brand names, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Our failure to maintain effective internal controls could cause our investors to lose confidence in us and adversely affect the market price of our Ordinary Shares. If our internal controls are not effective, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, (“Section 404”), requires that after this Offering, we maintain internal control over financial reporting that meets applicable standards. We may err in the design or operation of our controls, and all internal control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because there are inherent limitations in all control systems, there can be no assurance that all control issues have been or will be detected. If we are unable, or are perceived as unable, to produce reliable financial reports due to internal control deficiencies, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information and operating results, which could result in a negative market reaction and a decrease in our stock price.
Following this Offering, we will be required, pursuant to Section 404, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Such report will not be required until our second annual report filed on Form 20-F. We will need to disclose any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting. As an “emerging growth company,” we will avail ourselves of the exemption from the requirement that our independent registered public accounting firm attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404. However, we may no longer avail ourselves of this exemption if and when we cease to be an “emerging growth company.” When our independent registered public accounting firm is required to undertake an assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, the cost of our compliance with Section 404 will correspondingly increase. Our compliance with applicable provisions of Section 404 will require that we incur substantial accounting expense and expend significant management time on compliance-related issues as we implement additional corporate governance practices and comply with reporting requirements. Moreover, if we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 applicable to us in a timely manner, or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm identifies deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of our stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.
As of the date of this prospectus, management has identified certain material weaknesses in our internal controls pertaining to (i) our current lack of independent directors and audit committee; (ii) our lack of effective information technology (“IT”) general controls (ITGC) (which are the basic set of controls for our IT systems, including applications, operating systems, databases, and IT infrastructure), (iii) our lack of sufficient financial reporting and accounting personnel with knowledge of IFRS and SEC reporting requirements, and (iv) our inadequate segregation of duties on sale and customers’ data management.
Following the identification of the material weaknesses and control deficiencies, we plan to take remedial measures, including: 1) hiring experienced IT staff to formalize and strengthen our ITGC; 2) hiring additional finance and accounting staff with qualifications and work experiences in IFRS and SEC reporting requirements to formalize and strengthen key internal controls over financial reporting; and 3) allocating sufficient resources to prepare and review financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with IFRS and SEC reporting requirements.
If we identify new material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, if we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in the future, we may be late with the filing of our periodic reports, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected. As a result of such failures, we could also become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, and become subject to litigation from investors and stockholders, which could harm our reputation, financial condition or divert financial and management resources from our core business, and would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be unable to successfully implement our future business plans and objectives.
Our future business plans may be hindered by factors beyond our control, such as competition within the industry we operate; our ability to cope with high exposure to financial risk, operational risk, and market risk as our business expands; and our ability to provide, maintain, and improve the level of human and other resources in generating products and providing services. As such, we cannot assure you that our future business plans will materialize, that our objectives will be accomplished fully or partially, or that our business strategies will generate the intended benefits to us as initially contemplated. If we fail to implement our business development strategies successfully, our business performance could be materially and adversely affected.
We are exposed to potential disruptions and risks from unforeseen disasters or crises.
Our operations and business continuity depend on our ability to operate CEA vertical farms and systems without significant interruption. Unforeseen events such as natural disasters, pandemics, power outages, or other catastrophic events could potentially disrupt our operations, leading to business interruption, financial loss, and damage to our reputation. While we have in place business continuity plans, these plans might not be sufficient to mitigate all potential disruptions. Furthermore, in the context of a global pandemic, our operations may be severely impacted due to government-imposed restrictions, widespread illness among our employees, or disruptions in our supply chain. There is no guarantee that our contingency plans could fully prevent or remediate the effects of such unforeseen disasters or crises. Thus, our financial condition, results of operations, and business prospects may be adversely affected.
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We depend on key management personnel and our operation may suffer if we are unable to retain or replace them.
We have a team of experienced and competent management which is responsible for directing and managing daily operations, monitoring and supervising compliance and risk management, overseeing financial condition and performance, allocating and budgeting human resources, and formulating business strategies. However, we cannot assure you that we can retain the services of our key management and find suitable replacement if any of them terminate their engagement with us, are unable or unwilling to continue their services, or in the event of death.
Other than our senior management, we also rely on our professional staff in different business operations to implement our business strategies, provide quality services to clients, manage our compliance and risks, identify and capture business opportunities, maintain relationship with clients, and procure new clients. Loss of our professional staff and failure to recruit replacements for such staff will materially and adversely affect our business operations.
We may be subject to the threat or possibility of litigation, arbitration, or other legal proceedings.
We and our directors and officers may from time to time become subject to or involved in various claims, controversies, lawsuits, and regulatory or legal proceedings. Claims, lawsuits, and litigations are subject to inherent uncertainties, and we are uncertain whether the foregoing claims would develop into a lawsuit. Lawsuits and litigations may cause us to incur defense costs, utilize a significant portion of our resources and divert management’s attention from our day-to-day operations, any of which could harm our business. Any settlements or judgments against us could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, negative publicity regarding claims or judgment made against us may damage our reputation and may result in a material adverse impact on us.
As of the date of this prospectus, we are not a party to, and are not aware of any threat of, any legal proceeding that, in the opinion of our management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operations. Actions brought against us may result in settlements, awards, injunctions, fines, penalties, and other results adverse to us. A substantial judgment, settlement, fine, or penalty could be material to our operating results or cash flows for a particular period, depending on our results for that period, or could cause us significant reputational harm, which could harm our business prospects.
Risks Related to The Shares
There was no public market for our Ordinary Shares prior to this Offering; if an active trading market does not develop, you may not be able to resell the Shares at any reasonable price.
This Offering is an IPO of the Shares. Prior to this Offering, there was no public market for the Shares. While we plan to list the Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market, our listing application may not be approved. If our application to the Nasdaq Capital Market is not approved or we otherwise determine that we will not be able to secure the listing of the Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market, we will not complete the Offering. In addition, an active trading market may not develop following the closing of this Offering, or, if developed, may not be sustained. The lack of an active market may impair your ability to sell the Shares at the time you wish to sell them or at a price that you consider reasonable. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling the Shares and may impair our ability to acquire other companies by using the Shares as consideration.
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The trading price of the Shares may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to you.
The trading prices of the Shares are likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen due to broad market and industry factors, such as performance and fluctuation in the market prices or underperformance or deteriorating financial results of other listed companies. The securities of some of these companies have experienced significant volatility since their IPOs, including, in some cases, substantial price declines in the trading prices of their securities. The trading performances of other Malaysian companies’ securities after their IPOs may affect the attitudes of investors toward Malaysia-based, U.S.-listed companies, which consequently may affect the trading performance of the Shares, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, any negative news or perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practices or fraudulent accounting, corporate structure, or matters of other Malaysian companies may also negatively affect the attitudes of investors toward Malaysian companies in general, including us, regardless of whether we have conducted any inappropriate activities. Furthermore, securities markets may from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to our operating performance.
In addition to the above factors, the price and trading volume of the Shares may be highly volatile due to multiple factors, including the following:
| ● | regulatory developments affecting us or our industry; | |
| ● | variations in our revenues, profit, and cash flow; | |
| ● | changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other vertical farm companies; | |
| ● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations and changes or revisions of our expected results; | |
| ● | changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts; | |
| ● | detrimental negative publicity about us, our services, our officers, directors, our business partners, or our industry; | |
| ● | announcements by us or our competitors of new service offerings, acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures, capital raisings, or capital commitments; | |
| ● | additions to or departures of our senior management; | |
| ● | litigation or regulatory proceedings involving us, our officers, or directors; | |
| ● | release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding Ordinary Shares; and | |
| ● | sales or perceived potential sales of additional Ordinary Shares. |
In the past, shareholders of public companies have often brought securities class action suits against those companies following periods of instability in the market price of their securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other resources from our business and operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, which could harm our results of operations. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future.
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We rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our operating subsidiary to fund our cash and financing requirements, and any limitation on the ability of any current or future subsidiary to make payments to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.
Agroz is a holding company, and we rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our operating subsidiary for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders and to service any debt we may incur. There was no transfer of assets between Agroz Group and Agroz in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and no transfer during the six months ended June 30, 2024, and we do not expect Agroz Group to pay us dividends in the foreseeable future. We do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We anticipate that we will retain any earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of our business. If any of our subsidiaries incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.
According to the Malaysian Companies Act 2016, a Malaysian company may only make dividends distribution out of profits of the company if the company is solvent. Such company is deemed solvent if the company is able to pay its debts as they fall due within twelve (12) months immediately after the distribution is made. Under the current practice of the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia, no tax is payable in Malaysia in respect to dividends paid by us. Any limitation on the ability of our Malaysia subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
If we fail to meet applicable listing requirements, Nasdaq may delist the Shares from trading, in which case the liquidity and market price of the Shares could decline.
Assuming the Shares are listed on Nasdaq, we cannot assure you that we will be able to meet the continued listing standards of Nasdaq in the future. If we fail to comply with the applicable listing standards and Nasdaq delists the Shares, we and our shareholders could face significant material adverse consequences, including:
| ● | a limited availability of market quotations for the Shares; | |
| ● | reduced liquidity for the Shares; | |
| ● | a determination that the Shares are “penny stock,” which would require brokers trading in the Shares to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for the Shares; | |
| ● | a limited amount of news about us and analyst coverage of us; and | |
| ● | a decreased ability for us to issue additional equity securities or obtain additional equity or debt financing in the future. |
The U.S. National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996 prevents or pre-empts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because we expect that the Shares will be listed on Nasdaq, these securities will be covered securities. Although the states are pre-empted from regulating the sale of our securities, this statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. Further, if we were no longer listed on Nasdaq, our securities would not be covered securities and we would be subject to regulations in each state in which we offer our securities.
If you purchase Shares in this Offering, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution in the book value of your Ordinary Shares.
If you purchase Shares in this Offering, you will pay substantially more than our net tangible book value per Share. As a result, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution of US$3.68 per share, representing the difference between our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of US$0.32 as of June 30, 2024, after giving effect to (1) the issuance of 371,500 RCPS and the conversion of these RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (2) the surrender of 1,030,494 Ordinary Shares, as if such surrender had occurred on June 30, 2024; (3) the conversion of 419,929 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (4) the issuance of 3,556 Ordinary Shares, as if such issuance had occurred on June 30, 2024; (5) the conversion of all of our outstanding 528,420 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis, and the net proceeds to us from this Offering, assuming no change to the number of shares offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed public offering price of US$4.00 per share. See “Dilution” for a more complete description of how the value of your investment in our shares will be diluted upon the completion of this Offering.
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You may have a diminished return on your investment due to the Company’s issued and outstanding RCPS. Holders of Shares also have certain rights junior to those of the RCPS holders.
Our RCPS holders may, at their election, convert each RCPS into one (1) Ordinary Share on or before the second anniversary of the issuance date of the RCPS (the “Maturity Date”). No further consideration is payable for such conversion. If the RCPS holders elect conversion, your ownership stake in the Ordinary Shares will be diluted. If we determine to issue more RCPS in the future, your ownership stake in the Ordinary Shares will also be diluted upon the RCPS holders’ election to convert their RCPS.
RCPS holders may also at their election redeem their RCPS in whole or in part for the subscription amount of the RCPS at any time after the RCPS share issuance date, after which we must pay the redemption proceeds to the RCPS shareholder. Further, all RCPS which are outstanding as of the Maturity Date and have not been converted into Ordinary Shares will be fully redeemed by us at the subscription price of the RCPS. The funds which we use towards redemption payments will be diverted from funds we could have used for other corporate purposes. Therefore, you may experience a diminished return on your investment in the Company through your ownership of the Ordinary Shares.
Further, holders of RCPS are entitled to receive dividends out of any assets legally available prior to any dividends payable to the Ordinary Shares, at a rate of 10% per annum of the RCPS holders’ subscription amount for the RCPS. The funds allocated towards these interest payments will also divert from funds we could have used for other corporate purposes and dividend payments to holders of Ordinary Shares. Investors should be aware of the risk of diminished returns on their investment and certain junior rights to those of RCPS holders before purchasing Shares.
For a more complete discussion of the rights of the RCPS holders, see “Description of Share Capital – Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares” below.
If a limited number of participants in this Offering purchase a significant percentage of this Offering, the effective public float may be smaller than anticipated and the price of the Shares may be more volatile than it otherwise would be.
As a company conducting a relatively modest public offering, we are subject to the risk that a small number of investors may hold a high percentage of the Shares sold in this Offering, even if the initial sales by the Underwriters are designed to comply with the Nasdaq listing requirements. If this were to happen, investors could find the Shares to be more volatile than they might otherwise anticipate. Companies that experience such volatility in their stock price may be more likely to be the subject of securities litigation. In addition, if a large portion of our public float were to be held by a few investors, smaller investors may find it more difficult to sell their shares and we may cease to meet the Nasdaq public stockholder requirements.
Because the amount, timing, and whether or not we distribute dividends at all is entirely at the discretion of the Board of Directors, you must rely on price appreciation of the Shares for return on your investment.
The Board of Directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law and our Memorandum and Articles of Association. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by the Board of Directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that under no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if the Board of Directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount, and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow; our capital requirements and surplus; the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries; and our financial condition, contractual restrictions, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in the Ordinary Shares will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of the Ordinary Shares. We cannot assure you that the Shares will appreciate in value after this Offering or even maintain the price at which you purchased the Ordinary Shares. You may not realize a return on your investment in the Ordinary Shares, and you may even lose your entire investment in the Ordinary Shares. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation and expansion of our business, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
Our management has broad discretion to determine how to use the funds raised in this Offering and may use them in ways that may not enhance our results of operations or the price of the Shares.
To the extent (i) we raise more money from this Offering than required for the purposes explained in the section entitled “Use of Proceeds,” or (ii) we determine that the proposed uses set forth in that section are not no longer in the best interests of our Company, we cannot specify with any certainty the particular uses of such net proceeds that we will receive from this Offering. Our management will have broad discretion in the application of such net proceeds, including working capital, possible acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes, and we may spend or invest these proceeds in a way with which our shareholders disagree. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business and financial condition. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this Offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.
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Our disclosure controls and procedures may not prevent or detect all errors or acts of fraud.
Upon the Closing Date, we will become subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. We will design our disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that information we must disclose in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, and recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. We believe that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of a person, by collusion of two or more people or by an unauthorized override of the controls. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in our control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected.
Securities analysts may not publish favorable research or reports about our business or may publish no information at all, which could cause our Ordinary Share price or trading volume to decline.
If a trading market for the Shares develops, the trading market will be influenced to some extent by the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us and our business. We do not control these analysts. As a new public company, we may be slow to attract research coverage and the analysts who publish information about our Ordinary Shares will have had relatively little experience with us or our industry, which could affect their ability to accurately forecast our results and could make it more likely that we fail to meet their estimates. In the event we obtain securities or industry analyst coverage, if any of the analysts who cover us provide inaccurate or unfavorable research or issue an adverse opinion regarding our share price, our share price could decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports covering us regularly, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our share price or trading volume to decline and result in the loss of all or a part of your investment in us.
Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.
We are an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We conduct our operations outside the United States and substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. In addition, substantially all of our directors and executive officers and the experts named in this prospectus reside outside the United States, and most of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against them in the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands, Malaysia, or other relevant jurisdictions may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers.
Our counsel as to the laws of the Cayman Islands, Carey Olsen Cayman Limited, has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would (i) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us based on certain civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state, and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, impose liabilities against us based on the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state, so far as the liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature.
There is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the Cayman Islands will in certain circumstances recognize and enforce a foreign judgment, without any re-examination or re-litigation of matters adjudicated upon, provided such judgment: (a) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction; (b) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given; (c) is final; (d) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty; e) was not obtained by fraud; and (f) is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands.
Subject to the above limitations, in appropriate circumstances, a Cayman Islands court may give effect in the Cayman Islands to other kinds of final foreign judgments such as declaratory orders, orders for performance of contracts and injunctions.
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Our counsel as to the laws of Malaysia has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of Malaysia would (i) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States, or (ii) entertain original actions brought in Malaysia against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. A judgment of a court in the United States predicated upon U.S. federal or state securities laws may be enforced in Malaysia at common law by bringing an action in a Malaysia court on that judgment for the amount due thereunder and then seeking summary judgment on the strength of the foreign judgment, provided that the foreign judgment, among other things, is (1) for a debt or a definite sum of money (not being taxes or similar charges to a foreign government taxing authority or a fine or other penalty), and (2) final and conclusive on the merits of the claim, but not otherwise. Such a judgment may not, in any event, be so enforced in Malaysia if (a) it was obtained by fraud, (b) the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were opposed to natural justice, (c) its enforcement or recognition would be contrary to the public policy of Malaysia, (d) the court of the United States was not jurisdictionally competent, or (e) the judgment was in conflict with a prior Malaysia judgment. Malaysia has no arrangement for the reciprocal enforcement of judgments with the United States. As a result, there is uncertainty as to the enforceability in Malaysia, in original actions or in actions for enforcement, of judgments of U.S. courts of civil liabilities predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state or territory within the United States. See “Enforceability of Civil Liabilities.”
You may have more difficulties protecting your interests than you would as a shareholder of a U.S. corporation.
We are an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by the provisions of our Memorandum and Articles of Association, and by the provisions of the Companies Act and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the Board of Directors, actions by minority shareholders, and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands.
The rights of shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors and officers under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedents in some jurisdictions in the United States, and some states (such as Delaware) have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
Shareholders of Cayman Islands-exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to obtain copies of the register of members or inspect corporate records (other than the memorandum and articles of association and any special resolutions passed by such companies, and the register of mortgages and charges of such companies) of the company. Our directors have discretion under our Memorandum and Articles of Association that will become effective immediately prior to completion of this Offering to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
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As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, or members of the Board of Directors than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States. For a discussion of significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Act and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders, see “Description of Share Capital — Differences in Corporate Law.”
Cayman Islands economic substance requirements may have an effect on our business and operations.
Pursuant to the International Tax Cooperation (Economic Substance) Act (as revised) of the Cayman Islands (“ES Act”), which became effective on January 1, 2019, a “relevant entity” conducting a “relevant activity” is required to satisfy the applicable economic substance test set out in the ES Act. A “relevant entity” includes, among other things, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands which is not a tax resident outside of the Cayman Islands. There are nine designated “relevant activities” under the ES Act, and for so long as our Company is a “relevant entity” carrying on a “relevant activity”, it is required to comply with all applicable requirements under the ES Act. If the only business activity that the Company carries on is to hold equity participation in other entities and only earns dividends and capital gains, then based on the current interpretation of the ES Act, the Company is a “pure equity holding company” and will therefore be subject to a reduced economic substance test which currently would require us to (i) comply with all applicable requirements under the Companies Act and (ii) have adequate human resources and adequate premises in the Cayman Islands for holding and managing equity participations in other entities. However, there can be no assurance that we will not be subject to more requirements under the ES Act. Uncertainties over the interpretation and implementation of the ES Act may have an adverse impact on our business and operations.
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and, as such, we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.
Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:
| ● | the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K; | |
| ● | the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect to a security registered under the Exchange Act; | |
| ● | the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and | |
| ● | the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material non-public information under Regulation FD. |
We will be required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, should we intend to publish any of our semi-annual results in press releases, it will be distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of Nasdaq Capital Market. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information that would be made available to you were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.
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As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ significantly from Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. These practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.
As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to take advantage of certain provisions in the Nasdaq rules that allow us to follow our home country law for certain governance matters. Certain corporate governance practices in our home country, the Cayman Islands, may differ significantly from corporate governance listing standards, except for general fiduciary duties and duties of care, Cayman Islands law has no corporate governance regime which prescribes specific corporate governance standards. Currently, we do not intend to rely on home country practices with respect to our corporate governance after we complete this Offering. However, if we choose to follow home country practices in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they would otherwise enjoy under the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses.
We are a foreign private issuer, and therefore we are not required to comply with all of the periodic disclosure and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. The determination of foreign private issuer status is made annually on the last business day of an issuer’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. We would lose our foreign private issuer status if, for example, more than 50% of our Ordinary Shares are directly or indirectly held by residents of the United States and we fail to meet additional requirements necessary to maintain our foreign private issuer status. If we lose our foreign private issuer status on this date, we will be required to file with the SEC periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. We will also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors, and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements under the Nasdaq rules. As a U.S.-listed public company that is not a foreign private issuer, we will incur significant additional legal, accounting, and other expenses that we will not incur as a foreign private issuer in order to maintain a listing on a U.S. securities exchange.
We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the JOBS Act and may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, most significantly, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley for so long as we remain an emerging growth company. As a result, if we elect not to comply with such attestation requirements, our investors may not have access to certain information they may deem important.
We will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company, particularly after we cease to qualify as an “emerging growth company.”
Upon consummation of this Offering, we will incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses as a public company that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”), as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies. We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act and will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this Offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least US$1.235 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of the Shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds US$700 million as of the end of any second fiscal quarter before that time; and (2) the date on which we have issued more than US$1 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 in the assessment of the emerging growth company’s internal control over financial reporting and permission to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies.
Compliance with these rules and regulations increases our legal and financial compliance costs and makes some corporate activities more time consuming and costly. After we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” or until five years following the completion of our IPO, whichever is earlier, we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as a public company, we will be required to increase the number of independent directors and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. We will incur additional costs in obtaining director and officer liability insurance. In addition, we will incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may also be more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on the Board of Directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules and regulations, and we cannot predict or estimate with any degree of certainty the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “objective,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” and “ongoing,” or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and opinions contained in this prospectus are based upon information available to us as of the date of this prospectus and, while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. Forward-looking statements include statements about:
| ● | timing of the development of future business; | |
| ● | capabilities of our business operations; | |
| ● | expected future economic performance; |
| ● | competition in our market; | |
| ● | continued market acceptance of our products and services; | |
| ● | changes in the laws that affect our operations; | |
| ● | inflation and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; | |
| ● | our ability to obtain and maintain all necessary government certifications, approvals, and/or licenses to conduct our business; | |
| ● | continued development of a public trading market for our securities; | |
| ● | the cost of complying with current and future governmental regulations and the impact of any changes in the regulations on our operations; | |
| ● | managing our growth effectively; | |
| ● | projections of revenue, earnings, capital structure, and other financial items; | |
| ● | fluctuations in operating results; | |
| ● | dependence on our senior management and key employees; and | |
| ● | other factors set forth under “Risk Factors.” |
You should refer to the section titled “Risk Factors” for a discussion of important factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. As a result of these factors, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this prospectus will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, if our forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
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This prospectus includes statistical and other industry and market data that we obtained from industry publications and research, surveys, and studies conducted by third parties, as well as estimates by our management based on such data. None of these third parties are affiliated with us, and the information contained in this prospectus has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of them. The market data and estimates used in this prospectus involve a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such data and estimates. Industry publications, research, surveys, studies, and forecasts generally state that the information they contain has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but that the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed. We have not commissioned any of the industry and market data included in this prospectus. Forecasts and other forward-looking information obtained from these sources are subject to the same qualifications and uncertainties as the other forward-looking statements in this prospectus.
While we believe that the information from these industry publications, surveys, and studies is reliable, the industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors.” These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by the independent parties and by us.
Based upon an initial public offering price of $4.00 per Ordinary Share, we estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this Offering, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts, non-accountable expense allowance and the estimated offering expenses payable by us, of approximately $4,062,152 if the Underwriters do not exercise their Over-Allotment Option, and $4,890,152 if the Underwriters exercise their Over-Allotment Option in full, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions, non-accountable expense allowance, and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $4.00 per Ordinary Share would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this Offering by $1,380,000, assuming that the number of Shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions, non-accountable expense allowance and estimated offering expenses payable by us. An increase (decrease) of 1 million in the number of Shares we are offering would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this Offering by $3,680,000, assuming the assumed IPO price remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions, non-accountable expense allowance, and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The primary purpose of this Offering is to create a public market for the Shares for the benefit of all shareholders. We plan to use the net proceeds of this Offering as follows:
| ● | Approximately 15% on capital expenditures; |
| ● | Approximately 25% on operating expenses; |
| ● | Approximately 20% on research and development; |
| ● | Approximately 15% on marketing; and |
| ● | Approximately 25% for our acquisitions of certain companies (no specific acquisition target companies have been identified at this time). |
The foregoing represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business conditions to use and allocate the net proceeds of this Offering. Our management, however, will have significant flexibility and discretion to apply the net proceeds of this Offering. If an unforeseen event occurs or business conditions change, we may use the proceeds of this Offering differently than as described in this registration statement. We reserve the right to change the use of proceeds that we presently anticipate and describe in this prospectus.
The Company does not currently anticipate using any of the proceeds from this Offering to settle its liabilities and operating expenses for related parties. The Company plans to settle such liabilities and operating expenses using operating income instead.
To the extent that the net proceeds we receive from this Offering are not immediately used for the above purposes, we intend to invest our net proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing bank deposits or debt instruments.
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We currently intend to retain all available funds and future earnings, if any, for the operation and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate declaring or paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, Agroz did not declare or pay any dividends and there was no transfer of assets among Agroz and its subsidiary, Agroz Group.
During the 2024 Interim Period, Agroz did not declare or pay any dividends and there was no transfer of assets among Agroz and its subsidiary, Agroz Group.
Subject to the Cayman Islands laws and our Memorandum and Articles of Association, our Board of Directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends. Our Company may only pay dividends out of profits or share premium, and provided always that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in our Company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business.
Even if our Board of Directors decides to pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. Please see the section entitled “Material Income Tax Considerations – Cayman Islands Taxation” of this prospectus for information on the potential tax consequences of any cash dividends declared.
As we are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we rely on dividends paid to us by our subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including funds to pay any dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders, service any debt we may incur, and pay our operating expenses. Our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders will depend on, among other things, the availability of dividends from our subsidiaries. According to the Malaysian Companies Act 2016, a Malaysian company may make dividends distribution out of profits of the company if the company is solvent. Such company is deemed solvent if the company is able to pay its debts as they fall due within twelve months immediately after the distribution is made.
Cash dividends, if any, on the Shares will be paid in U.S. dollars.
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The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 2024, on:
| ● | an actual basis; and | |
| ● | On a pro forma basis to give effect to (1) the issuance of 371,500 RCPS and the conversion of all of these RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (2) the surrender of 1,030,494 Ordinary Shares, as if such surrender had occurred on June 30, 2024; (3) the conversion of 419,929 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (4) the issuance of 3,556 Ordinary Shares, as if such issuance had occurred on June 30, 2024; (5) the conversion of all of our outstanding 528,420 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; and |
| ● | On a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to (1) the pro forma adjustments set forth above; (2) the sale of 1,500,000 Ordinary Shares in this Offering at the assumed IPO price of US$4.00 per share, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions, non-accountable expense allowance, and estimated offering expenses payable by us, assuming the Underwriters do not exercise the Over-Allotment Option. |
You should read this information together with our audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the information set forth under the sections titled “Exchange Rate,” “Use of Proceeds,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
| As of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Actual | Pro Forma | Pro
Forma As Adjusted(1) (Over-Allotment Option Not Exercised) |
Pro
Forma As Adjusted(1) (Over- Allotment Option Exercised in Full) |
|||||||||||||
| US$ | US $ | US $ | US$ | |||||||||||||
| Ordinary Shares, US$0.0001 par value per share:100,000,000 shares authorized; 21,030,494 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 21,323,405 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis; 22,823,405 shares on a pro forma as adjusted basis assuming the Underwriters do not exercise the Over-Allotment Option; 23,048,405 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma as adjusted basis assuming the Underwriters exercise their Over-Allotment Option in full | 1,862 | 1,903 | 2,053 | 2,076 | ||||||||||||
| Subscription receivables | (91 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 460,515 | 3,729,718 | 7,791,720 | 8,619,697 | ||||||||||||
| Other reserves | 172,811 | 18,685 | 18,685 | 18,685 | ||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 21,728 | 21,728 | 21,728 | 21,728 | ||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 656,825 | 3,772,034 | 7,834,186 | 8,662,186 | ||||||||||||
| Indebtedness | ||||||||||||||||
| RCPS | 2,177,569 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Bank borrowings | 12,546 | 12,546 | 12,546 | 12,546 | ||||||||||||
| Total indebtedness | 2,190,115 | 12,546 | 12,546 | 12,546 | ||||||||||||
| Total capitalization | 2,846,940 | 3,784,580 | 7,846,732 | 8,674,732 | ||||||||||||
| (1) | Reflects the sale of Ordinary Shares in this Offering at an assumed IPO of US$4.00 per Ordinary Share, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions, non-accountable expense allowance, and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The pro forma as adjusted information is illustrative only, and we will adjust this information based on the actual IPO price and other terms of this Offering determined at pricing. Additional paid-in capital reflects the net proceeds we expect to receive will be approximately US$4,062,152, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of 7% (US$420,000) and non-accountable expense allowance of 1% (US$60,000), and estimated offering expenses payable by us (US$1,457,848) if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised, or US$4,890,152, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of 7% (US$483,000) and non-accountable expense allowance of 1% (US$69,000), and estimated offering expenses payable by us (US$1,457,848) if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full. For an itemization of an estimation of the total offering expenses payable by us, see “Expenses Related to this Offering.” |
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If you invest in the Shares in this Offering, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the IPO price per Ordinary Share in this Offering and the net tangible book value per Ordinary Share after this Offering. Dilution results from the fact that the IPO price per Ordinary Share is substantially in excess of the net tangible book value per Ordinary Share. Our net tangible book value per Ordinary Share represents the quotient obtained by dividing net tangible assets by the number of Ordinary Shares outstanding as of June 30, 2024. Net tangible assets was obtained by reducing total net assets by intangible assets, right-of-use assets, and deferred IPO costs (pursuant to the Company’s balance sheet). Total net assets represents total assets less total liabilities. As of June 30, 2024, we had a historical net tangible book value of US$(238,576), or US$(0.01) per Ordinary Share. As of June 30, 2024, our pro forma net tangible book value was US$2,876,633, or US$0.13 per Ordinary Share, after giving effect to (1) the issuance of 371,500 RCPS and the conversion of all of these RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (2) the surrender of 1,030,494 Ordinary Shares, as if such surrender had occurred on June 30, 2024; (3) the conversion of 419,929 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (4) the issuance of 3,556 Ordinary Shares, as if such issuance had occurred on June 30, 2024; (5) the conversion of all of our outstanding 528,420 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis.
After further giving effect to the sale of 1,500,000 Ordinary Shares in this Offering at the assumed IPO price of US$4.00 per Ordinary Share, we will have 22,823,405 Ordinary Shares outstanding, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions, non-accountable expense allowance, and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value at June 30, 2024, would have been US$7,289,067, or US$0.32 per Ordinary Share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of US$0.18 per Ordinary Share to existing investors and immediate dilution in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value of US$3.68 per Ordinary Share to new investors. The following table illustrates this dilution to new investors purchasing Ordinary Shares in this Offering:
| Post-Offering (Over-Allotment Option Not Exercised)(1) | Post-Offering (Full Exercise of Over- allotment Option)(2) | |||||||
| Assumed IPO price per Ordinary Share | $ | 4.00 | $ | 4.00 | ||||
| Historical net tangible book value per Ordinary Share as of June 30, 2024 | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | ||
| Increase in net tangible book value per Ordinary Share attributable to the pro forma adjustments described above | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.15 | ||||
| Pro forma net tangible book value as of June 30, 2024 after giving effect to (1) the issuance of 371,500 RCPS and the conversion of all of these RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (2) the surrender of 1,030,494 Ordinary Shares, as if such surrender had occurred on June 30, 2024; (3) the conversion of 419,929 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (4) the issuance of 3,556 Ordinary Shares, as if such issuance had occurred on June 30, 2024; (5) the conversion of all of our outstanding 528,420 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.13 | ||||
| Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors purchasing shares of Ordinary Shares in this offering | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.22 | ||||
| Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per Ordinary Share after giving effect to (1) the issuance of 371,500 RCPS and the conversion of all of these RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (2) the surrender of 1,030,494 Ordinary Shares, as if such surrender had occurred on June 30, 2024; (3) the conversion of 419,929 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (4) the issuance of 3,556 Ordinary Shares, as if such issuance had occurred on June 30, 2024; (5) the conversion of all of our outstanding 528,420 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis, and after this Offering | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.35 | ||||
| Dilution in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per Ordinary Share to new investors in this Offering | $ | 3.68 | $ | 3.65 | ||||
| (1) | Assumes gross proceeds from the Offering of 1,500,000 Ordinary Shares, and assumes that the Over-Allotment Option has not been exercised. |
| (2) | Assumes gross proceeds from the Offering of 1,725,000 Ordinary Shares, and assumes that the Over-Allotment Option has been exercised in full. |
Each US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed IPO price of US$4.00 per Ordinary Share would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2024, after this Offering by approximately US$0.06 per Ordinary Share, and would increase (decrease) dilution to new investors by US$0.94 per Ordinary Share, assuming that the number of Ordinary Shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions, non-accountable expense allowance, and estimated offering expenses payable by us, assuming the Underwriters do not exercise the Over-Allotment Option
If the Underwriters exercise their Over-Allotment Option in full, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per Ordinary Share after this Offering would be US$0.35, the increase in pro forma net tangible book value per Ordinary Share to existing shareholders would be US$0.22, and the immediate dilution in net tangible book value per Ordinary Share to new investors in this Offering would be US$3.65, in each case taking into account an initial public offering price of US$4.00 per share.
To the extent that we issue additional Ordinary Shares in the future, there will be further dilution to new investors participating in this Offering.
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The following table summarizes, as of June 30, 2024, after giving effect to (1) the issuance of 371,500 RCPS and the conversion of all of these RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (2) the surrender of 1,030,494 Ordinary Shares, as if such surrender had occurred on June 30, 2024; (3) the conversion of 419,929 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis; (4) the issuance of 3,556 Ordinary Shares, as if such issuance had occurred on June 30, 2024; and (5) the conversion of all of our outstanding 528,420 RCPS into Ordinary Shares, as if such conversion had occurred on June 30, 2024, on a one-for-one basis, the differences between the existing shareholders and the new investors with respect to the number of Ordinary Shares purchased from us in this Offering, the total consideration paid, and the average price per Ordinary Share paid at the assumed IPO price of US$4.00 per Ordinary Shares, before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses. The total number of Ordinary Shares does not include the Over-Allotment Option.
| Ordinary Shares purchased | Total consideration | Average price per Ordinary | ||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Percent | Amount | Percent | Share | ||||||||||||||||
| Existing shareholders | 21,323,405 | 93.43 | % | $ | 3,271,106 | 35.28 | % | $ | 0.15 | |||||||||||
| New investors | 1,500,000 | 6.57 | % | $ | 6,000,000 | 64.72 | % | $ | 4.00 | |||||||||||
| Total | 22,823,405 | 100.00 | % | $ | 9,271,106 | 100.00 | % | $ | 0.41 | |||||||||||
Agroz is a holding company with operations conducted in Malaysia through its operating subsidiary, Agroz Group. The currency of Agroz Group is MYR. Translations of amounts from MYR into US$ are solely for the convenience of the reader for the six months ended on June 30, 2024 were calculated at the rate of US$1 = MYR4.7157, representing the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers of MYR as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last trading day of June 28, 2024. Translations of amounts from MYR into US$ for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 were calculated at the rate of US$1 = MYR4.5903, representing the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers of MYR as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last trading day of December 31, 2023. No representation is made that the MYR amount represents or could have been, or could be converted, realized or settled into US$ at that rate, or at any other rate.
CORPORATE HISTORY AND STRUCTURE
Agroz is an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on August 8, 2023. Agroz’s operating subsidiary is Agroz Group, a Malaysian private limited company incorporated on November 20, 2020.
Agroz Group is the owner of the intellectual property supporting Agroz’s technology and the operator of Agroz’s indoor CEA vertical farms. Agroz Group also distributes and sells Agroz’s farm produce.
The chart below illustrates our corporate structure and identifies our subsidiaries as of the date of this prospectus and upon completion of this Offering (assuming the Underwriters do not exercise the Over-Allotment Option):

We are offering 1,500,000 Ordinary Shares of Agroz, our Cayman Islands holding company, representing % of the Ordinary Shares following completion of the offering of Agroz, assuming the Underwriters do not exercise the Over-Allotment Option.
At each general meeting, each shareholder who is present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of a shareholder being a corporation, by its duly authorized representative) will have one vote for each Ordinary Share that such shareholder holds. There are no prohibitions to cumulative voting under the laws of the Cayman Islands, but our Memorandum and Articles of Association do not provide for cumulative voting.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion and analysis and other parts of this prospectus contain forward-looking statements based upon current beliefs, plans and expectations that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results and the timing of selected events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. You should carefully read the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus to gain an understanding of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. As used in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” section, the terms “the Group,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Agroz Inc. and Agroz Group, collectively. “Agroz Group” refers solely to Agroz Group Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian private limited company, our operating subsidiary.
OVERVIEW
We are a vertically integrated agricultural technology company applying technology solutions, innovative business models, processes, and systems to design, build, manage, and operate indoor CEA vertical farms. We also operate CEA vertical farms which produce clean, pesticide free, fresh and nutritious rich vegetables directly to consumers and businesses. Our EduFarm at AEON Alpha Angle was also aimed to educate the public on how our vegetables are grown. Our CEA practices are a combination of various digital technologies, including IoT, data analytics, artificial learning, machine learning, automation, cloud and edge computing, and 5G communications. We use 5G communications primarily to enhance internet connectivity within our CEA practices, which is essential for real-time monitoring and control of our agricultural operations.
Our mission is to improve food safety, food security, and sustainability for society by creating a reliable, accessible food supply through our AgTech products and services. We believe we are revolutionizing and transforming agricultural production through our CEA technology and methods. We believe our technology enables us to grow more food in less space safely without the use of pesticides, herbicides and other dangerous chemicals, while reducing the need for storage and refrigeration. We aim to improve food security and deliver freshness by growing food locally, nearer to where it is consumed, which reduces transportation and therefore lowers the food miles generated and our carbon emissions impact, leading to more environmentally friendly outcomes for food production.
We believe there is vast market potential for the AgTech and CEA vertical farming markets globally and in the Southeast Asian region. Starting with Malaysia, we aim to match the top-grade products we have available to the markets in which they are the most highly demanded.
Principal activities
We primarily derive our revenue from:
| (i) | designing and/or constructing indoor CEA vertical farms; |
| (ii) | operating and managing indoor CEA vertical farms; |
| (iii) | selling CEA vertical farms; and |
| (iv) | selling fresh produce. |
| 1. | Designing and/or Constructing Indoor Vertical Farms |
Our goal is to create efficient, sustainable, and environmentally controlled vertical farms which maximize crop yield and crop quality and allow for precise management of temperature, humidity, light and nutrients.
We design and/or construct indoor CEA vertical farms for our clients according to their specific needs. This involves planning each CEA vertical farm’s layout, designing its infrastructure, building the farm’s structural framework, setting up equipment, and implementing the Agroz OS within the farm. The Agroz OS, at its most current stage of development, integrates certain hardware and software solutions detailed below. Through Agroz OS, we aim to improve productivity, boost yield, and improve the quality of produce generated within CEA vertical farms.
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Agroz OS is currently comprised of digitally automated hardware systems capable of: (i) managing various environmental conditions within the CEA vertical farms and water quality and volume, (ii) providing irrigation and nutrient fertigation; (iii) providing light to crops; (iv) managing energy use; and (v) collecting data to enable management of temperature and lighting within the farms, as well as nutrient provision, irrigation and fertigation.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have only implemented in Agroz OS (i) the above digitally automated hardware systems for Agroz OS and (ii) software solutions enabling email and communication systems for farm organization. The software solutions mentioned in the preceding sentence are supported by Microsoft Azure and Microsoft AI, which solutions are possible pursuant to being Microsoft ISV and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner under the Microsoft Publisher Agreement and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Agreement filed herein as Exhibits 10.7 and 10.8, respectively.
We are currently in the process of integrating an AI agent system into Agroz OS, which system is supported by Microsoft AI and capable of presenting complex agricultural decisions to farm managers and farm owners and autonomously executing such decisions after human approval is received. When fully deployed, we envision that the AI system’s agents can undertake complex multi-step autonomous actions within vertical farms and result in vertical farms which can be independently and automatically operated. We anticipate full deployment of this AI agent system by Q2 of 2025. Investors should be aware that such AI agent system is distinct from the Agroz Copilot; by contrast, Agroz Copilot is a GenAI application separate from Agroz OS, which enables human farmers to input queries and instructions into an application to receive recommendations for assistance with daily tasks, not a system for autonomous functioning of vertical farms. Although we have launched a pilot rollout for Agroz Copilot, this application is still under development and we do not currently have a date certain for the official launch of Agroz Copilot to the public.
We envision that at a more advanced developmental stage, Agroz OS will include software solutions for: (i) the aforementioned AI agent system, and software solutions which enable: (ii) tracking of every aspect of the vertical farm’s business activities through our proprietary Agroz ERP and (iii) financial accounting and bookkeeping, supported by Intuit Quickbooks software solutions. We expect that these software solutions will be fully integrated into Agroz OS in 2025.
For more detail on the components of Agroz OS, see “Our Products and Services.”
| 2. | Operating and Managing Indoor CEA Vertical Farms |
Following the successful design and/or construction of CEA vertical farms, our clients may also receive, at their option, farm operation and management services. The services we offer in this respect include the overseeing of day-to-day CEA vertical farm operations and performing regular maintenance of our clients’ CEA vertical farm systems, using all of the intellectual property we have developed, including Agroz OS and the standard operating procedure supporting CEA vertical farm operations. We began generating revenue from the operation and management services for our clients’ CEA vertical farms in fiscal year 2024.
Currently, the CEA vertical farms we operate and manage include: (i) a 10,021 square foot indoor vertical farm in Kota Damansara and (ii) a 5,239 square foot educational vertical farm (“EduFarm”) at the AEON Mall Alpha Angle, a shopping center in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (“AEON Alpha Angle”). The Malaysia Book of Records, a publication of record setting achievements, recognizes the vertical farm we operate and manage at AEON Alpha Angle as the largest indoor vertical farm located inside a shopping mall in Malaysia. Additionally, in June of 2024, the Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, recognized the EduFarm for meeting Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (“myGAP.PF”) requirements in being pesticide free. MyGAP.PF is a certification scheme recognizing farms which adopt agricultural practices with an environmentally friendly concept, safeguarding the welfare and safety of workers and do not use synthetic pesticides to produce quality, safe and edible products. This certification covers 20 types of vegetables grown in the CEA vertical farms we manage and operate, including green butterhead, red butterhead, green coral, red coral, wild rocket, green kale, and arugula, to name a few.
Through the EduFarm, we also supply fresh produce sold at AEON Alpha Angle and at certain supermarkets operated by AEON Co. (M) Berhad (“AEON”).
| 3. | Sale of CEA Vertical Farms |
We sell CEA vertical farms to potential buyers separate from the services that comprise the first and second revenue streams identified in the “Principal activities” subsection above. Our completed CEA vertical farms are fully operational and optimized. Each CEA vertical farm includes Agroz OS. We aim to achieve high-yield crop production and resource management through the CEA vertical farms.
| 4. | Sale of Fresh Produce |
We also generate revenue from sales of fresh produce, which produce consist of (i) produce grown in the leased CEA vertical farms we operate and (ii) produce outsourced from our clients’ CEA vertical farms and other suppliers. To date, we have successfully grown 50 different crops and are currently offering 21 varieties of crops for sale. For a complete list of varieties that we have grown and those we are currently offering, see “Our Products and Services” above. Our key distribution avenue is the direct distribution of fresh produce to Malaysian-based wholesale distributors, and large supermarket brand retailers, such as AEON, and recently we have expanded our distribution to Village Grocer.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Financial information in U.S. dollars
Our financial statements contain translations of certain foreign currency amounts into U.S. dollars for the convenience of the reader. The conversion of Malaysian Ringgit into U.S. dollars in the financial statements is based on the exchange rates set forth in the statistical release of The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Malaysian Ringgit to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Malaysian Ringgit for the 2024 Interim Period were made at a month-end spot rate of MYR4.7157 to US$1.00 and for the six-month period ending on June 30, 2023 (the “2023 Interim Period”) were made at a month-end spot rate of MYR4.6650 to US$1.00. Translations from Malaysian Ringgit to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Malaysian Ringgit for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Fiscal Year”) were made at a month-end spot rate of MYR4.5903 to US$1.00 and for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2022 (the “2022 Fiscal Year”) were made at a month-end spot rate of MYR4.4002 to US$1.00.
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 4,094,530 | 877,713 | 5,730,636 | 1,215,225 | ||||||||||||
| - from related parties | 343,460 | 73,625 | 1,082,923 | 229,642 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 4,437,990 | 951,338 | 6,813,559 | 1,444,867 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | (3,022,923 | ) | (648,001 | ) | (5,398,795 | ) | (1,144,855 | ) | ||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,415,067 | 303,337 | 1,414,764 | 300,012 | ||||||||||||
| Selling and promotion expenses | (34,318 | ) | (7,356 | ) | (95,265 | ) | (20,202 | ) | ||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | (206,988 | ) | (44,371 | ) | (2,901,428 | ) | (615,270 | ) | ||||||||
| Other income | 1,011 | 217 | 1,093 | 232 | ||||||||||||
| Credit loss on trade receivables | (4,479 | ) | (960 | ) | (4,085 | ) | (866 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating profit/(loss) | 1,170,293 | 250,867 | (1,584,921 | ) | (336,094 | ) | ||||||||||
| Finance costs | (148,490 | ) | (31,831 | ) | (764,254 | ) | (162,066 | ) | ||||||||
| Profit/(loss) before taxation | 1,021,803 | 219,036 | (2,349,175 | ) | (498,160 | ) | ||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | (235,215 | ) | (50,421 | ) | (225,946 | ) | (47,914 | ) | ||||||||
| Profit/(loss) for the period | 786,588 | 168,615 | (2,575,121 | ) | (546,074 | ) | ||||||||||
Revenue
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Offering farm solutions | 4,000,000 | 857,449 | 3,050,000 | 646,793 | ||||||||||||
| -Design service | - | - | 1,050,000 | 222,678 | ||||||||||||
| -Construction service | 4,000,000 | 857,449 | 2,000,000 | 424,115 | ||||||||||||
| Management fees | - | - | 81 | - | ||||||||||||
| Sale of fresh produce from the CEA vertical farms | 437,990 | 93,889 | 3,763,478 | 798,074 | ||||||||||||
| 4,437,990 | 951,338 | 6,813,559 | 1,444,867 | |||||||||||||
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Offering farm solutions | 4,000,000 | 857,449 | 3,050,000 | 646,775 | ||||||||||||
| -from third parties | 4,000,000 | 857,449 | 2,000,000 | 424,115 | ||||||||||||
| -from related parties | - | - | 1,050,000 | 222,660 | ||||||||||||
| Sale of fresh produce from the CEA vertical farms | 437,990 | 93,889 | 3,763,478 | 798,074 | ||||||||||||
| -from third parties | 94,530 | 20,264 | 3,730,636 | 791,110 | ||||||||||||
| -from related parties | 343,460 | 73,625 | 32,842 | 6,964 | ||||||||||||
| Management fees | - | - | 81 | 18 | ||||||||||||
| -from related parties | - | - | 81 | 18 | ||||||||||||
| 4,437,990 | 951,338 | 6,813,559 | 1,444,867 | |||||||||||||
38
For the 2023 Interim Period, Agroz Group sold CEA vertical farm equipment at AEON Alpha Angle. Revenue generated from our operations for the 2023 Interim Period was $951,338 (MYR4,437,990). Our revenue is primarily derived from offering farm solutions to clients, which included of sales of CEA vertical farms. Revenue generated for the 2024 Interim Period was $1,444,867 (MYR6,813,559), representing an increase of 53.53% from revenue in the 2023 Interim Period. This increase in revenue was due to increased sales of vegetables to wholesale customers in the 2024 Interim Period, from $93,889 (MYR 437,990) to $798,074 (MYR 3,763,478), representing an increase of $704,185 (MYR3,325,488).
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 2,296,168 | 521,833 | 12,998,053 | 2,831,635 | ||||||||||||
| - from related parties | 568,472 | 129,192 | 5,473,219 | 1,192,344 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 2,864,640 | 651,025 | 18,471,272 | 4,023,979 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | (2,589,929 | ) | (588,593 | ) | (10,207,774 | ) | (2,223,771 | ) | ||||||||
| Gross profit | 274,711 | 62,432 | 8,263,498 | 1,800,208 | ||||||||||||
| Selling and promotion expenses | (99,095 | ) | (22,521 | ) | (434,345 | ) | (94,622 | ) | ||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | (302,146 | ) | (68,666 | ) | (1,475,338 | ) | (321,404 | ) | ||||||||
| Other (expense)/income | (56,743 | ) | (12,896 | ) | 34,093 | 7,427 | ||||||||||
| Credit loss on trade receivables | (15,682 | ) | (3,564 | ) | (66,915 | ) | (14,577 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating (loss)/profit | (198,955 | ) | (45,215 | ) | 6,320,993 | 1,377,032 | ||||||||||
| Loss on redeemable convertible preference shares redemption | — | — | (704,900 | ) | (153,563 | ) | ||||||||||
| Finance costs | (90,910 | ) | (20,660 | ) | (505,826 | ) | (110,195 | ) | ||||||||
| (Loss)/profit before taxation | (289,865 | ) | (65,875 | ) | 5,110,267 | 1,113,274 | ||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | — | — | (1,355,882 | ) | (295,380 | ) | ||||||||||
| (Loss)/profit for the year | (289,865 | ) | (65,875 | ) | 3,754,385 | 817,894 | ||||||||||
Revenue
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Offering farm solutions | 1,900,000 | 431,799 | 16,412,500 | 3,575,474 | ||||||||||||
| -Design service | - | - | 8,412,500 | 1,832,669 | ||||||||||||
| -Construction service | 1,900,000 | 431,799 | 100,000 | 21,785 | ||||||||||||
| -Farm sales | - | - | 7,900,000 | 1,721,020 | ||||||||||||
| --Aeon Farm equipment | - | - | 3,900,000 | 849,618 | ||||||||||||
| --KD Farm | - | - | 4,000,000 | 871,402 | ||||||||||||
| Sale of fresh produce from the CEA vertical farms | 964,640 | 219,226 | 2,058,772 | 448,505 | ||||||||||||
| 2,864,640 | 651,025 | 18,471,272 | 4,023,979 | |||||||||||||
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Offering farm solutions | 1,900,000 | 431,799 | 16,412,500 | 3,575,474 | ||||||||||||
| -from third parties | 1,900,000 | 431,799 | 12,412,500 | 2,704,072 | ||||||||||||
| -from related parties | - | - | 4,000,000 | 871,402 | ||||||||||||
| Sale of fresh produce from the CEA vertical farms | 964,640 | 219,226 | 2,058,772 | 448,505 | ||||||||||||
| -from third parties | 396,168 | 90,034 | 585,553 | 127,563 | ||||||||||||
| -from related parties | 568,472 | 129,192 | 1,473,219 | 320,942 | ||||||||||||
| 2,864,640 | 651,025 | 18,471,272 | 4,023,979 | |||||||||||||
39
For the 2023 Fiscal Year, Agroz Group sold (i) CEA vertical farm equipment at AEON Alpha Angle (“Aeon Farm”) and (ii) a CEA vertical farm it created which was located at Kota Damansara, Malaysia (“KD Farm”). Revenue generated from our operations for the 2022 Fiscal Year was $651,025 (MYR2,864,640). Our revenue is primarily derived from offering CEA vertical farm solutions to clients, especially for construction-related services. Revenue generated for the 2023 Fiscal Year was $4,023,979 (MYR18,471,272), representing an increase of 544.8% from revenue in the 2022 Fiscal Year. This increase in revenue was due to (i) sales of CEA vertical farms, which amounted to $1,721,020 (MYR7,900,000), and (ii) additional revenue generated from providing design services for CEA vertical farms, amounting to $1,832,669 (MYR8,412,500). Vegetable sales for the 2023 Fiscal Year increased from $219,226 (MYR 964,640) to $448,505 (MYR 2,058,772), representing an increase of $229,279 (MYR1,094,132). This increase was due to the increased sales of vegetables to wholesale customers in the 2023 Fiscal Year.
Costs of revenue
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Costs of revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| - Construction cost | 2,601,121 | 557,582 | 1,925,000 | 408,211 | ||||||||||||
| - Depreciation and amortization | 24,888 | 5,335 | - | - | ||||||||||||
| - Consulting fees | - | - | 66,076 | 14,012 | ||||||||||||
| - Vegetable costs | 45,216 | 9,693 | 3,367,657 | 714,137 | ||||||||||||
| - Planting related costs | 145,350 | 31,158 | - | - | ||||||||||||
| - Wages and benefits | 206,348 | 44,233 | 40,062 | 8,495 | ||||||||||||
| 3,022,923 | 648,001 | 5,398,795 | 1,144,855 | |||||||||||||
Our costs of revenue include costs incurred directly from CEA vertical farm construction, employee wages and benefits, depreciation and amortization of farms and machinery, consulting fees, vegetable costs, as well as costs related to CEA vertical farm operations, such as seed and fertilizer expenses, utilities and packaging fees. For the 2023 Interim Period, our costs of revenue amounted to $648,001 (MYR3,022,923), of which $557,582 (MYR2,601,121) were construction costs. Our costs of revenue amount increased from $648,001 (MYR3,022,923) in the 2023 Interim Period to $1,144,855 (MYR5,398,795) in the 2024 Interim Period. The reason for this increase was additional costs incurred in tandem with the increase in the vegetable costs.
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Costs of revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| - Construction cost | 1,961,480 | 445,771 | 6,041,901 | 1,316,232 | ||||||||||||
| - Depreciation and amortization | 74,661 | 16,968 | 24,888 | 5,422 | ||||||||||||
| - Consulting fees | — | — | 2,330,000 | 507,592 | ||||||||||||
| - Vegetable costs | 21,721 | 4,936 | 934,681 | 203,621 | ||||||||||||
| - Planting related costs | 249,861 | 56,784 | 499,744 | 108,870 | ||||||||||||
| - Wages and benefits | 282,206 | 64,134 | 376,560 | 82,034 | ||||||||||||
| 2,589,929 | 588,593 | 10,207,774 | 2,223,771 | |||||||||||||
Our costs of revenue include costs incurred directly from CEA vertical farm construction, employee wages and benefits, depreciation and amortization of farms and machinery, consulting fees, vegetable costs, as well as costs related to CEA vertical farm operations, such as seed and fertilizer expenses, utilities and packaging fees. For the 2022 Fiscal Year, our costs of revenue amounted to $588,593 (MYR2,589,929), of which $445,771 (MYR1,961,480) were construction costs. Our costs of revenue increased from $588,593 (MYR2,589,929) in the 2022 Fiscal Year to $2,223,771 (MYR10,207,774) in the 2023 Fiscal Year. The reason for this increase was additional costs incurred in tandem with the sale of additional farm assets and CEA vertical farm design services provided during the 2023 Fiscal Year.
40
Selling and promotion expenses
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our selling and promotion expenses for the periods indicated:
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Selling and promotion expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| - Entertainment expenses | 25,612 | 5,490 | 4,054 | 860 | ||||||||||||
| - Marketing fees | 8,706 | 1,866 | 91,211 | 19,342 | ||||||||||||
| 34,318 | 7,356 | 95,265 | 20,202 | |||||||||||||
The Group’s selling and promotion expenses are derived from marketing fees and entertainment expenses. We incurred marketing and advertising expenses on popular media platforms, with the intention of boosting our media presence and brand awareness and generating more visitors (and potentially customers) to our website.
Marketing fees for the 2024 Interim Period $19,342 (MYR91,211) were significantly higher than marketing expenses for the 2023 Interim Period $1,866 (MYR8,706), due to the Group’s engagement of an agency to develop the Group’s marketing solutions in the 2024 Interim Period. The Group hopes to build brand awareness by working with this agency.
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our selling and promotion expenses for the fiscal years indicated:
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Selling and promotion expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| - Entertainment expenses | 40,137 | 9,122 | 53,121 | 11,572 | ||||||||||||
| - Marketing fees | 48,958 | 11,126 | 381,224 | 83,050 | ||||||||||||
| - Sponsorship expenses | 10,000 | 2,273 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| 99,095 | 22,521 | 434,345 | 94,622 | |||||||||||||
The Group’s selling and promotion expenses are derived from marketing fees, entertainment expenses and sponsorship expenses. We incurred marketing and advertising expenses on popular media platforms, with the intention of boosting our media presence and brand awareness and generating more visitors (and potentially customers) to our website.
Marketing fees for the 2023 Fiscal Year $83,050 (MYR381,224) were significantly higher than marketing expenses for the 2022 Fiscal Year $11,126 (MYR48,958), due to the Group’s engagement of an agency to develop the Group’s marketing solutions in the 2023 Fiscal Year. The Group hopes to build brand awareness by working with this agency.
General and administrative expenses
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our general and administrative expenses for the interim periods indicated:
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| - Director fee | 60,000 | 12,862 | 880,000 | 186,611 | ||||||||||||
| - Professional fees | 8,191 | 1,756 | 939,645 | 199,258 | ||||||||||||
| - Wages and benefits | 74,611 | 15,994 | 573,420 | 121,598 | ||||||||||||
| - Depreciation and amortization | 35,523 | 7,615 | 277,536 | 58,854 | ||||||||||||
| - Commission paid | - | - | 101,417 | 21,506 | ||||||||||||
| - Office expenses | 25,316 | 5,427 | 122,922 | 26,067 | ||||||||||||
| - Others | 3,347 | 717 | 6,488 | 1,376 | ||||||||||||
| 206,988 | 44,371 | 2,901,428 | 615,270 | |||||||||||||
41
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our administrative expenses for the fiscal years indicated:
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| - Director fee | 120,000 | 27,271 | 120,000 | 26,142 | ||||||||||||
| - Professional fees | 85,725 | 19,482 | 503,556 | 109,700 | ||||||||||||
| - Wages and benefits | 21,903 | 4,978 | 315,762 | 68,789 | ||||||||||||
| - Depreciation and amortization | 18,629 | 4,234 | 274,545 | 59,810 | ||||||||||||
| - Commission paid | — | — | 161,129 | 35,102 | ||||||||||||
| - Office expenses | 53,019 | 12,049 | 98,567 | 21,473 | ||||||||||||
| - Others | 2,870 | 652 | 1,779 | 388 | ||||||||||||
| 302,146 | 68,666 | 1,475,338 | 321,404 | |||||||||||||
Director fee
During the 2024 Interim Period and the 2023 Interim Period, Gerard Kim Meng Lim, the director of Agroz, who is also one of its shareholders, was entitled to director’s fee of $186,611 (MYR880,000) and $12,862 (MYR60,000), respectively for his services to Agroz. During the 2023 Interim Period, Mr. Lim waived payment for this director’s fee and was accordingly treated as a contribution by a shareholder.
During the 2022 and 2023 Fiscal Years, Gerard Kim Meng Lim, a director of Agroz, who is also one of its shareholders, was entitled to an annual director’s fee of MYR120,000 for his services to Agroz Group. Mr. Lim waived payment for this director’s fee and was accordingly treated as a contribution by a shareholder.
Professional fees
Our legal and professional fees for the 2023 Interim Period totaled $1,756 (MYR8,191), which increased to $199,258 (MYR939,645) in the 2024 Interim Period. This increase is mainly attributed to audit fees and other professional fees in preparation for our prospective IPO incurred in the 2024 Interim Period.
Our legal and professional fees for the 2022 Fiscal Year totaled $19,482 (MYR85,725), which increased to $109,700 (MYR503,556) in the 2023 Fiscal Year. This increase is mainly attributed to audit fees and other professional fees in preparation for our prospective IPO incurred in the 2023 Fiscal Year.
Wages and benefits
Wages and benefits mainly included staff salaries, Employees Provident Fund, Social Security Organization, Employment Insurance System and allowances. Staff costs increased by $105,604 (MYR498,809) from $15,994 (MYR74,611) in the 2023 Interim Period to $121,598 (MYR573,420) in the 2024 Interim Period due to our recruitment of new staff increase from 3 staffs to 13 staffs in the 2024 Interim Period.
Wages and benefits mainly included staff salaries, Employees Provident Fund, Social Security Organization, Employment Insurance System, and allowances. Staff costs increased by $63,811 (MYR293,859) from $4,978 (MYR21,903) in the 2022 Fiscal Year to $68,789 (MYR315,762) in the 2023 Fiscal Year due to our recruitment of new staff during the 2023 Fiscal Year.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization charges for the 2023 Interim Period in general and administrative expenses amounted to $7,615 (MYR35,523). These charges mainly include depreciation charges on Agroz Group’s fixed assets, such as furniture and fittings, fire system, computer and equipment, motor vehicle, computer software and websites. For the 2024 Interim Period, our depreciation and amortization charges were $58,854 (MYR277,536), representing an increase of $51,239 (MYR242,013) from the 2023 Interim Period. This significant increase was due to the Group’s newly leased office premises for operation.
Depreciation and amortization charges for the 2022 Fiscal Year in general and administrative expenses amounted to $4,234 (MYR18,629). These charges in the 2022 Fiscal Year mainly include depreciation charges on Agroz Group’s fixed assets, such as furniture and fittings, fire system, computer and equipment, and a motor vehicle. For the 2023 Fiscal Year, our depreciation and amortization charges were $59,810 (MYR274,545), representing an increase of $55,576 (MYR255,916) from the 2022 Fiscal Year. This significant increase was due to the Group’s entry into two new lease agreements in the 2023 Fiscal Year.
42
Other (expense)/income
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Interest income | 3 | 1 | 109 | 23 | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange loss | - | - | (131,364 | ) | (27,857 | ) | ||||||||||
| Other income | 1,008 | 216 | 132,348 | 28,066 | ||||||||||||
| Total other income | 1,011 | 217 | 1,093 | 232 | ||||||||||||
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Government grants (note (a)) | 28,000 | 6,363 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Interest income | — | — | 1,544 | 336 | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange loss | — | — | (9,591 | ) | (2,089 | ) | ||||||||||
| Other (expense)/income | (84,743 | ) | (19,259 | ) | 42,140 | 9,180 | ||||||||||
| Total other (expense)/income | (56,743 | ) | (12,896 | ) | 34,093 | 7,427 | ||||||||||
Note:
| (a) | The Group obtained a bioagrotech and biopharmaceutical employability grant in the amount of $6,363 (MYR28,000) for the 2022 Fiscal Year. This government grant represented conditional cash subsidies received from the local government for the purpose of enhancing the employability of graduates by employing them for internships offered by the Group. There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies relating to such government grant income recognized. The government grant is not guaranteed to be available on an ongoing basis. |
Expected credit losses on trade receivables
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our expected credit losses (“ECL”) on trade receivables for the periods indicated:
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| (Reversal of allowances)/loss allowances for ECL on third party retail outlet customers | (1,960 | ) | (420 | ) | 6,357 | 1,348 | ||||||||||
| Loss allowances for ECL on third industrial business customers | 3,568 | 765 | 26,825 | 5,688 | ||||||||||||
| Loss allowances/(reversal of allowances) for ECL on related party customers | 2,871 | 615 | (29,097 | ) | (6,170 | ) | ||||||||||
| Total credit loss on trade receivables | 4,479 | 960 | 4,085 | 866 | ||||||||||||
The Group recognizes loss allowances for ECL on financial assets measured at amortized cost. For the periods ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Group measures the loss allowance for a financial instrument in an amount equal to the ECL which result from all possible default events over the expected life of such financial instrument (“lifetime expected credit losses”) for trade receivable or if the credit risk on such financial instrument has significant increase since initial recognition. For the 2023 Interim Period, ECL amounted to $960 (MYR4,479). ECL decreased to $866 (MYR4,085) in the 2024 Interim Period due to the decrease in trade receivables.
Loss allowances for trade receivables are always measured in an amount equal to lifetime ECLs. ECLs on these financial assets are estimated using a provision matrix based on the Group’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors and an assessment of both the current and forecast general economic conditions at the reporting date.
For all other financial instruments, the Group recognizes a loss allowance equal to 12-month ECLs unless there has been a significant increase in credit risk of the financial instrument since initial recognition, in which case the loss allowance is measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs.
43
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our expected credit losses (“ECL”) on trade receivables for the years indicated:
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Loss allowances/(reversal of allowances) for ECL on third party retail outlet customers | 9,161 | 2,082 | (1,731 | ) | (377 | ) | ||||||||||
| Loss allowances for ECL on third industrial business customers | 1,954 | 444 | 35,852 | 7,810 | ||||||||||||
| Loss allowances for ECL on related party customers | 4,567 | 1,038 | 32,794 | 7,144 | ||||||||||||
| Total credit loss on trade receivables | 15,682 | 3,564 | 66,915 | 14,577 | ||||||||||||
Loss allowances for trade receivables are always measured in an amount equal to lifetime ECLs. ECLs on these financial assets are estimated using a provision matrix based on the Group’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors and an assessment of both the current and forecast general economic conditions at the reporting date. For the 2022 Fiscal Year, ECL for trade receivables amounted to $3,564 (MYR15,682). ECL for trade receivables increased to $14,577 (MYR66,915) in the 2023 Fiscal Year due to the increase in trade receivables’ credit risk.
Finance costs
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our financial expenses for the years indicated:
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Finance costs | ||||||||||||||||
| - Bank charges | 74 | 16 | 2,207 | 469 | ||||||||||||
| - Interest on lease liabilities | 9,548 | 2,047 | 123,305 | 26,148 | ||||||||||||
| - Interest on redeemable convertible preference shares (“RCPS”) | 135,417 | 29,028 | 622,964 | 132,104 | ||||||||||||
| - Interest of HWG Cash Berhad | 3,451 | 740 | 13,630 | 2,890 | ||||||||||||
| - Interest on bank borrowing | — | — | 2,148 | 455 | ||||||||||||
| Total finance costs | 148,490 | 31,831 | 764,254 | 162,066 | ||||||||||||
Our finance costs include bank charges and interest charges. For the 2024 Interim Period, our finance costs increase significantly from $31,831 (MYR148,490) to $162,066 (MYR764,254), mainly attributable to the increase of the interest paid to RCPS holders from $29,028 (MYR135,417) to $132,104 (MYR622,964). This significant increase was due to an increase in shareholder subscriptions for RCPS.
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our financial expenses for the years indicated:
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Finance costs | ||||||||||||||||
| - Bank charges | 261 | 59 | 2,615 | 570 | ||||||||||||
| - Interest on lease liabilities | 4,711 | 1,071 | 124,157 | 27,048 | ||||||||||||
| - Interest on redeemable convertible preference shares (“RCPS”) | 85,938 | 19,530 | 360,407 | 78,515 | ||||||||||||
| - Interest of HWG Cash Berhad | — | — | 17,081 | 3,721 | ||||||||||||
| - Interest on bank borrowing | — | — | 1,566 | 341 | ||||||||||||
| Total finance costs | 90,910 | 20,660 | 505,826 | 110,195 | ||||||||||||
Our finance costs include bank charges and interest charges. For the 2022 Fiscal Year, our finance costs amounted to $20,660 (MYR90,910), mainly attributable to the interest paid to RCPS holders of $19,530 (MYR85,938). Finance costs increased from $20,660 (MYR90,910) for the 2022 Fiscal Year to $110,195 (MYR505,826) for the 2023 Fiscal Year. This significant increase was due to an increase in shareholder subscriptions for RCPS.
Loss on redeemable convertible preference share redemption
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Loss arising from RCPS redemption | — | — | 704,900 | 153,563 | ||||||||||||
For the 2023 Fiscal Year, 3,000,000 shares of Agroz Group RCPS (“AG RCPS”) were fully redeemed along with the related unpaid interests by issuing 336,366 shares of Agroz Inc. RCPS (“AI RCPS”) which had a fair value $840,915 (MYR3,882,500). On December 1, 2023, the redemption date of the AG RCPS, the net book value of AG RCPS along with the related unpaid dividends was $692,242 (MYR3,177,600). The loss arising from the redemption of the RCPS redemption amounted to $153,563 (MYR704,900) was incurred from the difference between fair value of the AI RCPS and the net book value of AG RCPS in the 2023 Fiscal Year.
44
Income tax expenses - Malaysia profits tax
For the 2024 Interim Period and the 2023 Interim Period, the tax rate is 24% for companies incorporated in Malaysia with paid-in capital of MYR2.5 million or more. The Company is subject to income taxes on entities based on profit arising in or derived from the jurisdiction in which the Company and its subsidiaries are domiciled or operate in.
For the 2024 Interim Period, Agroz Group did not incur any income tax expenses due to the loss incurred during the six months period but there is under provision of tax in prior years. For the 2023 Interim Period, Agroz Group incurred an income tax expense amounted to $50,421 (MYR235,215).
Under the Income Tax Act of Malaysia, for the 2023 Fiscal Year, the tax rate is 24% for companies incorporated in Malaysia with paid-in capital of MYR 2.5 million or more; for the 2022 Fiscal Year, companies with paid up capital not more than MYR 2.5 million and gross business income of not more than MYR 50 million use 17% tax rate on first MYR 600,000 income, and 24% on the subsequent balance.
The Company is subject to income taxes on entities based on profit arising in or derived from the jurisdiction in which the Company and its subsidiaries are domiciled or operate in.
For the 2023 Fiscal Year, Agroz Group’s income tax expenses amounted to $295,380 (MYR1,355,882).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table sets forth our non-current assets, current assets, equity, non-current liabilities and current liabilities as of the dates indicated:
| As
of December 31, 2023 | As
of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 216,883 | 47,248 | 269,946 | 57,244 | ||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | 46,348 | 10,097 | 38,689 | 8,204 | ||||||||||||
| Prepayments - to a related party | 1,423,354 | 310,079 | 6,735,065 | 1,428,222 | ||||||||||||
| Prepayments and deposits - to third parties | 1,273,044 | 277,333 | 1,518,475 | 322,004 | ||||||||||||
| Total prepayments and deposits | 2,696,398 | 587,412 | 8,253,540 | 1,750,226 | ||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | 2,141,293 | 466,482 | 2,531,932 | 536,915 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred offering costs | — | — | 1,651,825 | 350,282 | ||||||||||||
| Non-current assets | 5,100,922 | 1,111,239 | 12,745,932 | 2,702,871 | ||||||||||||
| Trade receivables - from third parties | 9,154,785 | 1,994,376 | 11,060,234 | 2,345,408 | ||||||||||||
| Trade receivables - from related parties | 6,004,330 | 1,308,048 | 1,644,578 | 348,745 | ||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables | 15,159,115 | 3,302,424 | 12,704,812 | 2,694,153 | ||||||||||||
| Prepayments and other receivables | 1,523,110 | 331,810 | 30,916 | 6,556 | ||||||||||||
| Development costs | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties | 711,076 | 154,908 | 357,384 | 75,786 | ||||||||||||
| Cash | 109,161 | 23,781 | 663,670 | 140,736 | ||||||||||||
| Current assets | 17,502,462 | 3,812,923 | 13,756,782 | 2,917,231 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets | 22,603,384 | 4,924,162 | 26,502,714 | 5,620,102 | ||||||||||||
| Equity | ||||||||||||||||
| Share capital | 8,351 | 1,819 | 8,781 | 1,862 | ||||||||||||
| Subscription receivable | — | — | (430 | ) | (91 | ) | ||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 2,171,649 | 473,095 | 2,171,649 | 460,515 | ||||||||||||
| Other reserves | 508,447 | 110,766 | 814,925 | 172,811 | ||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 2,677,584 | 583,314 | 102,463 | 21,728 | ||||||||||||
| Total equity | 5,366,031 | 1,168,994 | 3,097,388 | 656,825 | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities, non-current | 1,757,179 | 382,802 | 2,299,407 | 487,607 | ||||||||||||
| Bank borrowing, non-current | 52,942 | 11,533 | 46,479 | 9,856 | ||||||||||||
| Other payables, non-current | 918,274 | 200,047 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Amount due to a related party, non-current | 1,363,000 | 296,930 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Redeemable convertible preference shares | 6,483,536 | 1,412,443 | 10,268,763 | 2,177,569 | ||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | 10,574,931 | 2,303,755 | 12,614,649 | 2,675,032 | ||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 2,403,407 | 523,584 | 4,877,541 | 1,034,320 | ||||||||||||
| Other payables, current | 295,253 | 64,320 | 1,067,301 | 226,329 | ||||||||||||
| Tax payables | 1,448,723 | 315,606 | 1,674,669 | 355,126 | ||||||||||||
| Bank borrowing, current | 14,144 | 3,081 | 12,686 | 2,690 | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities, current | 459,849 | 100,179 | 378,388 | 80,240 | ||||||||||||
| Amount due to related parties, current | 2,041,046 | 444,643 | 2,780,092 | 589,540 | ||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | 6,662,422 | 1,451,413 | 10,790,677 | 2,288,245 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 17,237,353 | 3,755,168 | 23,405,326 | 4,963,277 | ||||||||||||
| Total equity and liabilities | 22,603,384 | 4,924,162 | 26,502,714 | 5,620,102 | ||||||||||||
45
Trade receivables
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Receivables from offering farm solutions | ||||||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 8,412,500 | 1,832,669 | 7,385,250 | 1,566,099 | ||||||||||||
| - from related parties | 4,000,001 | 871,403 | 1,652,842 | 350,498 | ||||||||||||
| Receivables from selling of fresh vegetables | ||||||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 787,521 | 171,562 | 3,753,402 | 795,937 | ||||||||||||
| - from related parties | 2,041,690 | 444,784 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 15,241,712 | 3,320,418 | 12,791,494 | 2,712,534 | ||||||||||||
| Less: allowances for doubtful debts | (82,597 | ) | (17,994 | ) | (86,682 | ) | (18,381 | ) | ||||||||
| Total trade receivables, net | 15,159,115 | 3,302,424 | 12,704,812 | 2,694,153 | ||||||||||||
Aging analysis of gross trade receivables, based on tax invoice dates, as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024 are as follows:
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Within 3 months | 13,191,314 | 2,873,737 | 4,659,438 | 988,069 | ||||||||||||
| More than 3 months but within 6 months | 808,830 | 176,204 | 1,391,393 | 295,055 | ||||||||||||
| More than 6 months but within 1 year | 382,324 | 83,290 | 6,735,339 | 1,428,280 | ||||||||||||
| More than 1 year | 859,244 | 187,187 | 5,324 | 1,130 | ||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 15,241,712 | 3,320,418 | 12,791,494 | 2,712,534 | ||||||||||||
Our trade receivables encompass amounts owed to us for offering CEA vertical farm solutions and selling fresh produce. All of our trade receivables are expected to be recovered within one year. We invoice our clients on a milestone basis following our service agreement or upon completion of transactions. Our trade receivable balance decreased from $3,320,418 (MYR15,241,712) in 2023 Fiscal Year to $2,712,534 (MYR12,791,494) in 2024 Interim Period. This decrease was mainly due to the farm solutions outstanding amount received from related party, which amounted to $515,300 (MYR2,430,000). As of June 30, 2024, more than 78% of outstanding trade receivables as of 2023 Fiscal Year have been collected.
In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable, we consider any changes in the credit quality of the trade receivables from the date credit was initially granted up to the reporting date. There was no significant change in credit quality for our trade receivable balances which were past due and partially impaired. Accordingly, management believes that no further credit provision is required.
Management closely reviews the Group’s trade receivables balances to proactively detect any known trends or uncertainties, and no trends or uncertainties have been identified which might affect the collectability of our customer receivables balances. An ECL amount to $17,994 (MYR82,597) was provided in the 2023 Fiscal Year and increased to $18,381 (MYR86,682) in the 2024 Interim Period. This is because management perceived there is increase in the risk of not being able to recover these trade receivables and thus greater loss allowances were made in the 2024 Interim Period.
46
Prepayments, deposits and other receivables
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Non-current: | ||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments for intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||
| - to a third party (note (a)) | 1,423,354 | 310,079 | 6,735,065 | 1,428,222 | ||||||||||||
| - to a related party (note (b)) | 1,071,032 | 233,325 | 1,240,632 | 263,085 | ||||||||||||
| 2,494,386 | 543,404 | 7,975,697 | 1,691,307 | |||||||||||||
| Deposits | 202,012 | 44,008 | 277,843 | 58,919 | ||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 2,696,398 | 587,412 | 8,253,540 | 1,750,226 | ||||||||||||
| Current: | ||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments | 1,492,195 | 325,075 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Other receivables | 30,915 | 6,735 | 30,916 | 6,556 | ||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 1,523,110 | 331,810 | 30,916 | 6,556 | ||||||||||||
| Total prepayments, deposits and other receivables | 4,219,508 | 919,222 | 8,284,456 | 1,756,782 | ||||||||||||
Other prepayments, deposits and other receivables mainly consisted of prepayments for intangible assets, rental deposits, prepayments of our office premises, and utility deposits. Prepayments, deposits and other receivables increased from $919,222 (MYR4,219,508) in the 2023 Fiscal Year to $1,756,782 (MYR8,284,456) in the 2024 Interim Period, mainly due to the prepayments for intangible assets and IPO-related professional fees in the 2024 Interim Period. During the 2024 Interim Period, we have prepaid $1,691,307 (MYR7,975,697) for intangible assets and IPO-related professional fees of approximately $350,282 (MYR1,651,825) for the engagement of all relevant professionals, including but not limited to fees for legal counsel and IPO consultants.
Trade and other payables
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Non-current: | ||||||||||||||||
| Advances received for redeemable convertible preference shares | 918,274 | 200,047 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Current: | ||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables (note (a)) | 2,403,407 | 523,584 | 4,877,541 | 1,034,320 | ||||||||||||
| Other payable and accruals | 159,961 | 34,847 | 114,281 | 24,234 | ||||||||||||
| Wages payable | 34,644 | 7,547 | 47,285 | 10,027 | ||||||||||||
| Interest payable of RCPS | 100,648 | 21,926 | 905,735 | 192,068 | ||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 2,698,660 | 587,904 | 5,944,842 | 1,260,649 | ||||||||||||
| Total trade and other payables | 3,616,934 | 787,951 | 5,944,842 | 1,260,649 | ||||||||||||
Note:
| (a) | An aging analysis of the trade payables as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024 are as follows: |
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Within 3 months | 2,064,639 | 449,783 | 2,990,354 | 634,128 | ||||||||||||
| More than 3 months but within 6 months | 50,000 | 10,893 | 1,830,910 | 388,258 | ||||||||||||
| More than 6 months but within 1 year | 288,768 | 62,908 | 56,277 | 11,934 | ||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 2,403,407 | 523,584 | 4,877,541 | 1,034,320 | ||||||||||||
All trade and other payables classified as current are expected to be settled within one year or are repayable on demand. In the 2023 Fiscal Year, our trade payables amounted to $523,584 (MYR2,403,407) had increased to $1,034,320 (MYR4,877,541) in the 2024 Interim Period, representing an increase of $510,736 (MYR2,474,134). This increase was mainly due to the cost of design services contractors, which amounted to $739,992 (MYR3,489,580) and vegetable costs amounted to $280,989 (MYR1,325,062) which remain undue as of June 30, 2024. The cost of design services contractors made up of 71% of total trade payables in the last three (3) months of the 2024 Interim Period.
47
Other payables and accruals
Other payables and accruals consisted of accrued operating expenses and sundry payables. Other payables and accruals decreased from $34,847 (MYR159,961) in the 2023 Fiscal Year to $24,234 (MYR114,281) in the 2024 Interim Period. This decrease was mainly due to a decrease in sundry payables in 2024 Interim Period which have been settled at the end of the 2024 Interim Period. Wages payable increased from $7,547 (MYR34,644) in the 2023 Fiscal Year to $10,027 (MYR47,285) in the 2024 Interim Period, mainly due to the increase in monthly tax deduction payable to Inland Revenue Board and statutory contributions.
Going concern
Our primary source of liquidity has been operational sources of cash, financing from third-party investors, related parties and a bank loan. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had cash balances of $140,736 (MYR663,670) and $23,781 (MYR109,161) in Malaysia, respectively. Financing from third-party investors arose from issuances of redeemable convertible preference shares. The redemption price of financing from third-party investors is the principal amount plus a dividend of 10.00% per annum. We have a bank loan with a financial institution in Malaysia which bears a fixed interest rate of 3.55% per annum.
For the 2024 and 2023 Interim Period, we incurred a loss amounted to $546,074 (MYR: 2,575,121) while a profit amounted to $168,615 (MYR786,588) respectively. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had redeemable convertible preference shares of $2,177,569 (MYR10,268,763) and $1,412,443 (MYR6,483,536), respectively. Amounts due to related parties amounted to $589,540 (MYR2,780,092) and $741,573 (MYR3,404,046), bank loan amounts $12,546 (MYR59,165) and $14,614 (MYR67,086) as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
In light of the foregoing circumstances, we have concluded that there is doubt about our ability to continue as going concern for a period of one year from the date that our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the 2024 Interim Period were issued. To meet the cash requirements for the next 12 months from the issuance date of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we plan to undertake a combination of below remediation plans:
| 1. | We have been continuously seeking additional financing from both the public and private markets. In the second half of 2024, we issued additional redeemable convertible preference shares. |
| 2. | We are focusing on the improvement of operational efficiency, implementation of strict cost control and budget and enhancement internal controls to synergize the Group’s resources. |
48
There can be no assurance that we will be successful in achieving our strategic plan, that our future capital raises will be sufficient to support our ongoing operations, or that any additional financing will be available in a timely manner or with acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to raise sufficient financing or events or circumstances occur such that we do not meet our strategic plans, it would have a material adverse effect on our financial position results of operations cash flows and ability to achieve our intended business objectives.
The following table sets forth our current assets, non-current assets, current liabilities, non-current liabilities and equity as of the dates indicated:
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 28,973 | 6,940 | 46,654 | 10,602 | 216,883 | 47,248 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | 8,500 | 2,036 | 61,500 | 13,977 | 46,348 | 10,097 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments - to a related party | — | — | — | — | 1,423,354 | 310,079 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments and deposits - to third parties | 2,400 | 575 | 68,012 | 15,457 | 1,273,044 | 277,333 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total prepayments and deposits | 2,400 | 575 | 68,012 | 15,457 | 2,696,398 | 587,412 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | 99,549 | 23,843 | 24,888 | 5,656 | 2,141,293 | 466,482 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets | 139,422 | 33,394 | 201,054 | 45,692 | 5,100,922 | 1,111,239 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables - from third parties | 32,398 | 7,760 | 806,170 | 183,017 | 9,154,785 | 1,994,376 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables - from related parties | — | — | 563,905 | 128,350 | 6,004,330 | 1,308,048 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables | 32,398 | 7,760 | 1,370,075 | 311,367 | 15,159,115 | 3,302,424 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments and other receivables | 33,239 | 7,961 | — | — | 1,523,110 | 331,810 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Development costs | — | — | 2,151,248 | 488,898 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties | — | — | 6,080 | 1,382 | 711,076 | 154,908 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash | 3,392 | 812 | 73,910 | 16,797 | 109,161 | 23,781 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | 69,029 | 16,533 | 3,601,313 | 818,444 | 17,502,462 | 3,812,923 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 208,451 | 49,927 | 3,802,367 | 864,136 | 22,603,384 | 4,924,162 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share capital | 8,351 | 2,000 | 8,351 | 1,898 | 8,351 | 1,819 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 201,649 | 48,299 | 1,231,649 | 279,908 | 2,171,649 | 473,095 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other reserves | — | — | — | — | 508,447 | 110,766 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (Accumulated losses)/retained earnings | (786,936 | ) | (188,488 | ) | (1,076,801 | ) | (244,716 | ) | 2,677,584 | 583,314 | ||||||||||||||
| Total equity | (576,936 | ) | (138,189 | ) | 163,199 | 37,090 | 5,366,031 | 1,168,994 | ||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities, non-current | 24,441 | 5,854 | — | — | 1,757,179 | 382,802 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bank borrowing | — | — | — | — | 52,942 | 11,533 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables, non-current | — | — | — | — | 918,274 | 200,047 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable convertible preference shares | 500,000 | 119,760 | 2,500,000 | 568,156 | 6,483,536 | 1,412,443 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount due to related party | — | — | — | — | 1,363,000 | 296,930 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | 524,441 | 125,614 | 2,500,000 | 568,156 | 10,574,931 | 2,303,755 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 80,974 | 19,395 | 573,857 | 130,416 | 2,403,407 | 523,584 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables, current | 46,979 | 11,253 | 181,655 | 41,284 | 295,253 | 64,320 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Tax payables | 3,317 | 794 | 92,841 | 21,099 | 1,448,723 | 315,606 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bank borrowing | — | — | — | — | 14,144 | 3,081 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities, current | 76,828 | 18,402 | 26,208 | 5,956 | 459,849 | 100,179 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amount due to related parties | 52,848 | 12,658 | 264,607 | 60,135 | 2,041,046 | 444,643 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | 260,946 | 62,502 | 1,139,168 | 258,890 | 6,662,422 | 1,451,413 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 785,387 | 188,116 | 3,639,168 | 827,046 | 17,237,353 | 3,755,168 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity and liabilities | 208,451 | 49,927 | 3,802,367 | 864,136 | 22,603,384 | 4,924,162 | ||||||||||||||||||
49
Trade receivables
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||||
| Receivables from offering farm solutions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 26,875 | 6,437 | 500,000 | 113,631 | 8,412,500 | 1,832,669 | ||||||||||||||||||
| - from related parties | — | — | — | — | 4,000,001 | 871,403 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Receivables from selling of fresh vegetables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 5,523 | 1,323 | 317,285 | 72,107 | 787,521 | 171,562 | ||||||||||||||||||
| - from related parties | — | — | 568,472 | 129,192 | 2,041,690 | 444,784 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 32,398 | 7,760 | 1,385,757 | 314,930 | 15,241,712 | 3,320,418 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Less: allowances for doubtful debts | — | — | (15,682 | ) | (3,564 | ) | (82,597 | ) | (17,994 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables, net | 32,398 | 7,760 | 1,370,075 | 311,366 | 15,159,115 | 3,302,424 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aging analysis of gross trade receivables, based on tax invoice dates, as of January 1, 2022, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 are as follows:
| As
of January 1, 2022 |
As
of December 31, 2022 |
As
of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||||
| Within 3 months | 31,862 | 7,632 | 742,821 | 168,815 | 13,191,314 | 2,873,737 | ||||||||||||||||||
| More than 3 months but within 6 months | 238 | 57 | 213,468 | 48,513 | 808,830 | 176,204 | ||||||||||||||||||
| More than 6 months but within 1 year | 298 | 71 | 427,408 | 97,134 | 382,324 | 83,290 | ||||||||||||||||||
| More than 1 year | — | — | 2,060 | 468 | 859,244 | 187,187 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 32,398 | 7,760 | 1,385,757 | 314,930 | 15,241,712 | 3,320,418 | ||||||||||||||||||
Our trade receivables encompass amounts owed to us for offering CEA vertical farm solutions and selling fresh produce. All of our trade receivables are expected to be recovered within one year. We invoice our clients on a milestone basis following our service agreement or upon completion of transactions. Our trade receivable balance increased from $314,930 (MYR1,385,757) for the 2022 Fiscal Year to $3,320,418 (MYR15,241,712) for the 2023 Fiscal Year. This increase was mainly due to an increase in trade receivables for our CEA vertical farm design services rendered in the 2023 Fiscal Year, which amounted to $1,832,669 (MYR8,412,500). Approximately 70% of our outstanding trade receivables have been collected as of the date of the consolidated financial statements filed herewith.
In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable, we consider any changes in the credit quality of the trade receivables from the date credit was initially granted up to the reporting date. There was no significant change in credit quality for our trade receivable balances which were past due and partially impaired. Accordingly, management believes that no further credit provision is required.
Management closely reviews the Group’s trade receivables balances to proactively detect any known trends or uncertainties, and no trends or uncertainties have been identified which might affect the collectability of our customer receivables balances. An ECL amount to $3,564 (MYR15,682) was provided in the 2022 Fiscal Year and increased to $17,994 (MYR82,597) in the 2023 Fiscal Year. The Group increased its sales on credit from the 2022 Fiscal Year to the 2023 Fiscal Year, which led to an increase in the risk of not being able to recover these trade receivables; therefore, greater loss allowances were made in the 2023 Fiscal Year.
50
Prepayments, deposits and other receivables
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments for intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - to a third party (note (a)) | — | — | — | — | 1,423,354 | 310,079 | ||||||||||||||||||
| - to a related party (note (b)) | — | — | — | — | 1,071,032 | 233,325 | ||||||||||||||||||
| — | — | — | — | 2,494,386 | 543,404 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | 2,400 | 575 | 68,012 | 15,457 | 202,012 | 44,008 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 2,400 | 575 | 68,012 | 15,457 | 2,696,398 | 587,412 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Current: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments | 33,239 | 7,961 | — | — | 1,492,195 | 325,075 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other receivables | — | — | — | — | 30,915 | 6,735 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 33,239 | 7,961 | — | — | 1,523,110 | 331,810 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total prepayments, deposits and other receivables | 35,639 | 8,536 | 68,012 | 15,457 | 4,219,508 | 919,222 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other prepayments, deposits and other receivables mainly consisted of prepayments for intangible assets, rental deposits, prepayments of our office premises, and utility deposits. Prepayments, deposits and other receivables increased from $15,457 (MYR 68,012) in the 2022 Fiscal Year to $919,222 (MYR 4,219,508) for the 2023 Fiscal Year, mainly due to the prepayments for intangible assets and IPO-related professional fees in the 2023 Fiscal Year. We prepaid IPO-related professional fees of $250,058 (MYR1,147,842) for the engagement of all relevant professionals, including but not limited to fees for legal counsel and IPO consultants.
Trade and other payables
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advances received for redeemable convertible preference shares | — | — | — | — | 918,274 | 200,047 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Current: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables (note (a)) | 80,974 | 19,395 | 573,857 | 130,416 | 2,403,407 | 523,584 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other payable and accruals | 10,592 | 2,538 | 81,369 | 18,493 | 159,961 | 34,847 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Wages payable | 5,137 | 1,230 | 8,098 | 1,840 | 34,644 | 7,547 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest payable of RCPS | 31,250 | 7,485 | 92,188 | 20,951 | 100,648 | 21,926 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 127,953 | 30,648 | 755,512 | 171,700 | 2,698,660 | 587,904 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total trade and other payables | 127,953 | 30,648 | 755,512 | 171,700 | 3,616,934 | 787,951 | ||||||||||||||||||
Note:
| (a) | An aging analysis of the trade payables as of January 1, 2022, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 are as follows: |
| As
of January 1, 2022 |
As
of December 31, 2022 |
As
of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||||
| Within 3 months | 16,104 | 3,857 | 548,125 | 124,568 | 2,064,639 | 449,783 | ||||||||||||||||||
| More than 3 months but within 6 months | 64,870 | 15,538 | 373 | 85 | 50,000 | 10,893 | ||||||||||||||||||
| More than 6 months but within 1 year | — | — | 25,359 | 5,763 | 288,768 | 62,908 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 80,974 | 19,395 | 573,857 | 130,416 | 2,403,407 | 523,584 | |||||||||||||||||||
All trade and other payables classified as current are expected to be settled within one year or are repayable on demand. For the 2022 Fiscal Year, our trade payables amounted to $130,416 (MYR573,857) and increased to $523,584 (MYR2,403,407) for the 2023 Fiscal Year, representing an increase of $393,168 (MYR1,829,550). This increase was mainly due to the cost of design services contractors, which amounted to $453,038 (MYR2,079,580) and remain undue as of December 31, 2023. The cost of design services contractors made up of 87% of total trade payables in the last three (3) months of the 2023 Fiscal Year.
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Other payables and accruals
Accruals and other payables consisted of accrued operating expenses and sundry payables. Other payables and accruals increased from $18,493 (MYR81,369) in the 2022 Fiscal Year to $34,847 (MYR159,961) in the 2023 Fiscal Year. This increase was mainly due to an increase in sundry payables in 2023 Fiscal Year. Wages payable increased from $1,840 (MYR8,098) in the 2022 Fiscal Year to $7,547 (MYR34,644) in the 2023 Fiscal Year, mainly due to the increase in the short-term employee contributions in the 2023 Fiscal Year (i.e., statutory contributions). Interest on RCPS increased from $20,951 (MYR92,188) in the 2022 Fiscal Year to $21,926 (MYR100,648) in the 2023 Fiscal Year.
Going concern
Our primary source of liquidity has been operational sources of cash, financing from third-party investors, related parties and a bank loan. As of December 31, 2023, we had cash balances of $23,781 (MYR109,161) in Malaysia, respectively. Financing from third-party investors arose from issuances of redeemable convertible preference shares. The redemption price of financing from third-party investors is the principal amount plus an interest of 10% per annum. We have a bank loan with a financial institution in Malaysia which bears a fixed interest rate of 3.55% per annum.
For the 2023 Fiscal Year, we incurred negative operating cash flows of $742,716 (MYR3,409,287). As of December 31, 2023, we had redeemable convertible preference shares of $1,412,443 (MYR6,483,536). Amounts due to related parties amounted to $741,573 (MYR3,404,046), and bank loan amounts $14,614 (MYR67,086) as of December 31, 2023.
In light of the foregoing circumstances, we have concluded that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as going concern for a period of one year from the date that our consolidated financial statements for the 2023 Fiscal Year were issued. To meet the cash requirements for the next 12 months from the issuance date of the audit report, we plan to undertake a combination of below remediation plans:
| 1. | We have been continuously seeking additional financing from both the public and private markets. During fiscal year 2024, we issued additional redeemable convertible preference shares. |
| 2. | We are focusing on the improvement of operational efficiency, implementation of strict cost control and budget and enhancement internal controls to synergize the Group’s resources. |
There can be no assurance that we will be successful in achieving our strategic plan, that our future capital raises will be sufficient to support our ongoing operations, or that any additional financing will be available in a timely manner or with acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to raise sufficient financing or events or circumstances occur such that we do not meet our strategic plans, it would have a material adverse effect on our financial position results of operations cash flows and ability to achieve our intended business objectives.
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CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated.
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities | (2,435,793 | ) | (522,142 | ) | 3,834,274 | 813,085 | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (603,845 | ) | (129,442 | ) | (5,578,861 | ) | (1,183,039 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash generated from financing activities | 3,032,779 | 650,113 | 2,299,096 | 487,542 | ||||||||||||
| Net change in cash | (6,859 | ) | (1,471 | ) | 554,509 | 117,588 | ||||||||||
| Cash at beginning of the period | 73,910 | 15,844 | 109,161 | 23,148 | ||||||||||||
| Cash at end of the period | 67,051 | 14,373 | 663,670 | 140,736 | ||||||||||||
Operating activities
Our cash flows from operations were turn into positive as of 2024 Interim Period as compared to 2023 Interim Period, which indicates the positive future prospects about our ability to continue as a going concern. For the 2024 Interim Period, net cash generated from operating activities was $813,085 (MYR3,834,274), which primarily reflected our net loss of $498,160 (MYR2,349,175), as adjusted for (i) decrease in trade receivables which amounted to $519,587 (MYR 2,450,218), (ii) increase in trade payables which amounted to $532,946 (MYR2,513,215), (iii) decrease in amounts due from related companies which amounted to $75,003 (MYR353,692), and (iv) finance cost for the six months ended June 30, 2024 which amounted to $161,597 (MYR762,047). For the 2023 Interim Period, net cash used in operating activities was $522,142 (MYR2,435,793), which primarily reflected our net income of $219,036 (MYR1,021,803), as adjusted for (i) increase in trade receivables which amounted to $807,407 (MYR3,766,554), (ii) increase in prepayments, deposits and other receivables amounted to $134,889 (MYR629,258), (iii) decrease in development costs which amounted to $88,907 (MYR414,749), (iv) increase in trade payables which amounted to $56,047 (MYR261,460), and (v) finance cost for the six months ended June 30, 2023 amounted from $31,815 (MYR148,416).
Investing activities
For the 2024 Interim Period, net cash used in investing activities was $1,183,039 (MYR5,578,861), primarily consisting of purchase of intangible assets - IT software from related parties and third parties amounted to $1,126,388 (MYR5,311,711) and $35,965 (MYR169,600) respectively. For the 2023 Interim Period, net cash used in investing activities was $129,442 (MYR603,845), which primarily consisted of purchases of intangible assets from related parties amounted to $123,687 (MYR577,000).
Financing activities
For the 2024 Interim Period, net cash generated from financing activities was $487,542 (MYR2,299,096), primarily consisting of proceeds from the issuance of AI RCPS totaling $664,663 (MYR3,134,350) and payment for IPO listing related costs amounted to $100,000 (MYR471,570). For the 2023 Interim Period, net cash generated from financing activities was $650,113 (MYR3,032,779), primarily consisting of proceeds from the issuance of RCPS totaling $107,181 (MYR500,000), proceeds from shareholder’s loan in the amount of $292,176 (MYR1,363,000) and capital injection from shareholders amounting to $175,777 (MYR820,000).
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the year indicated.
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (2,772,858 | ) | (630,166 | ) | (3,409,287 | ) | (742,716 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (91,890 | ) | (20,883 | ) | (2,628,150 | ) | (572,545 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash generated from financing activities | 2,935,266 | 667,075 | 6,072,688 | 1,322,940 | ||||||||||||
| Net change in cash | 70,518 | 16,026 | 35,251 | 7,679 | ||||||||||||
| Cash at beginning of year | 3,392 | 771 | 73,910 | 16,102 | ||||||||||||
| Cash at end of year | 73,910 | 16,797 | 109,161 | 23,781 | ||||||||||||
Operating activities
Our cash flows from operations were negative for both the 2023 and 2022 Fiscal Years, which indicates the existence of doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. For the 2023 Fiscal Year, net cash used in operating activities was $742,716 (MYR3,409,287), which primarily reflected our net income of $1,113,274 (MYR5,110,267), as adjusted for (i) CEA vertical farm design services provided and yet to be collected which amounted to $1,832,669 (MYR8,412,500), (ii) sales of CEA vertical farms and yet to be collected which amounted to $871,403 (MYR4,000,000), (iii) decrease in development costs which amounted to $468,651 (MYR2,151,248), and (iv) increase in trade payables which amounted to $387,676 (MYR1,779,550). For the 2022 Fiscal Year, net cash used in operating activities was $630,166 (MYR2,772,858), which primarily reflected our net loss of $65,878 (MYR289,865), as adjusted for (i) increase in development costs totaling $488,898 (MYR2,151,248), (ii) sales of fresh produce and yet to be collected which amounted to $200,840 (MYR883,697), and (iii) increase in trade payables which amounted to $112,019 (MYR492,883).
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Investing activities
For the 2023 Fiscal Year, net cash used in investing activities was $572,545 (MYR2,628,150), primarily consisting of purchase of intangible assets, including investments into the development of the AI software platform, the e-commerce website, and the Agroz ERP system, all of which are anticipated to be integrated into the Agroz OS at a later stage, amounting to $371,800 (MYR1,706,670). For the 2022 Fiscal Year, net cash used in investing activities was $20,883 (MYR91,890), which primarily consisted of purchases of property, plant and equipment and purchases of intangible assets.
Financing activities
For the 2023 Fiscal Year, net cash generated from financing activities was $1,322,940 (MYR6,072,688), primarily consisting of proceeds from the issuance of AI RCPS totaling $786,328 (MYR3,609,483), proceeds from a related party’s loans in the amount of US$296,930 (MYR1,363,000), cash advances received from a related party in the amount of $227,090(MYR1,042,409), proceeds from the issuance of Agroz Group’s ordinary shares in the amount of $178,638 (MYR820,000), advances received for AI RCPS totaling $200,047 (MYR918,274) and prepayment of IPO related costs in the amount of $250,058 (MYR1,147,842). For the 2022 Fiscal Year, net cash generated from financing activities was $667,075 (MYR2,935,266), primarily consisting of proceeds from the issuance of RCPS totaling $454,525 (MYR2,000,000) and proceeds from capital injection from shareholders in the amount of $206,809 (MYR910,000).
Capital expenditures
Our capital expenditure mainly includes contract purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. Our capital expenditures commitment were amounted to $291,601 (MYR1,338,535) and $3,233,381 (MYR15,247,656), in the 2023 Fiscal Year and 2024 Interim Period, respectively. The capital expenditure mainly arising from certain purchase contracts of IT software such as E-commerce website design, Internet of Things (IoT) management platform, system integration platform and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system signed with suppliers and the developments of comprehensive Robotics AI Platform designed to facilitate the creation, deployment, and management of intelligent robotic systems. The majority of this contractual commitment is due within two years and upon the project progress. Other than as shown above, the Group did not have any significant capital and other commitments, long-term obligations or guarantees in the 2023 Fiscal Year and 2024 Interim Period.
Other than purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets stated under investing activities, there were no other significant capital expenditures incurred in either the 2023 Fiscal Year or the 2022 Fiscal Year.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Group currently has no off-balance sheet arrangements, including arrangements that would affect its liquidity, capital resources, market risk support, and credit risk support or other benefits.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Credit risk
Assets that potentially subject the Group to a significant concentration of credit risk primarily consist of cash, trade and other receivables and amounts due from related parties.
Cash holdings risk
The Group maintains the position that the cash held within its portfolio are exposed to minimal credit risk. This belief stems from the fact that these assets are managed by esteemed financial institutions located within the jurisdictions of operation of both Agroz Inc. and its subsidiaries. We believe that the rigorous standards and reputations of these institutions significantly mitigate potential risks associated with our cash holdings.
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Group does not account for any fixed rate financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss at the end of each reporting period. Therefore, interest-bearing financial instruments at fixed rates do not expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group’s interest rate risk arises primarily from cash at bank at variable rates, for which the amount is immaterial. Therefore, the Group’s interest rate risk exposure was insignificant.
The Group’s risk management objective for interest rate risk is to reduce its exposure to variability of cash flows arising from changes in interest rates. Interest rates on the Group’s lease contracts and bank borrowing are fixed and thus are not sensitive to fluctuation in market interest rates.
Foreign currency risk
Our exposure to foreign currency risk arose primarily through service income or expenses denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the operations to which the currency relates. The currencies giving rise to this risk are primarily US$. As MYR converts to US$ the exchange rate becomes larger, but foreign exchange fluctuations remain stable, refer from these few years even the exchange rate will increase but its increase gradually at a stable rate.
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CRITICAL JUDGEMENTS AND KEY ESTIMATES
Under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), we are required to make estimates and assumptions in presentation and preparation of the financial statements for the 2022 Fiscal Year, 2023 Fiscal Year and 2024 Interim Period.
We prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, which requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities; (ii) the disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at the end of each reporting period; and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each reporting period. We continually evaluate these judgments, estimates and assumptions based on our own historical experience, knowledge and assessment of current business and other conditions and our expectations regarding the future based on available information, which together form our basis for making judgments about matters that are not readily apparent from other sources. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, our actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require a higher degree of judgment than others in their application.
When reading our consolidated financial statements, you should consider our selection of critical accounting policies, the judgment and other uncertainties affecting the application of such policies and the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions. Our critical accounting policies and practices include the following: (i) expected credit loss of trade receivables; (ii) operating leases and right of use asset; (iii) redeemable convertible preference shares and (iv) revenue recognition. See Note 3 — Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements for a disclosure of these accounting policies. We believe the following accounting estimates involve the most significant judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
(i) Provision for expected credit losses on trade receivables
The Group estimates the loss allowances for trade receivables by assessing the ECLs. This requires the use of estimates and judgements. ECLs are based on the Group’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors, and an assessment of both the current and forecast general economic conditions at the end of the reporting period. Where the estimation is different from the original estimate, such difference will affect the carrying amounts of trade receivables and thus the impairment loss in the period in which such estimate is changed. The Group keeps assessing the expected credit loss of trade receivables during their expected lives.
(ii) Interest rate used to determine the present value of lease liabilities
The interest rate used to determine the present value of the future lease payments is the Group’s incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments, and in economic environments where the leased asset is located.
(iii) Determining the lease term of a lease
The lease liability is initially recognized at the present value of the lease payments payable over the lease term. In determining the lease term at the commencement date for leases that include renewal options exercisable by the Group, the Group evaluates the likelihood of exercising the renewal options taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive for the Group to exercise the option, including favorable terms, leasehold improvements undertaken and the importance of that underlying asset to the Group’s operation. The lease term is reassessed when there is a significant event or significant change in circumstance that is within the Group’s control. Any increase or decrease in the lease term would affect the amount of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets recognized in future years.
(iv) RCPS
Redeemable preference shares without conversion option and carried at a fixed dividend rate, are recognized as financial liabilities measured initially at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost. Also, redeemable convertible preference shares with a fixed-to-fixed conversion option and carried at a fixed dividend rate, are classified as compound financial instruments with a debt host and equity conversion option. The accounting treatment of RCPS involves significant judgement.
On the issuance dates of the RCPS, the Group determined the carrying amount of the financial liabilities by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component using valuation technique. It involves a number of valuation assumptions relating to market risks and the Company’s specific risk premium. The valuation technique used to derive the liability component of the RCPS involves significant estimates. Any change in such assumptions and judgement would affect the carrying amounts of the liability component to be recognized and hence the net profit in future years.
(v) Revenue recognition for construction service in progress at period end
Revenue from farm related construction service is recognized over contract period by reference to construction progress, which is determined on the stage of completion method. The stage of completion of a construction contract is determined based on the proportion that the contract costs incurred for work performed to-date bear to the total costs for the contract by referring to construction budgets and sub-contractors’ quotations.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See the discussion of the recent accounting pronouncements contained in Note 2.3 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statements entitled “Basis of preparation.”
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The Company
We are a vertically integrated agricultural technology (“AgTech”) company focused on designing, innovating, developing, building, operating and managing large, commercial scale, industrial grade indoor CEA vertical farms using CEA practices. Our mission is to improve food safety, food security, and sustainability for society by creating a reliable, accessible food supply through our AgTech products and services.

CEA vertical farming
CEA vertical farming is an innovative agricultural method involving crop cultivation through vertically stacked layers in a controlled indoor environment. CEA practices are defined by growing produce in spaces where environmental conditions can be controlled and manipulated to match the needs of specific plants. Typically, such farming techniques also utilize hydroponic or aeroponic systems for cultivation, in which plants are grown without soil and instead in water-based nutrient solutions and mists, respectively.
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CEA vertical farming presents certain advantages over traditional produce sourcing methods. For one, this method enables efficient space utilization. When grown in vertically stacked layers instead of horizontal ones, more crops can be grown within the same amount of land. With CEA practices, undesirable environmental conditions, such as adverse weather, natural disasters, and pests, amongst others, can be prevented and the crop production process made more predictable. Other advantages include decreased water consumption, shorter plant growth cycles, reduced reliance on pesticides and herbicides, and reduced environmental impact. Operators also have more flexibility when deciding the location of CEA vertical farms, which can even include underground locations, thereby enabling hyper-localized production and cost savings.
We believe there is vast market potential for the AgTech and CEA vertical farming markets globally and in the Southeast Asian region. Starting with Malaysia, we aim to match the top-grade products we have available to the markets in which they are the most highly demanded.
CEA Vertical Farms We Operate and Manage
Currently, the CEA vertical farms we operate and manage include: (i) a 10,021 square foot indoor CEA vertical farm in Kota Damansara; (ii) a 5,239 square foot EduFarm at the AEON Mall Alpha Angle, a shopping center in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (“AEON Alpha Angle”). The Malaysia Book of Records recognizes the EduFarm as the largest indoor vertical farm located inside a shopping mall in Malaysia. Additionally, in June of 2024, the Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, recognized the EduFarm for meeting its standards for Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (“myGAP.PF”) in being pesticide free. MyGAP.PF is a certification scheme recognizing recognition farms which adopt agricultural practices with an environmentally friendly concept, safeguarding the welfare and safety of workers and do not use synthetic pesticides to produce quality, safe and edible products. This certification covers 20 types of vegetables, including green butterhead, red butterhead, green coral, red coral, wild rocket, green kale, and arugula, to name a few.

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|
|
The above photographs were taken inside certain Agroz indoor CEA vertical farms.

Agroz EduFarm-in-City at AEON Mall Alpha Angle
![]() |
![]() | |
| On the EduFarm tour, visitors can see the technology behind Agroz’s clean and pesticide-free vegetables. | In the EduFarm, families can learn about how clean and fresh vegetable farming is possible. |
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Our Business
We primarily derive our revenue from:
| (i) | designing and/or constructing indoor CEA vertical farms; |
| (ii) | operating and managing indoor CEA vertical farms; |
| (iii) | selling CEA vertical farms; and |
| (iv) | selling fresh produce. |
We offer a comprehensive set of farm solutions to our clients. We work with clients to set up CEA vertical farms, starting with the design phase, and continuing into the construction and implementation phrase. We build the structural framework for the vertical farms, install their interior components, and integrate the Agroz OS which is essential to the operation of the vertical farms we design and/or construct. After constructing the CEA vertical farms, we assist clients with operation and management as needed.
| (i) | Designing and/or Constructing Indoor CEA Vertical Farms |
We design and/or construct indoor vertical farms for our clients according to their specific needs. This involves vertical farm layout planning, infrastructure design, framework erection, structural construction, equipment set-up and implementation of Agroz OS within the holistic controlled environment-system we devised, which is essential to the operation of the vertical farms we established. Agroz OS integrates both hardware and software solutions and aims at improving productivity, boosting yield and improving the quality of produce. Agroz OS is comprised of:
| ● | Digitally automated hardware systems capable of: (i) managing various environmental conditions within the vertical farms and water quality and volume, (ii) providing irrigation and nutrient fertigation; (iii) providing light to crops; (iv) managing energy use; and (v) collecting data to enable management of temperature and lighting within the farms, as well as nutrient provision, irrigation and fertigation; and |
| ● | Software solutions which enable email and communication systems for the organization of the farm, supported by Microsoft Azure Cloud and Microsoft Azure AI. We envision that at a more advanced developmental stage, Agroz OS will also include the following software solutions: (i) an AI agent system, which when fully deployed can undertake complex multi-step autonomous actions within vertical farms and result in vertical farms which can be independently and automatically operated; and software solutions which enable: (ii) tracking of every aspect of the vertical farm’s business activities through our proprietary Agroz ERP and (iii) financial accounting and bookkeeping, supported by Intuit Quickbooks software solutions. We expect that these software solutions will be fully integrated into Agroz OS in 2025. |
As of the date of this prospectus, we have only implemented in Agroz OS (i) the above digitally automated hardware systems for Agroz OS and (ii) software solutions enabling email and communication systems for farm organization. The software solutions mentioned in the preceding sentence are supported by Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Azure AI, which solutions are possible pursuant to being Microsoft ISV and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner under the Microsoft Publisher Agreement and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Agreement filed herein as Exhibits 10.7 and 10.8, respectively.
For a more complete description of the types of hardware and software solutions in Agroz OS, see “Products and Services” below.
| (ii) | Operating and Managing Indoor CEA Vertical Farms |
Following the successful design and/or construction of CEA vertical farms, we also offer our clients operation and management services, overseeing the day-to-day farm operations, using all of the intellectual property we have developed, including Agroz OS and the standard operating procedure supporting CEA vertical farm operations, and performing regular maintenance on all the integrated systems.
Currently, the vertical farms we operate and manage include: (i) a 10,021 square foot indoor vertical farm in Kota Damansara and (ii) a 5,239 square foot educational vertical farm (“EduFarm”) at the AEON Mall Alpha Angle, a shopping center in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (“AEON Alpha Angle”), which is recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records, a publication of record setting achievements, as the largest indoor vertical farm located inside a shopping mall in the country. Additionally, in June of 2024, the Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, recognized the EduFarm for meeting Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (“myGAP.PF”) requirements in being pesticide free. MyGAP.PF is a certification scheme recognizing recognition farms which adopt agricultural practices with an environmentally friendly concept, safeguarding the welfare and safety of workers and do not use synthetic pesticides to produce quality, safe and edible products. This certification covers 20 types of vegetables, including green butterhead, red butterhead, green coral, red coral, wild rocket, green kale, and arugula, to name a few.
Through the EduFarm, we also supply fresh produce sold at AEON Alpha Angle and at certain supermarkets operated by AEON Co. (M) Berhad (“AEON”).
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| (iii) | Sale of CEA Vertical Farms |
We sell CEA vertical farms to potential buyers once they are fully operational and optimized. Each CEA vertical farm includes Agroz OS. We aim to achieve high-yield crop production and resource management through the CEA vertical farms.
| (iv) | Sale of Fresh Produce |
We also generate revenue from the sale of fresh produce generated at the CEA vertical farms we operate and manage. To date, we have successfully grown 50 different crops and are currently selling 21 varieties on the market. Our key distribution avenue is the direct distribution of fresh produce to wholesale distributors and retailers, including to several large supermarket brand retailers in Malaysia, such as AEON, and recently we have expanded our distribution to Village Grocer.
Our Business Strategies
Below are our current strategies for our growth and development as a company.
| ● | Maximizing production efficiency and sustainability. We are focused on increasing our production of fresh produce while maintaining lower costs and sustainability. To accomplish this, we utilize CEA methods, which allow us to achieve higher production rates per square meter compared to conventional farming techniques. We are also committed to minimizing food miles, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing carbon footprint by locating the CEA vertical farms closest to where fresh produce is consumed. |
| ● | Supporting safety and health through sustainable farming. We are committed to providing customers with safe and healthy produce. Our crops are grown without the use of pesticides, fungicides, insecticides or herbicides. Instead, we employ precise and controlled use of organic nutrients to nourish our produce, promoting their optimal growth without compromising health while achieving remarkably more fresh and higher quality produce for the palate. We implement rigorous quality control measures in the growth of our produce, which minimizes and eliminates spoilage and reduces the risk of bacterial contamination. |
| ● | Leveraging advanced technology to transform agriculture. We deploy cutting edge technologies such as CEA, IoT, big data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence. By embracing these technologies, we strive to be at the forefront of sustainable food production driven by innovation and anchored by continuous improvements. |
| ● | Strategic partnerships in the agriculture technology industry. We collaborate with key industry players in the agricultural technology sector, which gives us access to valuable resources, expertise, and market opportunities. By leveraging our partners’ established networks and customer bases, we can expand our reach and enter new markets and access complementary technologies and innovations. This also enables us to enhancing our product offerings and service capabilities. Moreover, these partnerships serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering continuous learning and development within our organization. Our strategic partnerships play a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth and positioning our company as a frontrunner in the agriculture technology industry. |
| ● | We aim to launch Agroz Copilot in the future. This is a proprietary software application supported by generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) technology made possible through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. If the final version of Agroz Copilot is launched later in 2024, we believe it will aid human vertical farm operators in crop production. We anticipate that Agroz Copilot will make vertical farming more efficient for our clients and increase our existing revenue stream. |
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Our Competitive Strengths
We believe the following strengths differentiate us from our competitors:

Our plant machine modules, used within the CEA vertical farms we operate

Technical specifications for our plant machine modules.
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Vertical integration
We believe a core feature that sets us apart from our competitors is our status as a fully vertically integrated agricultural technology provider of (i) services for the design and/or construction of vertical farms; (ii) services for the operation and management of vertical farms; and (iii) fresh produce. To our knowledge, no company in Malaysia or Southeast Asia currently holds this status.
Innovative and Advanced Agriculture Technology (AgTech) solutions
We have proprietary CEA software, which we believe gives us a competitive advantage over other market players. We own the underlying source code to all of the software components of Agroz OS, including (i) the source code to the software platform itself, (ii) the Agroz ERP and DTC online marketplace anticipated to be integrated within, and (iii) the PLC which is an essential component enabling automation and environmental condition control and management within the vertical farms we operate, also integrated within Agroz OS.
We are currently a Microsoft Independent Software Vendor (ISV) and a Microsoft AI Cloud partner. These relationships with Microsoft have allowed us to build, publish and develop our cloud-based Agroz OS software application on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, and gain access to various software and development tools owned by Microsoft. Previously, we were part of the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, an accelerator for startups in which we received access to different resources from Microsoft, including leading artificial intelligence models through Microsoft Azure, Github, Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365. This accelerator also gave us access to a global network of Microsoft experts and mentors.
We also recently announced that we would be using the latest generative artificial intelligence technologies made available through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to build and develop Agroz Copilot, which we plan to launch in the future.
Our CEA methods and technology solutions have allowed us to yield approximately three (3) tons of green produce every year for every 300 square feet of space, stacked 8 levels high, in the CEA vertical farms we operate and use only five percent (5%) of the water and nutrients required compared to conventional agricultural methods of production. We also precisely manage our water use and deploy tailored artificial lighting to maximize the growth potential of our vegetables, eliminating the need to irrigate vast expanses of land like traditional farms do.
Healthy, clean and fresh vegetables
We deliver healthy, clean, and freshest vegetables to our customers. We go beyond organic practices by growing clean and fresh vegetables in a safe and sustainable manner. The CEA vertical farms we operate utilize non-GMO seeds and organic nutrients that are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, fungicide, insecticide and herbicide.
Strategic Partnership with AEON Co. (M) Berhad
We have a strategic partnership with AEON, a leading Malaysian retailer, which we believe can allow us to revolutionize the traditional grocery shopping experience and attract more high-consumption customers. AEON provides us with an open space within its mall, AEON Alpha Angle in Wangsa Maju, to build a commercial indoor CEA vertical farm. This farm known is what we call an “EduFarm,” which is open to the public for weekend tours, thereby offering educational and experiential learning. Currently, the EduFarm is Malaysia’s largest indoor CEA vertical farm located inside a shopping mall. The produce we generate at the EduFarm is sold to visitors of AEON Alpha Angle as well as to supermarkets operated by AEON, including AEON MaxValu Prime.
We have also introduced a unique concept called “Farm In Supermarket,” allowing shoppers to select and purchase vegetables of their choice from a showcase display of a CEA vertical farm located at AEON MaxValu Prime. We believe that our partnership with AEON has revolutionized traditional grocery shopping experience by offering customers the opportunity to harvest their own-selected vegetables.
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Positive public image
United Nations
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a United Nations (“UN”) agency, identifies us as an active CEA market player. On June 19, 2023, the UNDP, together with the government of Malaysia through the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (“MITI”) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), launched the Malaysia SDG Investor Map (the “Map”). The Map is an online market intelligence tool designed to help private investors find investment opportunities that are aligned to, and compliant with, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”). CEA was identified as an investment opportunity area within the Map, and we were identified therein as a company active in the CEA space.
We are strongly committed to supporting the UN’s SDGs. Our community-based indoor CEA vertical farms are at the forefront of supporting the UN’s SDGs. Currently, we actively contribute to ten (10) out of its 17 SDGs. By aligning our operations with these SDGs, we strive to make a positive impact on society and the environment, advancing sustainable development and creating a better future for all. We believe the UN Development Programme’s recognition of us as an active CEA market player makes us unique and establishes our robust market position against our competitors.
ESG Association of Malaysia
The ESG Association of Malaysia (ESG Malaysia), a centralized education platform enabling environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) adoption and development in Malaysia and supporting the country’s sustainability journey, recognized Agroz Group as a member in December of 2022. This membership allows Agroz Group to be part of ESG Malaysia’s international development network, with access to various ESG-related tools and resources, which Agroz Group believes to enable it to contribute positively to the ESG field and benefit the future of Malaysia.
The Academy of Sciences
The Academy of Sciences, the highest scientific advisory body of Malaysia, made mention of Agroz Group in its Science Outlook Report for 2020. Agroz Group was described as an example of a successfully established indoor CEA vertical farming initiative in such report’s broader discussion of agricultural practices addressing food supply issues in Malaysia.7
Our Products and Services
Products
(i) CEA vertical farms
We design and/or construct indoor CEA vertical farms for our clients according to their specific needs and in exchange for an agreed upon fee. Our design and/or construction services involve choosing and/or recommending the location for the vertical farm and overseeing and executing all aspects of the building of a vertical farm from raw material. Central to the design and/or construction of the indoor vertical farms is our installation and implementation of Agroz OS, the holistic system that enables operation of the vertical farms. This system incorporates both automated hardware and software solutions and is physically administered through our Agroz OS cloud software application, available through Microsoft Azure Cloud.
The automated hardware components of Agroz OS include:
| 1) | Environmental control devices capable of regulating air temperature, ventilation, humidity, air quality and air flow conditions; |
| 7 | https://issuu.com/asmpub/docs/science_outlook_report_2020 (page 255 of 428) |
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b) Water management devices which filter and clean water using ultraviolet light to deter bacteria and viruses and reduce algae growth;
c) Irrigation and nutrient fertigation systems which control the precise mix of nutrients with water, specifically tailored to the type of cultivar being grown and their stage of growth;
d) Horticulture light-emitting diode (LED) lighting systems which are adjustable as to type of light spectrum, intensity and duration depending on the type of crop being grown and the stage of growth they are at;
e) Energy monitoring and management devices which monitor and optimize energy use within the CEA farm. These devices combine existing grids which connect electrical supplies to renewable green energy (“RE”) systems, including solar photovoltaics;
f) Monitoring systems which include Human Machine Interface devices (HMI), enabling continuous and real-time monitoring and setting configuration through touchscreen interfaces; and
g) Internet of Things (IoT) sensors connected to PLCs (or industrial computers), which collectively enable data collection and the control and automation of: (1) nutrient mixing, (2) irrigation, fertigation and nutrient provision to produce; (3) horticulture LED lighting; and (4) air conditioning and temperature settings within the vertical farm.

A snapshot of the Agroz HMI screen showing the continuous and real-time monitoring system.
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Parameters can be set through the HMI to configure and control the systems through a touchscreen interface.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have only implemented in Agroz OS (i) the above digitally automated hardware systems for Agroz OS and (ii) software solutions enabling email and communication systems for farm organization, including Email, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and file sharing through Microsoft OneDrive. The software solutions mentioned in the preceding sentence are supported by Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Azure AI, which solutions are possible pursuant to being Microsoft ISV and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner under the Microsoft Publisher Agreement and Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Agreement filed herein as Exhibits 10.7 and 10.8, respectively.
We are currently in the process of integrating an AI agent system into Agroz OS, which system is supported by Microsoft AI and capable of presenting complex agricultural decisions to farm managers and farm owners and autonomously executing such decisions after human approval is received. When fully deployed, we envision that the AI system’s agents can undertake complex multi-step autonomous actions within vertical farms and result in vertical farms which can be independently and automatically operated. We anticipate full deployment of this AI agent system by Q2 of 2025. Investors should be aware that such AI agent system is distinct from the Agroz Copilot; by contrast, Agroz Copilot is a GenAI application separate from Agroz OS, which enables human farmers to input queries and instructions into an application to receive recommendations for assistance with daily tasks, not a system for autonomous functioning of vertical farms. Although we have launched a pilot rollout for Agroz Copilot, this application is still under development and we do not currently have a date certain for the official launch of Agroz Copilot to the public.
We envision that at a more advanced developmental stage, Agroz OS will include software solutions for:
a) the aforementioned AI agent system, and the following software solutions:
b) Agroz ERP, a software system that tracks every aspect of the vertical farm’s business activities, including: (1) farm input materials (i.e., seeds, nutrients, growth media, packaging, consumables, carbon dioxide); (2) growth of produce at different stages; (3) farm personnel activity; (4) harvest inventory; (5) sales orders, invoices, and deliveries, and (6) accounting records. Agroz ERP is also accessible as a mobile application; and
c) Intuit QuickBooks to aid in financial reporting and bookkeeping, with such accounting software stored on cloud servers and financial information protected by encryption technology and firewall.
We expect that these software solutions will be fully integrated into Agroz OS in 2025.
(ii) Fresh produce
We deliver healthy, clean, and fresh vegetables to our customers. We go beyond organic practices by growing clean and fresh vegetables in a safe and sustainable manner. The vertical farms we manage and operate utilize non-genetically modified organism (“non-GMO”) seeds and organic nutrients that are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, fungicide, insecticide and herbicide.
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To date, we have successfully grown over 50 types of nutrient rich, pesticide free, fresh vegetables using our proprietary agricultural technology and are offering 21 varieties on the market (the latter which are indicated with bold text in the table below):
| Leafy Greens | Herbs, Kale, Edible Flowers | Microgreens | Fruiting vegetables |
|
● Baby Spinach ● Butterhead or Boston Lettuce (green) ● Butterhead (red) ● Coral green (Lollo Bionda) ● Coral red (Lollo Rossa) ● Crispy Lettuce ● Ezfrill Lettuce ● Gem Lettuce ● Iceberg Lettuce ● Ice Plant ● Kai Choy (Mustard Greens) ● Kai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) ● Lettuce Looseleaf ● Milky Bok Choy (Nai Pak) ● Oak (green) ● Oak (red) ● Red Spinach ● Romaine or Cos Lettuce ● Siew Pak Choy (Chinese white cabbage) |
● Arugula ● Basil (Italian) ● Chervil ● Chives ● Cilantro ● Coriander ● Dill ● Kale (curly green kale) ● Kale (red kale) ● Kale (Tuscan/Dino kale) ● Mint (Lemon Balm) ● Parsley ● Rosemary ● Sage ● Thyme ● Viola (edible flower) ● Wild Rocket |
● Arugula Microgreens ● Beet Microgreens ● Broccoli Microgreens ● Kale Microgreens ● Mustard Microgreens ● Pea Microgreens ● Radish Microgreens ● Spinach Microgreens ● Sunflower Microgreens |
● Bell Pepper (Capsicum: red, yellow, orange, green, purple) ● Cherry Tomato ● Chili (Big Red) ● Strawberry (red) ● Strawberry (white) |
In 2024, we focused more on the superfood category, including baby spinach and microgreens. We anticipate increasing our promotion of existing superfoods products such as kale, arugula and wild rocket. Not only are superfoods nutrient rich, they sell at higher prices and price margins. We expect to maintain our focus on this category in 2025 as part of our ongoing product strategy.
The average price which we sell our superfoods for is MYR 9.50, and our gross profit margin on superfoods is 9%. The average price which we sell our non-superfoods for is MYR 3.37, and our average gross profit margin on non-superfoods is 5%.
We believe that our promotion of superfood products will allow us to differentiate ourselves from producers who primarily offer leafy green produce.
(iii) Services
Equipped with our knowledge and expertise regarding vertical farm management, we offer different services to aid in our clients’ vertical farm initiatives. These services include: (i) assisting clients with their design and/or construction of indoor vertical farms, tailored to their specific needs; and, (ii) upon our clients’ election, managing and operating their vertical farms. The design and/or construction of vertical farms involves our choosing and/or recommending the location for the vertical farm and overseeing and executing all aspects of the building of the vertical farm from raw material.
The operation and management services we offer include overseeing of day-to-day CEA vertical farm operations, using all of the intellectual property we have developed, including Agroz OS and the standard operating procedure supporting farm operations. We also perform regular maintenance of our clients’ CEA vertical farm systems.
Market and Growth
Global agricultural market
We believe there is great market potential for the global agricultural technology and vertical farming markets and anticipate much growth therein, based on various sources and market factors. According to Pheonix Research, a reputed market research firm, the global agricultural technology market was valued at USD 18.24 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow to USD 43.37 billion by 2029, representing a CAGR of 16.63%.8Straits Research, another market researcher, estimated that the global indoor farming market size was valued at USD 45.97 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 138.09 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 13% over the forecast period. 9.
| 8 | https://www.pheonixresearch.com/market-report/global-agriculture-technology-market/ |
| 9 | https://straitsresearch.com/report/indoor-farming-market |
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This market growth is reportedly driven by factors such as the increasing adoption of vertical farming, the expansion of indoor farming technology, and the growing demand for higher crop yields to meet the rising global food demand.10 As an alternative to conventional produce gathering methods, vertical farming can cater to the needs of this rising global demand. Statista reported that the global market size of vertical farming was valued at USD $5.6 billion in 202211 and according to J&A Capital Markets Report by Jahani & Associates, the market is projected to experience a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8%, reaching $21 billion by the year 2029.12 The market size of vertical farming in the Asia Pacific region reached US$2.43 billion in 2023 and is projected to experience growth at a CAGR of 29.2% from 2024 to 2030.13
The Malaysian agricultural market
Within Malaysia, agricultural production is projected to grow at a CAGR of 0.6% from 2021 to 2026, reaching USD 24.9 billion by 2026, compared to USD 23.9 billion in 2021, according to ReportLinker.14 The same source cites a forecasted revenue for the Malaysian agricultural sector in 2027 as MYR 161 billion.15 In 2022, agriculture was the third-highest GDP contributor to the Malaysian economy, constituting approximately 8.93% of its GDP,16 according to Ethis, an investment platform with branches and representative offices in Malaysia and Indonesia, and the Sultanate of Oman.17 We believe we can cater to the needs of this growing demand with our high-quality products.
The Malaysian government has also been supportive of improved technology and innovation in the agricultural sector, which we believe will contribute further to the growth of the Malaysian vertical farming market.18 We believe this growth will allow us to establish a favorable position in the market, especially given our advantages over competitors. Among other things, the government has established an action plan that prioritizes the acceleration of controlled environment agriculture, particularly the production of vegetables through plant factories.19 This approach supports urban agriculture and the cultivation of high-value crop-based products. Furthermore, the government extends its support to programs and initiatives that aim to empower community agriculture.20 These efforts provide assistance and resources to strengthen local agricultural communities, fostering their capacity to produce vegetables and contribute to the overall sustainability and development of the vegetable industry.
The revenue potential of vertical farming is also expected to lead to growth in this industry in the years to come. According to a report by Food and Fertilizer Technology Center, an international agricultural organization, the income statements of three premises (commercial-scale warehouse plant factory, medium-scale or shop-lot plant factory and small container plant factory) indicated that commercial vegetable production through plant factories can be financially viable and yield profits. This is supported by the positive net present value and internal rate of return cited for all three premises in the report.21
| 10 | https://jahaniandassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20220719_Report_Global-Vertical-Farming-Market_JA.pdf |
| 11 | https://www.statista.com/statistics/487666/projection-vertical-farming-market-worldwide/#:~:text=The%20global%20vertical%20farming%20market,billion%20U.S.%20dollars%20by%202032. |
| 12 | https://jahaniandassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20220719_Report_Global-Vertical-Farming-Market_JA.pdf |
| 13 | https://www.stellarmr.com/report/Asia-Pacific-Vertical-Farming-Market/193 |
| 14 | https://www.reportlinker.com/clp/country/2/726406#:~:text=Malaysian%20Agricultural%20Production%20is%20projected,of%201.2%25%20year%20on%20year |
| 15 | https://www.reportlinker.com/dataset/d2913de0d8abf9297fb2f5786bbd8a7a86858153 |
| 16 | https://www.statista.com/statistics/318732/share-of-economic-sectors-in-the-gdp-in-malaysia/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20the%20share%20of,sector%20contributed%20about%2050.82%20percent. |
| 17 | https://ethis.co/blog/future-agritech-in-malaysia-booming-market/ |
| 18 | http://www.ijlgc.com/PDF/IJLGC-2023-32-06-04.pdf |
| 19 | https://www.kpk.gov.my/kpk/images/mpi_biomass/national_biomas_ap_2030.pdf |
| 20 | https://www.kpk.gov.my/kpk/images/mpi_biomass/national_biomas_ap_2030.pdf |
| 21 | https://ap.fftc.org.tw/article/3130. We have not commissioned any of the industry and market data included in this prospectus. |
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Competition
We believe a core feature that sets us apart from our competitors is our status as a fully vertically integrated agricultural technology provider of (i) services for the design and/or construction of vertical farms; (ii) services for the operation and management of CEA vertical farms; and (iii) fresh produce.
We believe that competitors identified below only compete with us at various parts of our business model but not all three. As to the segment of our business which involves designing and/or constructing indoor CEA vertical farms, we believe competitors such as Excel Group and CityFarm Technologies Sdn Bhd compete with us in this segment but not services for the operation and management of vertical farms or in the area of selling fresh produce. Excel Group specializes in greenhouse construction and consulting services, including vertical indoor greenhouses. CityFarm provides vertical farming services, hydroponic solutions, as well as urban farm design and consultation for farm design services.
As to the segment of our business which involves services for the operation and management of CEA vertical farms, we do not believe we currently have direct competitors.
As to the segment of our business which involves selling fresh produce, the Company believes its competitors are Boom Grow, Cultiveat, Agroto, and Monoluxury. We do not believe these companies are competitors as to designing and/or constructing indoor CEA vertical farms or for the operation and management of CEA vertical farms.
The agricultural technology industry in Malaysia is becoming increasingly competitive with time. Primarily, we face competition from vertical farming startups, established agricultural companies, companies who deploy traditional produce gathering techniques, and technology companies.
Startups. Startups compete against more established players in the AgriTech industry due to their adaptability and ability to bring and implement new ideas and innovative approaches to the vertical farming industry. They often leverage technology advancements to develop new cultivation methods, automation systems, or data analytics tools and quickly adjust to market demands. Startups which we consider competitors include Boom Grow, Farmy, and Cultiveat.
Established agricultural companies. Established agricultural companies have the advantage of brand recognition, which gives them a competitive edge in either entering the vertical farming sector or expanding their existing operations. Larger agricultural companies may also benefit from economies of scale due to their size and resources. They can invest in large-scale vertical farming operations, allowing them to reduce production costs, optimize resource utilization, and achieve economies of scale in purchasing inputs. This cost advantage can make their products more competitive in terms of pricing. Additionally, established agricultural companies have years of experience navigating the agricultural industry, understanding market dynamics, and building networks with key stakeholders. This knowledge and network can facilitate market entry, collaboration, and access to distribution channels, providing a competitive advantage over startups that are still establishing their industry connections. Companies which we consider competitors in this category include Agroto and Monoluxury.
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Corporate History and Structure
Agroz is an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on August 8, 2023. Agroz’s operating subsidiary is Agroz Group, a Malaysian private limited company incorporated on November 20, 2020. Agroz Group is the owner of the intellectual property supporting Agroz’s technology and the operator of Agroz’s indoor vertical farms. Agroz Group also distributes and sells Agroz’s farm produce.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
As of the date of this prospectus, our operating subsidiary owns the following intellectual property:
Intellectual Property
Trademarks
As of the date of this prospectus, we have the following registered trademarks:
| No. | Trademark | Country of registration |
Trademark number |
Owner | Class | Application Status | ||||||
| 1 | ![]() |
Malaysia | TM2023037737 | Agroz Group | 44** | Registered | ||||||
| 2 | ![]() |
Malaysia | TM2023037736 | Agroz Group | 31* | Registered |
As of the date of this prospectus, we have the following trademark applications pending with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (“MyIPO”): ***
| No. | Trademark | Country of registration |
Trademark Application |
Owner | Class | Application Status | ||||||
| 3 | Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste | Malaysia | TM2023037738 | Agroz Group | 31* | Provisional Refusal (Objection) – Hearing(1) | ||||||
| 4 | Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste | Malaysia | TM2023037739 | Agroz Group | 44** | Provisional Refusal (Objection) – Hearing(2) |
| (1) | As of the date of this prospectus, this trademark application has been provisionally rejected by MyIPO on the grounds that Agroz Group has not met the following requirements under Trademarks Act 2019: (A) Section 23(1)(b) of the Trademarks Act 2019, which requires a mark with distinctive character; and (B) Section 23(1)(c), which states that trademarks may not be registered which mark consists only of signs or indications that may serve in trade, to designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin, time of production of goods or rendering of services or other characteristics of goods or services. MyIPO has stated that provisional refusal has been issued because the combination of the words “Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste” directly refers to the description of goods being applied for, as it gives the impression that the goods sold are fresh and are of the best quality. We are permitted under Section 29(5) of the Trademarks Act 2019 to appeal against this provisional refusal of our trademark application with MyIPO. We have requested a hearing date with MyIPO and are currently awaiting further notice regarding this request. See “Risk Factors” for a full description of the risks to our business associated with unregistered trademarks. |
| (2) | As of the date of this prospectus, this trademark application has been provisionally rejected by MyIPO on the grounds that Agroz Group has not met requirements for registration under the Trademarks Act 2019: (A) Section 23(1)(b) of the Trademarks Act 2019, which requires a mark with distinctive character; and (B) Section 23(1)(c), which states that trademarks may not be registered which mark consists only of signs or indications that may serve in trade, to designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin, time of production of goods or rendering of services or other characteristics of goods or services. MyIPO has stated that provisional refusal has been issued because the combination of the words "Freshness You Can See, Hear and Taste" directly refers to the description of services being applied for, as it gives the impression that the services are the best in goods production. We are permitted under Section 29(5) of the Trademarks Act 2019 to appeal against this provisional refusal of our trademark application with MyIPO. We have requested a hearing date with MyIPO and are currently awaiting further notice regarding this request. See “Risk Factors” for a full description of the risks to our business associated with unregistered trademarks. |
| * | Raw and unprocessed agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural and forestry products; raw and unprocessed grains and seeds; fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs; natural plants and flowers; bulbs, seedlings and seeds for planting; live animals; foodstuffs and beverages for animals; malt. |
| ** | Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services. |
| *** | Unlike copyrights, under Malaysian intellectual property law, unregistered trademarks do not receive automatic legal protection upon their creation.
The Company may still continue using its trademarks even if the aforementioned pending trademark applications are provisionally refused or permanently rejected. However, if legal ownership of any unregistered trademark is challenged, the Company will have to defend its trademark and prove that its trademark was first used by the Company under common law in order to continue use. See “Risk Factors” for a full description of the risks to our business associated with unregistered trademarks. |
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Copyrights
As of the date of this prospectus, we own the following copyrights. None of the following copyrights are currently registered.*
| i) | The source code to the programmable logic controller (PLC) integrated into Agroz OS, which enables automation of various tasks within the indoor vertical farms we design, construct, operate, and manage; |
| ii) | The source code to Agroz OS and Agroz ERP; |
| iii) | The source code to Agroz Copilot for Farmers; |
| iv) | The source code to our Agroz DTC online marketplace; and |
| v) | The codified standard operating procedure for the various vertical farms we operate and manage. |
| * | Copyrights are protected under the Malaysia Copyright Act 1987. Under the Malaysia Copyright Act 1987, subject to the relevant criteria under the Malaysia Copyright Act 1987 being achieved, upon creation, original work becomes owned by the creator as copyrighted material and such original work becomes automatically protected. Registration of copyrights in Malaysia are optional but not necessary to achieve protection. Copyright owners can voluntarily register their copyrights to provide additional legal certainty if disputes arise concerning their copyrights. The Malaysia Copyright Act 1987 confers 50 years of protection for copyrights in literary works, including computer programs and manuals owned by corporate entities (which is applicable to our case), with the period beginning from the start of the calendar year following the literary work’s first publication or first made available to the public (whichever is the latest). |
FACILITIES
We do not currently own any real property.
During the 2023 and 2022 Fiscal Years, we leased the following properties to support our business activities and operations:
Through Agroz Group, we lease property at No. 2, Lorong Teknologi ¾4A, Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia (the “Damansara Vertical Farm”). The lessor of the Damansara Vertical Farm is Child’s Partner (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Through Agroz Group, we lease property at Lot L2-MZ1, Jalan R1, Seksyen 1, Bandar Baru, Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (the “Alpha Angle Property”). The lessor of the Alpha Angle Property is Aeon Co. (M) Bhd.
EMPLOYEES
As of June 30, 2024, Agroz Inc. had three (3) employees, all of whom are based in Malaysia. The areas of activity for these employees are operations (1), finance (1), and IT (1).
As of June 30, 2024, Agroz Group had eleven (11) employees. The areas of activity for these employees are operations (7), finance (2), IT (1), and business development (1).
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As of the date of this prospectus, we are not a party to, and are not aware of any threat of, any legal proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, or operations.
We may from time to time be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Litigation or any other legal or administrative proceedings, regardless of the outcome, is likely to result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, including our management’s time and attention.
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A summary of the relevant Malaysia laws and regulations governing the business and operations of Agroz Group are as set out below:
Regulations Relating to Food Safety
| (i) | Food Act 1983 |
The Food Act 1983 (“FA 1983”) operates together with its subsidiary regulations, in particular the Food Regulations 1985, to protect the public from health hazards and fraudulent activity during the preparation, sale and use of foods. The FA 1983 applies to all foods sold in Malaysia for human consumption, whether locally produced or imported, and includes food additives and nutrient supplements, and governs activities relating to food contaminants, food packaging and containers, food labelling, food sampling procedures, and food irradiation.
It is an offence under the FA 1983 to prepare or sell food that contains substances that are injurious to health, which is punishable with a pecuniary fine not exceeding MYR 100,000 and/or imprisonment term not exceeding 10 years or to both. In addition, it is an offence under the FA 1983 to prepare or sell food that are unfit for human consumption which shall be subject to a pecuniary fine not exceeding MYR 30,000 and/or imprisonment term not exceeding 5 years or to both. The Malaysia Ministry of Health (“MOH”) is the supervising regulatory authority responsible for ensuring food that is prepared, sold and imported in Malaysia is safe for human consumption. It is authorized, amongst others, to obtain, inspect and analyze particulars of food ingredients and is given the power to enforce the hygiene and sanitary conditions of food premises and appliances, and accurate labelling and packaging of food.
Regulations Relating to Agricultural Produce
| (ii) | Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority Act 1965 |
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority Act 1965 (“FAMAA 1965”) and its subsidiary regulations, in particular the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Grading, Packaging and Labelling of Agricultural Produce) Regulations 2008 and its amendments, serve to regulate the marketing of agricultural produce in Malaysia. The FAMAA 1965 and its subsidiary legislations also set out the minimum standards in respect of agricultural produce that is sold, distributed, or put up for retail in Malaysia, as well as the labelling and packaging requirements for agricultural produce.
Individuals and companies who engage in the purchase, sale, retail, distribution, or wholesale of agricultural produce are required to ensure that they comply with the provisions of FAMAA 1965 which require, amongst others, compliance with the regulations on grading, packaging and labelling of vegetable products. Any company in contravention of the FAMAA 1965 and its subsidiary regulations may result in a pecuniary penalty not exceeding MYR 25,000 and where the body corporate is convicted of the offence charged, every such director or officer shall be deemed to have committed that offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding MYR 15,000 or to an imprisonment term not exceeding two (2) years, or to both, which may vary subject to the severity and number of times that the offence is committed.
Aside from the noncompliance with certain FAMAA requirements as disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section above, Agroz Group has complied with the relevant labelling packaging requirements and has not been issued with any penalties by the Malaysia Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority pursuant to the FAMAA 1965 and its subsidiary regulations.
Regulations Relating to Health and Safety
| (iii) | Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 |
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (“OSHA 1994”) regulates among others the safety, health and welfare of persons at work, protecting others against the risks to safety or health in connection with the activities of persons at work in the agriculture industry. The OSHA 1994 imposes an obligation on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of persons at work.
The OSHA 1994 provides that it is the duty of every employer to ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of all his employees, so far as is practicable, in particular:
| (i) | the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health; |
| (ii) | the making of arrangements for ensuring safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use or operation, handling, storage and transport of plant and substances; |
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| (iii) | the provision of such information, instruction training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of his employees; |
| (iv) | as regards any place of work under the control of the employer, the maintenance of it in a condition that is safe and without risks to health and the provision and maintenance of the means of access to and egress from it that are safe and without such risks; and |
| (v) | the provision and maintenance of a working environment for his employees that is safe, without risks to health, and adequate as regards facilities for their welfare at work. |
Upon conviction for breach of OSHA 1994, a person may be subject to a fine not exceeding RM500,000 and/or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two (2) years or to both.
In the event an activity or defect that is likely to cause serious risk to the health of any person, or that may create an immediate danger to life or property occurs at a workplace, an officer from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia may issue an improvement notice or prohibition notice to the employer in respect of the non-compliance with the OSHA 1994. Such notice prohibits the use of the workplace until the danger posed by the activity has been removed and/or a defect has been rectified to the officer’s satisfaction. An employer that fails to comply with such notice shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two (2) years, or to both, as well as to a further fine of RM2,000 for each day that the offence continues.
Where a body corporate contravenes any provisions of the OSHA 1994 or any of its regulations, every person, who at the time of the commission of the offence is a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate shall be deemed to have contravened the provision(s) and may be charged jointly in the same proceedings with the body corporate or severally, and every such director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence.
Save for the non-compliance as disclosed in the Risk Factor section above, Agroz Group has not been issued with any penalties by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia pursuant to OSHA 1994.
Regulations Relating to Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property rights are important to our business and operations. We rely primarily on a combination of intellectual property laws, contract provisions, copyrights, and trademarks, to protect our intellectual property rights.
Copyright Act 1987
Copyright matters in Malaysia are governed by the Copyright Act 1987 (“Copyright Act”) which provides comprehensive protection for copyrightable works (which includes computer software, e.g. source code). The Copyright Act outlines the nature of works eligible for copyright, the scope of protection, and the manner in which the protection is accorded.
Unlike trademarks, industrial designs and patents (other intellectual property rights), copyright protection is automatically granted to the creator at the time the original work is created, subject to the relevant criteria under the Copyright Act 1987 being achieved. Notwithstanding, the creator could also voluntarily register its original work with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (“MyIPO”) through their Copyright Voluntary Notification system. The registration of the original work with MyIPO will serve as prima facie evidence of ownership and the date of creation in the event of any copyright disputes.
Pursuant to the Copyright Act, our source codes are conferred with automatic copyright protection at the time of creation without the need for registration. In addition, we may also voluntarily register our source codes with MyIPO through its Copyright Voluntary Notification system to further secure the rights to our source code.
Under the Copyright Act, the copyright for source codes (categorized as literary works) owned by corporate entities subsists for fifty years from the start of the calendar year following the literary work’s first publication or first made available to the public (whichever is the latest).
Trademarks Act 2019
Trademark matters in Malaysia are governed by the Trademarks Act 2019 (“TMA 2019”), Trademarks Regulations 2019, and other subsidiary legislation under the TMA 2019.
Registration of a trademark provides the registered owner with the exclusive rights and protection for its registered trademarks such as to secure the rights to use the trademark. Once a trademark is successfully registered with MyIPO, the TMA 2019 grants the registered owner the exclusive rights to use the trademark and to authorize other persons to use the trademark in relation to the goods or services for which the trademark is registered. With such registration of the trademark, the registered owner has the right to obtain relief for infringement of his trademark.
A registered trademark is valid for a period of 10 years from the date of its application and may be renewed for every 10 years upon its expiry. A renewal of the registered trademark may be made on or before the date of expiry of the registration (or within 6 months after the end of the registration date) but in no event, later than 6-month after the date of expiry of the registration.
We have submitted trademark registration applications for our Group’s trademarks with MyIPO, and two (2) out of the four have been successfully registered, while two (2) are currently under provisional refusal. Kindly refer to “Intellectual Property” for further details on our trademark registration applications.
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| Directors and Executive officers | Age | Position | ||
| Gerard Kim Meng Lim | 53 | Director and Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Chun Hoo Lim | 35 | Director | ||
| Wee Adrian Lee | 49 | Chief Technology Officer | ||
| May Jin Sim | 41 | Chief Financial Officer | ||
| Pauline Kok | 40 | Independent Director Nominee | ||
| Hua Seng Benjamin Tan | 52 | Independent Director Nominee | ||
| Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry | 60 | Independent Director Nominee |
Board of Directors
Gerard Kim Meng Lim
Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim has served as the Company’s director since its inception in August 2023. He is an established technopreneur, with a demonstrated history of leadership. Mr. Lim’s professional history has included leading, managing, and building various businesses, and he has over 28 years of experience in the technology, media and telecommunications sector.
Mr. Lim’s experience includes implementing successful digital transformation initiatives and delivering e-solutions for different governments, government-linked companies, private corporations, telecommunications operators, conglomerates, and multinational corporations around the world. He has experience delivering specialized solutions in interactive digital media, e-business solutions, converged Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications, digital marketing, e-commerce and m-commerce, mobile applications, social media, cloud and edge computing, IoT, big data analytics, blockchain technology, and more.
Mr. Lim founded Agroz Group, Agroz’s direct operating subsidiary, in late 2020 to offer sustainable farming solutions and to provide improvements in food safety and food security. From January 2019 to August of 2020, Mr. Lim served as Chief Digital Officer at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, a regulatory body of the Malaysian government responsible for the regulation of communications and multimedia industry. There, Mr. Lim oversaw the successful transition from analog to digital television and demonstrated the application of 5G across industry verticals. From January of 2021 to the present, Mr. Lim served as an independent non-executive director of Allianz Malaysia Berhad, a leading insurer in Malaysia.
Chun Hoo Lim
Mr. Lim Chun Hoo has served as the Company’s director since its inception in August of 2023.
Mr. Lim is a seasoned corporate consultant board member and senior management of several private and public listed companies. He has accumulated 15 years of experience across the corporate and finance industry. Mr. Lim founded FintechCashier Asia P.L.C., a digital payment solution company licensed by Labuan Financial Services Authority, Malaysia. He oversaw the company’s business development and corporate strategies. Under Mr. Lim’s leadership, FintechCashier Asia P.L.C. has expanded and became a part of Fintech Scion Limited, an OTC Market listed company. He also played a crucial role in securing Ho Wah Genting Investment Bank (Labuan) P.L.C. and Fintech Bank Ltd.’s banking licenses and helped develop the companies from their initial business stages., Mr. Lim previously served as a director of Ho Wah Genting Group Sdn Bhd from July 2016 to March 2024. Presently, Mr. Lim serves as a director in Agroz Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and HWG Cash Berhad, a corporate strategy consultation company.
Mr. Lim graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Northumbria, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom in 2010.
Pauline Kok
Ms. Pauline Kok has agreed to serve as the Company’s director upon the SEC’s declaration of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Ms. Kok is a fellow professional chartered certified accountant (FCCA) and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants. She has 19 years of external audit experience across a broad range of industries within the public sector, including IT services and e-commerce, property development, construction, infrastructure, and investment properties, just to name some. Her clients include public listed companies and government-linked companies. In 2016, she founded Messrs. KP (“Messrs. KP”) a licensed audit firm providing assurance services. She has served as Partner of Messrs. KP since its inception.
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In November 2017, Ms. Kok was appointed as the independent non-executive director and Audit Committee Chairman of Reneuco Berhad (formerly known as Kpower Berhad), listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia. She was also a member of the Nomination, Remuneration and Risk Management Committee of Reneuco Berhad. In December 2022, she retired as non-executive director and Audit Committee member of Reneuco Berhad. Previously, Ms. Kok served as Audit Director of Folks DFK & Co. for approximately one and a half years and Senior Manager of Ernst & Young for approximately ten years.
Ms. Kok holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.
Hua Seng Benjamin Tan
Mr. Hua Seng Benjamin Tan has agreed to serve as the Company’s director upon the SEC’s declaration of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Mr. Tan has a developed background as an entrepreneur, business strategist, and investor. He found his first company, Information Laboratories, a web agency, in 1995 while studying at the National University of Singapore as a sophomore.
Mr. Tan co-founded Ascend Angels, an angel investment firm, in April 2023. As co-founder, Mr. Tan was responsible for Ascend Angels’ growth in overseeing its expansion by guiding partnership and marketing strategy. Prior to Ascend Angels, Mr. Tan founded Mayhem Group in 2016, an investment company based in Singapore which focuses on digital startup companies, with a portfolio including companies such as Overdrive Iot Pte Ltd, Braiven Pte Ltd and Rebl Pte Ltd. At Mayhem Group, Mr. Tan serves as Managing Director and actively assists early-stage founders with product and business concept refinement, business model traction, early investment and financial tracking.
In 2018, Mr. Tan co-founded Tin Men Capital Pte Ltd (“Tin Men Capital”), a venture capital fund management company based in Singapore which manages Tin Men Fund I. Tin Men Fund I is a venture capital fund that focuses on developing the enterprise technology ecosystem in Southeast Asia and targets business-to-business companies at the pre-Series A and Series A funding stages. He served as the Head of Operations and General Partner at Tin Men Capital from inception to 2022 and was responsible for operational due diligence, founder assessment and post investment operational support and reporting.
Prior to Tin Men Capital, Mr. Tan’s experience included: holding executive positions at Grey Group, a global advertising and marketing agency (“Grey Group”); co-founding and serving as Managing Partner of award-winning digital agency Yolk Pte Ltd (acquired by WPP Singapore Pte Ltd in 2010); and co-founding Redpill Solutions (later sold to IBM), a customer management service company. Mr. Tan is also an active investor in and advisor to multiple companies.
Mr. Tan graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems and Computer Science from the National University of Singapore.
Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry
Mr. Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry has agreed to serve as the Company’s director upon the SEC’s declaration of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Mr. Chaudhry is an accomplished C-suite executive with over 33 years of international experience in building enduring businesses in mature and developing markets across Asia, Africa, Oceania and Europe. Since September 2023, he has served on the Advisory Board of CEDEM AG, a Switzerland-based nutraceuticals company, which offers vitamin, food supplements, and minerals. Most recently, Mr. Chaudhry joined the Advisory Board of Asian Food Industries, Pakistan. Prior to his retirement from Nestlé S.A. (“Nestlé”) at the end of 2022, Mr. Chaudhry held various leadership positions of increasing responsibility between 1989 and 2022, based in Pakistan, China, Indonesia, Switzerland, and Singapore. Between 2015 and 2022, he was Senior Vice President of Nestlé, where he managed a $9 billion Nestlé Infant Nutrition business across the globe with full profit and loss responsibility and led a team with over 7,000 associates through ten regional management units. From 2009 to 2014, Mr. Chaudhry served as CEO of Nestlé’s Indonesia division. During his professional career with Nestlé, Mr. Chaudhry served on several internal boards of the company and its joint venture companies.
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Mr. Chaudhry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Punjab University and a Master of Science degree in Dairy Science from Swedish University of Agriculture and Sciences.
Executive Officers
Gerard Kim Meng Lim
Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim has served as our Chief Executive Officer since January of 2024. Please see Mr. Lim’s biography above in “Board of Directors.”
Wee Adrian Lee
Mr. Adrian Lee has served as our Chief Technology Officer since January 2024.
Mr. Lee has worked in the technology industry for over 20 years. He started his career in this field at Microsoft, where he served first as Search Editor and later Information Services Manager from 2000 to 2006. In this role, Mr. Lee managed Microsoft’s marketing strategy for MSN, Microsoft’s network portal, for the Southeast Asian markets including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. He also planned and executed product marketing strategies at Microsoft during this time and grew MSN Search by 110% year-on-year in Singapore and 80% year-on-year in Malaysia. After Microsoft, Mr. Lee co-founded Grey Group, a leading advertising and marketing agency. Here, Adrian served as Chief Executive Officer of the Indonesian division and Chief Technology Officer of the Southeast Asian division. Mr. Lee served in these roles for ten (years), from 2006 to 2016. Among the milestones he helped the company achieve were winning Webby Awards, Cannes Cyber Lions and AOY awards, launching an omnichannel sales and customer acquisition platform for Webe, the mobile operator subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia, building an entire digital business for Allianz Indonesia, building the company from the ground up in Indonesia and leading the company to win Agency of the Year Silver award in Indonesia, winning Bank Mandiri (the second largest bank in Indonesia) amongst others.
Following his successes at Grey Group, Mr. Lee founded Braiven and served as its Chief Technology Officer in 2016. This is a role he presently serves in. Braiven is an orchestration platform that aims to bridge the gap between computer vision AI and the IoT in different industries. The platform is used by clients in a variety of industries to implement more effective business solutions.
May Jin Sim
Ms. May Jin Sim has served as our Chief Financial Officer since January 2024. She is a certified accountant, having been a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants since 2009 and being a Chartered Accountant as certified by the Malaysia Institute of Accountants since 2013.
Ms. Sim served as Chief Financial Officer of our operating subsidiary, Agroz Group, from September 2023 to December 2024. From March 2022 to August 2023, Ms. Sim served as Vice President at RHB Insurance Berhad (“RHB Insurance”), a Malaysian insurance company offering policies to both individuals and businesses. In this role, Ms. Sim was primarily responsible for finance operations and reporting process implementation for compliance requirements from the relevant regulatory bodies, accounting standards and relevant laws. Ms. Sim’s last project for RHB Insurance was the planning, designing and implementation of the finance operations and reporting systems and processes of IFRS 17. Before ascending to the role of Vice President, Ms. Sim served as Assistant Vice President at the same company from August 2014 to February 2022. As Assistant Vice President, her responsibilities included, amongst other things, monitoring and tracking daily payment and managing cash flow, developing cash management reporting and updating the company’s operations manual, managing bank reconciliation, preparing budget reports.
Ms. Sim earned a Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) from Tunku Abdul Rahman College in 2003, an Advanced Diploma in Commerce (Financial Accounting) from Tunku Abdul Rahman College in 2005, and her Master in Business Administration from Wawasan Open University in 2010.
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Family Relationships
None of our directors or executive officers have a family relationship as defined in Item 401 of Regulation S-K.
Employment Agreements
We intend to enter into employment agreements with each of our executive officers that will become effective upon the completion of this Offering. Under these agreements, each of our executive officers will be employed for a specified time period. We may terminate employment for cause, at any time, without advance notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the executive officer, such as conviction or plea of guilty to a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, negligent or dishonest acts to our detriment, or misconduct or a failure to perform agreed duties. We may also terminate an executive officer’s employment without cause upon 30 days’ advance written notice. In such case of termination by us, we will provide severance payments to the executive officer as expressly required by applicable law of the jurisdiction where the executive officer is based. The executive officer may resign at any time with 30 days’ advance written notice.
Each executive officer has agreed to hold, at all times during and after the termination or expiry of his or her employment agreement, in strict confidence and not to use, except as required in the performance of his or her duties in connection with the employment or pursuant to applicable law, any of our confidential information, or the confidential or proprietary information disclosed to the executive officer by or obtained by the executive officer from us either directly or indirectly in writing, orally, or otherwise, if specifically indicated to be confidential or reasonably expected to be confidential.
We intend to enter into agreements with all directors whose service will begin upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Pursuant to the agreements, each director has agreed to attend and participate in such number of meetings of the Board of Directors and of the committees of which he or she may become a member as regularly or specially called and will agree to serve as a director for a year and be up for re-election each year at our annual shareholder meeting. The Directors’ services will be compensated by cash under the agreement in an amount determined by the Board of Directors.
We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our executive directors and executive officers. Under these agreements, we agree to indemnify them against certain liabilities and expenses that they incur in connection with claims made by reason of their being a director or officer of our Company. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers, or persons controlling us under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past ten (10) years, been involved in any legal proceedings as required to be disclosed under Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K.
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Board of Directors
The Board of Directors will consist of (5) directors, consisting of one (1) director who is an executive officer and three (3) independent directors, upon the SEC’s declaration of effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1, of which this prospectus is a part. A director is not required to hold any shares in our Company to qualify to serve as a director. Subject to making appropriate disclosures to the Board of Directors in accordance with our Memorandum and Articles of Association, a director may vote with respect to any contract, proposed contract, or arrangement in which he or she is interested; in voting in respect to any such matter, such director should take into account his or her director’s duties. To the extent permitted by our Memorandum and Articles of Association, a director may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money; mortgage its business, property, and uncalled capital; and issue debentures or other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security for any obligation of the Company or of any third party.
Board Diversity
We seek to achieve board diversity through the consideration of a number of factors when selecting the candidates to our Board of Directors, including, but not limited to, gender, skills, age, professional experience, knowledge, cultural, education background, ethnicity, and length of service. The ultimate decision of the appointment will be based on merit and the contribution that the selected candidates will bring to our Board of Directors.
Our directors have a balanced mix of knowledge and skills. We will have three (3) independent directors with different industry backgrounds, representing a majority of the members of our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors is well balanced and diversified in alignment with our business development and strategy.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We are required by Nasdaq to have to establish an audit committee and a compensation committee, and, if we elect to nominate directors through a committee, a nominating and corporate governance committee under the Board of Directors. Nasdaq also requires us to have adopted a charter for each of these committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.
Audit Committee
Concurrent with the listing of the Shares on Nasdaq, our audit committee will consist of Pauline Kok, Hua Seng Benjamin Tan, and Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry, it will be chaired by Pauline Kok. We have determined that each of these three (3) director nominees satisfies the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq Listing Rules and meets the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We have determined that Pauline Kok qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.” The audit committee will oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. The audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:
| ● | selecting the independent registered public accounting firm and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm; | |
| ● | reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’s responses; | |
| ● | reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act; | |
| ● | discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm; | |
| ● | reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and internal control policies and procedures and any special steps taken to monitor and control major financial risk exposures; | |
| ● | annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter; | |
| ● | meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent registered public accounting firm; | |
| ● | monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance; and | |
| ● | reporting regularly to the Board of Directors. |
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Compensation Committee
Concurrent with the listing of the Shares on Nasdaq, our compensation committee will consist of Pauline Kok, Hua Seng Benjamin Tan, and Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry, and it will be chaired by Hua Seng Benjamin Tan. We have determined that each of these directors satisfies the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The compensation committee assists the Board of Directors in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. Our Chief Executive Officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which their compensation is deliberated upon. The compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:
| ● | reviewing and approving, or recommending to the Board of Directors for its approval, the compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; | |
| ● | reviewing and recommending to the Board of Directors for determination with respect to the compensation of our non-employee directors; | |
| ● | reviewing periodically and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs, or other similar arrangements; and | |
| ● | selecting a compensation consultant, legal counsel, or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that person’s independence from management. |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Concurrent with the listing of the Shares on Nasdaq, our nominating and corporate governance committee will consist of Pauline Kok, Hua Seng Benjamin Tan and Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry, and it will be chaired by Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry. We have determined that each of these directors satisfies the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the Board of Directors in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the Board of Directors and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for, among other things:
| ● | recommending nominees to the Board of Directors for election or re-election to the Board of Directors or for appointment to fill any vacancy on the Board of Directors; | |
| ● | reviewing annually with the Board of Directors the current composition of the Board of Directors in regard to characteristics such as independence, knowledge, skills, experience, expertise, diversity, and availability of service to us; | |
| ● | selecting and recommending to the Board of Directors the names of Directors to serve as members of the audit committee and the compensation committee, as well as of the nominating and corporate governance committee itself; | |
| ● | developing and reviewing the corporate governance principles adopted by the Board of Directors and advising the Board of Directors with respect to significant developments in the law, practice of corporate governance, and our compliance with such laws and practices; and | |
| ● | evaluating the performance and effectiveness of the Board of Directors as a whole. |
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Foreign Private Issuer Exemption
We are a “foreign private issuer,” as defined by the SEC. As a result, in accordance with the rules and regulations of Nasdaq, we may choose to comply with home country governance requirements and certain exemptions thereunder rather than complying with Nasdaq corporate governance standards. We may choose to take advantage of the following exemptions afforded to foreign private issuers:
| ● | Exemption from filing quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, from filing proxy solicitation materials on Schedule 14A or 14C in connection with annual or special meetings of shareholders, from providing current reports on Form 8-K disclosing significant events within four days of their occurrence, and from the disclosure requirements of Regulation FD. |
| ● | Exemption from Section 16 rules regarding sales of Ordinary Shares by insiders, which will provide less data in this regard than shareholders of U.S. companies that are subject to the Exchange Act. | |
| ● | Exemption from the Nasdaq rules applicable to domestic issuers requiring disclosure within four business days of any determination to grant a waiver of the code of business conduct and ethics to directors and officers. Although we will require board approval of any such waiver, we may choose not to disclose the waiver in the manner set forth in the Nasdaq rules, as permitted by the foreign private issuer exemption. |
Furthermore, Nasdaq Rule 5615(a)(3) provides that a foreign private issuer, such as us, may rely on our home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain of the rules in the Nasdaq Rule 5600 Series and Rule 5250(d), provided that we nevertheless comply with Nasdaq’s Notification of Noncompliance requirement (Rule 5625), the Voting Rights requirement (Rule 5640), and that we have an audit committee that satisfies Rule 5605(c)(3), consisting of committee members that meet the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2)(A)(ii). If we rely on our home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain of the rules of Nasdaq, our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq. If we choose to do so, we may utilize these exemptions for as long as we continue to qualify as a foreign private issuer.
Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law, our directors owe fiduciary duties to our Company, including a duty of loyalty, a duty to act honestly, and a duty to act in good faith in what they consider to be in our best interests. Our directors must also exercise their powers only for a proper purpose. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the skills they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances.
In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association as may be amended from time to time. Our Company has a right to seek damages against any director who breaches a duty owed to us.
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The functions and powers of our Board of Directors include, among others:
| ● | convening shareholders’ annual general meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings; | |
| ● | declaring dividends and distributions; | |
| ● | appointing officers and determining the term of office of officers; and | |
| ● | exercising the borrowing powers of our Company and mortgaging the property of our Company. |
Terms of Directors and Officers
Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Our directors are not subject to a term of office and hold office until their resignation, death or incapacity, or until their respective successors have been elected and qualified or until his or her office is otherwise vacated in accordance with our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
A director will also be removed from office automatically if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors, (ii) dies or is found to be or becomes of unsound mind, (iii) resigns his office by notice in writing, (iv) without special leave of absence from our Board of Directors, is absent from meetings of our Board of Directors for a continuous period of six months, or (v) is removed from office pursuant to any other provisions of our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Interested Transactions
Interested director transactions are governed by our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
A director may, subject to any separate requirement for audit committee approval under applicable law, the Memorandum and Articles of Association or the Nasdaq Stock Market Listing Rules, or disqualification by the chairman of the relevant board meeting, vote in respect of certain contract or transaction in which he or she is interested, provided that the nature of the interest of any directors in such contract or transaction is disclosed by him or her at or prior to its consideration and any vote in that matter.
Limitation on Liability and Other Indemnification Matters
Cayman Islands law allows us to indemnify our directors, officers and auditors acting in relation to any of our affairs against actions, costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses incurred by reason of any act done or omitted in the execution of their duties as our directors, officers and auditors.
Under our Memorandum and Articles of Association to be adopted upon the closing of this Offering, we may indemnify our directors and officers from and against all actions, costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses which they or any of them may incur or sustain by reason of any act done, concurred in or omitted in or about the execution of their duty or supposed duty in their respective offices or trusts, except such (if any) as they shall incur or sustain through their actual fraud or wilful default.
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The following table sets forth the amount of compensation, including stock-based compensation, that was paid, earned and/or accrued during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, to each of our officers and directors above.
| Name | 2023 Compensation ($) | 2024 Compensation ($) | ||||||
| Directors and Officers | ||||||||
| Gerard Kim Meng Lim | $ | 26,142 | (1) | $ | 223,739 | (1) | ||
| Chun Hoo Lim | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||
| Wee Adrian Lee | $ | 0 | $ | 37,398 | (3) | |||
| May Jin Sim | $ | 19,603 | (2) | $ | 60,400 | (2) | ||
| Total | $ | 45,745 | $ | 321,537 | ||||
| 1. | Such compensation was received in the form of an annual fee (characterized as compensation for sitting on the board of directors) for Mr. Lim’s performance of services in his capacity as director of Agroz Group for the fiscal year indicated. |
| 2. | Such compensation was received in the form of a salary (characterized as short-term employee benefits in Malaysia) for Ms. Sim’s performance of services in her capacity as Chief Financial Officer of the Company for the fiscal year indicated. |
| 3. | Such compensation was received in the form of a monthly fee for Mr. Lee’s performance of services in his capacity as the Chief Technology Officer of the Company for the fiscal year indicated. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
We have not adopted any equity compensation plans.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had no outstanding equity awards.
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As used in this “Related Party Transactions” section, the term “the Group” refers to Agroz Inc. and Agroz Group., collectively. “Agroz Group” refers solely to Agroz Group Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian private limited company, our operating subsidiary.
Before the completion of this Offering, we intend to adopt an audit committee charter, which will require the committee to review all related-party transactions on an ongoing basis and all such transactions be approved by the audit committee.
Set forth below are related party transactions of the Group for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the 2024 Interim Period and 2023 Interim Period, which are identified in accordance with the rules prescribed under Form F-1.
The related parties of the Company and their relationships to the Company are set forth as follows:
| Name of entity or individual | Relationship | |
| Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim | Chief Executive Officer | |
| Ms. Khoo Kwai Fun (“Ms Khoo”) | Spouse of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim and became a shareholder of the Company in January 2024 | |
| Mr. Au Say Kiat | Close family member of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim and became a shareholder of the Company in February 2024 | |
| Isa Wellness Marketing | An entity controlled by a close family member of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. | Significantly influenced by Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim* and ceased to be a related party in January 2024** | |
| Isa Farm Sdn. Bhd. | Under common control of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| Braiven Co., Ltd. (“Braiven”) | Significantly influenced by key management of the Group* | |
| HWG Cash Berhad (“HWG Cash”) | Under common control of Mr. Chun Hoo Lim; HWG Cash ceased to be a shareholder of the Company in January 2024 | |
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (“Agroz Ventures”) | Significantly influenced by Agroz Group*** | |
| Agroz Vertical Farms Sdn. Bhd. (“Agroz Vertical Farms”) | Significantly influenced by Agroz Group*** | |
| Agroz Asia Sdn. Bhd. (“Agroz Asia”) | Under common control of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| Ahoku Ventures Sdn. Bhd. | Under common control of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim |
| * | As used in this “Related Party Transactions” section, “significant influence” has the meaning set forth in Item 7B of Form 20-F: having the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the applicable enterprise, but less than control. Shareholders beneficially owning a 10% interest in voting power are by this definition presumed to have significant influence over the applicable entity. |
| ** | In January 2024, Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim disposed of his shares in EPetani Sdn. Bhd., and EPetani Sdn. Bhd. is no longer a related party to the Group. |
| *** | Agroz Group’s shareholdings of 19% in each of Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms are proxy holdings, with such shares held in trust. While shareholders holding 10% or more of the voting power in an entity are presumed to have a significant influence on the entity under Item 7B of Form 20-F, under International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 28 and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 9, significant influence requires a holding of 20% or more in voting power. Agroz Group does not possess any Director nomination rights, voting power, or decision-making influence on the Board of Directors of either Agroz Ventures or Agroz Vertical Farms. Although Agroz Group meets the significant influence presumption under Item 7B of Form 20-F, it does not meet the criteria under IAS 28 and IFRS 9 criteria for significant influence. Therefore, Agroz Group does not believe these proxy holdings should be accounted under equity method. These proxy holdings additionally do not meet the criteria of assets under IASB Framework. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Agroz Group Sdn Bhd, pursuant to agreements with each of these entities, agreed to operate vertical farms owned by Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms in return for a share of such vertical farms’ revenue. Such revenue is received by Agroz Group in consideration of the services Agroz Group provides and the license it grants to use its technology. While IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers will be applied for the Company’s performance obligations under such agreements (i.e. operating Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms’ vertical farms), the transaction price for Agroz Group’s performance obligations is share of revenue and 2% monthly commission on total vegetable sales revenue. There was no share of revenue and commission for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. During the 2024 Interim Period, there was no share of revenue and the commission earned on vegetable sales revenue is insignificant. There was no share of revenue and commission for the 2023 Interim Period. |
Please be advised that the Company does not currently anticipate using any of the proceeds from this Offering to settle its liabilities and operating expenses for related parties. The Company plans to settle such liabilities and operating expenses using operating income instead.
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Present and Ongoing Related Party Transactions
(a) CEA vertical farm solution sales to Agroz Ventures
In the 2023 Fiscal Year, Agroz Group sold CEA vertical farm solutions to Agroz Ventures in the aggregate amount of $871,403.
(b) CEA vertical farm design and construction services to Agroz Vertical Farms
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, Agroz Group provided CEA vertical farm design and construction services to Agroz Vertical Farms in the aggregate amount of $222,678.
(c) Purchases of fresh produce from Agroz Vertical Farms
In the 2023 Fiscal Year, Agroz Group purchased fresh produce from Agroz Vertical Farms in the aggregate amount of $193,037.
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, Agroz Group purchased fresh produce from Agroz Vertical Farms in the aggregate amount of $411,369.
(d) Purchases of fresh produce from Agroz Ventures
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, Agroz Group purchased fresh produce from Agroz Ventures in the aggregate amount of $34,043.
(e) Purchases of fresh produce from EPetani Sdn. Bhd.
During the six months ended June 30, 2023, Agroz Group purchased fresh produce from EPetani Sdn. Bhd. in the aggregate amount of $14,349.
(f) Expenses paid by the Group on behalf of Agroz Vertical Farms
In the 2023 Fiscal Year, Agroz Group paid operating expenses amounting to $342,307 on behalf of Agroz Vertical Farms. These operating expenses include wages, rental and other miscellaneous expenses. These expenses were deemed to be expenses paid on behalf by the Group, as these expenses are in substance to be incurred by Agroz Vertical Farms, as it is relating to farm operations, pursuant to the licensing, operations and management agreement. Agroz Group does not receive any benefits for these payment on behalf.
As Agroz Group also purchase fresh produce from Agroz Vertical Farms, there is mutual agreement between both parties where balances will be settled at net basis unless otherwise stated. The receivable amount of $149,270 as of December 31, 2023 was fully settled in 2024.
During the six months ended June 30, 2023, Agroz Group paid operating expenses amounting to $643 on behalf of Agroz Vertical Farms.
(g) Expenses paid by the Group on behalf of Agroz Ventures
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, Agroz Group paid expenses amounting to $70,298 on behalf of Agroz Ventures. Agroz Ventures repaid Agroz Group $515,300 during the six months ended June 30, 2024. Agroz Group does not receive any benefits for these payment on behalf.
As Agroz Group also purchased fresh produce from Agroz Ventures, there is mutual agreement between both parties where balances will be settled at net basis unless otherwise stated.
(h) Fresh vegetable sales to EPetani Sdn. Bhd.
In the 2023 Fiscal Year, Agroz Group sold vegetables to EPetani Sdn. Bhd. in the aggregate amount of $249,535.
During the six months ended June 30, 2023, Agroz Group sold fresh vegetables to EPetani Sdn. Bhd in the aggregate amount of $48,829. In January 2024, Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim disposed of his shares in EPetani Sdn. Bhd. and EPetani Sdn. Bhd. no longer a related party to the Group. During the six months period ended June 30, 2024, Agroz Group sold fresh vegetables to EPetani Sdn. Bhd amounted to $766,286.
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(i) Fresh vegetable sales to Isa Wellness Marketing During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, Agroz Group sold fresh vegetables to Isa Wellness Marketing in the aggregate amount of $6,964 and $24,795 respectively.
(j) Expenses paid on behalf of the Group by Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim
In the 2022 Fiscal Year, Mr. Lim paid for, on the Group’s behalf, certain operating expenses totaling $237,123. These operating expenses include construction costs and other miscellaneous expenses.
The Group repaid Mr. Lim $222,978 in the 2022 Fiscal Year.
During the six months period ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, Mr. Lim paid for, on the Group’s behalf, certain operating expenses totaling $51 and $71,630 respectively. These operating expenses include construction costs and other miscellaneous expenses.
The Group repaid Mr. Lim $509 during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and $72,740 during the six months ended June 30, 2023.
(k) Expenses paid on behalf of the Group by Ms. Khoo Kwai Fun
During the six months period ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, Ms. Khoo paid for, on the Group’s behalf, certain expenses totaling $10,928 and $12,305 respectively.
The Group repaid Ms. Khoo $11,344 during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and $30,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2023.
(l) Loan from HWG Cash
On May 1, 2023, Agroz Group entered into a loan agreement with HWG Cash Berhad, a Malaysian public company limited by shares (“HWG Cash,” and such loan agreement, the “HWG Cash Loan Agreement”). Pursuant to the HWG Cash Loan, Agroz Group borrowed MYR 1,363,000 (USD $296,930) from HWG Cash, at an interest rate of two percent (2%) per annum and a maturity date of 24 months, or on such other extended date mutually agreed upon by Agroz Group and HWG Cash. The HWG Cash Loan Agreement is filed herein as Exhibit 10.13.
(m) Expenses paid on behalf of the Group by HWG Cash
In the 2023 Fiscal Year, HWG Cash paid for, on the Group’s behalf, certain operating expenses totaling $256,688. These operating expenses were for pre-initial public offering costs.
During the six months ended June 30, 2023, HWG Cash paid for, on the Group’s behalf, certain operating expenses totaling $103,173. These operating expenses were for pre-initial public offering costs.
(n) Software development services provided to Agroz Group
In the 2023 Fiscal Year, Braiven provided software development services to Agroz Group pursuant to the Software Development Agreement with Braiven dated January 18, 2023 (the “Braiven Software Development Agreement”) entered into between Braiven and Agroz Group, for which Braiven invoiced Agroz Group $300,000, and Agroz Group paid $138,697 during the 2023 Fiscal Year, and the remaining balance was fully paid on February 29, 2024. On January 18, 2024, Braiven issued Agroz Group a final invoice of $200,000 of which Agroz Group paid in full on April 28, 2024. Pursuant to the terms of the Braiven Software Development Agreement, Braiven agreed to develop an IoT management platform, a video management platform, and data visualization platform for Agroz Group and to establish a backend Infrastructure for Agroz Group’s operations of sensors and cameras. Braiven also agreed to provide training and support as well as documentation to Agroz Group in connection with these services. The scope of the services specified in the Braiven Software Development Agreement are subject to modification by the parties by mutual agreement. All intellectual property rights in the Software developed under this Agreement shall be owned by Agroz Group and there will be no license granted to Braiven to use the software. As consideration for Braiven’s services under the Braiven Software Development Agreement, Agroz Group agreed to pay an aggregate of $500,000 to Braiven as follows: (i) 30% of such aggregate amount to be payable upon the execution of the Braiven Software Development Agreement, (ii) 30% of such aggregate amount to be payable upon the completion and ready for User Acceptance Test, and (iii) 40% of such aggregate amount payable upon Braiven’s final delivery of and Agroz Group’s acceptance of the software platforms identified in this paragraph. The Braiven Software Development Agreement is filed herein as Exhibit 10.10 and the Supplementary Agreement to the Braiven Software Development Agreement dated January 18, 2023 is filed herein as Exhibit 10.14, which clarified that there will be no license granted from Agroz Group to Braiven under such agreement. As of the date of this prospectus, Agroz Group has fully remitted all of these three milestone payments. Agroz Group does not face any material foreign exchange rates pursuant to the Braiven Software Development Agreement because payments to Braiven are made to a bank account that holds funds in U.S. dollars.
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Braiven further provided additional AI and software development services to Agroz Group pursuant to the Software Development Agreement with Braiven dated April 15, 2024 (the “Second Braiven Services Agreement”) between Agroz Group and Braiven. Pursuant to the terms of the Second Braiven Services Agreement, Braiven agreed to design and develop a robotics AI platform for Agroz Group. The value of such services under the Second Braiven Services Agreement was $4,000,000 to be paid as follows: (i) 35% of such aggregate amount to be payable upon the execution of the Second Braiven Services Agreement, (ii) 30% of such aggregate amount to be payable upon the completion and ready for the user acceptance test described in the Second Braiven Services Agreement, and (iii) 35% of such aggregate amount payable upon Braiven’s final delivery and Agroz Group’s acceptance of the robotics AI software platform which the Company anticipates to integrate into Agroz Copilot. All intellectual property rights in the Software developed under this Agreement shall be owned by Agroz Group and there will be no license granted to Braiven to use the software. The Second Braiven Services Agreement is filed herein as Exhibit 10.11 and the Supplementary Agreement to the Second Braiven Services Agreement is filed herein as Exhibit 10.15. On July 5, 2024, the parties renegotiated the payment terms of the Second Braiven Services Agreement to restructure the timeline for the milestone payments set forth in this paragraph. Such renegotiated payment terms now include payments due to Braiven on certain monthly intervals following the execution of the Second Braiven Services Agreements instead of actual accomplishment of the second and third milestones set forth in the Second Braiven Services Agreement. Additionally, the amount payable upon the execution of the Second Braiven Services Agreement was set to be an amount of $1,400,000, Agroz Group paid $872,761 during the six months ended June 30, 2024. Such renegotiated payment terms are memorialized in that certain Re-Negotiated Payment Terms for Robotics AI Operating System Development Agreement between Agroz Group and Braiven and filed herein as Exhibit 10.12. On October 26, 2024, Agroz Group paid 34.32% of Payment Milestone 1 under the Re-Negotiated Payment Terms. In addition to this outstanding balance, a total of $2,600,000 will be due to Braiven in increments at time points following the execution date of the Second Braiven Services Agreement, as agreed to between the parties. Agroz Group does not face any material foreign exchange rates pursuant to the Second Braiven Services Agreement because payments to Braiven are made to a bank account that holds funds in U.S. dollars.
The Company determines pricing and supply with both related and non-related parties based on a willing buyer, willing seller basis. To the best of the Company’s knowledge, past related party transactions were not entered into on more favorable terms than terms in non-related party transactions. Please see the “Risk Factor” section for a more detailed discussion of risks related to our related party transactions. Disputes with related parties, if they arise, will be resolved through direct negotiations with the Company and such related parties. As of the end of the 2023 Fiscal Year and as of the end of the 2024 Interim Period, the Company had no disputes with its related parties.
Policies and Procedures for Related-Party Transactions
The audit committee of the Board, once established concurrently with the Ordinary Share’s listing on the Nasdaq, will play a crucial role in overseeing related party transactions. The audit committee will review and approve all of our related party transactions occurring after listing on the Nasdaq. We anticipate following the below process following the Nasdaq listing:
| 1) | Identification and Proposal: Management will identify any potential related party transactions and prepare a detailed proposal that includes: |
- The nature of the relationship with the related party.
- A full description of the proposed transaction, including its purpose.
- The terms of the transaction, including pricing, payment terms, and any other relevant conditions.
| - | An analysis demonstrating that the transaction is fair and reasonable to the Company, and how it compares to terms that would be available in a transaction with an unrelated third party. |
- Supporting documentation, such as valuations, appraisals, or market data, as appropriate.
| 2) | Negotiation: if applicable, management will negotiate the terms of the proposed transaction with the related party. This negotiation will be conducted with the same level of objectivity and arm’s length standards as would be applied to a transaction with an unrelated party. |
| 3) | Audit Committee Review and Approval: after any applicable negotiations with the related party, management will submit its related party proposal and all supporting documentation to the audit committee for review and approval. The Audit Committee will independently assess the transaction, considering factors such as: |
- The necessity of the transaction for the Company.
- The fairness of the terms, including pricing and other conditions.
- The potential impact of the transaction on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
- Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
| 4) | Approval and Documentation: If the audit committee is satisfied that the related party transaction is in the best interests of the Company, it will provide formal approval. |
All related party transactions will be documented thoroughly, including the rationale for the transaction, the approval process, and the key terms and conditions.
The audit committee will review all related party transactions on an ongoing basis to ensure that such transactions continue to be fair and reasonable.
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The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our outstanding shares as of the date of this prospectus by our officers, directors, and 5% or greater beneficial owners of outstanding shares. There is no other person or group of affiliated persons known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding shares. The following table assumes that none of our officers, directors or 5% or greater beneficial owners of our outstanding shares will purchase Shares in this Offering. In addition, the following table assumes that the Over-Allotment Option has not been exercised. Holders of our Ordinary Shares are entitled to one (1) vote per share and vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, except as may otherwise be required by law.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power or investment power with respect to those securities. The person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Unless otherwise indicated, the person identified in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by him, subject to applicable community property laws.
| Shares beneficially owned prior to this Offering | Shares beneficially held immediately after this Offering | |||||||||||||||
| Name of Beneficial Owner | Number of Shares | Approximate percentage of outstanding Shares in Class | Number of Shares | Approximate percentage of Outstanding Shares in Class | ||||||||||||
| Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||||||||
| Directors, director nominees, and executive officers | ||||||||||||||||
| Gerard Kim Meng Lim(1) | 6,170,606 | 30.21 | % | 6,170,606 | 28.15 | % | ||||||||||
| Chun Hoo Lim (1) | 2,571,809 | 12.59 | % | 2,571,809 | 11.73 | % | ||||||||||
| 5% or greater shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
| Gerard Kim Meng Lim(1) | 6,170,606 | 30.21 | % | 6,170,606 | 28.15 | % | ||||||||||
| Chun Hoo Lim (1) | 2,571,809 | 12.59 | % | 2,571,809 | 11.73 | % | ||||||||||
| Kay Yen Tan (1) | 1,296,302 | 6.35 | % | 1,296,302 | 5.91 | % | ||||||||||
| Say Kiat Au (1) | 1,098,900 | 5.38 | % | 1,098,900 | 5.01 | % | ||||||||||
| Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares | ||||||||||||||||
| 5% or greater shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
| Kim Hong Oh (1) | 80,000 | 8.89 | % | 80,000 | 8.89 | % | ||||||||||
| OLC Commercial Broker Pte Ltd (1) | 200,000 | 22.22 | % | 200,000 | 22.22 | % | ||||||||||
| Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry (1) | 100,000 | 11.11 | % | 100,000 | 11.11 | % | ||||||||||
| Choon Tham How (1) | 100,000 | 11.11 | % | 100,000 | 11.11 | % | ||||||||||
| Rashid Aleem Qureshi (1) | 80,000 | 8.89 | % | 80,000 | 8.89 | % | ||||||||||
| Tuck Heng Lee (1) | 60,000 | 6.67 | % | 60,000 | 6.67 | % | ||||||||||
| (1) | c/o Agroz Inc., No. 2, Lorong Teknologi 3/4A, Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. |
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The following description of our securities is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual terms and provisions of our share capital contained in our Memorandum and Articles of Association, which copies are filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part.
As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized share capital is USD11,500.00, divided into 115,000,000 shares, par value US$0.0001 each, of which 100,000,000 shares are designated as Ordinary Shares and 15,000,000 shares are designated as RCPS.
As of the date immediately prior to this Offering, 20,423,485 Ordinary Shares of par value US$0.0001 per share were issued, fully paid and outstanding. Upon completion of this Offering, we will have 21,923,485 Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding, assuming the Underwriters do not elect to exercise their option to purchase additional Ordinary Shares from us and no RCPS holders exercise their rights to convert their RCPS into Ordinary Shares (detailed below).
As of the date immediately prior to this Offering, 899,920 RCPS are issued and outstanding. Upon completion of this Offering, we will have 899,920 RCPS issued and outstanding, assuming no RCPS holders exercise their conversion rights.
The following description of our share capital and provisions of our Memorandum and Articles of association, as in effect as of the date of this prospectus, are summaries and do not purport to be complete.
Ordinary Shares
General
All of our outstanding Ordinary Shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Our Ordinary Shares are issued in registered form, and are issued when registered in our register of members.
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and our Memorandum and Articles of Association regarding redemption and purchase of the shares, the Board of Directors has general and unconditional authority to allot (with or without confirming rights of renunciation), grant options over or otherwise deal with any unissued shares to such persons, at such times and on such terms and conditions as they may decide. The Board of Directors may deal with unissued shares either at a premium or at par, or with or without preferred, deferred or other special rights or restrictions, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise. No share may be issued at a discount except in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act. The directors may refuse to accept any application for shares and may accept any application in whole or in part, for any reason or for no reason.
Register of Members
Under the Companies Act, we must keep a register of members (i.e., shareholders) that includes:
| ● | the names and addresses of the members, a statement of the shares held by each member, and the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each member, the number and category of shares held by each member, whether each relevant category of shares held by a member carries voting rights under the Memorandum and Articles, and if so, whether such voting rights are conditional; |
| ● | the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and | |
| ● | the date on which any person ceased to be a member. |
Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (i.e., the register of members will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a shareholder registered in the register of members is deemed as a matter of Cayman Islands law to have prima facie legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members. Upon the closing of the Offering, the register of members will be immediately updated to record and give effect to the issue of Ordinary Shares. Once the register of members has been updated, the shareholders recorded in the register of members should be deemed to have legal title to the shares set against their name.
Dividends
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and any rights attaching to any class or classes of shares under and in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the directors may declare dividends or distributions out of our funds which are lawfully available for that purpose. No dividends may be paid on or declared for any Ordinary Shares during or in respect of any financial year until all cumulative dividends with respect to the RCPS have been declared and paid in full.
Unless provided by the rights attached to a share, no dividend shall bear interest.
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Voting Rights
In respect of all matters subject to a shareholders’ vote, each Ordinary Share is entitled to one vote. Voting at any meeting of shareholders may be by poll.
An ordinary resolution to be passed at a meeting by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the Ordinary Shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting, while a special resolution also requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes attaching to the Ordinary Shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting. A special resolution will be required for certain important matters such as a change of name or making changes to the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Transfer of Ordinary Shares
Subject to any applicable requirements set forth in the Memorandum and Articles of Association and provided that a transfer of Ordinary Shares complies with applicable rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market, a shareholder may transfer Ordinary Shares to another person by completing an instrument of transfer in a common form or in a form prescribed by Nasdaq or in any other form approved by the Board of Directors, executed:
| ● | where the Ordinary Shares are fully paid, by or on behalf of that shareholder; and | |
| ● | where the Ordinary Shares are partly paid, by or on behalf of that shareholder and the transferee. |
The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of an Ordinary Share until the name of the transferee is entered into our register of members.
Where the Ordinary Shares in question are not listed on or subject to the rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market, our Board of Directors may, in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any Ordinary Share that has not been fully paid up or is subject to a company lien. Our Board of Directors may also decline to register any transfer of such Ordinary Share unless:
| ● | the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the Ordinary Shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our Board of Directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer; | |
| ● | the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of Ordinary Shares; | |
| ● | the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required; | |
| ● | the Ordinary Share transferred is fully paid and free of any lien in favor of us; and | |
| ● | any fee related to the transfer has been paid to us. | |
If our Board of Directors refuses to register a transfer, they are required, within two (2) months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, to send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
The registration of transfers may be suspended at such time and for such periods as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, provided always that such registration will not be suspended, and the register may not be closed, for more than 45 days in any year.
Procedures on Liquidation
Upon liquidation, dissolution, winding up (other than a solvent reconstruction, amalgamation, reorganization, merger or consolidation whereby all of our business, undertakings and assets are transferred to a successor entity which assumes all of our obligations under the RCPS) or other repayment of capital (other than on redemption), the RCPS holders have a liquidation preference over the other share class holders. In such event, our surplus assets remaining after payment and discharge of all debts and liabilities and the cost of winding up will first be allocated to pay the holders of the RCPS on a pari passu basis a sum equivalent to any dividend declared but unpaid on the RCPS, then to the RCPS holders on a pari passu basis, the RCPS Subscription Price, then to holders of Ordinary Shares on a pari passu basis as between themselves, a sum equal to any arrears of dividend due on the Ordinary Shares, whether or not the Company has sufficient distributable reserves, then the balance of the assets shall belong to and be distributed among the holders of any class of shares in the capital of the Company other than the holders of RCPS in accordance with the respective rights attaching thereto.
Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares
All of our outstanding RCPS are fully paid and non-assessable. Our RCPS are issued in registered form, and are issued when registered in our register of members. Unless the Board of Directors determine otherwise, each holder of our RCPS will not receive a certificate in respect of such RCPS. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and vote their RCPS. We may not issue shares to bearer.
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Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and the Memorandum and Articles of Association regarding redemption and purchase of the RCPS, the Board of Directors has general and unconditional authority to allot (with or without confirming rights of renunciation), grant options over or otherwise deal with any unissued RCPS to such persons, at such times and on such terms and conditions as they may decide. The Board of Directors may deal with unissued shares either at a premium or at par, or with or without preferred, deferred or other special rights or restrictions, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise. No share may be issued at a discount except in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act. The directors may refuse to accept any application for shares and may accept any application in whole or in part, for any reason or for no reason.
Dividends
The holders of RCPS are entitled to receive dividends out of any assets legally available therefore, prior and in preference to any declaration or payment of any dividend payable on the Ordinary Shares, at the applicable Dividend Rate (as defined below), payable when and if declared by the Board of Directors. Such dividends are cumulative and payable on the anniversary of the issue date of the RCPS.
“Dividend Rate” means 10% per annum of the RCPS Subscription Price (as defined below) for each RCPS held by such holder (as adjusted for any share splits, share dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations or the like with respect to the RCPS).
“RCPS Subscription Price” means USD 2.50.
Conversion Rights
At the option and right of the RCPS shareholder and subject to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, on giving seven (7) business days’ written notice to us, such shareholder may convert one (1) RCPS into one (1) Ordinary Share on or before the second anniversary of the issuance date of the RCPS (the “Maturity Date”). No further consideration is payable for such conversion. The conversion ratio will be adjusted for any share splits, share dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations or the like with respect to such RCPS. The right of the RCPS shareholder to convert his, her, or its shares is subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
Redemption Rights
At our option, each RCPS is redeemable in whole or in part at the RCPS Subscription Price (or the prorated amount in the case of redemption of a fraction of an RCPS), at any time after the RCPS share issuance date, by way of written notice or as otherwise specified by the Board of Directors from time to time, following which we shall pay the redemption proceeds to the RCPS shareholder within 14 business days from the date of our issuance of the written notice. All RCPS which are outstanding as of the Maturity Date and have not been converted into Ordinary Shares will be fully redeemed by us at the RCPS Subscription Price per RCPS.
Voting Rights
The RCPS holders do not have any voting rights.
Rights to Information
The RCPS holders are not entitled to receive notices of meetings or otherwise from us, nor reports or audited accounts.
Transfer of the RCPS
The RCPS are not transferable except with the written consent of the Board of Directors and subject to applicable securities laws and the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
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Variations of Rights of Shares
Whenever our capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attaching to any class of share (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may be varied either with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of that class, or with the sanction of a special resolution passed by a majority of not less than three-fourths of the holders of shares of the class passed at a general meeting of the shares of that class.
Unless the terms on which a class of shares was issued state otherwise, the rights conferred on the shareholder holding shares of any class shall not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with the existing shares of that class.
General Meetings of Shareholders
As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obligated by the Companies Act to call shareholders’ annual general meetings; accordingly, we may, but shall not be obliged to, in each year hold a general meeting as an annual general meeting. Any annual general meeting held shall be held at such time and place as may be determined by our Board of Directors. All general meetings other than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary general meetings.
The Board of Directors may convene general meetings whenever it thinks fit. General meetings shall also be convened on the written requisition of one or more of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at our general meetings who (together) hold not less than ten percent of the rights to vote at such general meeting in accordance with the notice provisions in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, specifying the purpose of the meeting and signed by each of the shareholders making the requisition. If the directors do not convene such meeting within 21 days from the date of receipt of the written requisition, those shareholders or those who represent more than one-half of the total voting rights of all such shareholders may themselves convene a general meeting themselves within three months after the end of such period of 21 days. At least five (5) clear days’ notice shall be given for an annual general meeting or any other general meeting.
A quorum, for the purposes of varying the rights of shareholders, shall consist of the presence (whether in person or represented by proxy) of one or more shareholders holding shares that represent not less than one-third of the outstanding shares carrying the right to vote at such general meeting.
No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of shareholders is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business. Two shareholders present in person or by proxy shall be a quorum, provided always that if the Company has one member of record, the quorum shall be that one shareholder present in person or by proxy. If, within half an hour from the time appointed for the general meeting, or at any time during the meeting, if convened upon the requisition of shareholders, a quorum is not present, such meeting will be dissolved and in any other case stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place or to such other time or such other place as the Board of Directors may determine. If at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, the shareholders present at such meeting will constitute a quorum.
The Chairman, if any, of the Board of Directors, shall preside as Chairman at every general meeting, or if there is no such Chairman, or if he or she is not present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for the holding of the meeting, or is unwilling to act, the directors present shall elect one of their number to be Chairman of the meeting. The Chairman may adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place, but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands, unless a poll is (before, or on, the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded by Chairman or any other shareholder present in person or by proxy. Unless a poll be so demanded, a declaration by the Chairman that a resolution has on a show of hands been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, and an entry to that effect in the Company’s minute book containing the minutes of the proceedings of the meeting, shall be conclusive evidence of that fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favor of or against such resolution.
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If a poll is duly demanded, it shall be taken in such manner as the Chairman directs and the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded.
In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the Chairman of the general meeting at which the show of hands takes place or at which the poll is demanded, shall not be entitled to a second or casting vote.
Inspection of Books and Records
Our shareholders will have no general right to inspect or obtain copies of the register of members or corporate records of our Company unless conferred by statute or authorized by the Board of Directors or the Company at a general meeting.
Certain Cayman Islands Company Considerations
Exempted Company
We are incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Act. A Cayman Islands exempted company:
| ● | is a company that conducts its business mainly outside the Cayman Islands; | |
| ● | is prohibited from trading in the Cayman Islands with any person, firm or corporation except in furtherance of the business of the exempted company carried on outside the Cayman Islands (and for this purpose can effect and conclude contracts in the Cayman Islands and exercise in the Cayman Islands all of its powers necessary for the carrying on of its business outside the Cayman Islands); | |
| ● | does not have to hold an annual general meeting; | |
| ● | does not have to make its register of members open to inspection by shareholders of that company | |
| ● | may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation; | |
| ● | may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands; | |
| ● | may register as an exempted limited duration company; and | |
| ● | may register as a segregated portfolio company. |
“Limited liability” means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on the shares of the company it holds.
Differences in Corporate Law
The Companies Act is derived, to a large extent, from the Companies Acts of England and Wales but does not follow recent statutory enactments in the United Kingdom, and accordingly there are significant differences between the Companies Act and the current Companies Act of the United Kingdom. In addition, the Companies Act differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the significant differences between certain provisions of the Companies Act applicable to us and the laws in respect of the same subject matter applicable to companies incorporated in the State of Delaware.
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This discussion does not purport to be a complete statement of the rights of holders of the Ordinary Shares under applicable law in the Cayman Islands or the rights of holders of the common stock of a typical corporation under applicable Delaware law.
Mergers and Similar Arrangements
The Companies Act permits mergers and consolidations between Cayman Islands companies and between Cayman Islands companies and non-Cayman Islands companies provided that the laws of the foreign jurisdiction permit such merger or consolidation. For these purposes, (a) “merger” means the merging of two or more constituent companies and the vesting of their undertaking, property and liabilities in one of such companies as the surviving company, and (b) a “consolidation” means the combination of two or more constituent companies into a consolidated company and the vesting of the undertaking, property and liabilities of such companies to the consolidated company. In order to effect such a merger or consolidation, the directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation, which must then be authorized by (a) a special resolution of the shareholders of each constituent company, and (b) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association. The plan must be filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands together with a declaration as to the solvency of the consolidated or surviving company, a list of the assets and liabilities of each constituent company and an undertaking that a copy of the certificate of merger or consolidation will be given to the shareholders and creditors of each constituent company and that notification of the merger or consolidation will be published in the Cayman Islands Gazette. Court approval is not required for a merger or consolidation which is effected in compliance with these statutory procedures.
A merger between a Cayman parent company and its Cayman subsidiary or subsidiaries does not require authorization by a resolution of shareholders. For this purpose a subsidiary is a company of which at least ninety percent (90%) of the issued shares entitled to vote are owned by the parent company.
The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest over a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a court in the Cayman Islands.
Except in certain limited circumstances, a dissenting shareholder of a Cayman constituent company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his or her shares upon dissenting to a merger or consolidation. The exercise of such dissenter rights will preclude the exercise by the dissenting shareholder of any other rights to which he or she might otherwise be entitled by virtue of holding shares, except for the right to seek relief on the grounds that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.
In addition, there are statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies, provided that the scheme of arrangement is approved by seventy-five percent (75%) in value of the shareholders or class of shareholders, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings, convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determines that:
| ● | the statutory provisions as to the required majority vote have been met; | |
| ● | the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question and the statutory majority are acting bona fide without coercion of the minority to promote interests adverse to those of the class; | |
| ● | the arrangement is such that may be reasonably approved by an intelligent and honest man of that class acting in respect of his interest; and | |
| ● | the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Act. |
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When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of the shares affected within four months of the offer, the offeror may, within a two-month period commencing on the expiration of such four-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.
If an arrangement and reconstruction is thus approved, or if a takeover offer is made and accepted, the dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of Delaware corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.
Shareholders’ Suits
In principle, we will normally be the proper plaintiff to sue for a wrong done to us as a company and as a general rule, a derivative action may not be brought by a minority shareholder. However, based on English law authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands, the Cayman Islands court can be expected to follow and apply the common law principles (namely the rule in Foss v. Harbottle and the exceptions thereto) so that a non-controlling shareholder may be permitted to bring an action on behalf of the Company (i.e. a derivative action) if it can demonstrate a prima facie case and the act complained of:
| ● | exceeds the powers of the Company or is illegal; | |
| ● | constitutes a “fraud on the minority” (which, in most cases, will involve expropriation of the Company’s assets by the majority shareholders); | |
| ● | is an irregularity in the passing of a resolution that requires a special majority; or | |
| ● | infringes on an individual shareholder’s personal rights, such as the right to vote or preemption rights. |
Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime, or against the indemnified person’s actual fraud or willful default. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide to the extent permitted by Cayman Islands law, we shall indemnify each existing or former secretary, director (including alternate director), and any of our other officers (including an investment adviser or an administrator or liquidator) and their personal representatives against (a) all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by the existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or officer in or about the conduct of our business or affairs or in the execution or discharge of the existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary’s or officer’s duties, powers, authorities or discretions; and (b) without limitation to paragraph (a) above, all costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by the existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative proceedings (whether threatened, pending or completed) concerning us or our affairs in any court or tribunal, whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.
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No such existing or former director (including alternate director), Secretary or officer, however, shall be indemnified in respect of any matter arising out of their actual fraud or willful default.
To the extent permitted by law, we may make a payment, or agree to make a payment, whether by way of advance, loan or otherwise, for any legal costs incurred by an existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or any of our officers in respect of any matter identified in above on condition that the director (including alternate director), secretary or officer must repay the amount paid by us to the extent that it is ultimately found not liable to indemnify the director (including alternate director), the secretary or that officer for those legal costs.
This standard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the DGCL for a Delaware corporation. In addition, we intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and senior executive officers that will provide such persons with additional indemnification beyond that provided in our Memorandum and Articles of Association. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Directors’ Fiduciary Duties
Under Delaware corporate law, a director of a Delaware corporation has a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its shareholders. This duty has two components: the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that a director act in good faith, with the care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under this duty, a director must inform himself of, and disclose to shareholders, all material information reasonably available regarding a significant transaction. The duty of loyalty requires that a director act in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He or she must not use his or her corporate position for personal gain or advantage. This duty prohibits self-dealing by a director and mandates that the best interest of the corporation and its shareholders take precedence over any interest possessed by a director, officer or controlling shareholder and not shared by the shareholders generally. In general, actions of a director are presumed to have been made on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the corporation. However, this presumption may be rebutted by evidence of a breach of one of the fiduciary duties. Should such evidence be presented concerning a transaction by a director, a director must prove the procedural fairness of the transaction, and that the transaction was of fair value to the corporation.
The duties of a director of a Cayman Islands company primarily derive from three main sources: (i) the memorandum and articles of association of the company; (ii) common law; and (iii) statute. Under common law, directors of a Cayman Islands company owe the following fiduciary duties to the company (a) a duty to act honestly and in good faith in what the director considers to be in the best interests of the company, (b) a duty to exercise their powers for the purposes they were conferred and not for a collateral or improper purpose, (c) a duty to avoid fettering his or her discretion in the future and (d) a duty to avoid conflicts of interest and of duty. The other set of duties owed by a director under the common law are those of care, diligence and skill. We have the right to seek damages where certain duties owed by any of our directors are breached.
Shareholder Action by Written Consent
Under the DGCL, a corporation may eliminate the right of shareholders to act by written consent by amendment to its certificate of incorporation. The Companies Act allows a special resolution (as defined in the Companies Act) to be passed in writing if signed by all the voting shareholders (if authorized by the memorandum and articles of association).
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Shareholder Proposals
Under the DGCL, a shareholder has the right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders, provided it complies with the notice provisions in the governing documents. A special meeting may be called by the board of directors or any other person authorized to do so in the governing documents, but shareholders may be precluded from calling special meetings.
The Companies Act does not provide shareholders with rights to requisition a general meeting nor any right to put any proposal before a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in a company’s articles of association. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association allow any one or more of our shareholders who together hold shares which carry in aggregate at least ten (10) per cent of the paid up capital of our Company having the right of voting at general meetings to requisition an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders, in which case our board is obliged to convene an extraordinary general meeting and to put the resolutions so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting. Other than this right to requisition a shareholders’ meeting, our Memorandum and Articles of Association do not provide our shareholders with any other right to put proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings. As an exempted Cayman Islands company, we are not obliged by law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings, although we are required to do so by the rules of the Nasdaq.
Cumulative Voting
Under the DGCL, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation’s certificate of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board of directors since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director, which increases the shareholder’s voting power with respect to electing such director. As permitted under Cayman Islands law, our Memorandum and Articles of Association do not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, our shareholders are not afforded any less protections or rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.
Removal of Directors
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), a director of a corporation with a classified board may be removed only for cause with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under our Memorandum and Articles of Association, directors may be removed by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. In addition, a director’s office shall be vacated automatically if the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; (ii) is found to be or becomes of unsound mind or dies; (iii) resigns his or her office by notice in writing to the company; (iv) without special leave of absence from our Board of Directors, is absent from meetings of our Board of Directors for a continuous period of six months, or (v) is removed from office pursuant to any other provisions of our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Transactions with Interested Shareholders
The DGCL contains a business combination statute applicable to Delaware corporations whereby, unless the corporation has specifically elected not to be governed by such statute by amendment to its certificate of incorporation, it is prohibited from engaging in certain business combinations with an “interested shareholder” for three years following the date that such person becomes an interested shareholder. An interested shareholder generally is a person or a group who or which owns or owned 15% or more of the target’s outstanding voting stock within the past three years. This has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for the target in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which such shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an interested shareholder. This encourages any potential acquirer of a Delaware corporation to negotiate the terms of any acquisition transaction with the target company’s board of directors.
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Cayman Islands law has no comparable statute. As a result, we cannot avail ourselves of the types of protections afforded by the Delaware business combination statute. However, although Cayman Islands law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, it does provide that such transactions must be entered into bona fide in the best interests of the company and for a proper corporate purpose and not with the effect of constituting a fraud on the minority shareholders.
Dissolution; Winding Up
Under the DGCL, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by shareholders holding 100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved by a simple majority of the corporation’s outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board.
Under the Companies Act, a company may be wound up by either an order of the courts of the Cayman Islands or by a special resolution of its members or, if the company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, by an ordinary resolution of its members. The court has authority to order winding up in a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the opinion of the court, just and equitable to do so. Under the Companies Act and our Memorandum and Articles of Association, our Company may be dissolved, liquidated or wound up by a special resolution of our shareholders.
Variation of Rights of Shares
Under the DGCL, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of shares with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under our Memorandum and Articles of Association, if our share capital is divided into more than one class of shares, we may vary the rights attached to any class with the written consent of the holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of that class, or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.
Amendment of Governing Documents
Under the Delaware General Corporation Act, a corporation’s governing documents may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. As permitted by Cayman Islands law, our Memorandum and Articles of Association may only be amended by a special resolution of our shareholders.
Rights of Non-Resident or Foreign Shareholders
There are no limitations imposed by our Memorandum and Articles of Association on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our shares.
Anti-money Laundering — Cayman Islands
In order to comply with legislation or regulations aimed at the prevention of money laundering, we are required to adopt and maintain anti-money laundering procedures and may require subscribers to provide evidence to verify their identity and source of funds. Where permitted, and subject to certain conditions, we may also delegate the maintenance of our anti-money laundering procedures (including the acquisition of due diligence information) to a suitable person.
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We reserve the right to request such information as is necessary to verify the identity of a subscriber. In some cases the directors may be satisfied that no further information is required since an exemption applies under the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (Revised) of the Cayman Islands, as amended and revised from time to time (the “Regulations”). Depending on the circumstances of each application, a detailed verification of identity might not be required where:
| ● | the subscriber makes the payment for their investment from an account held in the subscriber’s name at a recognized financial institution; or | |
| ● | the subscriber is regulated by a recognized regulatory authority and is based or incorporated in, or formed under the law of, a recognized jurisdiction; or | |
| ● | the application is made through an intermediary which is regulated by a recognized regulatory authority and is based in or incorporated in, or formed under the law of a recognized jurisdiction and an assurance is provided in relation to the procedures undertaken on the underlying investors. |
For the purposes of these exceptions, recognition of a financial institution, regulatory authority, or jurisdiction will be determined in accordance with the Regulations by reference to those jurisdictions recognized by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority as having equivalent anti-money laundering regulations.
In the event of delay or failure on the part of the subscriber in producing any information required for verification purposes, we may refuse to accept the application, in which case any funds received will be returned without interest to the account from which they were originally debited.
We also reserve the right to refuse to make any redemption payment to a shareholder if our directors or officers suspect or are advised that the payment of redemption proceeds to such shareholder might result in a breach of applicable anti-money laundering or other laws or regulations by any person in any relevant jurisdiction, or if such refusal is considered necessary or appropriate to ensure our compliance with any such laws or regulations in any applicable jurisdiction.
If any person resident in the Cayman Islands knows or suspects or has reason for knowing or suspecting that another person is engaged in criminal conduct or is involved with terrorism or terrorist property and the information for that knowledge or suspicion came to their attention in the course of their business in the regulated sector, or other trade, profession, business or employment, the person will be required to report such knowledge or suspicion to (i) a nominated officer (appointed in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands) or the Financial Reporting Authority of the Cayman Islands, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act (Revised), if the disclosure relates to criminal conduct or money laundering or (ii) to a police constable or a nominated officer (pursuant to the Terrorism Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands) or the Financial Reporting Authority, pursuant to the Terrorism Act (Revised), if the disclosure relates to involvement with terrorism or terrorist financing and terrorist property. Such a report shall not be treated as a breach of confidence or of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed by any enactment or otherwise.
Data Protection in the Cayman Islands — Privacy Notice
This privacy notice explains the manner in which we collect, process, and maintain personal data about our investors pursuant to the Data Protection Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands, as amended from time to time and any regulations, codes of practice, or orders promulgated pursuant thereto (the “DPA”).
We are committed to processing personal data in accordance with the DPA. In our use of personal data, we will be characterized under the DPA as a “data controller,” whilst certain of our service providers, affiliates, and delegates may act as “data processors” under the DPA. These service providers may process personal information for their own lawful purposes in connection with services provided to us.
By virtue of your investment in our Company, we and certain of our service providers may collect, record, store, transfer, and otherwise process personal data by which individuals may be directly or indirectly identified.
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Your personal data will be processed fairly and for lawful purposes, including (a) where the processing is necessary for us to perform a contract to which you are a party or for taking pre-contractual steps at your request, (b) where the processing is necessary for compliance with any legal, tax, or regulatory obligation to which we are subject, or (c) where the processing is for the purposes of legitimate interests pursued by us or by a service provider to whom the data are disclosed. As a data controller, we will only use your personal data for the purposes for which we collected it. If we need to use your personal data for an unrelated purpose, we will contact you.
We anticipate that we will share your personal data with our service providers for the purposes set out in this privacy notice. We may also share relevant personal data where it is lawful to do so and necessary to comply with our contractual obligations or your instructions or where it is necessary or desirable to do so in connection with any regulatory reporting obligations. In exceptional circumstances, we will share your personal data with regulatory, prosecuting, and other governmental agencies or departments, and parties to litigation (whether pending or threatened), in any country or territory including to any other person where we have a public or legal duty to do so (e.g. to assist with detecting and preventing fraud, tax evasion, and financial crime or compliance with a court order).
Your personal data shall not be held by our Company for longer than necessary with regard to the purposes of the data processing.
We will not sell your personal data. Any transfer of personal data outside of the Cayman Islands shall be in accordance with the requirements of the DPA. Where necessary, we will ensure that separate and appropriate legal agreements are put in place with the recipient of that data.
We will only transfer personal data in accordance with the requirements of the DPA, and will apply appropriate technical and organizational information security measures designed to protect against unauthorized or unlawful processing of the personal data and against the accidental loss, destruction, or damage to the personal data.
If you are a natural person, this will affect you directly. If you are a corporate investor (including, for these purposes, legal arrangements such as trusts or exempted limited partnerships) that provides us with personal data on individuals connected to you for any reason in relation to your investment into our Company, this will be relevant for those individuals and you should inform such individuals of the content.
You have certain rights under the DPA, including (a) the right to be informed as to how we collect and use your personal data (and this privacy notice fulfils our obligation in this respect), (b) the right to obtain a copy of your personal data, (c) the right to require us to stop direct marketing, (d) the right to have inaccurate or incomplete personal data corrected, e) the right to withdraw your consent and require us to stop processing or restrict the processing, or not begin the processing of your personal data, (f) the right to be notified of a data breach (unless the breach is unlikely to be prejudicial), (g) the right to obtain information as to any countries or territories outside the Cayman Islands to which we, whether directly or indirectly, transfer, intend to transfer, or wish to transfer your personal data, general measures we take to ensure the security of personal data, and any information available to us as to the source of your personal data, (h) the right to complain to the Office of the Ombudsman of the Cayman Islands, and (i) the right to require us to delete your personal data in some limited circumstances.
If you believe your personal data has not been handled correctly, or you are not satisfied with our responses to any requests you have made regarding the use of your personal data, you have the right to complain to the Cayman Islands’ Ombudsman. The Ombudsman can be contacted by calling +1 (345) 946-6283 or by email at info@ombudsman.ky.
Cayman Islands Economic Substance
The International Tax Co-operation (Economic Substance) Act (as revised) (the “Substance Act”) was introduced in the Cayman Islands in 2019 as a response to concerns raised by the Council of the European Union as to offshore structures engaged in certain activities which attract profits without real economic activity. The Substance Act requires in-scope Cayman Islands entities which are engaged in certain “relevant activities” to have an adequate physical presence and/or operating expenditures within the Cayman Islands commensurate with the level of relevant income derived from the relevant activity. Based on our current and anticipated business activities and corporate structure, we expect that we will either be out of scope of the legislation or will be subject to a reduced economic substance test applicable to a “pure equity holding company”, which can be satisfied by our compliance with the relevant provisions of the Companies Act, including but not limited to maintaining a registered office in the Cayman Islands.
Listing
We have reserved the ticker symbol “AGRZ” for the Shares listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful in listing our Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market; however, we will not complete this Offering unless we are listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent of our Ordinary Shares is VStock Transfer, LLC, located at 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, New York 11598.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Before this Offering, there was no established public market for our Ordinary Shares, and while we intend to apply for approval to have the Shares listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for the Ordinary Shares will develop or be sustained after this Offering. Future sales of substantial amounts of our Ordinary Shares in the public markets after this Offering, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time. As described below, only a limited number of our Ordinary Shares currently outstanding will be available for sale immediately after this Offering due to contractual and legal restrictions on resale. Nevertheless, after these restrictions lapse, future sales of substantial amounts of our Ordinary Shares, including Ordinary Shares issued upon exercise of outstanding options, in the public market in the United States, or the possibility of such sales, could negatively affect the market price in the United States of our Ordinary Shares and our ability to raise equity capital in the future.
Upon the Closing Date, we will have 21,923,485 outstanding Ordinary Shares, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ Over-Allotment Option or conversion of RCPS subsequent to June 30, 2024. Of that amount, 1,500,000 Ordinary Shares will be publicly held by investors participating in this Offering, and 20,423,485 Ordinary Shares will be held by our existing shareholders, some of whom may be our affiliates as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. As defined in Rule 144, an affiliate of an issuer is a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the issuer.
All of the Ordinary Shares sold in this Offering will be freely transferable by persons other than our affiliates in the United States without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Ordinary Shares purchased by one of our affiliates may not be resold, except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption from registration, including an exemption under Rule 144 under the Securities Act described below.
The Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding prior to this Offering are restricted securities, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. These restricted securities may be sold in the United States only if they are registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act. These rules are described below.
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Rule 144
In general, persons who have beneficially owned restricted Ordinary Shares for at least six months, and any affiliate of the Company who owns either restricted or unrestricted securities, are entitled to sell their securities without registration with the SEC under an exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
Non-Affiliates
Any person who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding, a seller may sell an unlimited number of restricted securities under Rule 144 if:
| ● | the restricted securities have been held for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates; | |
| ● | we have been subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least 90 days before the sale; and | |
| ● | we are current in our Exchange Act reporting at the time of sale. |
Any person who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of ours at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding, a sale and has held the restricted securities for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, will be entitled to sell an unlimited number of restricted securities without regard to the length of time we have been subject to Exchange Act periodic reporting or whether we are current in our Exchange Act reporting.
Affiliates
Persons seeking to sell restricted securities who are our affiliates at the time of, or any time during the three months preceding, a sale, would be subject to the restrictions described above. They are also subject to additional restrictions, by which such person would be required to comply with the manner of sale and notice provisions of Rule 144 and would be entitled to sell within any three-month period only that number of securities that does not exceed the greater of either of the following:
| ● | 1% of the number of Ordinary Shares then outstanding, which will equal approximately Ordinary Shares immediately after the Closing Date based on the number of Ordinary Shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023; or | |
| ● | the average weekly trading volume of our Ordinary Shares in the form of Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale. |
Additionally, persons who are our affiliates at the time of, or any time during the three months preceding, a sale may sell unrestricted securities under the requirements of Rule 144 described above, without regard to the six-month holding period of Rule 144, which does not apply to sales of unrestricted securities.
Rule 701
Rule 701 under the Securities Act, as in effect on the date of this prospectus, permits resales of shares in reliance upon Rule 144 but without compliance with certain restrictions of Rule 144, including the holding period requirement. If any of our employees, executive officers, or directors purchase shares under a written compensatory plan or contract, they may be entitled to rely on the resale provisions of Rule 701, but all holders of Rule 701 shares would be required to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling any such shares. However, the Rule 701 shares would remain subject to lock-up arrangements as described below and would only become eligible for sale when the lock-up period expires.
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Regulation S
Regulation S under the Securities Act provides an exemption from registration requirements in the United States for offers and sales of securities that occur outside the United States. Rule 903 of Regulation S provides the conditions to the exemption for a sale by an issuer, a distributor, their respective affiliates, or anyone acting on their behalf. Rule 904 of Regulation S provides the conditions to the exemption for a resale by persons other than those covered by Rule 903. In each case, any sale must be completed in an offshore transaction, as that term is defined in Regulation S, and no directed selling efforts, as that term is defined in Regulation S, may be made in the United States.
We are a foreign issuer as defined in Regulation S. As a foreign issuer, securities that we sell outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S are not considered to be restricted securities under the Securities Act, and, subject to the offering restrictions imposed by Rule 903, are freely tradable without registration or restrictions under the Securities Act, unless the securities are held by our affiliates. We are not claiming the potential exemption offered by Regulation S in connection with the offering of newly issued shares outside the United States and will register all of the newly issued shares under the Securities Act.
Subject to certain limitations, holders of our restricted shares who are not our affiliates or who are our affiliates by virtue of their status as our officer or director of may resell their restricted shares in an “offshore transaction” under Regulation S if:
| ● | none of the shareholder, its affiliate, nor any person acting on their behalf engages in directed selling efforts in the United States, and | |
| ● | in the case of a sale of our restricted shares by an officer or director who is our affiliate solely by virtue of holding such position, no selling commission, fee, or other remuneration is paid in connection with the offer or sale other than the usual and customary broker’s commission that would be received by a person executing such transaction as agent. |
Additional restrictions are applicable to a holder of our restricted shares who will be our affiliate other than by virtue of his or her status as our officer or director.
Lock-up Agreements
We, including any successor entities, our directors, executive officers, and principal shareholders (defined as owners of five percent (5%) or more of our Ordinary Shares) have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to offer; pledge; announce the intention to sell; sell; contract to sell; sell any option or contract to purchase; purchase any option or contract to sell; grant any option, right, or warrant to purchase; or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our Ordinary Shares or such other securities for a period of 180 days after the effectiveness of this registration statement, without the prior written consent of US Tiger Securities, Inc. See “Underwriting.”
MATERIAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary of the material Cayman Islands, Malaysian and U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in the Shares, such as the tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws. The discussion is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal or tax advice to any particular prospective purchaser. To the extent that the discussion relates to matters of Cayman Islands tax law, it represents the opinion of, our Cayman Islands counsel. To the extent that the discussion relates to matters of Malaysian tax law, it represents the opinion of our Malaysian counsel.
Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains, or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax, gift tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or, after execution, brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. No stamp duty is payable in the Cayman Islands on the issue of shares by, or any transfers of shares of, Cayman Islands companies (except those which hold interests in land in the Cayman Islands). There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
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Payments of dividends and capital in respect of our ordinary shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of our ordinary shares, as the case may be, nor will gains derived from the disposal of our ordinary shares be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax.
The Company has been incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability and, as such, has applied for and received an undertaking from the Financial Secretary of the Cayman Islands in a form substantially similar to the following on February 7, 2025:
“The Tax Concessions Act
(Revised)
Undertaking as to Tax Concessions
In accordance with the Tax Concessions Act (Revised), the following undertaking is hereby given to the Company:
| 1. | That no law which is hereafter enacted in the Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations shall apply to the Company or its operations; and | |
| 2. | In addition, that no tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations or which is in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax shall be payable: | |
| 2.1 | On or in respect of the shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company; or | |
| 2.2 | by way of the withholding in whole or in part of any relevant payment as defined in the Tax Concessions Act (Revised). |
These concessions shall be for a period of 30 years from the 7th day of February 2025.”
The Cayman Islands enacted the International Tax Co-operation (Economic Substance) Act (as revised) together with the Guidance Notes published by the Cayman Islands Tax Information Authority from time to time. The Company is required to comply with the economic substance requirements from July 1, 2019 and make an annual report in the Cayman Islands as to whether or not it is carrying on any relevant activities and if it is, it must satisfy an economic substance test.
Malaysian Profits Taxation
Malaysian Enterprise Taxation
The following brief description of Malaysian enterprise income taxation is designed to highlight the enterprise-level taxation on our earnings, which will affect the amount of dividends, if any, we are ultimately able to pay to our shareholders. See “Dividend Policy.”
Income Tax in Malaysia
The principal legislation that governs a person’s income tax in Malaysia is the Income Tax Act 1967 (the “ITA”). The regulatory body implementing and enforcing the ITA is the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (“IRB”). Pursuant to Section 3 of the ITA, income tax shall be charged for each year of assessment (“YA”) upon the income of any person accruing in or derived from Malaysia or received in Malaysia from outside Malaysia.
Pursuant to Section 8 of the ITA, a company is a tax resident in Malaysia if its management and control are exercised in Malaysia. Management and control are normally considered to be exercised at the place where the directors’ meetings concerning management and control of the company are held. The income tax rate payable by a resident company differs depending on the amount of the company’s paid-up capital and its annual sale in relation to the particular YA. The corporate income tax rates are as illustrated below:
| Types of Company | Chargeable income |
Tax rate YA 2023 |
||||
| Resident company (other than company described below) | 24 | % | ||||
| Resident company: | ||||||
| ● with paid-up capital of 2.5 million Malaysian ringgit (MYR) or less, and gross income from business of not more than MYR 50 million | On the first MYR150,000 | 15 | % | |||
| ● that does not control, directly or indirectly, another company that has paid-up capital of more than MYR 2.5 million | On the next MYR450,000 | 17 | % | |||
| ● is not controlled, directly or indirectly, by another company that has paid-up capital of more than MYR 2.5 million, and | In excess of MYR600,000 | 24 | % | |||
| ● with no more than 20% of its paid-up capital being owned, directly or indirectly, by a foreign company or non-Malaysian citizen (with effect from year of assessment 2024) | ||||||
| Non-resident company | 24 | % | ||||
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Pursuant to the ITA, a non-resident company — namely, a company whose management and control are not exercised in Malaysia and thus does not fall under the purview of Section 8 of the ITA — is subject to the following tax rates:
| Types of Income | Rate (%) | ||
| Business income | 24 | ||
| Royalties derived from Malaysia | 10 | ||
| Rental of moveable properties | 10 | ||
| Advice, assistance, or services rendered in Malaysia | 10 | ||
| Interest | 15* | ||
| Dividends | Exempt | ||
| Other income | 10 |
Note: Where the recipient is resident in a country that has a double tax agreement with Malaysia, the tax rates for the specific sources of income may be reduced.
| * | Interest paid to a non-resident by a bank or a finance company in Malaysia is exempt from tax. |
Foreign-Sourced Income
Malaysia adopts a territorial principle of taxation, under which only income accruing in or derived from or received in Malaysia from outside Malaysia is subject to income tax in Malaysia pursuant to Section 3 of the ITA. Previously, “income received in Malaysia from outside Malaysia” or “foreign-sourced income” (“FSI”) received by Malaysian taxpayers is not taxable due to the availability of tax exemption under Paragraph 28, Schedule 6 of the ITA (“Para 28”). This exemption is applicable to any person other than a resident company carrying on the business of banking, insurance, or sea or air transport, in respect of income derived from sources outside Malaysia and received in Malaysia, pursuant to Para 28. On October 29, 2021, however, the Malaysian government announced via the Budget 2022 that the exemption under Para 28 will no longer be applicable to tax residents, effective from January 1, 2022. Therefore, income tax will be imposed on resident persons in Malaysia on income derived from foreign sources and received in Malaysia with effect from January 1, 2022. Such income will be treated equally vis-à-vis income accruing in or derived from Malaysia and taxable under Section 3 of the ITA.
In summary, the tax treatments for the income of a person in Malaysia are depicted as follows:
| Income Derived From | Income Received In | Prior to January 1, 2022 |
Effective from January 1, 2022 | |||
| Malaysia | Malaysia | Taxable | Taxable | |||
| Malaysia | Malaysia from outside Malaysia | Taxable | Taxable | |||
| Overseas | Malaysia from outside Malaysia | Tax Exempted | Taxable | |||
| Overseas | Overseas | Tax Exempted | Tax Exempted |
On November 16, 2021, the IRB announced the Special Income Remittance Program (“SIRP”) for Malaysian tax residents whose income is derived from foreign sources and received in Malaysia. The implementation of taxation on FSI is staggered into the following two timelines, depending on the timing of remittance of FSI into Malaysia: (i) during the period from January 1 to June 30, 2022 (six months) (the “SIRP Period”), FSI remitted shall be taxed at a fixed rate of 3% on the gross amount of income remitted; and (ii) on or after July 1, 2022, FSI remitted shall be taxed at the prevailing tax rate applicable to tax residents on the statutory income, namely, gross FSI less expenses attributable to the FSI. FSI remitted under the SIRP will be accepted in good faith by the IRB as the IRB will not conduct an audit or investigation on the taxpayer. In addition, the IRB will not impose any penalty on FSI remitted during the SIRP Period.
Notwithstanding the implementation of taxation on FSI, the Malaysian Ministry of Finance announced on December 30, 2021 that exemption from income tax would be available for a period of five years on certain categories of FSI received by Malaysian tax residents, when certain qualifying conditions are met. Specifically, (i) for individuals excluding those carrying on business in Malaysia through a partnership, all categories of FSI are exempted; and (ii) for companies and limited liability partnerships, foreign-sourced dividend income is exempted. To legislate the above, the following Orders were gazetted on 19 July 2022 and are effective from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2026.
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Profit Distribution and Withholding Tax
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and we gain substantial income by way of dividends to be paid to us from Agroz Group Sdn Bhd, our operating subsidiary company in Malaysia.
Malaysia is under the single-tier tax system, under which income tax imposed on a company’s chargeable income is a final tax, and dividends distributed are exempt from tax in the hands of the shareholders pursuant to Section 108 of the ITA. As such, companies are not required to deduct tax from dividends paid to shareholders, and no tax credits will be available to offset against the recipient’s tax liability. Corporate shareholders receiving exempt single-tier dividends can, in turn, distribute such dividends to their own shareholders, who are also exempt on such receipts. In addition, while Malaysia imposes withholding tax on certain payments, such as interest, royalties, contract payments, and special classes of income, Malaysia does not do so on dividends in addition to tax on the profits out of which the dividends are declared. Such position aligns with the double taxation agreements (“DTAs”) concluded by Malaysia with an extensive number of countries, including the United States. Pursuant to the DTAs, no withholding tax will be imposed on dividends paid by Malaysian companies to non-residents.
In view of the above, we believe that dividends which will be paid to us from our operating subsidiary in Malaysia will not be subject to any withholding tax.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders
The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of the Shares by U.S. Holders (as defined below). This discussion applies to U.S. Holders that purchase the Shares pursuant to this Offering and hold the Shares as capital assets. This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to specific U.S. Holders in light of their particular circumstances or to U.S. Holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law (such as certain financial institutions; insurance companies; dealers or traders in securities or other persons that generally mark their securities to market for U.S. federal income tax purposes; tax-exempt entities or governmental organizations; retirement plans; regulated investment companies; real estate investment trusts; grantor trusts; brokers, dealers, or traders in securities, commodities, currencies, or notional principal contracts; certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States; persons who hold our Ordinary Shares as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,” “conversion transaction,” “synthetic security,” or integrated investment; persons that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar; persons that own directly, indirectly, or through attribution 10% or more of the voting power of our Ordinary Shares; corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; partnerships and other pass-through entities; and investors in such pass-through entities). This discussion does not address any U.S. state or local or non-U.S. tax consequences or any U.S. federal estate, gift, or alternative minimum tax consequences.
As used in this discussion, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of our Ordinary Shares who is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation (or entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust (x) with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons has the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or (y) that has elected under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our Ordinary Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to an investment in such Ordinary Shares will depend in part upon the status and activities of such entity and the particular partner. Any such entity should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to it and its partners of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of our Ordinary Shares.
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Persons considering an investment in the Shares should consult their own tax advisors as to the particular tax consequences applicable to them relating to the purchase, ownership, and disposition of our Ordinary Shares, including the applicability of U.S. federal, state, and local tax laws and non-U.S. tax laws.
Distributions
A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution with respect to our Ordinary Shares generally will be required to include the gross amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend when actually or constructively received to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of our current and/or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). To the extent a distribution received by a U.S. Holder is not a dividend because it exceeds the U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital and reduce (but not below zero) the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. Holder’s Ordinary Shares. To the extent the distribution exceeds the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. Holder’s Ordinary Shares, the remainder will be taxed as capital gain. Because we may not account for our earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, U.S. Holders should expect all distributions to be reported to them as dividends.
Distributions on our Ordinary Shares that are treated as dividends generally will constitute income from sources outside the United States for foreign tax credit purposes and generally will constitute passive category income. Such dividends will not be eligible for the “dividends received” deduction generally allowed to corporate shareholders with respect to dividends received from U.S. corporations. Dividends paid by a “qualified foreign corporation” to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders may be eligible for taxation at a reduced capital gains rate rather than the marginal tax rates generally applicable to ordinary income, provided that a holding period requirement (more than 60 days of ownership, without protection from the risk of loss, during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date) and certain other requirements are met. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on dividends to its particular circumstances. However, if we are a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year (see discussion above under “PFIC Consequences”), we will not be treated as a qualified foreign corporation, and therefore, the reduced capital gains tax rate described above will not apply.
Dividends will be included in a U.S. Holder’s income on the date of the depositary’s receipt of the dividend. The amount of any dividend income paid in Cayman Islands dollars will be the U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of receipt, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect to the dividend income. A U.S. Holder may have foreign currency gain or loss if the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars after the date of receipt.
A non-U.S. corporation (other than a corporation that is classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year) generally will be considered to be a qualified foreign corporation with respect to any dividend it pays on Ordinary Shares that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Our Ordinary Shares
A U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the sale, exchange, or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount realized (i.e., the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received) on the sale, exchange, or other disposition and such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Ordinary Shares. Such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain taxable at a reduced rate for non-corporate U.S. Holders or long-term capital loss if, on the date of sale, exchange, or other disposition, the Ordinary Shares were held by the U.S. Holder for more than one year. Any capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. Holder that is not long-term capital gain is taxed at ordinary income rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any gain or loss recognized from the sale or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares will generally be gain or loss from sources within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.
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Medicare Tax
Certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates, or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds generally are subject to a 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their net investment income, which may include their gross dividend income and net gains from the disposition of our Ordinary Shares. If you are a U.S. person that is an individual, estate, or trust, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor regarding the applicability of this Medicare tax to your income and gains in respect to your investment in our Ordinary Shares.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
U.S. Holders may be required to file certain U.S. information reporting returns with the IRS with respect to an investment in our Ordinary Shares, including, among others, IRS Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets). Each U.S. Holder who is a shareholder of a PFIC must file an annual report containing certain information. U.S. Holders paying more than $100,000 for our Ordinary Shares may be required to file IRS Form 926 (Return by a U.S. Transferor of Property to a Foreign Corporation) reporting this payment. Substantial penalties may be imposed upon a U.S. Holder that fails to comply with the required information reporting.
Dividends on and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares may be reported to the IRS unless the U.S. Holder establishes a basis for exemption. Backup withholding may apply to amounts subject to reporting if the holder (i) fails to provide an accurate U.S. taxpayer identification number or otherwise establish a basis for exemption, or (ii) is described in certain other categories of persons. However, U.S. Holders that are corporations generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax rules.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability if the required information is furnished by the U.S. Holder on a timely basis to the IRS.
U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the backup withholding tax and information reporting rules.
EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS, HER, OR ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO IT OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES IN LIGHT OF THE INVESTOR’S OWN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Prospective investors should consult their professional advisers on the possible tax consequences of buying, holding, or selling any Ordinary Shares under the laws of their country of citizenship, residence, or domicile.
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In connection with this Offering, we will enter into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with US Tiger Securities, Inc., the representative of the several Underwriters (the “Representative”) in this Offering. The Representative may retain other brokers or dealers to act as sub-agents or selected dealers on their behalf in connection with this Offering. The Underwriters have agreed to purchase from us, on a firm commitment basis, the number of Ordinary Shares set forth opposite its name below, at the offering price less the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover page of this prospectus:
| Name of Underwriters | Number of Ordinary Shares | |||
| US Tiger Securities, Inc. | 1,500,000 | |||
| Total | 1,500,000 | |||
The Underwriters are committed to purchase all the Ordinary Shares offered by this prospectus if they purchase any Ordinary Shares. The Underwriters are not obligated to purchase the Ordinary Shares covered by the Over-Allotment Option as described below. The Underwriters are offering the Ordinary Shares, subject to prior sale, when, as, and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel and other conditions contained in the Underwriting Agreement, such as the receipt by the Underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel, or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Prior to this Offering, there was no public market for our Ordinary Shares. The IPO price for the Ordinary Shares will be determined through negotiations between us and the Representative. Among the factors to be considered in these negotiations will be prevailing market conditions, our financial information, market valuations of other companies that we and the Representative believe to be comparable to us, estimate of our business potential and earning prospects, the present state of our development, and other factors deemed relevant. The IPO price of the Ordinary Shares in this Offering does not necessarily bear any direct relationship to the assets, operations, book value, or other established criteria of value of our Company.
Over-Allotment Option
We have granted to the Underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an aggregate of 225,000 additional Ordinary Shares (equal to 15% of the number of Ordinary Shares sold in the offering) at the offering price per Ordinary Share, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The Underwriters may exercise the Over-Allotment Option for 45 days after the date of Closing Date solely to cover sales of Ordinary Shares by the Underwriters in excess of the total number of Ordinary Shares set forth in the table above. If any of the additional Ordinary Shares are purchased, the Underwriters will offer the additional Ordinary Shares at $4.00 per Ordinary Share, the offering price of each Ordinary Share.
Discounts, Warrants, and Expenses
The underwriting discounts for the Ordinary Shares and the Ordinary Shares underlying the Over-Allotment Option are equal to seven percent (7%) of the IPO price.
The following table shows the price per share and total IPO price, underwriting discounts, and proceeds before expenses to us. The total amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the Over-Allotment Option.
| Total | ||||||||||||
| Per Share | No Exercise of Over- allotment Option | Full Exercise of Over- allotment Option | ||||||||||
| IPO price | $ | 4.00 | $ | 6,000,000 | $ | 6,900,000 | ||||||
| Underwriting discounts to be paid by us | $ | 0.28 | $ | 420,000 | $ | 483,000 | ||||||
| Proceeds to us, before expenses | $ | 3.72 | $ | 5,580,000 | $ | 6,417,000 | ||||||
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We have agreed to pay the Representative non-accountable expense equal to one percent (1%) of the gross proceeds received by us from the sale of the Ordinary Shares in this offering. We have also agreed to reimburse the Representative up to a maximum of $200,000 for out-of-pocket accountable expenses, including but not limited to reasonable fees and expenses of its legal counsel, due diligence and background check expenses, and reasonable cost for roadshows. Of that amount, we paid $25,000 to the Representative upon the execution of the engagement agreement between us and the Representative for the Representative’s anticipated out-of-pocket expenses. Any advanced expense will be returned to us to the extent the Representative’s out-of-pocket accountable expenses are not actually incurred in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(4)(A).
We have agreed to pay expenses relating to the Offering, including: (a) the costs of preparing, printing and filing the registration statement with the SEC, amendments and supplements thereto, and post effective amendments, as well as the filing with FINRA, and payment of all necessary fees in connection therewith and the printing of a sufficient quantity of preliminary and final prospectuses as the Representative may reasonably request; (b) the costs of preparing, printing and delivering exhibits thereto, in such quantities as the underwriters may reasonably request; (c) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of securities offered under the securities laws of foreign jurisdictions designated by the underwriters; (d) the fees of counsel(s) and accountants for us, including fees associated with any blue sky filings where applicable; (e) fees associated with our transfer agent; and (f) fees, if necessary, associated with translation services.
We estimate that the total expenses of the offering payable by us, excluding the underwriting discounts and non-accountable expense allowance, will be approximately $1,457,848.
The Underwriters intend to offer our Ordinary Shares to their retail customers only in states in which we are permitted to offer our Ordinary Shares. We have relied on an exemption to the blue sky registration requirements afforded to “covered securities.” Securities listed on a national securities exchange are “covered securities.” If we were unable to meet the national securities exchange listing standards, then we would be unable to rely on the covered securities exemption to blue sky registration requirements and we would need to register the offering in each state in which we planned to sell shares. Consequently, we will not complete this Offering unless we meet the national securities exchange’s listing requirements and our application to list on the exchange is approved.
The foregoing does not purport to be a complete statement of the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement. A form of the Underwriting Agreement is included as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Representative’s Warrants
In addition, we have agreed to issue warrants to the Representative to purchase a number of Ordinary Shares equal to 5% of the Ordinary Shares sold in this offering for nominal consideration. The exercise price of the Representative’s Warrants is equal to 120% of the offering price of the Ordinary Shares offered in this offering. The Representative’s Warrants will be exercisable from the date of issuance at the closing of this offering, and until such warrants expire three years after the date of closing of this offering. The Representative’s Warrants and the underlying Ordinary Shares have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1). In accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1), and except as otherwise permitted by FINRA rules, neither the Representative’s Warrants nor any of our Ordinary Shares issued upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrants may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of such securities by any person, for a period of 180 days beginning on the date of commencement of sales of this offering. In addition, the Representative’s Warrants and the underlying Ordinary Shares will be registered in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We have agreed that the Representative’s Warrants provide for registration rights in certain cases. These registration rights apply to the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrants. The Representative and its affiliates or employees are entitled to one demand registration of the sale of Ordinary Shares underlying the Representative’s Warrants at our expense and unlimited “piggyback” registration rights for a period of three years after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
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Lock-up Agreements
We, including any successor entities, our directors, executive officers, and principal shareholders (defined as owners of five percent (5%) or more of the Ordinary Shares) have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to offer; pledge; announce the intention to sell; sell; contract to sell; sell; any option or contract to purchase; purchase any option or contract to sell; grant any option, right, or warrant to purchase; or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Shares or such other securities for a period of 180 days after the effectiveness of this registration statement, without the prior written consent of the Representative.
Foreign Regulatory Restrictions on Purchase of the Shares
We have not taken any action to permit a public offering of the Shares outside the United States or to permit the possession or distribution of this prospectus outside the United States. People outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any restrictions relating to this Offering of the Shares and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.
Indemnification
We have agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against liabilities relating to the offering arising under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be required to make for these liabilities.
Application for Nasdaq Listing
We have reserved the ticker symbol “AGRZ” for the Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market. We will not consummate and close this Offering without a listing approval letter from Nasdaq Capital Market. Our receipt of a listing approval letter is not the same as an actual listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The listing approval letter will serve only to confirm that, if we sell a number of Ordinary Shares in this Offering sufficient to satisfy applicable listing criteria, the Ordinary Shares will in fact be listed.
Electronic Offer, Sale, and Distribution
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on websites or through other online services maintained by the Underwriters or selling group members, if any, or by their affiliates, and the Underwriters may distribute prospectus electronically. The Underwriters may agree to allocate a number of Ordinary Shares to the selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. The Ordinary Shares to be sold pursuant to Internet distributions will be allocated on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on, or that can be accessed through, these websites and any information contained in any other website maintained by these entities is not part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or the Underwriters, and it should not be relied upon by investors.
In connection with this Offering, certain of the Underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as email.
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Passive Market Making
Any underwriter who is a qualified market maker on Nasdaq may engage in passive market making transactions on Nasdaq, in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of the shares and extending through the completion of the distribution. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as a passive market maker. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security. If all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
The Underwriters and their affiliates may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the Underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own accounts and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of our Company. The Underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect to such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
Selling Restrictions
Other than in the United States, no action may be taken, and no action has been taken, by us or the Underwriters that would permit a public offering of the Ordinary Shares offered by, or the possession, circulation, or distribution of, this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The Ordinary Shares offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such shares be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any Ordinary Shares offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.
In addition to the offering of the Ordinary Shares in the United States, the Underwriters may, subject to applicable foreign laws, also offer the Ordinary Shares in certain countries.
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Price Stabilization, Short Positions, and Penalty Bids
Until the distribution of the Ordinary Shares offered by this prospectus is completed, rules of the SEC may limit the ability of the Underwriters to bid for and to purchase the Shares. As an exception to these rules, the Underwriters may engage in transactions effected in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act that are intended to stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the Shares. The Underwriters may engage in over-allotment sales, syndicate-covering transactions, stabilizing transactions, and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M.
| ● | Stabilizing transactions consist of bids or purchases made by the managing underwriter for the purpose of preventing or slowing a decline in the market price of our securities while this Offering is in progress. | |
| ● | Short sales and over-allotments occur when the managing underwriter, on behalf of the underwriting syndicate, sells more of our shares than they purchase from us in this Offering. In order to cover the resulting short position, the managing underwriter may exercise the Over-Allotment Option described above and/or may engage in syndicate-covering transactions. There is no contractual limit on the size of any syndicate-covering transaction. The Underwriters will deliver a prospectus in connection with any such short sales. Purchasers of shares sold short by the Underwriters are entitled to the same remedies under the federal securities laws as any other purchaser of units covered by the registration statement. | |
| ● | Syndicate-covering transactions are bids for or purchases of our securities on the open market by the managing underwriter on behalf of the Underwriters in order to reduce a short position incurred by the managing underwriter on behalf of the Underwriters. | |
| ● | A penalty bid is an arrangement permitting the managing underwriter to reclaim the selling concession that would otherwise accrue to an underwriter if the Ordinary Shares originally sold by the underwriter were later repurchased by the managing underwriter and therefore were not effectively sold to the public by such underwriter. |
Stabilization, syndicate-covering transactions, and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the Shares or preventing or delaying a decline in the market price of the Shares. As a result, the price of the Shares may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market.
Neither we nor the Underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the prices of the Shares. These transactions may occur on Nasdaq or on any trading market. If any of these transactions are commenced, they may be discontinued without notice at any time.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Malaysia
The contents of this prospectus have not been reviewed or approved by any regulatory authority in Malaysia, particularly, the Securities Commission Malaysia (“SC”) and this prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the SC under the Malaysian Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (“CMSA”). Accordingly, no securities or offer for subscription or purchase of securities or invitation to subscribe for or purchase securities are being made to any person in or from within Malaysia under this prospectus except to persons falling within any of paragraphs 9 and 14(a) of Schedule 5 of the CMSA. The distribution of this prospectus is subject to Malaysian laws. This prospectus does not constitute and may not be used for the purpose of a public offering or an issue, offer for subscription or purchase, invitation to subscribe for or purchase, any securities requiring approval of the SC or the registration of a prospectus with the SC under the CMSA.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, or the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person that is: (a) a corporation (that is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional investor (for corporations, under 274 of the SFA) or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person pursuant to an offer that is made on terms that such shares, (2) debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or such rights and interest in that trust are acquired at a consideration of not less than S$200,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) for each transaction, whether such amount is to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other assets, and further for corporations, in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (3) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; or (4) where the transfer is by operation of law.
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Notice to Prospective Investors in the PRC
This prospectus may not be circulated or distributed in the PRC and the shares may not be offered or sold, and will not be offered or sold, to any person or re-offered or resold directly or indirectly to any resident of the PRC, except pursuant to applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the PRC. For the purpose of this paragraph only, the PRC does not include Taiwan and the Special Administrative Regions of Malaysia and Macau.
Notice to Perspective Investors in Hong Kong
The Ordinary Shares may not be offered or sold by means of this document or any other document other than (i) in circumstances that do not constitute an offer or invitation to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong) or the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances that do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), that is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to the shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Taiwan
The Ordinary Shares have not been and will not be registered with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan, pursuant to relevant securities laws and regulations, and may not be offered or sold in Taiwan through a public offering or in any manner that would constitute an offer within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Act of Taiwan or would otherwise require registration with or the approval of the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Cayman Islands
The shares are not being, and may not be offered to, the public or to any person in the Cayman Islands for purchase or subscription by us or on our behalf. The shares may be offered to exempted companies incorporated under the Companies Act (as revised) (as amended), but only where the offer will be made to, and received by, the relevant Cayman Islands company entirely outside of the Cayman Islands.
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EXPENSES RELATED TO THIS OFFERING
Set forth below is an itemization of the total expenses, excluding the underwriting discounts and commissions and non-accountable expense allowance, that are expected to be incurred in connection with the sale of Ordinary Shares in this Offering. With the exception of the registration fee payable to the SEC, the Nasdaq Capital Market listing fee, and the filing fee payable to FINRA, all amounts are estimates.
| SEC registration fee | $ | 1,112 | ||
| The Nasdaq Capital Market listing fee | $ | 75,000 | ||
| FINRA filing fee | $ | 1,949 | ||
| Printing and engraving expenses | $ | 25,763 | ||
| Legal fees | $ | 332,410 | ||
| Accounting fees and expenses | $ | 60,000 | ||
| Underwriter accountable expenses | $ | 200,000 | ||
| Consultation fees and expenses | $ | 757,572 | ||
| Miscellaneous expenses | $ | 4,042 | ||
| Total | $ | 1,457,848 |
We are being represented by Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP with respect to certain legal matters of U.S. federal securities. We are being represented by Cheang & Ariff with respect to certain legal matters governed by Malaysian law. The validity of the Shares offered by this prospectus under Cayman Islands law and certain other matters of Cayman Islands law will be passed upon for us by Carey Olsen Cayman Limited. The Representative is being represented by Greenberg Traurig, LLP with respect to certain legal matters of U.S. federal securities in connection with this Offering.
The consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of Marcum Asia CPAs LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The registered business address of Marcum Asia CPAs LLP is 7 Pennsylvania Plaza Suite 830, New York, NY 10001.
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability. We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands in order to enjoy the following benefits: (a) political and economic stability; (b) an effective judicial system; (c) a favorable tax system; (d) the absence of exchange control or currency restrictions; (e) and the availability of professional and support services. However, certain disadvantages accompany incorporation in the Cayman Islands. These disadvantages include: (a) the Cayman Islands has a less exhaustive body of securities laws than the United States and these securities laws provides less protection to investors; and (b) the Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the United States.
Our constitutional documents do not contain provisions requiring that disputes, including those arising under the securities laws of the United States, among us, our officers, directors and shareholders, be arbitrated.
We have appointed Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP as our agent to receive service of process with respect to any action brought against us in the United States in connection with this Offering under the federal securities laws of the United States or of any state in the United States.
Enforceability
Carey Olsen Cayman Limited, our counsel as to the laws of the Cayman Islands, has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would (i) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us based on certain civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States, and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, impose liabilities against us based on the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States, insofar as the liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature.
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There is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the Cayman Islands will in certain circumstances recognize and enforce a foreign judgment, without any re-examination or re-litigation of matters adjudicated upon, provided such judgment: (a) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction; (b) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given; (c) is final; (d) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty; (e) was not obtained by fraud; and (f) is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands.
Subject to the above limitations, in appropriate circumstances, a Cayman Islands court may give effect in the Cayman Islands to other kinds of final foreign judgments such as declaratory orders, orders for performance of contracts and injunctions.
Substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. In addition, most of our directors and executive officers are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States and substantially all of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for a shareholder to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons, or to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts against us or them, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States, or any state in the United States. It may also be difficult for you to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our executive officers and directors.
Our counsel as to the laws of Malaysia, Cheang & Ariff, has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of Malaysia would (i) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States, or (ii) entertain original actions brought in Malaysia against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.
A judgment of a court in the United States predicated upon U.S. federal or state securities laws may be enforced in Malaysia at common law by bringing an action in a Malaysia court on that judgment for the amount due thereunder and then seeking summary judgment on the strength of the foreign judgment, provided that the foreign judgment, among other things, is (1) for a debt or a definite sum of money (not being taxes or similar charges to a foreign government taxing authority or a fine or other penalty), and (2) final and conclusive on the merits of the claim, but not otherwise. Such a judgment may not, in any event, be so enforced in Malaysia if (a) it was obtained by fraud, (b) the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were opposed to natural justice, (c) its enforcement or recognition would be contrary to the public policy of Malaysia, (d) the court of the United States was not jurisdictionally competent, or (e) the judgment was in conflict with a prior Malaysian judgment.
Malaysia has no arrangement for the reciprocal enforcement of judgments with the United States. As a result, there is uncertainty as to the enforceability in Malaysia, in original actions or in actions for enforcement, of judgments of U.S. courts of civil liabilities predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state or territory within the United States.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement (including amendments and exhibits to the registration statement) on Form F-1 under the Securities Act. This prospectus, which forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. Certain information is omitted, and you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules for that information. If a document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, we refer you to the copy of the document that has been filed. Each statement in this prospectus relating to a document filed as an exhibit is qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit.
Upon completion of this Offering, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we will be required to file reports and other information with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 20-F and reports on Form 6-K. Those reports may be inspected without charge at the locations described above. As a foreign private issuer, we will be exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act related to the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors, and principal shareholders will be exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.
The registration statements, reports and other information so filed can be obtained electronically by means of the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The information on that website is not a part of this prospectus.
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Agroz Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Agroz Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income, changes in shareholders’ (deficit)/equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the period ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board.
Explanatory Paragraph – Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 2, the Company has insufficient cash flows generated from operations and provided for development and has incurred significant losses historically and needs to raise additional funds to meet its obligations and sustain its operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Marcum Asia CPAs LLP
Marcum Asia CPAs LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.
New York. New York
August 20, 2024
NEW YORK OFFICE ●
7 Penn Plaza ● Suite 830 ● New York, New York ● 10001
Phone 646.442.4845 ● Fax 646.349.5200 ● www.marcumasia.com
F-2
Agroz Inc.
Consolidated statements of financial position
(Stated in Malaysian Ringgit)
| As of | As of | As of | |||||||||||||||||
| January 1, | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| Note | 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 5 | 28,973 | 46,654 | 216,883 | 47,248 | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | 6 | 8,500 | 61,500 | 46,348 | 10,097 | ||||||||||||||
| Prepayment - to a related party | 22 | - | - | 1,423,354 | 310,079 | ||||||||||||||
| Prepayment and deposits - to third parties | 2,400 | 68,012 | 1,273,044 | 277,333 | |||||||||||||||
| Total prepayments and deposits | 9 | 2,400 | 68,012 | 2,696,398 | 587,412 | ||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | 7(a) | 99,549 | 24,888 | 2,141,293 | 466,482 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets | 139,422 | 201,054 | 5,100,922 | 1,111,239 | |||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables - from third parties | 32,398 | 806,170 | 9,154,785 | 1,994,376 | |||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables - from related parties | 22 | - | 563,905 | 6,004,330 | 1,308,048 | ||||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables | 8 | 32,398 | 1,370,075 | 15,159,115 | 3,302,424 | ||||||||||||||
| Prepayments and other receivables | 9 | 33,239 | - | 1,523,110 | 331,810 | ||||||||||||||
| Development costs | 10 | - | 2,151,248 | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties | 22 | - | 6,080 | 711,076 | 154,908 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash | 11 | 3,392 | 73,910 | 109,161 | 23,781 | ||||||||||||||
| Current assets | 69,029 | 3,601,313 | 17,502,462 | 3,812,923 | |||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 208,451 | 3,802,367 | 22,603,384 | 4,924,162 | |||||||||||||||
| Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
| Share capital | 12(a) | 8,351 | 8,351 | 8,351 | 1,819 | ||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 12(a) | 201,649 | 1,231,649 | 2,171,649 | 473,095 | ||||||||||||||
| Other reserves | 12(b) | - | - | 508,447 | 110,766 | ||||||||||||||
| (Accumulated losses)/retained earnings | (786,936 | ) | (1,076,801 | ) | 2,677,584 | 583,314 | |||||||||||||
| Total (deficit)/equity | (576,936 | ) | 163,199 | 5,366,031 | 1,168,994 | ||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities, non-current | 7(b) | 24,441 | - | 1,757,179 | 382,802 | ||||||||||||||
| Bank borrowing | 14 | - | - | 52,942 | 11,533 | ||||||||||||||
| Other payables, non-current | 16 | - | - | 918,274 | 200,047 | ||||||||||||||
| Amount due to related party, non-current | 22 | - | - | 1,363,000 | 296,930 | ||||||||||||||
| Redeemable convertible preference shares | 13 | 500,000 | 2,500,000 | 6,483,536 | 1,412,443 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | 524,441 | 2,500,000 | 10,574,931 | 2,303,755 | |||||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 16 | 80,974 | 573,857 | 2,403,407 | 523,584 | ||||||||||||||
| Other payables, current | 16 | 46,979 | 181,655 | 295,253 | 64,320 | ||||||||||||||
| Tax payables | 3,317 | 92,841 | 1,448,723 | 315,606 | |||||||||||||||
| Bank borrowing | 14 | - | - | 14,144 | 3,081 | ||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities, current | 7(b) | 76,828 | 26,208 | 459,849 | 100,179 | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties, current | 22 | 52,848 | 264,607 | 2,041,046 | 444,643 | ||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | 260,946 | 1,139,168 | 6,662,422 | 1,451,413 | |||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 785,387 | 3,639,168 | 17,237,353 | 3,755,168 | |||||||||||||||
| Total equity and liabilities | 208,451 | 3,802,367 | 22,603,384 | 4,924,162 | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income
(Stated in Malaysian Ringgit)
| For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| Note | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Revenue - third parties | 2,296,168 | 12,998,053 | 2,831,635 | ||||||||||||
| Revenue - related parties | 22 | 568,472 | 5,473,219 | 1,192,344 | |||||||||||
| Total revenue | 18 | 2,864,640 | 18,471,272 | 4,023,979 | |||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | 20 | (2,589,929 | ) | (10,207,774 | ) | (2,223,771 | ) | ||||||||
| Gross profit | 274,711 | 8,263,498 | 1,800,208 | ||||||||||||
| Selling and promotion expenses | 20 | (99,095 | ) | (434,345 | ) | (94,622 | ) | ||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 20 | (302,146 | ) | (1,475,338 | ) | (321,404 | ) | ||||||||
| Other (expenses)/income | 19 | (56,743 | ) | 34,093 | 7,427 | ||||||||||
| Credit loss on trade receivables | 15(a) | (15,682 | ) | (66,915 | ) | (14,577 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating (loss)/profit | (198,955 | ) | 6,320,993 | 1,377,032 | |||||||||||
| Loss on redeemable convertible preference shares redemption | 13 | — | (704,900 | ) | (153,563 | ) | |||||||||
| Finance costs | 21 | (90,910 | ) | (505,826 | ) | (110,195 | ) | ||||||||
| (Loss)/profit before taxation | (289,865 | ) | 5,110,267 | 1,113,274 | |||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | 17 | — | (1,355,882 | ) | (295,380 | ) | |||||||||
| (Loss)/profit for the year | (289,865 | ) | 3,754,385 | 817,894 | |||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||
| Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: | |||||||||||||||
| Exchange differences on translation of financial statements of foreign operations | — | 49,030 | 10,682 | ||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income for the year | — | 49,030 | 10,682 | ||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year | (289,865 | ) | 3,803,415 | 828,576 | |||||||||||
| (Loss)/earnings per share | |||||||||||||||
| - Basic | 23 | (0.01 | ) | 0.19 | 0.04 | ||||||||||
| - Diluted | 23 | (0.01 | ) | 0.19 | 0.04 | ||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ (Deficit)/Equity
(Stated in Malaysian Ringgit)
| Share capital | Other reserves | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Additional paid-in capital | Foreign currency translation reserve | Equity component of redeemable convertible preference shares | (Accumulated losses)/retained earnings | Total shareholders’ (deficit)/equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2022 | 20,000,000 | 8,351 | 201,649 | - | - | (786,936 | ) | (576,936 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | (289,865 | ) | (289,865 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | (289,865 | ) | (289,865 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Capital injection from shareholders (note 12(a)) | - | - | 910,000 | - | - | - | 910,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Contribution by a shareholder (note 20(iv)) | - | - | 120,000 | - | - | - | 120,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | 20,000,000 | 8,351 | 1,231,649 | - | - | (1,076,801 | ) | 163,199 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | - | - | - | - | - | 3,754,385 | 3,754,385 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | 49,030 | - | - | 49,030 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income for the year | - | - | - | 49,030 | - | 3,754,385 | 3,803,415 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital injection from shareholders (note 12(a)) | - | - | 820,000 | - | - | - | 820,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Contribution by a shareholder (note 20 (iv)) | - | - | 120,000 | - | - | - | 120,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of redeemable convertible preference shares (note 13) | - | - | - | - | 459,417 | - | 459,417 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 20,000,000 | 8,351 | 2,171,649 | 49,030 | 459,417 | 2,677,584 | 5,366,031 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 (USD) | 20,000,000 | 1,819 | 473,095 | 10,682 | 100,084 | 583,314 | 1,168,994 | |||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Consolidated statements of cash flows
For the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Stated in Malaysian Ringgit)
| Note | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||||||||
| (Loss)/profit before tax | (289,865 | ) | 5,110,267 | 1,113,274 | ||||||||||
| Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||
| Finance costs | 21 | 90,649 | 503,211 | 109,625 | ||||||||||
| Commission fee for RCPS | 22(b)(vi) | — | 137,912 | 30,044 | ||||||||||
| Loss on redeemable convertible preference shares redemption | 13 | — | 704,900 | 153,563 | ||||||||||
| Contribution by a shareholder | 20(i) | 120,000 | 120,000 | 26,142 | ||||||||||
| Depreciation charge of property, plant and equipment | 20(ii) | 11,629 | 47,055 | 10,251 | ||||||||||
| Other expenses | 19 | 89,524 | — | — | ||||||||||
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 20(ii) | 74,661 | 236,272 | 51,472 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 20(ii) | 7,000 | 16,106 | 3,509 | ||||||||||
| Credit loss on trade receivables | 15(a) | 15,682 | 66,915 | 14,577 | ||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Increase in trade receivables | (1,353,359 | ) | (13,855,955 | ) | (3,018,529 | ) | ||||||||
| Increase in prepayments, deposits and other receivables | (32,373 | ) | (509,268 | ) | (110,944 | ) | ||||||||
| Increase in amounts due from related companies | (3,500 | ) | (800 | ) | (174 | ) | ||||||||
| (Increase)/decrease in development costs | (2,151,248 | ) | 2,151,248 | 468,651 | ||||||||||
| Increase in other payables | 73,738 | 105,021 | 22,879 | |||||||||||
| Increase in amounts due to related companies | 81,721 | (21,721 | ) | (4,732 | ) | |||||||||
| Increase in trade payables | 492,883 | 1,779,550 | 387,676 | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (2,772,858 | ) | (3,409,287 | ) | (742,716 | ) | ||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||||||
| Payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment | (29,310 | ) | (217,284 | ) | (47,335 | ) | ||||||||
| Payments for purchases of intangible assets-related parties | — | (684,684 | ) | (149,159 | ) | |||||||||
| Payments for purchases of intangible assets-third parties | (60,000 | ) | (1,021,986 | ) | (222,641 | ) | ||||||||
| Advance to related parties | (2,580 | ) | (704,196 | ) | (153,410 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (91,890 | ) | (2,628,150 | ) | (572,545 | ) | ||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||||||
| Prepayment of IPO related costs | — | (1,147,842 | ) | (250,058 | ) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from capital injection from shareholders | 910,000 | 820,000 | 178,638 | |||||||||||
| Cash advance received from a related party | 11(a) | 130,038 | 1,042,409 | 227,090 | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from related party’s loans | 11(a) | — | 1,363,000 | 296,930 | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from bank borrowing | 11(a) | — | 69,000 | 15,032 | ||||||||||
| Repayment of bank borrowing | 11(a) | — | (1,914 | ) | (417 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest paid for bank borrowing | 11(a) | — | (796 | ) | (173 | ) | ||||||||
| Proceeds from the issue of redeemable convertible preference shares | 11(a) | 2,000,000 | 3,609,483 | 786,328 | ||||||||||
| Payment of redeemable convertible preference shares commission fee | — | (137,912 | ) | (30,044 | ) | |||||||||
| Interest paid for redeemable convertible preference shares | 11(a) | (25,000 | ) | (175,000 | ) | (38,124 | ) | |||||||
| Advances received for redeemable convertible preference shares | 11(a) | — | 918,274 | 200,047 | ||||||||||
| Payment of capital element of lease liabilities | 11(a) | (75,061 | ) | (161,857 | ) | (35,261 | ) | |||||||
| Payment of interest element of lease liabilities | 11(a) | (4,711 | ) | (124,157 | ) | (27,048 | ) | |||||||
| Net cash generated from financing activities | 2,935,266 | 6,072,688 | 1,322,940 | |||||||||||
| Net decrease in cash | 70,518 | 35,251 | 7,679 | |||||||||||
| Cash – beginning of the year | 3,392 | 73,910 | 16,102 | |||||||||||
| Cash – end of the year | 73,910 | 109,161 | 23,781 | |||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2023
1. General information
Agroz Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on August 8, 2023, as an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law, Cap.22 (Law 3 of 1961, as consolidated and revised) of the Cayman Islands.
The Company is an investment holding company and has not carried on any business since the date of its incorporation except for the group reorganization mentioned in note 2.1 below. The Company and its subsidiary (collectively, the “Group”) are principally engaged in offering farm solutions and selling fresh produce from the controlled environment agriculture vertical farms operated (the “CEA vertical farms”). The principal activities aforementioned are defined as the Relevant Business of the Group.
2. Reorganization, basis of presentation and going concern
2.1 Reorganization
Prior to the incorporation of the Company, the above mentioned Relevant Business was carried out through Agroz Group Sdn. Bhd. (“Agroz Group”), a company established in Malaysia on November 20, 2020. In anticipation of an initial public offering (“IPO”), the Company was incorporated on August 8, 2023; and acquired 100.0% of equity interests of Agroz Group and became the holding company of the Group on December 14, 2023 (the “Reorganization”).
Immediately before and after the Reorganization, the Company and Agroz Group are with identical shareholdings structures, which were effectively under common control; therefore, the Reorganization was accounted for as a recapitalization of the operating entity. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in a manner as if the Relevant Businesses had been always operated by the companies now comprising the Group and the Reorganization had been completed at the beginning of the reporting periods. The assets and liabilities included in the consolidated financial statements are recognized and measured at the historical costs prior to the Reorganization.
The consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income, cash flows and changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 included the results and operations of the companies now comprising the Group. The consolidated statements of financial position as of January 1, 2022, December 31, 2022 and 2023 included the financial position of the companies now comprising the Group, except for their capital structure which is retrospectively adjusted to reflect the legal capital structure of the Company. The registered capital of the companies now comprising the Group were included in additional paid-in capital in the consolidated statements of financial position as of January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.
2.2 Subsidiary
Upon completion of the Reorganization and as of the date of issue of these consolidated financial statements, the Company only has one subsidiary as follow:
| Date and place of incorporation | Issued share | Principal | Percentage of shareholding % | |||||||||||||
| Company | and operation | capital | activities | Direct | Indirect | |||||||||||
| Agroz Group Sdn. Bhd. (“Agroz Group”) | November 20, 2020 Malaysia | 1,000 | Offering farm solutions, and selling fresh produce from the CEA vertical farms | 100.0 | % | — | ||||||||||
F-7
2.3 Basis of preparation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). IFRSs also comprise International Accounting Standards (“IAS”); and Interpretations. In preparing these financial statements, the Group’s consolidated opening statements of financial position was prepared as of January 1, 2022. No reconciliation of the Group’s equity and profits reported under the previous accounting standards to its equity and profits under IFRSs was prepared as the Group has not issued any financial statements prior to this report.
These financial statements were authorized for issue by the Group’s board of directors on August 20, 2024.
The IASB has issued a number of new and revised IFRSs. For the purpose of preparing these financial statements, the Group has adopted all applicable new and revised IFRSs that are effective. The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to the reporting periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.
| a. | New and revised IFRSs that are adopted and are effective for the annual accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022 |
| ● | Amendments to IFRS 3 – Reference to Conceptual Framework |
| ● | Amendments to IAS 16 – Property, Plant and Equipment – Proceeds before Intended Use |
| ● | Amendments to IAS 37 – Onerous Contracts − Cost of Fulfilling a Contract |
| ● | Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020 |
| b. | New and revised IFRSs that are adopted and are effective for the annual accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 |
| ● | IFRS 17 and related amendments - Insurance Contracts |
| ● | Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 - Disclosure of Accounting Policies |
| ● | Amendments to IAS 8 - Definition of Accounting Estimates |
| ● | Amendments to IAS 12 - Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction |
| ● | Amendments to IAS 12 – International Tax Reform Pillar Two Model Rules |
| c. | New and revised IFRSs that are not yet effective and have not been early adopted |
Effective for accounting beginning on or | ||||
| Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 – Supplier Finance Arrangements | 1 January, 2024 | |||
| Amendments to IAS 1 - Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current | 1 January, 2024 | |||
| Amendments to IAS 1 - Non-current Liabilities with Covenants | 1 January, 2024 | |||
| Amendments to IAS 16 - Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback | 1 January, 2024 | |||
| IAS 21 – The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates – Lack of Exchangeability | 1 January, 2025 | |||
| IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements | 1 January, 2027 |
The Group is in the process of making an assessment of what the impact of these developments is expected to be in the period of initial application. So far it has concluded that the adoption of them is unlikely to have an adverse significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.
F-8
2.4 Going Concern
The Group has evaluated whether there are material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt upon the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in twelve months from the end of the reporting period.
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Group had negative operating cash flows of MYR2,772,858 and MYR3,409,287 (USD742,716), respectively. As of December 31, 2023, cash amounted to MYR109,161 (USD23,781). The Group is evaluating several strategies and actively pursuing actions aimed to enhance its liquidity position. These actions include pursuing additional cost savings initiatives and seeking additional financing from both public and private markets. In addition, the Group also intends to build up strategic partnerships with other businesses to expand its reach, access new technologies, and leverage complementary strengths through joint ventures, collaborations on specific projects, or licensing agreements. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Group will be successful in achieving its strategic plans, that the Group’s future capital raises will be sufficient to support its ongoing operations, or that any additional financing will be available in a timely manner or with acceptable terms, if at all. Therefore, the Group has concluded that there is significant doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern in twelve months from the end of the reporting period.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes the Group will continue its operations for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. These consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2023 do not include any adjustments to the carrying amounts and classification of assets, liabilities and reported expenses that may otherwise be required if the going concern basis was not appropriate. Such adjustments could be material.
3. Significant accounting policies
3.1 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Group and its subsidiary for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023. Subsidiary is an entity over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Group has power over an entity when the Group has existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities, i.e. activities that significantly affect the entity’s returns.
When assessing control, the Group considers its potential voting rights as well as potential voting rights held by other parties, to determine whether it has control. A potential voting right is considered only if the holder has the practical ability to exercise that right.
A subsidiary is consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. It is deconsolidated from the date the control ceases.
Intra-group transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the transferred asset. When necessary, amounts reported by a subsidiary has been adjusted to conform with the Group’s accounting policies.
3.2 Translation of foreign currencies
| (i) | Functional and presentation currency |
Items included in the financial statements of each entity in the Group are measured using the currency that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant to the entity (the “functional currency”). The functional currency of the Company is United States dollars (“USD”). As major operations of the Group are within Malaysia, the Group presents its consolidated financial statements in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR), unless otherwise stated.
F-9
| (ii) | Convenience translation |
Translations of amounts in the consolidated statements of financial position, consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income and consolidated statements of cash flows from MYR into USD as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 are solely for the convenience of the reader and were calculated at the noon buying rate of USD1 = MYR4.5903, as published in H.10 statistical release of the United States Federal Reserve Board. No representation is made that the MYR amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into USD at such rate or at any other rate.
| (iii) | Transactions and balances |
Foreign currency transactions during the year are translated into the respective functional currencies of group companies at the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate at the end of each reporting period. Exchange gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss and presented within other (expense)/income.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured based on historical cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.
| (iv) | Foreign operations |
The results of foreign operations are translated into MYR at the exchange rates approximating the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Statements of financial position items are translated into USD at the exchange rates at the end of each reporting period. The resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated separately in equity in the translation reserve.
3.3 Trade and other receivables
A receivable is recognized when the Group has an unconditional right to receive consideration. A right to receive consideration is unconditional if only the passage of time is required before payment of that consideration is due.
As of January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Group does not have any receivables that contain significant financing component. Receivables are initially measured at their transaction price. All receivables are subsequently stated at amortized cost and including an allowance for credit losses (see note 3.5).
3.4 Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months after the reporting period. Trade and other payables are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently stated at amortized cost unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost.
3.5 Credit losses from financial instruments
The Group recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit loss (“ECL”) on financial assets which are subject to impairment under IFRS 9 (including trade and other receivables, amounts due from related parties, bank deposits and bank balances).
F-10
Measurement of ECLs
ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all expected cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the Group in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Group expects to receive). The maximum period considered when estimating ECLs is the maximum contractual period over which the Group is exposed to credit risk. In measuring ECLs, the Group takes into account reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort. This includes information about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions.
ECLs are measured on either of the following bases:
| ● | 12-month ECLs: these are losses that are expected to result from possible default events within the 12 months after the reporting date; and |
| ● | lifetime ECLs: these are losses that are expected to result from all possible default events over the expected lives of the items to which the ECL model applies. |
Loss allowances for trade receivables are always measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs. ECLs on these financial assets are estimated using a provision matrix based on the Group’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors and an assessment of both the current and forecast general economic conditions at the reporting date.
For all other financial instruments, the Group recognizes a loss allowance equal to 12-month ECLs unless there has been a significant increase in credit risk of the financial instrument since initial recognition, in which case the loss allowance is measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs.
Significant increases in credit risk
In assessing whether the credit risk of a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition, the Group compares the risk of default occurring on the financial instrument assessed at the reporting date with that assessed at the date of initial recognition. In particular, the following information is taken into account when assessing whether credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition:
| ● | failure to make payments of principal or interest on their contractually due dates; |
| ● | an actual or expected significant deterioration in a financial instrument’s external or internal credit rating (if available); |
| ● | an actual or expected significant deterioration in the operating results of the debtor; and |
| ● | existing or forecast changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment that have a significant adverse effect on the debtor’s ability to meet its obligation to the Group. |
Depending on the nature of the financial instruments, the assessment of a significant increase in credit risk is performed on either an individual basis or a collective basis. When the assessment is performed on a collective basis, the financial instruments are grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics, such as past due status and credit risk ratings.
ECLs are remeasured at each reporting date to reflect changes in the financial instrument’s credit risk since initial recognition. Any change in the ECL amount is recognized as an impairment gain or loss in profit or loss. The Group recognizes an impairment gain or loss for all financial instruments with a corresponding adjustment to their carrying amount through a loss allowance account.
3.6 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses (see note 3.9). The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its working condition and location for its intended use.
F-11
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of their residual values if any, over their estimated useful lives and is generally recognized in profit or loss. The useful lives used for this purpose are as follows:
| ● | Computer and equipment | 3 years | |
| ● | Furniture and fittings | 3 years | |
| ● | Fire system | 5 years | |
| ● | Motor vehicle | 5 years |
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted if appropriate.
Gains or losses arising from the retirement or disposal of an item of property and equipment are determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item and are recognized in profit or loss on the date of retirement or disposal.
3.7 Intangible assets
Intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortization (where the estimated useful life is finite) and accumulated impairment losses (see note 3.9).
Intangible assets with finite lives are subsequently amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful life and is recognized in profit or loss. The useful life and the amortization method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at least at each year end. The useful lives used for this purpose are as follows:
| ● | Website | 3 years | |
| ● | Computer software | 5 years |
3.8 Lease
At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is conveyed where the customer has both the right to direct the use of the identified asset and to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from that use.
| (i) | As a lessee |
At the lease commencement date, the Group recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, except for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets. The lease payments associated with those leases which are not capitalized are recognized as an expense on a systematic basis over the lease term.
Where the lease is capitalized, the lease liability is initially recognized at the present value of the lease payments payable over the lease term, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, using a relevant incremental borrowing rate. The Group determines its incremental borrowing rate by obtaining interest rates from various external financing sources and makes certain adjustments to reflect the terms of the lease and type of the asset leased. After initial recognition, the lease liability is measured at amortized cost and interest expense is calculated using the effective interest method. Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or rate are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and hence are charged to profit or loss in the accounting period in which they are incurred.
The right-of-use asset recognized when a lease is capitalized is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability plus any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, and any initial direct costs incurred. Where applicable, the cost of the right-of-use assets also includes an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, discounted to their present value, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is subsequently stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses (see note 3.9). Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of items of right-of-use assets, using the straight-line method over the unexpired lease term.
F-12
| (ii) | Sales and leaseback transactions |
The Group applies IFRS 15 for determining if the transfer of an asset to the buyer (lessor) is to be accounted for as a sale of assets. After the sale of assets is concluded, the Group measures the right-of-use assets arising from the leaseback at the proportion of the previous carrying value of the asset that relates to the right of use retained by the Group. Accordingly, the Group recognizes only the amount of any gain or loss that relates to the rights transferred to the buyer (lessor).
3.9 Impairment on property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets
At the end of the reporting period, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets with finite useful lives to determine whether there is any indication that these assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the relevant asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
The recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets are estimated individually. When it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount individually, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. The fair value less cost to sell is the estimated amount obtainable from the sale of an asset in an arm’s length transaction less disposal costs, while value in use is the present value of estimated future cash flows from the continuing use of an asset and from its disposal at the end of its useful life.
A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. If that is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. The increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years.
3.10 Cash
The Group maintains all of its bank accounts in Malaysia and no cash equivalents. Cash are assessed for ECL (see note 3.5).
3.11 Development costs
CEA vertical farms under development is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value takes into account the price ultimately expected to be realized, less applicable variable selling expenses and anticipated cost to completion. Development cost of CEA vertical farms comprises mainly construction cost and equipment installation work incurred during the development period. On completion, the CEA vertical farms are transferred to completed project held for sale.
CEA vertical farms under development is classified as a current asset unless it will not be realized in one normal operating cycle.
3.12 Redeemable convertible preference shares
Redeemable convertible preference shares (“RCPS”) are with a fixed dividend rate and redeemable at the request of the holders upon the occurrence of a certain redemption event or on the maturity date as agreed in the corresponding shareholders’ agreement. The conversion option embedded, if any, is with a conversion ratio of one RCPSs to one common share of the Company.
F-13
The Group reviews the term and conditions of the RCPS to conclude whether the RCPSs have the characteristics of:
| - | A financial liability – when the financial instruments are with contractual obligation to deliver cash or other financial assets, including to pay a fixed rate or dividend and/or have a mandatory redemption feature at a future date; |
| - | An equity instrument – when the financial instruments do not have a fixed maturity and the issuer does not have a contractual obligation to make any payment, which represent a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. |
RCPSs without conversion option have been classified as financial liabilities, which are measured initially at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost.
RCPSs with conversion option have been classified as a compound financial instrument, with liability and equity components. When the initial carrying amount of a compound financial instrument is allocated to its equity and liability components, the equity component is assigned the residual amount after deducting from the fair value of the instrument as a whole the amount separately determined for the liability component. The sum of the carrying amounts assigned to the liability and equity components on initial recognition is always equal to the fair value to the instrument as a whole. No gain or loss arises from initially recognizing the components of the instrument separately.
Any transaction costs are recognized as finance costs in the consolidated statements of profit or loss.
3.13 Revenue and other income
Income is classified by the Group as revenue when it arises from the sale of products and the provision of services.
Revenue is recognized when control over the product or service is transferred to the customer, at the amount of promised consideration to which the Group is expected to be entitled in exchange for the satisfaction of a specific performance obligation, excluding those amounts collected on behalf of third parties.
The Group takes advantage of the practical expedient in paragraph 63 of IFRS 15 and does not adjust the consideration for the effects of any significant financing component if the expected period of financing is 12 months or less.
Further details of the Group’s revenue and other income recognition policies are as follows:
| (i) | Farm solutions |
The Group offers a comprehensive set of farm solutions to the customers, which include to sell CEA vertical farm as an integrated project or to provide CEA vertical farms design and/or construction service separately according to the specific demands from the customers.
Designing service of CEA vertical farms
Revenue from farm design service, as a single promise, is recognized at a point in time when the relevant services are rendered, generally upon acceptance of the farm layout plan for the customer and the Group has a present right to receive payment. The contract payment is not subject to any variable consideration, refund, cancellation or termination provision.
CEA vertical farms related construction services
Revenue from farm related construction service is recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group’s performance as it occurs, and the customer controls the related asset as it is created or enhanced.
F-14
Under the construction contract, the Group is responsible for providing the overall management of the construction project and identifies goods and services to be provided including procurement, construction, engineering and finishing. The Group identifies only one performance obligation in farm construction service as the goods and services to be provided under the contract are not separately identifiable within the context of the agreement to be distinct performance obligations.
The construction revenue is recognized according to the stage of completion of the works. The contract payment is not subject to any variable consideration, refund, cancellation or termination provision.
Farm sales
For CEA vertical farms sales, the Group designs and constructs farms on its own, and then seeks potential buyers to sell the entire farm upon completion. The control of the farm is transferred at a point in time, revenue is recognized upon acceptance of the farm for the customer and the Group has a present right to receive payment. The contract payment is not subject to any variable consideration, refund or return provision.
| (ii) | Sale of fresh produce |
Revenue from sale of fresh produce is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with customers from both retailers and distributors, regardless of the customer being a third party or a related party, in exchange for goods delivered. Agroz Group fulfills its sales obligation to its customers by purchasing fresh produce from the farms that it operates and manages, which are owned by related parties. For both sales to retailer and distributor customers, Agroz Group recognized revenue at a point in time when the control is transferred to the customer, generally on delivery of the vegetables. Agroz Group ensures the quality of its products to meet customers’ requirements and manages delivery of fresh produce to customers. Management determines the transaction price of fresh produce and is responsible for quality of products and customer returns to take the inventory risk. Hence, revenue recognized and billings to customers are at gross.
Revenue from sale of fresh produce is recognized at a point in time when the control is transferred to the customer, generally on delivery of the vegetables.
Management also collaborates with third parties who provide platforms for sale of fresh produce. Agroz Group will deliver vegetables to third parties and determine selling price of fresh produce. The Group holds inventory risk before the fresh produce sold to end customers. As Agroz Group acts as principal and determines transaction price of fresh produce, revenue generated from fresh produce is recognized at gross.
| (iii) | Interest income |
For financial assets measured at amortized cost, interest income is measured using the effective interest method and recognized in profit or loss.
| (iv) | Government grants |
Government grants initially when there is reasonable assurance that they will be received and that the Group will comply with the conditions attached to them. Grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are recognized as other income in profit or loss based on the timing of when the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate are incurred.
3.14 Bank borrowing
Bank borrowing was initially recognized at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred, and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
Bank borrowing was classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period.
3.15 Finance costs
Finance costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred, comprising fixed-rate dividend of mandatorily redeemable convertible preference shares, interest of lease liabilities, bank and related party borrowing.
3.16 Income tax
Income tax expense comprises current tax and movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Current tax and movements in deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous periods. The amount of current tax payable is the best estimate of the tax amount expected to be paid or received that reflects uncertainty related to income taxes, if any.
Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes, deferred tax assets also arise from unused tax losses and unused tax credits.
F-15
A deferred tax asset is recognized for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
The measurement of deferred taxes reflects the tax consequences that would follow the manner in which the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
3.17 Employee benefits
| (i) | Short-term employee benefits |
Short-term employee benefits are recognized at the undiscounted amount of the benefits expected to be paid as and when employee rendered the services. All short-term employee benefits are recognized as an expense unless IFRSs requires to permit the inclusion of the benefit in the cost of an asset. A liability is recognized for benefits accruing to employees (such as wages and salaries, annual leaves and sick leave) after deducting any amount already paid.
| (ii) | Retirement benefit costs |
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as expenses when employees have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.
| (iii) | Termination benefits |
Termination benefits are recognized at the earlier of the dates when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits and when the Group recognizes restructuring costs and involves the payment of termination benefits.
3.18 Related parties
A related party is a person or entity that is related to the Group.
| (A) | A person or a close member of that person’s family is related to the Group if that person: |
| (i) | has control or joint control over the Group; |
| (ii) | has significant influence over the Group; or |
| (iii) | is a member of the key management personnel of the Group or of a parent of the Group. |
| (B) | An entity is related to the Group if any of the following conditions applies: |
| (i) | The entity and the Group are members of the same group (which means that each parent, subsidiary and fellow subsidiary is related to the others); |
| (ii) | One entity is an associate or joint venture of the other entity (or an associate or joint venture of a member of a group of which the other entity is a member); |
| (iii) | Both entities are joint ventures of the same third party; |
| (iv) | One entity is a joint venture of a third entity and the other entity is an associate of the third entity; |
| (v) | The entity is a post-employment benefit plan for the benefit of employees of either the Group or an entity related to the Group. If the Group is itself such a plan, the sponsoring employers are also related to the Group; |
| (vi) | The entity is controlled or jointly controlled by a person identified in (A); |
F-16
| (vii) | A person identified in (A)(i) has significant influence over the entity or is a member of the key management personnel of the entity (or of a parent of the entity); or |
| (viii) | The entity, or any member of a group of which it is a part, provides key management personnel services to the Group or to a parent of the Group. |
| (ix) | Close members of the family of a person are those family members who may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that person in their dealings with the entity. |
3.19 Provisions and contingent liabilities
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.
Where it is not probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required, or the amount cannot be estimated reliably, the obligation is disclosed as a contingent liability, unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote. Possible obligations, whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events are also disclosed as contingent liabilities unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.
The Group does not recognize contingent liabilities, but discloses their existence in the notes to the financial statements. A contingent liability is a possible obligation that arises from past events which existence will be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events beyond the control of the Group or a present obligation that is not recognized because it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation.
3.20 Share capital
(i) Ordinary shares
Proceeds from ordinary shares issued are accounted for in equity. Cost directly attributable to the issuance of new equity shares are deducted from equity.
(ii) Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account the after income tax effect of financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.
3.21 Classification of current and non-current items
An asset is classified as current when:
(a) it expects to realize the asset, or intends to sell or consume it, in its normal operating cycle;
(b) it holds the asset primarily for the purpose of trading;
(c) it expects to realize the asset within twelve months after the reporting period; or
(d) the asset is cash or a cash equivalent unless the asset is restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period
All other assets as are classified as non-current.
A liability is classified as current when:
(i) it expects to settle the liability in its normal operating cycle;
(ii) it holds the liability primarily for the purpose of trading;
F-17
(iii) the liability is due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period; or
(iv) it does not have the right at the end of the reporting period to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period.
All other liabilities are classified as non-current.
3.22 Segment reporting
Identification of segments is based on internal reporting to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The CODM for the Group is identified as the Group’s Chief Executive Officer. The Group does not divide its operations into different segments and the CODM operates and manages the Group’s entire operations as one segment, which is consistent with the Group’s internal organization and reporting system. As the Group’s operation and long-lived assets are substantially located in Malaysia, no geographical segments are presented.
4. Significant judgments and key estimates
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
| (i) | Provision for expected credit losses on trade receivables |
The Group estimates the loss allowances for trade receivables by assessing the ECLs. This requires the use of estimates and judgements. ECLs are based on the Group’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors, and an assessment of both the current and forecast general economic conditions at the end of the reporting period. Where the estimation is different from the original estimate, such difference will affect the carrying amounts of trade receivables and thus the impairment loss in the period in which such estimate is changed. The Group keeps assessing the expected credit loss of trade receivables during their expected lives.
| (ii) | Interest rate used to determine the present value of lease liabilities |
The interest rate used to determine the present value of the future lease payments is the Group’s incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments, and in economic environments where the leased asset is located.
| (iii) | Determining the lease term of a lease |
The lease liability is initially recognized at the present value of the lease payments payable over the lease term. In determining the lease term at the commencement date for leases that include renewal options exercisable by the Group, the Group evaluates the likelihood of exercising the renewal options taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive for the Group to exercise the option, including favorable terms, leasehold improvements undertaken and the importance of that underlying asset to the Group’s operation. The lease term is reassessed when there is a significant event or significant change in circumstance that is within the Group’s control. Any increase or decrease in the lease term would affect the amount of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets recognized in future years.
| (iv) | Redeemable convertible preference shares (“RCPS”) |
As disclosed in note 3.12, redeemable preference shares without conversion option and carried at a fixed dividend rate, are recognized as financial liabilities measured initially at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost. Also, redeemable convertible preference shares with a fixed-to-fixed conversion option and carried at a fixed dividend rate, are classified as compound financial instruments with a debt host and equity conversion option. The accounting treatment of RCPS involves significant judgement.
On the issuance dates of the RCPS, the Group determined the carrying amount of the financial liabilities by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component using valuation technique. It involves a number of valuation assumptions relating to market risks and the Company’s specific risk premium. The valuation technique used to derive the liability component of the RCPS, as disclosed in note 13, involves significant estimates. Any change in such assumptions and judgement would affect the carrying amounts of the liability component to be recognized and hence the net profit in future years.
| (v) | Revenue recognition for construction service in progress at year end |
Revenue from farm related construction service is recognized over contract period by reference to construction progress, which is determined on the stage of completion method. The stage of completion of a construction contract is determined based on the proportion that the contract costs incurred for work performed to-date bear to the total costs for the contract by referring to construction budgets and sub-contractors’ quotations.
F-18
5. Property, plant and equipment
| Computer and equipment | Furniture and fittings | Fire system | Motor vehicle | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2022 | 32,109 | 5,025 | — | — | 37,134 | |||||||||||||||
| Additions | — | — | 29,310 | — | 29,310 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023 | 32,109 | 5,025 | 29,310 | — | 66,444 | |||||||||||||||
| Additions | 125,678 | 4,606 | — | 87,000 | 217,284 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | 157,787 | 9,631 | 29,310 | 87,000 | 283,728 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 (USD) | 34,374 | 2,098 | 6,385 | 18,953 | 61,810 | |||||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2022 | 7,030 | 1,131 | — | — | 8,161 | |||||||||||||||
| Charge for the year | 9,634 | 1,507 | 488 | — | 11,629 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023 | 16,664 | 2,638 | 488 | — | 19,790 | |||||||||||||||
| Charge for the year | 30,063 | 2,430 | 5,862 | 8,700 | 47,055 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | 46,727 | 5,068 | 6,350 | 8,700 | 66,845 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 (USD) | 10,180 | 1,104 | 1,383 | 1,895 | 14,562 | |||||||||||||||
| Carrying values | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2022 | 25,079 | 3,894 | — | — | 28,973 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2022 | 15,445 | 2,387 | 28,822 | — | 46,654 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | 111,060 | 4,563 | 22,960 | 78,300 | 216,883 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 (USD) | 24,194 | 994 | 5,002 | 17,058 | 47,248 | |||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023, a motor vehicle with carrying amount of MYR78,300 (USD17,058) (2022: MYR nil) was pledged to secure a bank borrowing of MYR67,086 (USD14,614) (2022: MYR nil) (note 14).
F-19
6. Intangible assets
| Website | Computer software | Total | ||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2022 | 10,000 | — | 10,000 | |||||||||
| Additions | — | 60,000 | 60,000 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023 | 10,000 | 60,000 | 70,000 | |||||||||
| Additions | 954 | — | 954 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | 10,954 | 60,000 | 70,954 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 (USD) | 2,387 | 13,071 | 15,458 | |||||||||
| Accumulated amortization | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2022 | 1,500 | — | 1,500 | |||||||||
| Charge for the year | 3,000 | 4,000 | 7,000 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023 | 4,500 | 4,000 | 8,500 | |||||||||
| Charge for the year | 4,106 | 12,000 | 16,106 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | 8,606 | 16,000 | 24,606 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 (USD) | 1,875 | 3,486 | 5,361 | |||||||||
| Carrying values | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2022 | 8,500 | — | 8,500 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2022 | 5,500 | 56,000 | 61,500 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | 2,348 | 44,000 | 46,348 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 (USD) | 512 | 9,585 | 10,097 | |||||||||
F-20
7. Leases
Amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position:
| As of January 1, 2022 |
As of December 31, 2022 |
As of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets (note a) | ||||||||||||||||
| - Non-current | 99,549 | 24,888 | 2,141,293 | 466,482 | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities (note b) | ||||||||||||||||
| - Non-current | 24,441 | — | 1,757,179 | 382,802 | ||||||||||||
| - Current | 76,828 | 26,208 | 459,849 | 100,179 | ||||||||||||
| 101,269 | 26,208 | 2,217,028 | 482,981 | |||||||||||||
| (a) | Right-of-use assets |
The analysis of the net book value of right-of-use assets by class of underlying assets are as follows:
| Property | Farm | Total | ||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||
| (note (i)) | (note (ii)) | |||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1 and December 31, 2022 | — | 136,880 | 136,880 | |||||||||
| Additions | 2,352,677 | — | 2,352,677 | |||||||||
| Derecognition | — | (136,880 | ) | (136,880 | ) | |||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | 2,352,677 | — | 2,352,677 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 (USD) | 512,532 | — | 512,532 | |||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2022 | — | 37,331 | 37,331 | |||||||||
| Charge for the year | — | 74,661 | 74,661 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2022 | — | 111,992 | 111,992 | |||||||||
| Charge for the year | 211,384 | 24,888 | 236,272 | |||||||||
| Derecognition | — | (136,880 | ) | (136,880 | ) | |||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | 211,384 | — | 211,384 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 (USD) | 46,050 | — | 46,050 | |||||||||
| Net book value | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2022 | — | 99,549 | 99,549 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2022 | — | 24,888 | 24,888 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | 2,141,293 | — | 2,141,293 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 (USD) | 466,482 | — | 466,482 | |||||||||
Notes:
| (i) | Property - right-of-use assets |
The Group leases two properties to operate CEA vertical farms. Both the leases are with a lease term of three years.
F-21
| (ii) | Farm - right-of-use assets |
In 2021, the Group sold a CEA vertical farm to a customer and later leased back the farm from the customer with a lease term of 2 years. The transactions are accounted as a sale-and-leaseback transaction under IFRS 16. There is no option to renew and the lease ended in April 30, 2023.
The analysis of expense items in relation to leases recognized in profit or loss is as follows:
| For the year ended | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Depreciation charge on property right-of-use assets | — | 211,384 | 46,050 | |||||||||
| Depreciation charge on farm right-of-use assets | 74,661 | 24,888 | 5,422 | |||||||||
| 74,661 | 236,272 | 51,472 | ||||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities (note 21) | 4,711 | 124,157 | 27,048 | |||||||||
| (b) | Lease liabilities |
The following tables show the remaining contractual maturities of the Group’s lease liabilities at the end of the reporting periods:
| As of January 1, 2022 | ||||||||
| Present value of the minimum lease payments | Total minimum lease payments | |||||||
| MYR | MYR | |||||||
| Within 1 year | 76,828 | 79,772 | ||||||
| More than 1 year but within 2 years | 24,441 | 26,590 | ||||||
| 101,269 | 106,362 | |||||||
| Less: total future interest expenses | (5,093 | ) | ||||||
| Present value of lease liabilities | 101,269 | |||||||
F-22
| As of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| Present value of the minimum lease payments | Total minimum lease payments | |||||||
| MYR | MYR | |||||||
| Within 1 year | 26,208 | 26,590 | ||||||
| 26,208 | 26,590 | |||||||
| Less: total future interest expenses | (382 | ) | ||||||
| Present value of lease liabilities | 26,208 | |||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Present value of the minimum lease payments | Present value of the minimum lease payments | Total minimum lease payments | Total minimum lease payments | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Within 1 year | 459,849 | 100,179 | 485,136 | 105,687 | ||||||||||||
| More than 1 year but within 2 years | 416,261 | 90,682 | 485,136 | 105,687 | ||||||||||||
| More than 2 years but within 5 years | 1,186,110 | 258,395 | 1,686,256 | 367,353 | ||||||||||||
| More than 5 years | 154,808 | 33,725 | 261,768 | 57,026 | ||||||||||||
| 2,217,028 | 482,981 | 2,918,296 | 635,753 | |||||||||||||
| Less: total future interest expenses | (701,268 | ) | (152,772 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Present value of lease liabilities | 2,217,028 | 482,981 | ||||||||||||||
Details of total cash outflow for leases and the future cash outflows arising from leases are set out in note 11(b) and note 15(c) respectively.
F-23
8. Trade receivables
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Receivables from farm solutions sales | ||||||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 26,875 | 500,000 | 8,412,500 | 1,832,669 | ||||||||||||
| - from related parties | — | — | 4,000,001 | 871,403 | ||||||||||||
| Receivables from vegetable sales | ||||||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 5,523 | 317,285 | 787,521 | 171,562 | ||||||||||||
| - from related parties | — | 568,472 | 2,041,690 | 444,784 | ||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 32,398 | 1,385,757 | 15,241,712 | 3,320,418 | ||||||||||||
| Less: loss allowances for expected credit loss | — | (15,682 | ) | (82,597 | ) | (17,994 | ) | |||||||||
| Total trade receivables, net | 32,398 | 1,370,075 | 15,159,115 | 3,302,424 | ||||||||||||
Aging analysis of gross trade receivables, based on the date of revenue recognition, as of January 1, 2022, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 are as follows:
| As of January, 1 2022 | As of December, 31 2022 | As of December, 31 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Within 3 months | 31,862 | 742,821 | 13,191,314 | 2,873,737 | ||||||||||||
| More than 3 months but within 6 months | 238 | 213,468 | 808,830 | 176,204 | ||||||||||||
| More than 6 months but within 1 year | 298 | 427,408 | 382,324 | 83,290 | ||||||||||||
| More than 1 year | — | 2,060 | 859,244 | 187,187 | ||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 32,398 | 1,385,757 | 15,241,712 | 3,320,418 | ||||||||||||
F-24
All trade receivables classified as current are expected to be recovered within one year based on historical collection and experience. Generally, credit terms for retail outlet customers are due within 30 to 60 days (2022: 30 to 60 days), while credit terms for industrial business customers are due within 30 days to 104 days (2022: 30 days to 90 days), from the date of revenue recognition. Further details on the Group’s credit policy and credit risk arising from trade debtors are set out in note 15(a)(i).
9. Prepayments, deposits and other receivables
| As of | As of | As of | ||||||||||||||
| January 1, | December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Non-current: | ||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments for intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||
| - to a related party (note (a)) | - | - | 1,423,354 | 310,079 | ||||||||||||
| - to a third party (note (b)) | - | - | 1,071,032 | 233,325 | ||||||||||||
| - | - | 2,494,386 | 543,404 | |||||||||||||
| Deposits | 2,400 | 68,012 | 202,012 | 44,008 | ||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 2,400 | 68,012 | 2,696,398 | 587,412 | ||||||||||||
| Current: | ||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments (note (c)) | 33,239 | - | 1,492,195 | 325,075 | ||||||||||||
| Other receivables | - | - | 30,915 | 6,735 | ||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 33,239 | - | 1,523,110 | 331,810 | ||||||||||||
| Total prepayments, deposits and other receivables (note (d)) | 35,639 | 68,012 | 4,219,508 | 919,222 | ||||||||||||
Notes:
| (a) | As of December 31, 2023, the Group has prepaid MYR1,423,354 (USD310,079) (2022: MYR nil) for certain purchase contracts of IT software such as Internet of Things (IoT) management platform, video management platform and data visualization platform to a related party. |
F-25
| (b) | As of December 31, 2023, the Group has prepaid MYR1,071,032 (USD233,325) (2022: MYR nil) for certain purchase contracts of IT software such as E-commerce website design, system integration platform and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to a third party. |
| (c) | Included in prepayments mainly represented IPO related professional fee amounted to approximately MYR1,147,842 (USD250,058) where relevant services not yet rendered as of December 31, 2023. |
| (d) | Save as prepayments for intangible assets and deposits for property leases and office equipment, all prepayments and other receivables are expected to be recovered/consumed within one year. |
10. Development costs
Development costs were attributed to the development of a CEA vertical farms that yet to be completed as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the development costs generally consist of the construction services and installation of equipment at two (2022: one) geographical locations. As the Group expects to complete and sell the CEA vertical farm within a year, development costs were categorized as current asset in Statement of Financial Position. As of December 31, 2023, a CEA vertical farm and a construction project have completed and sold.
Movement of development costs as follows:
| MYR | ||||
| As of January 1, 2022 | - | |||
| Additions | 4,112,728 | |||
| Charge to cost of revenue for the year | (1,961,480 | ) | ||
| As of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023 | 2,151,248 | |||
| Additions | 3,890,653 | |||
| Charge to cost of revenue for the year | (6,041,901 | ) | ||
| As of December 31, 2023 (MYR) | - | |||
| As of December 31, 2023 (USD) | - | |||
F-26
11. Cash
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Cash at bank | 3,392 | 73,910 | 109,161 | 23,781 | ||||||||||||
(a) Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities
The table below details changes in the Group’s liabilities from financing activities, including both cash and non-cash changes. Liabilities arising from financing activities are liabilities for which cash flows were, or future cash flows will be, classified in the Group’s consolidated statements of cash flow as cash flows from financing activities.
| Lease liabilities | Redeemable convertible preference shares | Other payables | Amounts due to related parties | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||||||||
| At January 1, 2022 | 101,269 | 500,000 | 46,979 | 52,848 | 701,096 | |||||||||||||||
| Changes from financing cash flows: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Payment of capital element of lease liabilities | (75,061 | ) | — | — | — | (75,061 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Payment of interest element of lease liabilities | (4,711 | ) | — | — | — | (4,711 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Interest paid for redeemable convertible preferences shares | — | — | (25,000 | ) | — | (25,000 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issue of redeemable convertible preference share | — | 2,000,000 | — | — | 2,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Advance received from related parties | — | — | — | 130,038 | 130,038 | |||||||||||||||
| Total changes from financing cash flows | (79,772 | ) | 2,000,000 | (25,000 | ) | 130,038 | 2,025,266 | |||||||||||||
| Other changes : | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance costs | 4,711 | — | 85,938 | — | 90,649 | |||||||||||||||
| Changes arising from operating activities | — | — | 73,738 | 81,721 | 155,459 | |||||||||||||||
| Total other changes | 4,711 | — | 159,676 | 81,721 | 246,108 | |||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2022 | 26,208 | 2,500,000 | 181,655 | 264,607 | 2,972,470 | |||||||||||||||
F-27
| Bank borrowing | Lease liabilities | Redeemable convertible preference shares | Other payables | Amounts due to related parties | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | |||||||||||||||||||
| At January 1, 2023 | — | 26,208 | 2,500,000 | 181,655 | 264,607 | 2,972,470 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Changes from financing cash flows: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payment of capital element of lease liabilities | — | (161,857 | ) | — | — | — | (161,857 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Payment of interest element of lease liabilities | — | (124,157 | ) | — | — | — | (124,157 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from bank borrowing | 69,000 | — | — | — | — | 69,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash advances from a related party | 1,042,409 | 1,042,409 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payment of principal element of bank borrowing | (1,914 | ) | — | — | — | — | (1,914 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Payment of interest element of bank borrowing | (796 | ) | — | — | — | — | (796 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from shareholder’s loan | — | — | — | — | 1,363,000 | 1,363,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from the issue of redeemable convertible preference shares | — | — | 3,609,483 | — | — | 3,609,483 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Advances received for redeemable convertible preference shares | — | — | — | 918,274 | — | 918,274 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest paid for redeemable convertible preference shares | — | — | — | (175,000 | ) | — | (175,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Payment of redeemable convertible preference shares commission fee | — | — | — | — | (137,912 | ) | (137,912 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total changes from financing cash flows | 66,290 | (286,014 | ) | 3,609,483 | 743,274 | 2,267,497 | 6,400,530 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other changes: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase in lease liabilities from entering into new leases during the period | — | 2,352,677 | — | — | — | 2,352,677 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Finance costs (note 21) | 1,566 | 124,157 | — | 360,407 | 17,081 | 503,211 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commission fee for RCPS | — | — | — | — | 137,912 | 137,912 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loss of redemption of redeemable convertible preference shares | — | — | 704,900 | — | — | 704,900 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption of redeemable convertible preference shares | — | — | 177,600 | (177,600 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity component of redeemable convertible preference shares | — | — | (459,417 | ) | — | — | (459,417 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Reclass to other payables | (770 | ) | — | — | 770 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange rate | — | — | (49,030 | ) | — | — | (49,030 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Change arising from investing activities | — | — | — | — | 738,670 | 738,670 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Change arising from operating activities | — | — | — | 105,021 | (21,721 | ) | 83,300 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total other changes | 796 | 2,476,834 | 374,053 | 288,598 | 871,942 | 4,012,223 | ||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2023 | 67,086 | 2,217,028 | 6,483,536 | 1,213,527 | 3,404,046 | 13,385,223 | ||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2023 (USD) | 14,614 | 482,981 | 1,412,443 | 264,368 | 741,573 | 2,915,979 | ||||||||||||||||||
F-28
(b) Total cash outflow for leases
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Within financing cash flows | (101,269 | ) | (79,772 | ) | (286,014 | ) | (62,309 | ) | ||||||||
12. Capital and reserves
| (a) | Share capital and additional paid-in capital |
The Company was incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands on August 8, 2023. The authorized share capital is USD10,000.00, divided into 100,000,000 ordinary shares with a par value of USD0.0001. 20,000,000 ordinary shares were issued with an aggregated par value of USD2,000 (equivalent to MYR8,351) and was recognized as share capital of the Company. The excess of capital injections made by the equity shareholders over the par value was credited to the additional paid-in capital.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, Agroz Group issued 820,000 ordinary shares, amounted to MYR820,000. During the period between January 1, 2023 and August 8, 2023, Agroz Group further issued 910,000 ordinary shares, amounted to MYR910,000. As discussed in note 2.1, since the Company did not exist prior to August 8, 2023, the registered capital of the companies now comprising the Group are included in additional paid-in capital in the consolidated statements of financial position as of January 1, 2022, December 31, 2022 and 2023.
| (b) | Other reserves |
| (i) | Foreign currency translation reserve |
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations. The reserve is dealt with in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 3.2 to the consolidated financial statements.
| (ii) | Equity component of redeemable convertible preference shares |
The equity component of redeemable convertible preference shares represents the value of the option related to the redeemable convertible preference shares issued by the Company, which is with a conversion ratio of one RCPSs to one common share of the Company (note 13).
| (c) | Restricted net assets |
According to the Malaysian Companies Act 2016, a Malaysian company may only make dividends distribution out of profits of the company if the company is solvent. The decision to declare and distribute dividends shall be at the sole discretion of the company, contingent upon the satisfaction of both criteria and subject to the final approval of the board of directors for such distribution. Such company is deemed solvent if the company is able to pay its debts as they fall due within twelve (12) months immediately after the distribution is made.
In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, Agroz Group experienced a loss and had a shareholders’ deficit. A subsidiary with liabilities exceeding its assets considered to have a net asset base of zero for the purpose of computing its proportionate share of the restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries. As there are no restricted net assets, no disclosure is required for parent-only financial statements.
In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, Agroz Group earned a profit of MYR 4 million and has a net current asset position of MYR 6 million. According to the Malaysian Companies Act 2016, a company is allowed to pay dividends from its profits if it is solvent. While Agroz Group has met both criteria, the decision to declare and distribute dividends remains at the company’s discretion. Agroz Group chose not to declare dividends for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Therefore, there is no declaration of dividends where there is no restricted assets, and no disclosure of parent-only financial statements is required.
F-29
13. Redeemable convertible preference shares
The Group’s preference shares activities for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 are summarized below:
| Agroz Inc. RCPS (note (b)) | Agroz Group RCPS (note (a)) | |||||||||||||||||||
| No. of shares | Amount | No. of shares | Amount | Total Amount | ||||||||||||||||
| At January 1, 2022 | — | — | 500,000 | 500,000 | 500,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance | — | — | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2022 | — | — | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance | 604,870 | 6,942,953 | 500,000 | 500,000 | 7,442,953 | |||||||||||||||
| Redemption | — | — | (3,000,000 | ) | (3,000,000 | ) | (3,000,000 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Equity component | — | (459,417 | ) | — | — | (459,417 | ) | |||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2023 | 604,870 | 6,483,536 | — | — | 6,483,536 | |||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2023 (in USD) | 604,870 | 1,412,443 | — | — | 1,412,443 | |||||||||||||||
(a) Agroz Group RCPS (“AG RCPS”)
Between April 12, 2021 and April 14, 2023, Agroz Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, had issued 7 tranches of mandatorily redeemable convertible preference shares (“AG RCPS”), totally 3,000,000 shares, for cash considerations of MYR3,000,000. Among them, 2,000,000 shares of MYR2,000,000 and 500,000 shares of MYR500,000 were issued during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
All tranches of the AG RCPS are with identical agreement terms, as presented below:
Subscription Price
Each AG RCPS value is MYR1.
Tenure and Maturity Date
The tenure is up to 60 months from the date of first issuance. The maturity date shall fall on the last day of the period of 5 years from the date of first issuance.
Dividend
The subscriber is entitled to:
| (a) | a fixed non-accumulated dividend of 10.0% per annum, of which Agroz Group has made a promise on declaration; or |
| (b) | Equivalent value of services or products offered by Agroz Group; or |
| (c) | Combination of (a) and (b) based on mutual agreement. |
Redemption
The subscriber shall have the sole and absolute discretion to require Agroz Group to redeem the AG RCPS on maturity date by repayment of the subscription price paid for the AG RCPS together with dividends committed to the subscribers.
On December 1, 2023 (“Redemption Date”), the Group decided to redeem all AG RCPS and agreed with the subscribers of AG RCPS to settle the redemption along with the related unpaid dividends by issuing 336,366 shares of Agroz Inc. RCPS (“AI RCPS”) which had a fair value MYR3,882,500 (USD840,915). The fair value of AI RCPS was based on a value of USD 2.50 a share which was the price this class of shares were sold to unrelated parties. On the Redemption Date, the net book value of AG RCPS along with the related unpaid dividends was MYR3,177,600. The difference between the fair value of the AI RCPS and the net book value of AG RCPS of MYR704,900 was recognized as a finance cost for the year ended December 31, 2023. On December 22, 2023, all AG RCPS was settled.
F-30
(b) Agroz Inc. RCPS (“AI RCPS”)
Between August 12, 2023 and December 31, 2023, the Company sold 268,504 shares AI RCPS at USD 2.50 a share for USD671,260 or MYR3,109,483.
Taking into consideration the conversion described above, as of December 31, 2023, the Company had issued a total of 604,870 AI RCPS with a fair value of MYR6,942,953 (USD1,512,527).
On the issuance dates the Group first determined the carrying amount of the liability component by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component. The carrying amount of the equity instrument represented by the option to convert the instrument into ordinary shares is then determined by deducting the fair value of the financial liability from the fair value of the compound financial instrument as a whole.
The key valuation assumptions used to determine the fair value of a similar liability on initial recognition are as follows:
| December 22, 2023 (date of issuance) | ||||
| Risk free rate | 4.32 | % | ||
| Company specific risk premium | 7.60 | % | ||
| Country risk premium | 1.31 | % | ||
| Liquidity premium | 0.68 | % | ||
| Credit rating | B to below CCC | |||
As of December 31, 2023, the net book value of the liability and equity components of AI RCPS amounted to MYR6,483,536 (USD1,412,443) and MYR459,417 (USD100,084), respectively.
All transactions involving the issuance of AI RCPS were with identical agreement terms, as presented below:
Subscription Price
Each AI RCPS value is USD2.50.
Tenure and Maturity Date
The tenure is 2 years from the subscription date. The maturity date shall fall on the second anniversary of the subscription date.
Dividend
The AI RCPS shall carry preferential cumulative dividend of 10.0% per annum on the period during which the AI RCPS is outstanding by the subscriber.
Redemption
All AI RCPS outstanding on the maturity date or did not convert to common share shall be fully redeemed at the subscription price.
Conversion Option
At the option and right of the subscriber, the subscriber may elect to convert the AI RCPS to the common share of the Company at any time after the approval of the registration statement by the authorities for the listing of the Company to Nasdaq Stock Market. The conversion ratio shall be one AI RCPS to convert one common share of the Company.
F-31
14. Bank borrowing
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| - Non-current | — | — | 52,942 | 11,533 | ||||||||||||
| - Current | — | — | 14,144 | 3,081 | ||||||||||||
| — | — | 67,086 | 14,614 | |||||||||||||
On August 29, 2023, the Group entered into a borrowing agreement with a financial institution in Malaysia to borrow MYR69,000 (USD15,032), which bears a fixed rate of 3.55% per annum and with maturity date on August 29, 2028. As of December 31, 2023, the secured bank borrowing amounted to MYR67,086 (USD14,614) (2022: MYR nil) was secured by charge over a motor vehicle of the Group (note 5).
For the year ended December 31, 2023, interest related to the bank borrowing amounted to MYR1,566 (USD341) (2022: MYR nil).
15. Financial risk management and fair values of financial instruments
Exposure to credit, liquidity, currency and interest rate risks arises in the normal course of the Group’s business. The Group’s exposure to these risks and the financial risk management policies and practices used by the Group to manage these risks are described below.
(a) Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in a financial loss to the Group. The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to trade receivables, prepayments, other receivables and amounts due from related parties. The Group’s exposure to credit risk arising from cash is limited due to cash deposit with financial institutions in Malaysia is subject to certain protection under the requirement of the deposit insurance system. These financial institutions are banks with high-credit-quality, for which the Group considers to have low credit risk.
(i) Trade receivables
Individual credit evaluations are performed on all customers requiring credit over a certain amount. These evaluations focus on the customer’s past history of making payments when due and current ability to pay and take into account information specific to the customer as well as pertaining to the economic environment in which the customer operates. Trade receivables are due within 30 to 104 days from the date of billing. Normally, the Group does not obtain collateral from customers.
The Group’s trade receivables mainly derive from farm solution sales and fresh vegetable sales. When assessing credit risk exposure, the Group classifies its customers into three categories upon their credit characteristics, including whether they are related parties, and, for third party customers, whether they are retail outlet customers or industrial business customers.
F-32
The following table provides a breakdown of trade receivables before ECL by customer groups:
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Third-party retail outlet customers | 5,203 | 26,513 | 11,714 | 2,552 | ||||||||||||
| Third-party industrial business customers | 27,195 | 790,772 | 9,188,307 | 2,001,679 | ||||||||||||
| Related-party customers | — | 568,472 | 6,041,691 | 1,316,187 | ||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 32,398 | 1,385,757 | 15,241,712 | 3,320,418 | ||||||||||||
(1) Third-party retail outlet customers
For trade receivables related to third-party retail outlet customers, the Group measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs, which is calculated using a provision matrix. Expected loss rates are based on actual loss experience over the past 2 years. These rates are adjusted to reflect differences between economic conditions during the period over which the historical data has been collected, current conditions and the Group’s view of economic conditions over the expected lives of the receivables.
No ECL provision is recognized as of January 1, 2022 as by then the Group was newly setup where the receivables amount is immaterial.
Based on the historical collection and experience, the Group is able to collect all its outstanding receivables for December 31, 2023 within one year from third-party retail outlet customers.
The following tables provide information about the Group’s exposure to credit risk and ECL for trade receivables related to third-party retail outlet customers as of December 31, 2022 and 2023:
| As of December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | ||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | |||||||||||||
| 0 - 90 days | 22,446 | (5,094 | ) | 22.7 | % | 17,352 | |||||||||
| 91 - 180 days | — | — | — | % | — | ||||||||||
| 181 - 270 days | — | — | — | % | — | ||||||||||
| 271 - 365 days | 2,007 | (2,007 | ) | 100.0 | % | — | |||||||||
| Over 1 year | 2,060 | (2,060 | ) | 100.0 | % | — | |||||||||
| 26,513 | (9,161 | ) | 17,352 | ||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | ||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||||||
| 0 - 90 days | 3,177 | (146 | ) | 4.6 | % | 3,031 | 660 | ||||||||||||
| 91 - 180 days | 3,213 | (1,964 | ) | 61.1 | % | 1,249 | 272 | ||||||||||||
| 181 - 270 days | 280 | (276 | ) | 98.6 | % | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||||
| 271 - 365 days | 5,044 | (5,044 | ) | 100.0 | % | — | — | ||||||||||||
| 11,714 | (7,430 | ) | 4,284 | 933 | |||||||||||||||
F-33
(2) Third-party industrial business customers
For trade receivables related to third-party industrial business customers, the Group measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs, which is calculated using a behavioral scoring system taking into consideration current and historical credit worthiness, aging analysis, operating history in the relevant industry, reputation in the market and paid-in capital scale. Customers with positive behavior in all scoring areas, would be assigned a low-risk grading. Customers with positive behavior in most of the scoring areas, would be assigned a fair-risk grading. Analogously, customers with less positive behaviors would be assigned a lower credit grading, which, in turns, are grade - standard risk, grade - doubtful and grade - loss. Also, additional allowance would be recognized if the credit risk of an individual customer was considered to increase significantly (note 3.5). Management conducts the review periodically or updates assessments promptly upon significant changes in customers’ credit risk.
A portion of the uncollected receivables from industrial business customers, were due to commercial arrangements accorded to these certain customers for extended payment terms, as management anticipates additional orders/contract award from these customers. Management has done assessment on the paying capabilities and have determined for commercial reasons, that these customers have low risk of non-payments.
Based on the historical collection and experience, the Group is able to collect all its outstanding receivables for December 31, 2023 within one year from third party industrial business customers.
No ECL provision is recognized as of January 1, 2022 as by then the Group was newly setup where the receivables amount is immaterial.
The following tables provide information about the Group’s exposure to credit risk and ECL for trade receivables related to third-party industrial business customers as of December 31, 2022 and 2023:
| As of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | |||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||||||
| Grade - low risk | 500,000 | (500 | ) | 0.1 | % | 499,500 | ||||||||||
| Grade - fair risk | 290,772 | (1,454 | ) | 0.5 | % | 289,318 | ||||||||||
| 790,772 | (1,954 | ) | 788,818 | |||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | |||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||
| Grade - low risk | 2,034,059 | (2,034 | ) | 0.1 | % | 2,032,025 | 442,678 | |||||||||||||
| Grade - fair risk | 7,154,248 | (35,772 | ) | 0.5 | % | 7,118,476 | 1,550,765 | |||||||||||||
| 9,188,307 | (37,806 | ) | 9,150,501 | 1,993,443 | ||||||||||||||||
F-34
(3) Related party customers
For trade receivables from related parties, the Group measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs, which is calculated using a behavioral scoring system similar to the one applied to third-party industrial business customers.
A portion of the uncollected receivables from related party customers, were due to commercial arrangements accorded to these certain customers for extended payment terms, as management anticipates additional orders/contract award from these customers. Management has done assessment on the paying capabilities and have determined for commercial reasons, that these customers have low risk of non-payments.
Based on the historical collection and experience, the Group is able to collect all its outstanding receivables for December 31, 2023 within one year from related party customers.
The following tables provide information about the Group’s exposure to credit risk and ECL for trade receivables from related parties as of December 31, 2022 and 2023:
| As of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | |||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||||||
| Grade - low risk | 223,574 | (1,118 | ) | 0.5 | % | 222,456 | ||||||||||
| Grade - fair risk | 344,898 | (3,449 | ) | 1.0 | % | 341,449 | ||||||||||
| 568,472 | (4,567 | ) | 563,905 | |||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | |||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||
| Grade - low risk | 4,551,351 | (22,757 | ) | 0.5 | % | 4,528,594 | 986,557 | |||||||||||||
| Grade - fair risk | 1,490,340 | (14,604 | ) | 1.0 | % | 1,475,736 | 321,490 | |||||||||||||
| 6,041,691 | (37,361 | ) | 6,004,330 | 1,308,047 | ||||||||||||||||
(4) Movement of ECL
| For the year 2022 | For the year 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| As of January 1 | — | 15,682 | 3,417 | |||||||||
| Provision for expected credit loss on trade receivables | 15,682 | 66,915 | 14,577 | |||||||||
| As of December 31 | 15,682 | 82,597 | 17,994 | |||||||||
In additional, the Group’s exposure to credit risk is also influenced by the individual characteristics of each customer and therefore significant concentrations of credit risk arise when the Group has significant exposure to individual customers. At January 1, 2022, December 31, 2022 and 2023, 97.7%, 98.8% and 96.1% of the total trade receivables were due from the Group’s five largest debtors, respectively.
(ii) Prepayments, deposits and other receivables and amounts due from related parties
Prepayments, deposits and other receivables and amounts due from related parties are reviewed regularly, for which the Group considers to have low credit risk.
(b) Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Group does not account for any fixed-rate financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss at the end of each reporting periods. Therefore, interest-bearing financial instruments at fixed rates do not expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group’s interest rate risk arises primarily from cash at bank at variable rates. If interest rates on cash at bank had been 50 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s profit for the year would increase/decrease by approximately MYR546 (USD119) (2022: MYR370).
The Group’s risk management objective for interest rate risk is to reduce the exposure to variability of cash flows arising from changes in interest rates. Interest rates on the Groups lease contracts and bank borrowing are fixed and thus not sensitive to fluctuation in market interest rates.
F-35
(c) Liquidity risk
The Group manages its risk to a shortage of funds by monitoring the projected cash flows from operations. Risk management includes maintaining sufficient cash balances. The Group generates cash flow through offering farm solutions and selling fresh produce from the CEA vertical farms. Changes in market acceptance of CEA vertical farms could have a material adverse impact on the Group’s liquidity position. Due to the dynamic of the underlying business, the cash required to maintain the daily operation of the Group mainly via funding from shareholders.
The following tables show the remaining contractual maturities at the end of the years presented of the Group’s financial liabilities, which are based on contractual undiscounted cash flows (including interest payments computed using contracted rates) and the earliest date the Group can be required to pay.
| Within 1 year or on demand | More than 1 year but less than 2 years | More than 2 years but less than 5 years | More than 5 years | Total | Carrying amount as of January 1, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 80,974 | — | — | — | 80,974 | 80,974 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables | 46,979 | — | — | — | 46,979 | 46,979 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties | 52,848 | — | — | — | 52,848 | 52,848 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable convertible preference shares | 81,250 | 50,000 | 618,750 | — | 750,000 | 500,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 79,772 | 26,590 | — | — | 106,362 | 101,269 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 341,823 | 76,590 | 618,750 | — | 1,037,163 | 782,070 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Within 1 year or on demand | More than 1 year but less than 2 years | More than 2 years but less than 5 years | More
than 5 years | Total | Carrying amount as of December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 573,857 | — | — | — | 573,857 | 573,857 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables | 181,655 | — | — | — | 181,655 | 181,655 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties | 264,607 | — | — | — | 264,607 | 264,607 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable convertible preference shares | 342,188 | 250,000 | 3,132,182 | — | 3,724,370 | 2,500,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 26,590 | — | — | — | 26,590 | 26,208 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 1,388,897 | 250,000 | 3,132,182 | — | 4,771,079 | 3,546,327 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Within 1 year or on demand | More than 1 year but less than 2 years | More than 2 years but less than 5 years | More than 5 years | Total | Carrying amount as of December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 2,403,407 | — | — | — | 2,403,407 | 2,403,407 | 523,584 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables | 1,213,527 | — | — | — | 1,213,527 | 1,213,527 | 264,367 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties | 2,068,306 | 1,372,087 | — | — | 3,440,393 | 3,404,046 | 741,574 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank borrowing | 18,970 | 16,260 | 43,308 | — | 78,538 | 67,086 | 14,614 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable convertible preference shares | 1,009,074 | 7,747,653 | — | — | 8,756,727 | 6,942,953 | 1,512,527 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 485,136 | 485,136 | 1,686,256 | 261,768 | 2,918,296 | 2,217,028 | 482,981 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 7,198,420 | 9,621,136 | 1,729,564 | 261,768 | 18,810,888 | 16,248,047 | 3,539,647 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
F-36
(d) Currency Risk
The principal activities of the Group were carried out by Agroz Group with most of the transactions originally denominated and settled in Malaysian Ringgit. AG RCPS issued by Agroz Group were denominated in Malaysian Ringgit, and AI RCPS issued by the Company were denominated in United States dollars. Given financial instruments of the Group were all denominated in functional currency, the Group’s currency risk exposure was insignificant.
(e) Fair value measurement
The fair value of the Group’s financial instruments were measured at the end of the reporting period on a recurring basis. IFRS 13 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
| ● | Level 1 valuations: Fair value measured using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. |
| ● | Level 2 valuations: Fair value measured using inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace. |
| ● | Level 3 valuations: Fair value measured using significant unobservable inputs. |
Financial assets and liabilities of the Group primarily consisted of cash, trade receivables, prepayments and other receivables, amounts due from related parties, trade payables, other payables, bank borrowing, amounts due to related parties and redeemable convertible preference shares. As of January 1, 2022, December 31, 2022 and 2023, the carrying amounts of financial instruments approximated to their fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments or repayable on demand, or that they are interest-bearing at market rates or approximants.
F-37
16. Trade and other payables
| As of | As of | As of | ||||||||||||||
| January 1, | December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Non-current: | ||||||||||||||||
| Other payables (note (a)) | - | - | 918,274 | 200,047 | ||||||||||||
| Current: | ||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables (note (b)) | 80,974 | 573,857 | 2,403,407 | 523,584 | ||||||||||||
| Other payable and accruals | 10,592 | 81,369 | 159,961 | 34,847 | ||||||||||||
| Wages payable | 5,137 | 8,098 | 34,644 | 7,547 | ||||||||||||
| Interest payable of RCPS (note (c)) | 31,250 | 92,188 | 100,648 | 21,926 | ||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 127,953 | 755,512 | 2,698,660 | 587,904 | ||||||||||||
| Total trade and other payables (note (d)) | 127,953 | 755,512 | 3,616,934 | 787,951 | ||||||||||||
Notes:
| (a) | The Group received advance payments for AI RCPS subscription with 2 years maturity period in December 2023 amounted to MYR918,274 (USD200,047) where the registration and issuance of the RCPS was completed in January 2024. |
| (b) | An aging analysis of the trade payables as of January 1, 2022, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 are as follows: |
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Within 3 months | 16,104 | 548,125 | 2,064,639 | 449,783 | ||||||||||||
| More than 3 months but within 6 months | 64,870 | 373 | 50,000 | 10,893 | ||||||||||||
| More than 6 months but within 1 year | — | 25,359 | 288,768 | 62,908 | ||||||||||||
| Total trade payables | 80,974 | 573,857 | 2,403,407 | 523,584 | ||||||||||||
| (c) | The interest payable of RCPS is calculated based on the weighted average principal of RCPS and the related effective interest rate. AG RCPS bear an effective interest rate of 10%, and AI RCPS bear an effective interest rate of 14% (note 13). |
| (d) | Except for advances received for redeemable convertible preference shares, all the trade and other payables classified as current are expected to be settled within one year or are repayable on demand. |
F-38
17. Income taxes
(a) Income taxes recognized in consolidated statements of profit or loss:
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Current tax | ||||||||||||
| Provision for the year | — | 1,355,882 | 295,380 | |||||||||
Notes:
| 1) | Cayman Islands |
Under the current tax laws of the Cayman Islands, the Group is not subject to any income tax in the Cayman Islands.
| 2) | Malaysia |
Under the Income Tax Act of Malaysia, enterprises incorporated in Malaysia are usually subject to a unified 24% enterprise income tax rate while preferential tax rates, tax holidays, and tax exemptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the tax rate is 24% for companies incorporated in Malaysia with paid-in capital of MYR 2.5 million or more; for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, companies with paid up capital not more than MYR 2.5 million and gross business income of not more than MYR 50 million use 17% tax rate on first MYR 600,000 income, and 24% on subsequent balance.
(b) Reconciliation between tax expenses and accounting (loss)/profit at applicable tax rates:
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| (Loss)/profit before income taxes | (289,865 | ) | 5,110,267 | 1,113,274 | ||||||||
| Notional tax on (loss)/profit before taxation, calculated at the rates applicable to the respective tax jurisdictions | (69,568 | ) | 1,226,464 | 267,186 | ||||||||
| Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions | — | 135,602 | 29,541 | |||||||||
| Effect of preferential tax rate (note 17(a)(2)) | 20,291 | — | — | |||||||||
| Non-deductible expenses | 9,964 | 8,777 | 1,912 | |||||||||
| Tax effect on capital allowance | 3,167 | (14,961 | ) | (3,259 | ) | |||||||
| Unrecognized costs | 36,146 | — | — | |||||||||
| Tax expenses for the year | — | 1,355,882 | 295,380 | |||||||||
(c) Deferred tax recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position
As of January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and 2023, the amounts of unrecognized deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were immaterial.
(d) Uncertain tax position
The Group evaluates whether it is probable that tax authority will accept the tax treatment for each uncertain tax position (including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical merits, and measures the unrecognized benefits associated with the tax positions. As of January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Group did not have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions. There are no significant penalties or interest relating to income taxes that have been incurred nor did the Group has any significant unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023.
The Group does not anticipate any significant increase to unrecognized tax benefit within the next 12 months.
F-39
18. Revenue and segment information
Segment information
The Group’s primary business activities include offering farm solutions, as well as selling fresh produce cultivated from the CEA vertical farms. For management purposes, the Group operates in one business unit based on its products and has one reportable segment which is offering of farm solutions and selling fresh produce.
Since most of the Group’s revenue was generated from offering of farm solutions as well as selling fresh produce from the CEA vertical farms in Malaysia, no geographical segment information is presented.
Revenue
The Group’s revenue is primarily derived from offering CEA vertical farm solutions and selling fresh produce from CEA vertical farms operated.
(a) Disaggregation of revenue
The Group disaggregates its revenue from contracts by service types, as the Group believes it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of the revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The summary of the Group’s disaggregation of revenue by service types for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 are as follows:
| For the year ended December 31, 2022 | For the year ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Offering farm solutions | ||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 1,900,000 | 12,412,500 | 2,704,072 | |||||||||
| - from related parties | — | 4,000,000 | 871,402 | |||||||||
| 1,900,000 | 16,412,500 | 3,575,474 | ||||||||||
| Sales of fresh produce | ||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 396,168 | 585,553 | 127,563 | |||||||||
| - from related parties | 568,472 | 1,473,219 | 320,942 | |||||||||
| 964,640 | 2,058,772 | 448,505 | ||||||||||
| Total revenue | 2,864,640 | 18,471,272 | 4,023,979 | |||||||||
F-40
| For the year ended December 31, 2022 | For the year ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Timing of revenue recognition | ||||||||||||
| - Point in time | 964,640 | 18,371,272 | 4,002,194 | |||||||||
| - Over time | 1,900,000 | 100,000 | 21,785 | |||||||||
| Revenue from contracts with customers | 2,864,640 | 18,471,272 | 4,023,979 | |||||||||
(b) Revenue expected to be recognized in the future arising from contracts with customers in existence at the reporting dates
For
the December
31, | For
the December
31, | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Transaction price allocated to partially unsatisfied performance obligations as of year end and expected to be recognized as revenue in: | ||||||||||||
| - 2023 | 100,000 | — | — | |||||||||
As of January 1 2022 and December 31, 2022 and 2023, no contract liabilities was recognized.
(c) Revenue from major customers
For
the December
31, | For
the December
31, | |||||||
| Offering of farm solutions | ||||||||
| Customer A | 66.3 | % | — | * | ||||
| Customer B | — | * | 34.7 | % | ||||
| Customer C** | — | * | 21.7 | % | ||||
| Customer D | — | * | 21.1 | % | ||||
| Customer E | — | * | 10.8 | % | ||||
| Sales of fresh produce | ||||||||
| Customer F** | 12.0 | % | — | * | ||||
| Customer G | 10.4 | % | — | * | ||||
| * | The corresponding revenue did not contribute over 10.0% of the total revenue of the Group in the particular year. |
| ** | Customer C and Customer F are related parties of the Group. |
F-41
(d) COVID-19 impact on revenue
In March 2020, the World Health Organization has officially announced the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) as a global pandemic. In order to combat the spread of COVID-19, the government of Malaysia has declared a Movement Control Order (“MCO”) which encompasses restriction of movement and closure of premises. The unprecedented disruption has impacted the business volume of the Group. The Group gradually resumed normal operations in 2022 upon easing of COVID-19 related restrictions. Any future impact on other possible health epidemics and outbreaks would have adversely impacted on Group business.
19. Other (expense)/income
| For the year ended December 31, | For
the | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Government grants (note (a)) | 28,000 | — | — | |||||||||
| Interest income | — | 1,544 | 336 | |||||||||
| Foreign exchange loss | — | (9,591 | ) | (2,089 | ) | |||||||
| Other (expense)/income | (84,743 | ) | 42,140 | 9,180 | ||||||||
| Total other (expense)/income | (56,743 | ) | 34,093 | 7,427 | ||||||||
Note:
| (a) | The Group obtained bioagrotech and biopharmaceutical employability grants of MYR28,000 during the year ended December 31, 2022. Government grant represented conditional cash subsidies received from the local government for the purpose of enhancing the employability of graduates by employing them for internship. There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies relating to such government grant income recognized. The government grant is not guaranteed to be available on an ongoing basis. |
F-42
20. Expenses by nature
| For the year ended | For the year ended | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| Note | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| - Construction cost | 1,961,480 | 6,041,901 | 1,316,232 | |||||||||||||
| - Depreciation and amortization | (ii) | 74,661 | 24,888 | 5,422 | ||||||||||||
| - Consulting fees | (iii) | — | 2,330,000 | 507,592 | ||||||||||||
| - Vegetable costs | 21,721 | 934,681 | 203,621 | |||||||||||||
| - Planting related costs | 249,861 | 499,744 | 108,870 | |||||||||||||
| - Wages and benefits | (i) | 282,206 | 376,560 | 82,034 | ||||||||||||
| 2,589,929 | 10,207,774 | 2,223,771 | ||||||||||||||
| For the year ended | For the year ended | |||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||
| Note | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||
| Selling and promotion expenses | ||||||||||||||
| - Entertainment expenses | 40,137 | 53,121 | 11,572 | |||||||||||
| - Marketing fees | 48,958 | 381,224 | 83,050 | |||||||||||
| - Sponsorship expenses | 10,000 | — | — | |||||||||||
| 99,095 | 434,345 | 94,622 | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ||||||||||||||
| - Director fee | (i), (iv) | 120,000 | 120,000 | 26,142 | ||||||||||
| - Professional fees | 85,725 | 503,556 | 109,700 | |||||||||||
| - Wages and benefits | (i) | 21,903 | 315,762 | 68,789 | ||||||||||
| - Depreciation and amortization | (ii) | 18,629 | 274,545 | 59,810 | ||||||||||
| - Commission paid | — | 161,129 | 35,102 | |||||||||||
| - Office expenses | 53,019 | 98,567 | 21,473 | |||||||||||
| - Others | 2,870 | 1,779 | 388 | |||||||||||
| 302,146 | 1,475,338 | 321,404 | ||||||||||||
| Total of cost of revenue, selling and promotion, and general and administrative expenses | 2,991,170 | 12,117,457 | 2,639,797 | |||||||||||
F-43
| (i) | Staff costs |
| For the year ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Director fee | 120,000 | 120,000 | 26,142 | |||||||||
| Salaries and wages | 265,411 | 600,833 | 130,892 | |||||||||
| Contributions to social security contribution plan | 38,211 | 75,013 | 16,342 | |||||||||
| Welfare expenses | 487 | 16,476 | 3,589 | |||||||||
| 424,109 | 812,322 | 176,965 | ||||||||||
| (ii) | Depreciation and amortization |
| For the year ended December 31, 2022 | For the year ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment (note 5) | 11,629 | 47,055 | 10,251 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets (note 6) | 7,000 | 16,106 | 3,509 | |||||||||
| Right-of-use assets (note 7) | 74,661 | 236,272 | 51,472 | |||||||||
| 93,290 | 299,433 | 65,232 | ||||||||||
| (iii) | The consulting fees mainly comprise design fees of CEA vertical farms, and consultation service fees on operating and managing the CEA vertical farms. |
| (iv) | During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, the director of the Company, which is also a shareholder of the Company, was entitled to an annual director’s fee of MYR120,000, of which the director waived to receive and was accordingly treated as a contribution by a shareholder. |
21. Finance costs
| For the year ended December 31, 2022 | For the year ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Bank charges | 261 | 2,615 | 570 | |||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | 4,711 | 124,157 | 27,048 | |||||||||
| Interest on redeemable convertible preference shares | 85,938 | 360,407 | 78,515 | |||||||||
| Interest on a related party loan (note (a), note 22(c)) | — | 17,081 | 3,721 | |||||||||
| Interest on bank borrowing | — | 1,566 | 341 | |||||||||
| Total finance costs | 90,910 | 505,826 | 110,195 | |||||||||
Note:
| (a) | On May 1, 2023, Agroz Group entered into a borrowing agreement with HWG Cash Berhad (“HWG Cash”), a related party, who is also a minority shareholder of the Group (the “Borrowing Agreement”). Pursuant to the Borrowing Agreement, Agroz Group borrowed MYR1,363,000 from HWG Cash, at an interest rate of two percent (2.0%) per annum and a maturity of 24 months, or on such other extended date mutually agreed between Agroz Group and the related party. |
F-44
22. Related party balances and transactions
(a) The following is a list of related parties which the Group has balances and transactions with:
| Name of entity or individual | Relationship | |
| Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim | Chief Executive Officer | |
| Ms. Khoo Kwai Fun (“Ms Khoo”) | Spouse of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| Mr. Au Say Kiat | Close family member of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| Isa Wellness Marketing | An entity controlled by a close family member of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. | Significantly influenced by Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim* | |
| Isa Farm Sdn. Bhd. | Under common control of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| Braiven Co., Ltd. (“Braiven”) | Significantly influenced by key management of the Group* | |
| HWG Cash Berhad (“HWG Cash”) | Shareholder of the Company and ceased to be a shareholder of the Company in January 2024 | |
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (“Agroz Ventures”) | Significantly influenced by Agroz Group** | |
| Agroz Vertical Farms Sdn. Bhd. (“Agroz Vertical Farms”) | Significantly influenced by Agroz Group** | |
| Agroz Asia Sdn. Bhd. (“Agroz Asia”) | Under common control of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| Ahoku Ventures Sdn. Bhd. | Under common control of Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim |
| * | Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim or key management of the Group holds a voting interest of 10% or more and has the right to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the applicable company, but does not have control. |
| ** | Agroz Group’s shareholdings of 19% in each of Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms are proxy holdings, with such shares held in trust. While shareholders holding 10% or more of the voting power in an entity are presumed to have a significant influence on the entity under Item 7B of Form 20-F, under International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 28 and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 9, significant influence requires a holding of 20% or more in voting power. Agroz Group does not possess any Director nomination rights, voting power, or decision-making influence on the Board of Directors of either Agroz Ventures or Agroz Vertical Farms. Although Agroz Group meets the significant influence presumption under Item 7B of Form 20-F, it does not meet the criteria under IAS 28 and IFRS 9 for significant influence. Therefore, Agroz Group does not believe these proxy holdings should be accounted under equity method. These proxy holdings additionally do not meet the criteria of assets under IASB Framework. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Agroz Group Sdn Bhd, pursuant to agreements with each of these entities, agreed to operate vertical farms based on guidelines and instructions from Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms’ management teams in return for a share of such vertical farms’ revenue. Such revenue is received by Agroz Group in consideration of the services Agroz Group provides and the license it grants to use its technology. Agroz Group does not make management decisions on behalf of Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms in the operation of such vertical farms, and in such capacity, Agroz Group exercises no control over Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms in accordance to IFRS 10. This is because Agroz Group does not have the power or ability to direct such related parties’ activities, which activities would affect investee’s return. Agroz Group also has no purchase or funding obligations to Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms. While IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers will be applied for Agroz Group’s performance obligations under such agreements (i.e., operating Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms’ vertical farms), the transaction price for Agroz Group’s performance obligations is share of revenue and 2% monthly commission on total vegetable sales revenue. There was no share of revenue and commission for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. |
(b) Transactions with related parties
(i) Key management personnel compensation
| For the year ended December 31, 2022 | For the year ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Salaries | 120,000 | 200,000 | 43,570 | |||||||||
| Contribution to social security contribution plan | — | 9,986 | 2,175 | |||||||||
| 120,000 | 209,986 | 45,745 | ||||||||||
F-45
(ii) Other transactions with related parties
| For the year ended | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Farm solution sales to | ||||||||||||
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. | — | 4,000,000 | 871,403 | |||||||||
| Fresh vegetable sales to | ||||||||||||
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. | 344,898 | 1,145,443 | 249,535 | |||||||||
| Isa Wellness Marketing | 223,574 | 327,776 | 71,406 | |||||||||
| Consultancy fees to | ||||||||||||
| Khoo Kwai Fun (v) | 60,000 | — | — | |||||||||
| Ahoku Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (i) | — | 350,000 | 76,248 | |||||||||
| Commission fee to | ||||||||||||
| Au Say Kiat (vi) | — | 137,912 | 30,044 | |||||||||
| Purchases of fresh produce from | ||||||||||||
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. (iii) | 21,721 | 48,581 | 10,583 | |||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farms Sdn. Bhd. (vii) | — | 886,100 | 193,037 | |||||||||
| Purchase of IT software from | ||||||||||||
| Braiven Co., Ltd. (viii) | — | 1,423,354 | 310,079 | |||||||||
| Expenses paid by the Group on behalf of | ||||||||||||
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (ii) | 2,580 | 19,000 | 4,139 | |||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farms Sdn. Bhd. (vii) | — | 1,571,296 | 342,307 | |||||||||
| Loan from | ||||||||||||
| HWG Cash (ix) | — | 1,363,000 | 296,930 | |||||||||
| Interest on a loan from | ||||||||||||
| HWG Cash (ix) | — | 17,081 | 3,721 | |||||||||
| Expenses paid on behalf of the Group by | ||||||||||||
| Gerard Lim (iv) | 1,043,389 | 350,927 | 76,450 | |||||||||
| Khoo Kwai Fun (v) | 67,797 | 110,289 | 24,027 | |||||||||
| HWG Cash (ix) | — | 1,178,275 | 256,688 | |||||||||
| Payments to | ||||||||||||
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. (iii) | — | 70,302 | 15,315 | |||||||||
| Gerard Lim (iv) | 981,148 | 339,333 | 73,924 | |||||||||
| Khoo Kwai Fun (v) | — | 257,749 | 56,151 | |||||||||
| Ahoku Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (i) | — | 350,000 | 76,248 | |||||||||
| Au Say Kiat (vi) | — | 137,912 | 30,044 | |||||||||
| Braiven Co., Ltd. (viii) | — | 684,684 | 149,159 | |||||||||
Notes:
| (i) | The Group paid consultancy fees to Ahoku Ventures Sdn. Bhd. amounted to MYR350,000 (USD76,248) as this entity advises for design of CEA vertical farms during the year ended December 31, 2023. |
| (ii) | Agroz Group paid expenses on behalf of Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. amounted to MYR 2,580 and MYR19,000 (USD4,139) during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively. |
| (iii) | Agroz Group purchased fresh produce from EPetani Sdn. Bhd. amounting to MYR21,721 and MYR48,581 (USD10,583) during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively. |
| (iv) | During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, certain operating expenses of Agroz Group amounted to MYR1,043,389 and MYR350,927 (USD76,450), respectively was paid by Mr. Gerard Lim. The amount was fully repaid to Mr. Gerard Lim as of the date of these consolidated financial statements. |
F-46
| (v) | The Group paid consultancy fee to Khoo Kwai Fun amounted to MYR60,000 during the year ended December 31, 2022. She also paid on behalf of Agroz Group on certain expenses amounted to MYR67,797 and MYR110,289 (USD24,027) during the year December 31, 2022 and 2023 respectively. Agroz Group has repaid MYR257,749 (USD56,151) to Khoo Kwai Fun during the year ended December 31, 2023. |
| (vi) | The Group had paid a commission to Au Say Kiat for introducing new investors during the year ended December 31, 2023, amounted to MYR137,912 (USD30,044). |
| (vii) | Agroz Group paid expenses on behalf of Agroz Vertical Farms Sdn. Bhd amounted to MYR1,571,296 (USD342,307) and purchased fresh produce from Agroz Vertical Farms Sdn. Bhd amounted to MYR886,100 (USD193,037) during the year December 31, 2023. |
| (viii) | Agroz Group purchased IT software from Braiven Co., Ltd. amounted to MYR1,423,354 (USD310,079) and paid MYR684,684 (USD149,159) during the year ended December 31, 2023 |
| (ix) | As of December 31, 2023, amount owing to HWG Cash consists of interest-bearing borrowing amounted to MYR1,363,000 (USD296,930) and related interest payable MYR17,081 (USD3,721) (note 21), and cash advances to the Group amounted to MYR1,178,275 (USD256,688). |
(c) Balances with related parties
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Included in trade receivables from related parties, net | ||||||||||||||||
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. | — | — | 3,980,000 | 867,046 | ||||||||||||
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. | — | 341,449 | 1,475,736 | 321,490 | ||||||||||||
| Isa Wellness Marketing | — | 222,456 | 548,594 | 119,512 | ||||||||||||
| Total trade receivables from related parties, net | — | 563,905 | 6,004,330 | 1,308,048 | ||||||||||||
| Included in amounts due from related parties | ||||||||||||||||
| Agroz Asia Sdn. Bhd. | — | 1,000 | 1,000 | 218 | ||||||||||||
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. | — | 2,580 | 21,580 | 4,701 | ||||||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. | — | — | 685,196 | 149,270 | ||||||||||||
| Isa Farm Sdn. Bhd. | — | 2,500 | 3,300 | 719 | ||||||||||||
| Total amounts due from related parties | — | 6,080 | 711,076 | 154,908 | ||||||||||||
| Included in prepayments | ||||||||||||||||
| Braiven Co., Ltd. | — | — | 1,423,354 | 310,079 | ||||||||||||
| Included in amounts due to related parties | ||||||||||||||||
| HWG Cash | ||||||||||||||||
| - Non-current | — | — | 1,363,000 | 296,930 | ||||||||||||
| - Current | — | — | 1,195,356 | 260,409 | ||||||||||||
| Gerard Lim | 12,896 | 75,137 | 86,731 | 18,894 | ||||||||||||
| Braiven Co., Ltd. | — | — | 738,670 | 160,920 | ||||||||||||
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. | — | 21,721 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Khoo Kwai Fun | 39,952 | 167,749 | 20,289 | 4,420 | ||||||||||||
| Total amounts due to related parties | 52,848 | 264,607 | 3,404,046 | 741,573 | ||||||||||||
F-47
23. Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share
(a) Basic (loss)/earnings per share
The calculation of basic (loss)/earnings per share is based on the (loss)/profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, which is calculated as follows:
| For
the year ended December 31, 2022 | For
the year ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| (Loss)/profit for the year | (289,865 | ) | 3,754,385 | 817,894 | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 20,000,000 | 20,000,000 | 20,000,000 | |||||||||
| Basic (loss)/earnings per share | (0.01 | ) | 0.19 | 0.04 | ||||||||
(b) Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of redeemable convertible preference shares
| For the year ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Net (loss)/earnings allocated to ordinary shares | (289,865 | ) | 3,754,385 | 817,894 | ||||||||
| Add: Effect on interest expenses of AI RCPS | - | 100,648 | 21,926 | |||||||||
| Net (loss)/earnings used in the computation of diluted earnings per share | (289,865 | ) | 3,855,033 | 839,820 | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 20,000,000 | 20,000,000 | 20,000,000 | |||||||||
| Effect of redeemable convertible preference shares | - | 67,069 | 67,069 | |||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares in the computation of diluted earnings per share | 20,000,000 | 20,067,069 | 20,067,069 | |||||||||
| Diluted (loss)/earnings per share | (0.01 | ) | 0.19 | 0.04 | ||||||||
24. Commitments and contingencies
(a) Commitments
Capital expenditure contracted for but not provided in the consolidated financial statements:
| As of January 1, 2022 | As of December 31, 2022 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||||
| Software | — | — | 1,338,535 | 291,601 | |||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023, the Group has remaining contractual commitment amounted to MYR1,338,535 (USD291,601), mainly arising from certain purchase contracts of IT software such as E-commerce website design, Internet of Things (IoT) management platform, system integration platform and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system signed with suppliers. The majority of this contractual commitment is due within one year and upon the project progress. Other than as shown above, the Group did not have any significant capital and other commitments, long-term obligations or guarantees as of December 31, 2023.
(b) Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, the Group may be subject to legal proceedings regarding contractual and employment relationships and a variety of other matters. The Group records contingent liabilities resulting from such claims, when a loss is assessed to be probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. In the opinion of management, there were no pending or threatened claims and litigation as of January 1, 2022, December 31, 2022 and 2023, and through the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements.
F-48
25. Subsequent events
The Group evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the issuance of the consolidated financial statements as of August 20, 2024 and, except for the event described below, the Group did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
On January 3, 2024, the Company appointed Sim May Jin as the Chief Financial Officer and Lee Wee Adrian as the Chief Technology Officer of the Company.
Effective on March 15, 2024, the board of directors of the Company approved to issue 1,030,494 Company’s share at par value, totally USD103.05, to Mr. Gerard Lim, to motivate him as CEO to better manage and operate the Group. On March 15, 2024, the Company issued a total of 1,030,494 shares to Mr. Gerard Lim. The share-based payment is conditional upon the successful completion of IPO.
On April 15, 2024, Agroz Group entered into a contract amounted to USD 4,000,000 with a related party to purchase a software platform. As of the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements, Agroz Group has paid MYR 3,900,000 (USD849,618) to the related party as prepayment.
From January 10, 2024 to June 6, 2024, the Company issued 343,479 shares of AI RCPS at a subscription price of USD2.50 per share, for an aggregate amount of MYR4,029,438 (USD858,698). Agreement terms of the AI RCPS are identical to those issued during the year ended December 31, 2023 (note 13(b)).
F-49
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated statements of financial position
(Stated in Malaysian Ringgit)
| Note | As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 5 | 216,883 | 269,946 | 57,244 | ||||||||||
| Intangible assets | 6 | 46,348 | 38,689 | 8,204 | ||||||||||
| Prepayment - to a related party | 22 | 1,423,354 | 6,735,065 | 1,428,222 | ||||||||||
| Prepayment and deposits – to third parties | 1,273,044 | 1,518,475 | 322,004 | |||||||||||
| Total prepayments and deposits | 9 | 2,696,398 | 8,253,540 | 1,750,226 | ||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | 7(a) | 2,141,293 | 2,531,932 | 536,915 | ||||||||||
| Deferred offering costs | – | 1,651,825 | 350,282 | |||||||||||
| Non-current assets | 5,100,922 | 12,745,932 | 2,702,871 | |||||||||||
| Trade receivables - from third parties | 9,154,785 | 11,060,234 | 2,345,408 | |||||||||||
| Trade receivables - from related parties | 22 | 6,004,330 | 1,644,578 | 348,745 | ||||||||||
| Total trade receivables | 8 | 15,159,115 | 12,704,812 | 2,694,153 | ||||||||||
| Prepayments and other receivables | 9 | 1,523,110 | 30,916 | 6,556 | ||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties | 22 | 711,076 | 357,384 | 75,786 | ||||||||||
| Cash | 11 | 109,161 | 663,670 | 140,736 | ||||||||||
| Current assets | 17,502,462 | 13,756,782 | 2,917,231 | |||||||||||
| Total assets | 22,603,384 | 26,502,714 | 5,620,102 | |||||||||||
| Equity | ||||||||||||||
| Share capital | 12(a) | 8,351 | 8,781 | 1,862 | ||||||||||
| Subscription receivable | 12(a) | – | (430 | ) | (91 | ) | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 12(a) | 2,171,649 | 2,171,649 | 460,515 | ||||||||||
| Other reserves | 12(b) | 508,447 | 814,925 | 172,811 | ||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 2,677,584 | 102,463 | 21,728 | |||||||||||
| Total equity | 5,366,031 | 3,097,388 | 656,825 | |||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities, non-current | 7(b) | 1,757,179 | 2,299,407 | 487,607 | ||||||||||
| Bank borrowing, non-current | 14 | 52,942 | 46,479 | 9,856 | ||||||||||
| Other payables, non-current | 16 | 918,274 | – | – | ||||||||||
| Amount due to related party, non-current | 22 | 1,363,000 | – | – | ||||||||||
| Redeemable convertible preference shares | 13 | 6,483,536 | 10,268,763 | 2,177,569 | ||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | 10,574,931 | 12,614,649 | 2,675,032 | |||||||||||
| Trade payables | 16 | 2,403,407 | 4,877,541 | 1,034,320 | ||||||||||
| Other payables, current | 16 | 295,253 | 1,067,301 | 226,329 | ||||||||||
| Tax payables | 17 | 1,448,723 | 1,674,669 | 355,126 | ||||||||||
| Bank borrowing, current | 14 | 14,144 | 12,686 | 2,690 | ||||||||||
| Lease liabilities, current | 7(b) | 459,849 | 378,388 | 80,240 | ||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties, current | 22 | 2,041,046 | 2,780,092 | 589,540 | ||||||||||
| Current liabilities | 6,662,422 | 10,790,677 | 2,288,245 | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 17,237,353 | 23,405,326 | 4,963,277 | |||||||||||
| Total equity and liabilities | 22,603,384 | 26,502,714 | 5,620,102 | |||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-50
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income
(Stated in Malaysian Ringgit)
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
| Note | 2023 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||
| Revenue - third parties | 4,094,530 | 5,730,636 | 1,215,225 | |||||||||||
| Revenue - related parties | 22 | 343,460 | 1,082,923 | 229,642 | ||||||||||
| Total revenue | 18 | 4,437,990 | 6,813,559 | 1,444,867 | ||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | 20 | (3,022,923 | ) | (5,398,795 | ) | (1,144,855 | ) | |||||||
| Gross profit | 1,415,067 | 1,414,764 | 300,012 | |||||||||||
| Selling and promotion expenses | 20 | (34,318 | ) | (95,265 | ) | (20,202 | ) | |||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 20 | (206,988 | ) | (2,901,428 | ) | (615,270 | ) | |||||||
| Other income | 19 | 1,011 | 1,093 | 232 | ||||||||||
| Credit loss on trade receivables | 15(a) | (4,479 | ) | (4,085 | ) | (866 | ) | |||||||
| Operating profit/(loss) | 1,170,293 | (1,584,921 | ) | (336,094 | ) | |||||||||
| Finance costs | 21 | (148,490 | ) | (764,254 | ) | (162,066 | ) | |||||||
| Profit/(loss) before taxation | 1,021,803 | (2,349,175 | ) | (498,160 | ) | |||||||||
| Income tax expenses | 17 | (235,215 | ) | (225,946 | ) | (47,913 | ) | |||||||
| Profit/(loss) for the period | 786,588 | (2,575,121 | ) | (546,073 | ) | |||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss)/income: | ||||||||||||||
| Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: | ||||||||||||||
| Exchange differences on translation of financial statements of foreign operations | (14,362 | ) | 39,081 | 18,685 | ||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period | (14,362 | ) | 39,081 | 18,685 | ||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period | 772,226 | (2,536,040 | ) | (527,388 | ) | |||||||||
| Earnings/(loss) per share | ||||||||||||||
| - Basic | 23 | 0.04 | (0.13 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||
| - Diluted | 23 | 0.04 | (0.13 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-51
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(Stated in Malaysian Ringgit, except for the number of shares)
| Share capital | Other reserves | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Subscription receivable | Additional paid–in capital | Foreign currency translation reserve | Equity component of redeemable convertible preference shares | (Accumulated losses)/ retained earnings | Total shareholders’ equity/(deficit) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2023 | 20,000,000 | 8,351 | – | 1,231,649 | – | – | (1,076,801 | ) | 163,199 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the period | – | – | – | – | – | – | 786,588 | 786,588 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | – | – | – | – | (14,362 | ) | – | – | (14,362 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period | – | – | – | – | (14,362 | ) | – | 786,588 | 772,226 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital injection from shareholders (note 12 (a)) | – | – | – | 820,000 | – | – | – | 820,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contribution by a shareholder (note 20(iv)) | – | – | – | 60,000 | – | – | – | 60,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2023 | 20,000,000 | 8,351 | – | 2,111,649 | (14,362 | ) | – | (290,213 | ) | 1,815,425 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2024 | 20,000,000 | 8,351 | – | 2,171,649 | 49,030 | 459,417 | 2,677,584 | 5,366,031 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss for the period | – | – | – | – | – | – | (2,575,121 | ) | (2,575,121 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | – | – | – | – | 39,081 | – | – | 39,081 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period | – | – | – | – | 39,081 | – | (2,575,121 | ) | (2,536,040 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of redeemable convertible preference shares (note 13) | – | – | – | – | – | 267,397 | – | 267,397 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of new shares (note 12(a)) | 1,030,494 | 430 | (430 | ) | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2024 | 21,030,494 | 8,781 | (430 | ) | 2,171,649 | 88,111 | 726,814 | 102,463 | 3,097,388 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 21,030,494 | 1,862 | (91 | ) | 460,515 | 18,685 | 154,126 | 21,728 | 656,825 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-52
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of cash flows
For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024
(Stated in Malaysian Ringgit)
| For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
| Note | 2023 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||||||||
| Profit /(loss) before tax | 1,021,803 | (2,349,175 | ) | (498,160 | ) | |||||||||
| Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||
| Finance costs | 21 | 148,416 | 762,047 | 161,597 | ||||||||||
| Contribution by a shareholder | 20(iv) | 60,000 | – | – | ||||||||||
| Depreciation charge of property, plant and equipment | 20(ii) | 12,195 | 44,487 | 9,434 | ||||||||||
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 20(ii) | 40,216 | 225,390 | 47,796 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 20(ii) | 8,000 | 7,659 | 1,624 | ||||||||||
| Credit loss on trade receivables | 15(a) | 4,479 | 4,085 | 866 | ||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| (Increase)/decrease in trade receivables | (3,766,554 | ) | 2,450,218 | 519,587 | ||||||||||
| (Increase)/decrease in prepayments, deposits and other receivables | (629,258 | ) | 236,108 | 50,068 | ||||||||||
| Decrease in amounts due from related companies | 2,200 | 353,692 | 75,003 | |||||||||||
| Decrease in development costs | 414,749 | – | – | |||||||||||
| (Decrease)/increase in other payables | (13,134 | ) | 149,084 | 31,614 | ||||||||||
| Decrease in amounts due to related companies | (365 | ) | (562,536 | ) | (119,290 | ) | ||||||||
| Increase in trade payables | 261,460 | 2,513,215 | 532,946 | |||||||||||
| Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities | (2,435,793 | ) | 3,834,274 | 813,085 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||||||
| Payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment | (23,845 | ) | (97,550 | ) | (20,686 | ) | ||||||||
| Payments for purchases of intangible assets-related parties | (577,000 | ) | (5,311,711 | ) | (1,126,388 | ) | ||||||||
| Payments for purchases of intangible assets-third parties | – | (169,600 | ) | (35,965 | ) | |||||||||
| Advance to related parties | (3,000 | ) | – | – | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (603,845 | ) | (5,578,861 | ) | (1,183,039 | ) | ||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||||||
| Payment of IPO related costs | – | (471,570 | ) | (100,000 | ) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from capital injection from shareholders | 820,000 | – | – | |||||||||||
| Cash advance received from/ (repayment to) a related party | 11(a) | 393,226 | (4,123 | ) | (874 | ) | ||||||||
| Proceeds from/(repayment of) shareholder’s loan | 11(a) | 1,363,000 | (70,925 | ) | (15,040 | ) | ||||||||
| Payment of principal element of bank borrowing | 11(a) | – | (7,921 | ) | (1,680 | ) | ||||||||
| Payment of interest element of bank borrowing | 11(a) | – | (2,148 | ) | (455 | ) | ||||||||
| Proceeds from the issue of redeemable convertible preference shares | 11(a) | 500,000 | 3,134,350 | 664,663 | ||||||||||
| Payment of capital element of lease liabilities | 11(a) | (33,899 | ) | (155,262 | ) | (32,924 | ) | |||||||
| Payment of interest element of lease liabilities | 11(a) | (9,548 | ) | (123,305 | ) | (26,148 | ) | |||||||
| Net cash generated from financing activities | 3,032,779 | 2,299,096 | 487,542 | |||||||||||
| Net (decrease)/increase in cash | (6,859 | ) | 554,509 | 117,588 | ||||||||||
| Cash – beginning of the period | 73,910 | 109,161 | 23,148 | |||||||||||
| Cash – end of the period | 67,051 | 663,670 | 140,736 | |||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-53
Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024
1. General information
Agroz Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on August 8, 2023, as an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law, Cap.22 (Law 3 of 1961, as consolidated and revised) of the Cayman Islands.
The Company is an investment holding company and has not carried on any business since the date of its incorporation except for the group reorganization mentioned in note 2.1 below. The Company and its subsidiary (collectively, the “Group”) are principally engaged in offering farm solutions and selling fresh produce from the controlled environment agriculture vertical farms operated (the “CEA vertical farms”). The principal activities aforementioned are defined as the Relevant Business of the Group.
2. Reorganization, basis of presentation and going concern
2.1 Reorganization
Prior to the incorporation of the Company, the above mentioned Relevant Business was carried out through Agroz Group Sdn. Bhd. (“Agroz Group”), a company established in Malaysia on November 20, 2020. In anticipation of an initial public offering (“IPO”), the Company was incorporated on August 8, 2023; and acquired 100.0% of equity interests of Agroz Group and became the holding company of the Group on December 14, 2023 (the “Reorganization”). Immediately before and after the Reorganization, the Company and Agroz Group are with identical shareholdings structures, which were effectively under common control; therefore, the Reorganization was accounted for as a recapitalization of the operating entity. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in a manner as if the Relevant Businesses had been always operated by the companies now comprising the Group and the Reorganization had been completed at the beginning of the reporting periods. The assets and liabilities included in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are recognized and measured at the historical costs prior to the Reorganization.
The unaudited condensed consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income, cash flows and changes in equity for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024, included the results and operations of the companies now comprising the Group. The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of financial position as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024 included the financial position of the companies now comprising the Group, except for their capital structure which is retrospectively adjusted to reflect the legal capital structure of the Company. The registered capital of the companies now comprising the Group were included in additional paid-in capital in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024
2.2 Subsidiary
Upon completion of the Reorganization and as of the date of issue of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company only has one subsidiary as follow:
| Date and place of incorporation | Issued share | Principal | Percentage of shareholding % | |||||||||||||
| Company | and operation | capital | activities | Direct | Indirect | |||||||||||
| Agroz Group Sdn. Bhd. (“Agroz Group”) | November 20, 2020 Malaysia | 1,000 | Offering farm solutions, and selling fresh produce from the CEA vertical farms | 100 | % | – | ||||||||||
F-54
2.3 Basis of preparation
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). IFRSs also comprise International Accounting Standards (“IAS”); and Interpretations. No reconciliation of the Group’s equity and profits reported under the previous accounting standards to its equity and profits under IFRSs was prepared as the Group has not issued any financial statements prior to this report.
These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. Certain disclosures included in the annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted from these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as they are not required for interim financial statements under IAS and the rules of the SEC.
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. These adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Interim period operating results may not be indicative of the operating results for a full year.
The Company has disclosed its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements under IFRS for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.
These financial statements were authorized for issue by the Group’s board of directors on December 10, 2024.
The IASB has issued a number of new and revised IFRSs. For the purpose of preparing these financial statements, the Group has adopted all applicable new and revised IFRSs that are effective. The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to the reporting periods presented in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| a. | New and revised IFRSs that are adopted and are effective for the annual accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024 |
| · | Amendments to IAS 1 - Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current |
| · | Amendments to IAS 1 - Non-current Liabilities with Covenants |
| · | Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 – Supplier Finance Arrangements |
| · | Amendments to IAS 16 - Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback |
| b. | New and revised IFRSs that are not yet effective and have not been early adopted |
| Effective
for accounting periods beginning on or after | |
| IAS 21 - The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates – Lack of Exchangeability | January 1, 2025 |
| Amendments to IFRS 7 and IFRS 9 - Classification and Measurements of Financial Instruments | January 1, 2026 |
| IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements | January 1, 2027 |
The Group is in the process of making an assessment of what the impact of these developments is expected to be in the period of initial application. So far it has concluded that the adoption of them is unlikely to have an adverse significant impact on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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2.4 Going Concern
The Group has evaluated whether there are material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt upon the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in twelve months from the issuance date of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Group incurred a loss of MYR2,575,121 (USD546,073). The Group is evaluating several strategies and actively pursuing actions aimed at enhancing its profitability and cash stability. These actions include pursuing additional cost-saving initiatives, expanding the market by cooperating with large local supermarkets to increase its’ selling distribution channels, and seeking additional financing from both public and private markets. In addition, the Group’s director, Mr. Gerald Lim, has signed a financial support commitment to ensure the Group’s continuous operation. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Group will be successful in achieving its strategic plans, that its future capital raises will be sufficient to support ongoing operations, or that any additional financing will be available in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. Therefore, the Group has concluded that, while the going concern assumption is appropriate, there is significant doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern within twelve months from the issuance date of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes the Group will continue its operations for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as at June 30, 2024, and for the period ended June 30, 2023 and 2024 do not include any adjustments to the carrying amounts and classification of assets, liabilities and reported expenses that may otherwise be required if the going concern basis was not appropriate. Such adjustments could be material.
3. Significant accounting policies
3.1 Basis of consolidation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Group and its subsidiary on a consolidated basis. Subsidiary is an entity over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Group has power over an entity when the Group has existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities, i.e. activities that significantly affect the entity’s returns.
When assessing control, the Group considers its potential voting rights as well as potential voting rights held by other parties, to determine whether it has control. A potential voting right is considered only if the holder has the practical ability to exercise that right.
A subsidiary is consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. It is deconsolidated from the date the control ceases.
Intra-group transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the transferred asset. When necessary, amounts reported by a subsidiary has been adjusted to conform with the Group’s accounting policies.
3.2 Translation of foreign currencies
| (i) | Functional and presentation currency |
Items included in the financial statements of each entity in the Group are measured using the currency that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant to the entity (the “functional currency”). The functional currency of the Company is United States dollars (“USD”). As major operations of the Group are within Malaysia, the Group presents its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR), unless otherwise stated.
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|
(ii) |
Convenience translation |
Translations of amounts in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position, unaudited condensed consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income and unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows from MYR into USD as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2024 are solely for the convenience of the reader and were calculated at the noon buying rate of June 28, 2024 at USD1= MYR4.7157 as published in H.10 statistical release of the United States Federal Reserve Board. No representation is made that the MYR amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into USD at such rate or at any other rate.
| (iii) | Transactions and balances |
Foreign currency transactions during the period are translated into the respective functional currencies of group companies at the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate at the end of each reporting period. Exchange gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss and presented within other income.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured based on historical cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.
| (iv) | Foreign operations |
The results of foreign operations are translated into MYR at the exchange rates approximating the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Statements of financial position items are translated into USD at the exchange rates at the end of each reporting period. The resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated separately in equity in the translation reserve.
3.3 Trade and other receivables
A receivable is recognized when the Group has an unconditional right to receive consideration. A right to receive consideration is unconditional if only the passage of time is required before payment of that consideration is due.
The Group does not have any receivables that contain significant financing component at the end of each reporting period. Receivables are initially measured at their transaction price. All receivables are subsequently stated at amortized cost and including an allowance for credit losses (see note 3.5).
3.4 Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months after the reporting period. Trade and other payables are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently stated at amortized cost unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost.
3.5 Credit losses from financial instruments
The Group recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit loss (“ECL”) on financial assets which are subject to impairment under IFRS 9 (including trade and other receivables, amounts due from related parties, bank deposits and bank balances).
Measurement of ECLs
ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all expected cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the Group in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Group expects to receive). The maximum period considered when estimating ECLs is the maximum contractual period over which the Group is exposed to credit risk. In measuring ECLs, the Group takes into account reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort. This includes information about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions.
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ECLs are measured on either of the following bases:
| ● | 12-month ECLs: these are losses that are expected to result from possible default events within the 12 months after the reporting date; and |
| ● | lifetime ECLs: these are losses that are expected to result from all possible default events over the expected lives of the items to which the ECL model applies. |
Loss allowances for trade receivables are always measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs. ECLs on these financial assets are estimated using a provision matrix based on the Group’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors and an assessment of both the current and forecast general economic conditions at the reporting date.
For all other financial instruments, the Group recognizes a loss allowance equal to 12-month ECLs unless there has been a significant increase in credit risk of the financial instrument since initial recognition, in which case the loss allowance is measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs.
Significant increases in credit risk
In assessing whether the credit risk of a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition, the Group compares the risk of default occurring on the financial instrument assessed at the reporting date with that assessed at the date of initial recognition. In particular, the following information is taken into account when assessing whether credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition:
| ● | failure to make payments of principal or interest on their contractually due dates; |
| ● | an actual or expected significant deterioration in a financial instrument’s external or internal credit rating (if available); |
| ● | an actual or expected significant deterioration in the operating results of the debtor; and |
| ● | existing or forecast changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment that have a significant adverse effect on the debtor’s ability to meet its obligation to the Group. |
Depending on the nature of the financial instruments, the assessment of a significant increase in credit risk is performed on either an individual basis or a collective basis. When the assessment is performed on a collective basis, the financial instruments are grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics, such as past due status and credit risk ratings.
ECLs are remeasured at each reporting date to reflect changes in the financial instrument’s credit risk since initial recognition. Any change in the ECL amount is recognized as an impairment gain or loss in profit or loss. The Group recognizes an impairment gain or loss for all financial instruments with a corresponding adjustment to their carrying amount through a loss allowance account.
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3.6 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses (see note 3.9). The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its working condition and location for its intended use.
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of their residual values if any, over their estimated useful lives and is generally recognized in profit or loss. The useful lives used for this purpose are as follows:
| ● | Computer and equipment | 3 years | |
| ● | Furniture and fittings | 3 years | |
| ● | Fire system | 5 years | |
| ● | Motor vehicle | 5 years | |
| ● | Renovation | 5 years |
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted if appropriate.
Gains or losses arising from the retirement or disposal of an item of property and equipment are determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item and are recognized in profit or loss on the date of retirement or disposal.
3.7 Intangible assets
Intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortization (where the estimated useful life is finite) and accumulated impairment losses (see note 3.9).
Intangible assets with finite lives are subsequently amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful life and is recognized in profit or loss. The useful life and the amortization method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at least at each year end. The useful lives used for this purpose are as follows:
| ● | Website | 3 years | |
| ● | Computer software | 5 years |
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3.8 Lease
At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is conveyed where the customer has both the right to direct the use of the identified asset and to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from that use.
| (i) | As a lessee |
At the lease commencement date, the Group recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, except for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets. The lease payments associated with those leases which are not capitalized are recognized as an expense on a systematic basis over the lease term.
Where the lease is capitalized, the lease liability is initially recognized at the present value of the lease payments payable over the lease term, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, using a relevant incremental borrowing rate. The Group determines its incremental borrowing rate by obtaining interest rates from various external financing sources and makes certain adjustments to reflect the terms of the lease and type of the asset leased. After initial recognition, the lease liability is measured at amortized cost and interest expense is calculated using the effective interest method. Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or rate are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and hence are charged to profit or loss in the accounting period in which they are incurred.
The right-of-use asset recognized when a lease is capitalized is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability plus any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, and any initial direct costs incurred. Where applicable, the cost of the right-of-use assets also includes an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, discounted to their present value, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is subsequently stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses (see note 3.9). Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of items of right-of-use assets, using the straight-line method over the unexpired lease term.
| (ii) | Sales and leaseback transactions |
The Group applies IFRS 15 for determining if the transfer of an asset to the buyer (lessor) is to be accounted for as a sale of assets. After the sale of assets is concluded, the Group measures the right-of-use assets arising from the leaseback at the proportion of the previous carrying value of the asset that relates to the right of use retained by the Group. Accordingly, the Group recognizes only the amount of any gain or loss that relates to the rights transferred to the buyer (lessor).
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3.9 Impairment on property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets
At the end of the reporting period, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets with finite useful lives to determine whether there is any indication that these assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the relevant asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
The recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets are estimated individually. When it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount individually, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. The fair value less cost to sell is the estimated amount obtainable from the sale of an asset in an arm’s length transaction less disposal costs, while value in use is the present value of estimated future cash flows from the continuing use of an asset and from its disposal at the end of its useful life.
A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. If that is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. The increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years.
3.10 Cash
The Group maintains all of its bank accounts in Malaysia and no cash equivalents. Cash are assessed for ECL (see note 3.5).
3.11 Development costs
CEA vertical farms under development is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value takes into account the price ultimately expected to be realized, less applicable variable selling expenses and anticipated cost to completion. Development cost of CEA vertical farms comprises mainly construction cost and equipment installation work incurred during the development period. On completion, the CEA vertical farms are transferred to completed project held for sale.
CEA vertical farms under development is classified as a current asset unless it will not be realized in one normal operating cycle.
3.12 Redeemable convertible preference shares
Redeemable convertible preference shares (“RCPS”) are with a fixed dividend rate and redeemable at the request of the holders upon the occurrence of a certain redemption event or on the maturity date as agreed in the corresponding shareholders’ agreement. The conversion option embedded, if any, is with a conversion ratio of one RCPSs to one common share of the Company.
The Group reviews the term and conditions of the RCPS to conclude whether the RCPSs have the characteristics of:
| - | A financial liability – when the financial instruments are with contractual obligation to deliver cash or other financial assets, including to pay a fixed rate or dividend and/or have a mandatory redemption feature at a future date; |
| - | An equity instrument – when the financial instruments do not have a fixed maturity and the issuer does not have a contractual obligation to make any payment, which represent a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. |
RCPSs without conversion option have been classified as financial liabilities, which are measured initially at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost.
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RCPSs with conversion option have been classified as a compound financial instrument, with liability and equity components. When the initial carrying amount of a compound financial instrument is allocated to its equity and liability components, the equity component is assigned the residual amount after deducting from the fair value of the instrument as a whole the amount separately determined for the liability component. The sum of the carrying amounts assigned to the liability and equity components on initial recognition is always equal to the fair value to the instrument as a whole. No gain or loss arises from initially recognizing the components of the instrument separately.
Any transaction costs are recognized as finance costs in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of profit or loss.
3.13 Revenue and other income
Income is classified by the Group as revenue when it arises from the sale of products and the provision of services.
Revenue is recognized when control over the product or service is transferred to the customer, at the amount of promised consideration to which the Group is expected to be entitled in exchange for the satisfaction of a specific performance obligation, excluding those amounts collected on behalf of third parties.
The Group takes advantage of the practical expedient in paragraph 63 of IFRS 15 and does not adjust the consideration for the effects of any significant financing component if the expected period of financing is 12 months or less.
Further details of the Group’s revenue and other income recognition policies are as follows:
| (i) | Farm solutions |
The Group offers a comprehensive set of farm solutions to the customers, which include to sell CEA vertical farm as an integrated project or to provide CEA vertical farms design and construction service separately according to the specific demands from the customers.
Designing service of CEA vertical farms
Revenue from farm design service, as a single promise, is recognized at a point in time when the relevant services are rendered, generally upon acceptance of the farm layout plan for the customer and the Group has a present right to receive payment. The contract payment is not subject to any variable consideration, refund, cancellation or termination provision.
CEA vertical farms related construction services
Revenue from farm related construction service is recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group’s performance as it occurs, and the customer controls the related asset as it is created or enhanced.
Under the construction contract, the Group is responsible for providing the overall management of the construction project and identifies goods and services to be provided including procurement, construction, engineering and finishing. The Group identifies only one performance obligation in farm construction service as the goods and services to be provided under the contract are not separately identifiable within the context of the agreement to be distinct performance obligations.
The construction revenue is recognized according to the stage of completion of the works. The contract payment is not subject to any variable consideration, refund, cancellation or termination provision.
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Farm sales
For CEA vertical farms sales contract for which the control of the farm is transferred at a point in time, revenue is recognized upon acceptance of the farm for the customer and the Group has a present right to receive payment. The contract payment is not subject to any variable consideration, refund or return provision.
| (ii) | Management fees |
| The Group earns management fees by providing professional skills and knowledge to operate and manage CEA vertical farm. Management fee is recognized in the period in which the services are rendered. |
| (iii) | Sale of fresh produce |
Revenue from sale of fresh produce is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with customers from both retailers and distributors, regardless of the customer being a third party or a related party, in exchange for goods delivered. Agroz Group fulfills its sales obligation to its customers by purchasing fresh produce from the farms that it operates and manages, which are owned by related parties. For both sales to retailer and distributor customers, Agroz Group recognized revenue at a point in time when the control is transferred to the customer, generally on delivery of the vegetables. Agroz Group ensures the quality of its products to meet customers’ requirements and manages delivery of fresh produce to customers. Management determines the transaction price of fresh produce and is responsible for quality of products and customer returns to take the inventory risk. Hence, revenue recognized and billings to customers are at gross.
Revenue from the sale of fresh produce is recognized at a point in time when control of the produce is transferred to the customer, generally on delivery of the vegetables.
Management also collaborates with third parties who provide platforms for sale of fresh produce. Agroz Group will deliver vegetables to third parties and determine selling price of fresh produce. The Group holds inventory risk before the fresh produce sold to end customers. As Agroz Group acts as principal and determines transaction price of fresh produce, revenue generated from fresh produce is recognized at gross.
| (iv) | Interest income |
For financial assets measured at amortized cost, interest income is measured using the effective interest method and recognized in profit or loss.
| (v) | Government grants |
Government grants initially when there is reasonable assurance that they will be received and that the Group will comply with the conditions attached to them. Grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are recognized as other income in profit or loss based on the timing of when the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate are incurred.
3.14 Bank borrowing
Bank borrowing was initially recognized at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred, and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
Bank borrowing was classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period.
3.15 Finance costs
Finance costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred, comprising fixed-rate dividend of mandatorily redeemable convertible preference shares, interest of lease liabilities, bank and related party borrowing.
3.16 Income tax
Income tax expense comprises current tax and movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Current tax and movements in deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
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Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous periods. The amount of current tax payable is the best estimate of the tax amount expected to be paid or received that reflects uncertainty related to income taxes, if any.
Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes, deferred tax assets also arise from unused tax losses and unused tax credits.
A deferred tax asset is recognized for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
The measurement of deferred taxes reflects the tax consequences that would follow the manner in which the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
3.17 Employee benefits
| (i) | Short-term employee benefits |
Short-term employee benefits are recognized at the undiscounted amount of the benefits expected to be paid as and when employee rendered the services. All short-term employee benefits are recognized as an expense unless IFRSs requires to permit the inclusion of the benefit in the cost of an asset. A liability is recognized for benefits accruing to employees (such as wages and salaries, annual leaves and sick leave) after deducting any amount already paid.
| (ii) | Retirement benefit costs |
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as expenses when employees have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.
| (iii) | Termination benefits |
Termination benefits are recognized at the earlier of the dates when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits and when the Group recognizes restructuring costs and involves the payment of termination benefits.
3.18 Related parties
A related party is a person or entity that is related to the Group.
| (A) | A person or a close member of that person’s family is related to the Group if that person: |
| (i) | has control or joint control over the Group; |
| (ii) | has significant influence over the Group; or |
| (iii) | is a member of the key management personnel of the Group or of a parent of the Group. |
| (B) | An entity is related to the Group if any of the following conditions applies: |
| (i) | The entity and the Group are members of the same group (which means that each parent, subsidiary and fellow subsidiary is related to the others); |
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| (ii) | One entity is an associate or joint venture of the other entity (or an associate or joint venture of a member of a group of which the other entity is a member); |
| (iii) | Both entities are joint ventures of the same third party; |
| (iv) | One entity is a joint venture of a third entity and the other entity is an associate of the third entity; |
| (v) | The entity is a post-employment benefit plan for the benefit of employees of either the Group or an entity related to the Group. If the Group is itself such a plan, the sponsoring employers are also related to the Group; |
| (vi) | The entity is controlled or jointly controlled by a person identified in (A); |
| (vii) | A person identified in (A)(i) has significant influence over the entity or is a member of the key management personnel of the entity (or of a parent of the entity); or |
| (viii) | The entity, or any member of a group of which it is a part, provides key management personnel services to the Group or to a parent of the Group. |
| (ix) | Close members of the family of a person are those family members who may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that person in their dealings with the entity. |
3.19 Provisions and contingent liabilities
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.
Where it is not probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required, or the amount cannot be estimated reliably, the obligation is disclosed as a contingent liability, unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote. Possible obligations, whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events are also disclosed as contingent liabilities unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.
The Group does not recognize contingent liabilities, but discloses their existence in the notes to the financial statements. A contingent liability is a possible obligation that arises from past events which existence will be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events beyond the control of the Group or a present obligation that is not recognized because it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation.
3.20 Share capital
(i) Ordinary shares
Proceeds from ordinary shares issued are accounted for in equity. Cost directly attributable to the issuance of new equity shares are deducted from equity.
(ii) Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account the after income tax effect of financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.
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3.21 Classification of current and non-current items
An asset is classified as current when:
| (a) | it expects to realize the asset, or intends to sell or consume it, in its normal operating cycle; |
| (b) | it holds the asset primarily for the purpose of trading; |
| (c) | it expects to realize the asset within twelve months after the reporting period; or |
| (d) | the asset is cash or a cash equivalent unless the asset is restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period |
All other assets as are classified as non-current.
| A | liability is classified as current when: |
| (i) | it expects to settle the liability in its normal operating cycle; |
| (ii) | it holds the liability primarily for the purpose of trading; |
| (iii) | the liability is due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period; or |
| (iv) | it does not have the right at the end of the reporting period to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period. |
All other liabilities are classified as non-current.
3.22 Segment reporting
Identification of segments is based on internal reporting to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The CODM for the Group is identified as the Group’s Chief Executive Officer. The Group does not divide its operations into different segments and the CODM operates and manages the Group’s entire operations as one segment, which is consistent with the Group’s internal organization and reporting system. As the Group’s operation and long-lived assets are substantially located in Malaysia, no geographical segments are presented.
4. Significant judgments and key estimates
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
| (i) | Provision for expected credit losses on trade receivables |
The Group estimates the loss allowances for trade receivables by assessing the ECLs. This requires the use of estimates and judgements. ECLs are based on the Group’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors, and an assessment of both the current and forecast general economic conditions at the end of the reporting period. Where the estimation is different from the original estimate, such difference will affect the carrying amounts of trade receivables and thus the impairment loss in the period in which such estimate is changed. The Group keeps assessing the expected credit loss of trade receivables during their expected lives.
| (ii) | Interest rate used to determine the present value of lease liabilities |
The interest rate used to determine the present value of the future lease payments is the Group’s incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments, and in economic environments where the leased asset is located.
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| (iii) | Determining the lease term of a lease |
The lease liability is initially recognized at the present value of the lease payments payable over the lease term. In determining the lease term at the commencement date for leases that include renewal options exercisable by the Group, the Group evaluates the likelihood of exercising the renewal options taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive for the Group to exercise the option, including favorable terms, leasehold improvements undertaken and the importance of that underlying asset to the Group’s operation. The lease term is reassessed when there is a significant event or significant change in circumstance that is within the Group’s control. Any increase or decrease in the lease term would affect the amount of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets recognized in future years.
| (iv) | Redeemable convertible preference shares (“RCPS”) |
As disclosed in note 3.12, redeemable preference shares without conversion option and carried at a fixed dividend rate, are recognized as financial liabilities measured initially at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost. Also, redeemable convertible preference shares with a fixed-to-fixed conversion option and carried at a fixed dividend rate, are classified as compound financial instruments with a debt host and equity conversion option. The accounting treatment of RCPS involves significant judgement.
On the issuance dates of the RCPS, the Group determined the carrying amount of the financial liabilities by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component using valuation technique. It involves a number of valuation assumptions relating to market risks and the Company’s specific risk premium. The valuation technique used to derive the liability component of the RCPS, as disclosed in note 13, involves significant estimates. Any change in such assumptions and judgement would affect the carrying amounts of the liability component to be recognized and hence the net profit in future years.
| (v) | Revenue recognition for construction service in progress at period end |
Revenue from farm related construction service is recognized over contract period by reference to construction progress, which is determined on the stage of completion method. The stage of completion of a construction contract is determined based on the proportion that the contract costs incurred for work performed to-date bear to the total costs for the contract by referring to construction budgets and sub-contractors’ quotations.
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5. Property, plant and equipment
| Computer and equipment | Furniture and fittings | Fire system | Motor vehicle | Renovation | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | 32,109 | 5,025 | 29,310 | – | – | 66,444 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | 125,678 | 4,606 | – | 87,000 | – | 217,284 | ||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 157,787 | 9,631 | 29,310 | 87,000 | – | 283,728 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | 23,000 | – | – | – | 74,550 | 97,550 | ||||||||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 180,787 | 9,631 | 29,310 | 87,000 | 74,550 | 381,278 | ||||||||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 38,338 | 2,042 | 6,215 | 18,449 | 15,809 | 80,853 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | 16,664 | 2,638 | 488 | – | – | 19,790 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Charge for the year | 30,063 | 2,430 | 5,862 | 8,700 | – | 47,055 | ||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 46,727 | 5,068 | 6,350 | 8,700 | – | 66,845 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Charge for the period | 26,742 | 1,144 | 2,931 | 8,700 | 4,970 | 44,487 | ||||||||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 73,469 | 6,212 | 9,281 | 17,400 | 4,970 | 111,332 | ||||||||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 15,580 | 1,317 | 1,968 | 3,690 | 1,054 | 23,609 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying values | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | 15,445 | 2,387 | 28,822 | – | – | 46,654 | ||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 111,060 | 4,563 | 22,960 | 78,300 | – | 216,883 | ||||||||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 107,318 | 3,419 | 20,029 | 69,600 | 69,580 | 269,946 | ||||||||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 22,758 | 725 | 4,247 | 14,759 | 14,755 | 57,244 | ||||||||||||||||||
As of June 30, 2024, a motor vehicle with carrying amount of MYR69,600 (USD14,759) (December 31, 2023: MYR78,300) was pledged to secure a bank borrowing of MYR59,165 (USD12,546) (December 31, 2023: MYR67,086) (note 14).
F-68
6. Intangible assets
| Website | Computer software | Total | ||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | 10,000 | 60,000 | 70,000 | |||||||||
| Additions | 954 | – | 954 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 10,954 | 60,000 | 70,954 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 10,954 | 60,000 | 70,954 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 2,323 | 12,723 | 15,046 | |||||||||
| Accumulated amortization | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | 4,500 | 4,000 | 8,500 | |||||||||
| Charge for the year | 4,106 | 12,000 | 16,106 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 8,606 | 16,000 | 24,606 | |||||||||
| Charge for the period | 1,659 | 6,000 | 7,659 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 10,265 | 22,000 | 32,265 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 2,177 | 4,665 | 6,842 | |||||||||
| Carrying values | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | 5,500 | 56,000 | 61,500 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 2,348 | 44,000 | 46,348 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 689 | 38,000 | 38,689 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 146 | 8,058 | 8,204 | |||||||||
F-69
7. Leases
Amounts recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position:
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | ||||||||||||
| - Non-current | 2,141,293 | 2,531,932 | 536,915 | |||||||||
| Lease liabilities | ||||||||||||
| - Non-current | 1,757,179 | 2,299,407 | 487,607 | |||||||||
| - Current | 459,849 | 378,388 | 80,240 | |||||||||
| 2,217,028 | 2,677,795 | 567,847 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Right-of-use assets |
The analysis of the net book value of right-of-use assets by class of underlying assets are as follows:
| Property | Farm | Total | ||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||
| (note (i)) | (note (ii)) | |||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | – | 136,880 | 136,880 | |||||||||
| Additions | 2,352,677 | – | 2,352,677 | |||||||||
| Derecognition | – | (136,880 | ) | (136,880 | ) | |||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 2,352,677 | – | 2,352,677 | |||||||||
| Additions | 616,029 | – | 616,029 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 2,968,706 | – | 2,968,706 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 629,536 | – | 629,536 | |||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | – | 111,992 | 111,992 | |||||||||
| Charge for the year | 211,384 | 24,888 | 236,272 | |||||||||
| Derecognition | – | (136,880 | ) | (136,880 | ) | |||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 211,384 | – | 211,384 | |||||||||
| Charge for the period | 225,390 | – | 225,390 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 436,774 | – | 436,774 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 92,621 | – | 92,621 | |||||||||
| Net book value | ||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | – | 24,888 | 24,888 | |||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 2,141,293 | – | 2,141,293 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 2,531,932 | – | 2,531,932 | |||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 536,915 | – | 536,915 | |||||||||
Notes:
| (i) | Property - right-of-use assets |
As of June 30, 2024, the Group leases three properties (December 31, 2023: two) to place CEA vertical farms with two of the leases with lease term of three years and a lease with a lease term of five years (December 31, 2023: three years).
F-70
| (ii) | Farm - right-of-use assets |
In 2021, the Group sold a CEA vertical farm to a customer and later leased back the farm from the customer with a lease term of 2 years. The transactions are accounted as a sale-and-leaseback transaction under IFRS 16. There is no option to renew and the lease ended in April 30, 2023.
The analysis of expense items in relation to leases recognized in profit or loss is as follows:
| For the six months ended June 30 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Depreciation charge on property right-of-use assets | 15,328 | 225,390 | 47,796 | |||||||||
| Depreciation charge on farm right-of-use assets | 24,888 | – | – | |||||||||
| 40,216 | 225,390 | 47,796 | ||||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities (note 21) | 9,548 | 123,305 | 26,148 | |||||||||
| (b) | Lease liabilities |
The following tables show the remaining contractual maturities of the Group’s lease liabilities at the end of the reporting periods:
| As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Present value
of the minimum lease payment | Total minimum lease payments | |||||||
| MYR | MYR | |||||||
| Within 1 year | 459,849 | 485,136 | ||||||
| More than 1 year but within 2 years | 416,261 | 485,136 | ||||||
| More than 2 years but within 5 years | 1,186,110 | 1,686,256 | ||||||
| More than 5 years | 154,808 | 261,768 | ||||||
| 2,217,028 | 2,918,296 | |||||||
| Less: total future interest expenses | (701,268 | ) | ||||||
| Present value of lease liabilities | 2,217,028 | |||||||
F-71
| As of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Present value of the minimum lease payments | Present value
of the minimum lease payments | Total minimum lease payments | Total minimum lease payments | |||||||||||||
| MYR | USD | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||
| Within 1 year | 378,388 | 80,240 | 629,136 | 133,413 | ||||||||||||
| More than 1 year but within 2 years | 426,473 | 90,437 | 637,564 | 135,200 | ||||||||||||
| More than 2 years but within 5 years | 1,872,934 | 397,170 | 2,172,228 | 460,638 | ||||||||||||
| 2,677,795 | 567,847 | 3,438,928 | 729,251 | |||||||||||||
| Less: total future interest expenses | (761,133 | ) | (161,404 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Present value of lease liabilities | 2,677,795 | 567,847 | ||||||||||||||
Details of total cash outflow for leases and the future cash outflows arising from leases are set out in note 11(b) and note 15(c) respectively.
8. Trade receivables
| As of | As of | |||||||||||
| December 31, | June 30, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Receivables from farm solutions sales | ||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 8,412,500 | 7,385,250 | 1,566,099 | |||||||||
| - from related parties | 4,000,001 | 1,652,842 | 350,498 | |||||||||
| Receivables from vegetable sales | ||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 787,521 | 3,753,402 | 795,937 | |||||||||
| - from related parties | 2,041,690 | – | – | |||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 15,241,712 | 12,791,494 | 2,712,534 | |||||||||
| Less: loss allowances for expected credit loss | (82,597 | ) | (86,682 | ) | (18,381 | ) | ||||||
| Total trade receivables, net | 15,159,115 | 12,704,812 | 2,694,153 | |||||||||
Aging analysis of gross trade receivables, based on the date of revenue recognition, as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024 are as follows:
| As of | As of | |||||||||||
| December 31, | June 30, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Within 3 months | 13,191,314 | 4,659,438 | 988,069 | |||||||||
| More than 3 months but within 6 months | 808,830 | 1,391,393 | 295,055 | |||||||||
| More than 6 months but within 1 year | 950,796 | 6,735,339 | 1,428,280 | |||||||||
| More than 1 year | 290,772 | 5,324 | 1,130 | |||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 15,241,712 | 12,791,494 | 2,712,534 | |||||||||
All trade receivables classified as current are expected to be recovered within one year based on historical collection and experience. Generally, as of June 30, 2024, credit terms for retail outlet customers are due within 30 to 60 days (December 31, 2023: 30 to 60 days), while credit terms for industrial business customers are due within 30 to 104 days (December 31, 2023: 30 days to 104 days), from the date of revenue recognition. Further details on the Group’s credit policy and credit risk arising from trade debtors are set out in note 15(a)(i).
F-72
9. Prepayments, deposits and other receivables
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Non–current: | ||||||||||||
| Prepayments for intangible assets | ||||||||||||
| – to a related party (note (a)) | 1,423,354 | 6,735,065 | 1,428,222 | |||||||||
| – to a third party (note (b)) | 1,071,032 | 1,240,632 | 263,085 | |||||||||
| 2,494,386 | 7,975,697 | 1,691,307 | ||||||||||
| Deposits | 202,012 | 277,843 | 58,919 | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 2,696,398 | 8,253,540 | 1,750,226 | |||||||||
| Current: | ||||||||||||
| Prepayments (note (c)) | 1,492,195 | – | – | |||||||||
| Other receivables | 30,915 | 30,916 | 6,556 | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 1,523,110 | 30,916 | 6,556 | |||||||||
| Total prepayments, deposits and other receivables (note (d)) | 4,219,508 | 8,284,456 | 1,756,782 | |||||||||
Notes:
| (a) | As of June 30, 2024, the Group has prepaid MYR2,617,235 (USD555,005) (December 31, 2023: MYR1,423,354) for certain purchase contracts of IT software such as Internet of Things (IoT) management platform, video management platform and data visualization platform to a related party. In addition, the Group has prepaid MYR4,117,830 (USD873,217) for the development of comprehensive Robotics AI Platform designed to facilitate the creation, deployment, and management of intelligent robotic systems as of June 30, 2024 (December 31, 2023: Nil). |
| (b) | As of June 30, 2024, the Group has prepaid MYR1,240,632 (USD263,085) (December 31, 2023: MYR1,071,032) for certain purchase contracts of IT software such as E-commerce website design, system integration platform and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to a third party. |
| (c) | As of December 31, 2023, included in prepayments mainly represented IPO related professional fee amounted to approximately MYR1,492,195 where relevant services not yet rendered as of respective period end. The amount reclassed to deferred offering costs as of June 30, 2024. |
| (d) | Save as prepayments for intangible assets and deposits for property leases and office equipment, all prepayments and other receivables are expected to be recovered/consumed within one year. |
F-73
10. Development costs
Development costs were attributed to the development of a CEA vertical farms that yet to be completed as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, the development costs generally consist of the construction services and installation of equipment at two geographical locations. As the Group expects to complete and sell the CEA vertical farm within a year, development costs were categorized as current asset in Statement of Financial Position. As of December 31, 2023, a CEA vertical farm and a construction project have completed and sold.
Movement of development costs as follows:
| MYR | ||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | 2,151,248 | |||
| Additions | 3,890,653 | |||
| Charge to cost of revenue for the year | (6,041,901 | ) | ||
| As of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024 | – | |||
11. Cash
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Cash at bank | 109,161 | 663,670 | 140,736 | |||||||||
| (a) | Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities |
The table below details changes in the Group’s liabilities from financing activities, including both cash and non-cash changes. Liabilities arising from financing activities are liabilities for which cash flows were, or future cash flows will be, classified in the Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flow as cash flows from financing activities.
| Lease liabilities | Redeemable convertible preference shares | Other payables | Amounts due to related parties | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | 26,208 | 2,500,000 | 181,655 | 264,607 | 2,972,470 | |||||||||||||||
| Changes from financing cash flows: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Payment of capital element of lease liabilities | (33,899 | ) | – | – | – | (33,899 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Payment of interest element of lease liabilities | (9,548 | ) | – | – | – | (9,548 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Proceeds from shareholder’s loan | – | – | – | 1,363,000 | 1,363,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from the issue of redeemable convertible preference shares | – | 500,000 | – | – | 500,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Advance received from a related part | – | – | – | 393,226 | 393,226 | |||||||||||||||
| Total changes from financing cash flows | (43,447 | ) | 500,000 | – | 1,756,226 | 2,212,779 | ||||||||||||||
| Other changes: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase in lease liabilities from entering into new leases during the period | 551,801 | – | – | – | 551,801 | |||||||||||||||
| Finance costs (note 21) | 9,548 | – | 135,417 | 3,451 | 148,416 | |||||||||||||||
| Change arising from investing activities | – | – | – | 70,925 | 70,925 | |||||||||||||||
| Change arising from operating activities | – | – | 1,228 | (365 | ) | 863 | ||||||||||||||
| Total other changes | 561,349 | – | 136,645 | 74,011 | 772,005 | |||||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2023 | 544,110 | 3,000,000 | 318,300 | 2,094,844 | 5,957,254 | |||||||||||||||
F-74
| Bank borrowing | Lease liabilities | Redeemable convertible preference shares | Other payables | Amounts due to related parties | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | |||||||||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2024 | 67,086 | 2,217,028 | 6,483,536 | 1,213,527 | 3,404,046 | 13,385,223 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Changes from financing cash flows: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payment of capital element of lease liabilities | – | (155,262 | ) | – | – | – | (155,262 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Payment of interest element of lease liabilities | – | (123,305 | ) | – | – | – | (123,305 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Advance received from a related party | – | – | – | – | (4,123 | ) | (4,123 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Payment of principal element of bank borrowing | (7,921 | ) | – | – | – | – | (7,921 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Payment of interest element of bank borrowing | (2,148 | ) | – | – | – | – | (2,148 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Repayment of shareholder’s loan | – | – | – | – | (70,925 | ) | (70,925 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from the issue of redeemable convertible preference shares | – | – | 3,134,350 | – | – | 3,134,350 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total changes from financing cash flows | (10,069 | ) | (278,567 | ) | 3,134,350 | – | (75,048 | ) | 2,770,666 | |||||||||||||||
| Other changes: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase in lease liabilities from entering into new leases during the period | – | 616,029 | – | – | – | 616,029 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Finance costs (note 21) | 2,148 | 123,305 | – | 622,964 | 13,630 | 762,047 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of RCPS | – | – | 918,274 | (918,274 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity component of redeemable convertible preference shares | – | – | (267,397 | ) | – | – | (267,397 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Change arising from operating activities | – | – | – | 149,084 | (562,536 | ) | (413,452 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total other changes | 2,148 | 739,334 | 650,877 | (146,226 | ) | (548,906 | ) | 697,227 | ||||||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 59,165 | 2,677,795 | 10,268,763 | 1,067,301 | 2,780,092 | 16,853,116 | ||||||||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 12,546 | 567,847 | 2,177,569 | 226,329 | 589,540 | 3,573,831 | ||||||||||||||||||
F-75
(b) Total cash outflow for lease
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Within financing cash flows | (286,014 | ) | (278,568 | ) | (59,072 | ) | ||||||
12. Capital and reserves
| (a) | Share capital and additional paid-in capital |
The Company was incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands on August 8, 2023. The authorized share capital is USD10,000.00, divided into 100,000,000 ordinary shares with a par value of USD0.0001. 20,000,000 ordinary shares were issued with an aggregated par value of USD2,000 (equivalent to MYR8,351) and was recognized as share capital of the Company. The excess of capital injections made by the equity shareholders over the par value was credited to the additional paid-in capital.
During the period between January 1, 2023 and August 8, 2023, Agroz Group further issued 910,000 ordinary shares, amounted to MYR910,000. As discussed in note 2.1, since the Company did not exist prior to August 8, 2023, the registered capital of the companies now comprising the Group are included in additional paid-in capital in the audited condensed consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2023 and unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position as of June 30, 2024.
On March 15, 2024, the Company issued 1,030,494 ordinary shares amounted to USD 103 (equivalent to MYR430) to a Director of the Company which lead to increase in share capital.
| (b) | Other reserves |
| (i) | Foreign currency translation reserve |
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations. The reserve is dealt with in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 3.2 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| (ii) | Equity component of redeemable convertible preference shares |
The equity component of redeemable convertible preference shares represents the value of the option related to the redeemable convertible preference shares issued by the Company, which is with a conversion ratio of one RCPSs to one common share of the Company (note 13).
F-76
13. Redeemable convertible preference shares
The Group’s preference shares activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 and period ended June 30, 2024 are summarized below:
| Agroz Inc. RCPS | Agroz Group RCPS | |||||||||||||||||||
| (note (b)) | (note (a)) | |||||||||||||||||||
| No. of shares | Amount | No. of shares | Amount | Total Amount | ||||||||||||||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | – | – | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance | 604,870 | 6,942,953 | 500,000 | 500,000 | 7,442,953 | |||||||||||||||
| Redemption | – | – | (3,000,000 | ) | (3,000,000 | ) | (3,000,000 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Equity component | – | (459,417 | ) | – | – | (459,417 | ) | |||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 604,870 | 6,483,536 | – | – | 6,483,536 | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance | 343,479 | 4,052,624 | – | – | 4,052,624 | |||||||||||||||
| Equity component | – | (267,397 | ) | – | – | (267,397 | ) | |||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 948,349 | 10,268,763 | – | – | 10,268,763 | |||||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 948,349 | 2,177,569 | – | – | 2,177,569 | |||||||||||||||
(a) Agroz Group RCPS (“AG RCPS”)
Between April 12, 2021 and April 14, 2023, Agroz Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, had issued 7 tranches of mandatorily redeemable convertible preference shares (“AG RCPS”), totally 3,000,000 shares, for cash considerations of MYR3,000,000. Among them, 2,000,000 shares of MYR2,000,000 and 500,000 shares of MYR500,000 were issued during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
All tranches of the AG RCPS are with identical agreement terms, as presented below:
Subscription Price
Each AG RCPS value is MYR1.
Tenure and Maturity Date
The tenure is up to 60 months from the date of first issuance. The maturity date shall fall on the last day of the period of 5 years from the date of first issuance.
Dividend
The subscriber is entitled to:
| (a) | a fixed non-accumulated dividend of 10.0% per annum, of which Agroz Group has made a promise on declaration; or |
| (b) | Equivalent value of services or products offered by Agroz Group; or |
| (c) | Combination of (a) and (b) based on mutual agreement. |
Redemption
The subscriber shall have the sole and absolute discretion to require Agroz Group to redeem the AG RCPS on maturity date by repayment of the subscription price paid for the AG RCPS together with dividends committed to the subscribers.
F-77
On December 1, 2023 (“Redemption Date”), the Group decided to redeem all AG RCPS and agreed with the subscribers of AG RCPS to settle the redemption along with the related unpaid dividends by issuing 336,366 shares of Agroz Inc. RCPS (“AI RCPS”) which had a fair value MYR3,882,500 (USD840,915). The fair value of AI RCPS was based on a value of USD 2.50 a share which was the price this class of shares were sold to unrelated parties. On the Redemption Date, the net book value of AG RCPS along with the related unpaid dividends was MYR3,177,600. The difference between the fair value of the AI RCPS and the net book value of AG RCPS of MYR704,900 was recognized as a finance cost for the year ended December 31, 2023. On December 22, 2023, all AG RCPS was settled.
(b) Agroz Inc. RCPS (“AI RCPS”)
Between August 12, 2023 and December 31, 2023, the Company sold 268,504 shares AI RCPS at USD 2.50 a share for USD671,260 or MYR3,109,483.
Taking into consideration the conversion described above, as of December 31, 2023, the Company had issued a total of 604,870 AI RCPS with a fair value of MYR6,942,953.
To expand the capital structure of Agroz Inc., the management had successfully issued 343,479 units of AI RCPS at USD2.50 per share for MYR4,052,624 (USD859,390) during the six months period ended June 30, 2024.
On the issuance dates, the Group first determined the carrying amount of the liability component by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component. The carrying amount of the equity instrument represented by the option to convert the instrument into ordinary shares is then determined by deducting the fair value of the financial liability from the fair value of the compound financial instrument as a whole.
The key valuation assumptions used to determine the fair value of a similar liability on initial recognition are as follows:
| December 22, 2023 | January 10, 2024 | March 20, 2024 | June 6, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (date of issuance) | (date of issuance) | (date of issuance) | (date of issuance) | |||||||||||||
| Credit spread | 7.60 | % | 7.60 | % | 5.80 | % | 5.40 | % | ||||||||
| Risk free rate | 4.32 | % | 4.38 | % | 4.64 | % | 4.74 | % | ||||||||
| Country risk premium | 1.31 | % | 1.31 | % | 1.31 | % | 1.31 | % | ||||||||
| Liquidity premium | 0.68 | % | 0.68 | % | 0.68 | % | 0.68 | % | ||||||||
| Credit rating | B to below CCC | B to below CCC | B to below CCC | B to below CCC | ||||||||||||
As of June 30, 2024, the net book value of the liability and equity components of AI RCPS amounted to MYR10,268,763 (USD2,177,569) (December 31, 2023: MYR6,483,536) and MYR726,814 (USD154,126) (December 31, 2023: MYR459,417), respectively.
All transactions involving the issuance of AI RCPS were with identical agreement terms, as presented below:
Subscription Price
Each AI RCPS value is USD2.50.
Tenure and Maturity Date
The tenure is 2 years from the subscription date. The maturity date shall fall on the second anniversary of the subscription date.
F-78
Dividend
The AI RCPS shall carry preferential cumulative dividend of 14% per annum on the period during which the AI RCPS is outstanding by the subscriber.
Redemption
All AI RCPS outstanding on the maturity date or did not convert to common share shall be fully redeemed at the subscription price.
Conversion Option
At the option and right of the subscriber, the subscriber may elect to convert the AI RCPS to the common share of the Company at any time after the approval of the registration statement by the authorities for the listing of the Company to Nasdaq Stock Market. The conversion ratio shall be one AI RCPS to convert one common share of the Company.
14. Bank borrowing
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| - Non-current | 52,942 | 46,479 | 9,856 | |||||||||
| - Current | 14,144 | 12,686 | 2,690 | |||||||||
| 67,086 | 59,165 | 12,546 | ||||||||||
On August 29, 2023, the Group entered into a borrowing agreement with a financial institution in Malaysia to borrow MYR69,000 (USD15,032), which bears a fixed rate of 3.55% per annum and with maturity date on August 29, 2028. As of June 30, 2024, the secured bank borrowing amounted to MYR59,165 (USD12,546) (December 31, 2023: MYR 67,086) was secured by charge over a motor vehicle of the Group (note 5).
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, interest related to the bank borrowing amounted to MYR2,148 (USD455) (December 31, 2023: MYR1,566).
15. Financial risk management and fair values of financial instruments
Exposure to credit, liquidity, currency and interest rate risks arises in the normal course of the Group’s business. The Group’s exposure to these risks and the financial risk management policies and practices used by the Group to manage these risks are described below.
(a) Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in a financial loss to the Group. The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to trade receivables, prepayments, other receivables and amounts due from related parties. The Group’s exposure to credit risk arising from cash is limited due to cash deposit with financial institutions in Malaysia is subject to certain protection under the requirement of the deposit insurance system. These financial institutions are banks with high-credit-quality, for which the Group considers to have low credit risk.
F-79
(i) Trade receivables
Individual credit evaluations are performed on all customers requiring credit over a certain amount. These evaluations focus on the customer’s past history of making payments when due and current ability to pay and take into account information specific to the customer as well as pertaining to the economic environment in which the customer operates. Trade receivables are due within 30 to 180 days from the date of billing. Normally, the Group does not obtain collateral from customers.
The Group’s trade receivables mainly derive from farm solution sales and fresh vegetable sales. When assessing credit risk exposure, the Group classifies its customers into three categories upon their credit characteristics, including whether they are related parties, and, for third party customers, whether they are retail outlet customers or industrial business customers.
The following table provides a breakdown of trade receivables before ECL by customer groups:
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Third-party retail outlet customers | 11,714 | 43,006 | 9,120 | |||||||||
| Third-party industrial business customers | 9,188,307 | 11,095,646 | 2,352,916 | |||||||||
| Related-party customers | 6,041,691 | 1,652,842 | 350,498 | |||||||||
| Total trade receivables, gross | 15,241,712 | 12,791,494 | 2,712,534 | |||||||||
(1) Third-party retail outlet customers
For trade receivables related to third-party retail outlet customers, the Group measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs, which is calculated using a provision matrix. Expected loss rates are based on actual loss experience over the past 2 years. These rates are adjusted to reflect differences between economic conditions during the period over which the historical data has been collected, current conditions and the Group’s view of economic conditions over the expected lives of the receivables.
Based on the historical collection and experience, the Group is able to collect all its outstanding receivables for June 30, 2024 within one year from third-party retail outlet customers.
The following tables provide information about the Group’s exposure to credit risk and ECL for trade receivables related to third-party retail outlet customers as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024:
| As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | |||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||||||
| 0 - 90 days | 3,177 | (146 | ) | 4.6 | % | 3,031 | ||||||||||
| 91 - 180 days | 3,213 | (1,964 | ) | 61.1 | % | 1,249 | ||||||||||
| 181 - 270 days | 280 | (276 | ) | 98.6 | % | 4 | ||||||||||
| 271 - 365 days | 5,044 | (5,044 | ) | 100.0 | % | – | ||||||||||
| 11,714 | (7,430 | ) | 4,284 | |||||||||||||
F-80
| As of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | |||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||
| 0 - 90 days | 30,825 | (2,380 | ) | 7.7 | % | 28,445 | 6,032 | |||||||||||||
| 91 - 180 days | 1,490 | (828 | ) | 55.6 | % | 662 | 141 | |||||||||||||
| 181 - 270 days | 2,243 | (2,131 | ) | 95.0 | % | 112 | 24 | |||||||||||||
| 271 - 365 days | 3,125 | (3,125 | ) | 100.0 | % | – | – | |||||||||||||
| Over 1 year | 5,323 | (5,323 | ) | 100.0 | % | – | – | |||||||||||||
| 43,006 | (13,787 | ) | 29,219 | 6,197 | ||||||||||||||||
(2) Third-party industrial business customers
For trade receivables related to third-party industrial business customers, the Group measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs, which is calculated using a behavioral scoring system taking into consideration current and historical credit worthiness, aging analysis, operating history in the relevant industry, reputation in the market and paid-in capital scale. Customers with positive behavior in all scoring areas, would be assigned a low-risk grading. Customers with positive behavior in most of the scoring areas, would be assigned a fair-risk grading. Customers with lesser positive behavior in scoring areas, would be assigned a substantial grading. Management conducts the review periodically or updates assessments promptly upon significant changes in customers’ credit risk.
Based on the historical collection and experience, the Group is able to collect all its outstanding receivables for June 30, 2024 within one year from third party industrial business customers.
The following tables provide information about the Group’s exposure to credit risk and ECL for trade receivables related to third-party industrial business customers as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024:
| As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | |||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||||||
| Grade - low risk | 2,034,059 | (2,034 | ) | 0.1 | % | 2,032,025 | ||||||||||
| Grade - fair risk | 7,154,248 | (35,772 | ) | 0.5 | % | 7,118,476 | ||||||||||
| 9,188,307 | (37,806 | ) | 9,150,501 | |||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | |||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||
| Grade - low risk | 2,321,868 | (2,322 | ) | 0.1 | % | 2,319,546 | 491,877 | |||||||||||||
| Grade - fair risk | 5,085,483 | (25,426 | ) | 0.5 | % | 5,060,057 | 1,073,024 | |||||||||||||
| Grade - substantial | 3,688,295 | (36,883 | ) | 1.0 | % | 3,651,412 | 774,310 | |||||||||||||
| 11,095,646 | (64,631 | ) | 11,031,015 | 2,339,211 | ||||||||||||||||
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(3) Related party customers
For trade receivables from related parties, the Group measures loss allowances at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs, which is calculated using a behavioral scoring system similar to the one applied to third-party industrial business customers.
Based on the historical collection and experience, the Group is able to collect all its outstanding receivables for June 30, 2024 within one year from related party customers.
The following tables provide information about the Group’s exposure to credit risk and ECL for trade receivables from related parties as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024:
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | |||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | ||||||||||||||
| Grade - low risk | 4,551,351 | (22,757 | ) | 0.5 | % | 4,528,594 | ||||||||||
| Grade - fair risk | 1,490,340 | (14,604 | ) | 1.0 | % | 1,475,736 | ||||||||||
| 6,041,691 | (37,361 | ) | 6,004,330 | |||||||||||||
| As of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross carrying amount | Loss allowance | Expected loss rate | Net balance | |||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | |||||||||||||||||
| Grade - low risk | 1,652,842 | (8,264 | ) | 0.5 | % | 1,644,578 | 348,745 | |||||||||||||
(4) Movement of ECL
| MYR | ||||
| As of January 1, 2023 | 15,682 | |||
| Provision for expected credit loss on trade receivables | 4,479 | |||
| As of June 30, 2023 | 20,161 | |||
| Provision for expected credit loss on trade receivables | 62,436 | |||
| As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 | 82,597 | |||
| Provision for expected credit loss on trade receivables | 4,085 | |||
| As of June 30, 2024 | 86,682 | |||
| As of June 30, 2024 (USD) | 18,382 | |||
In addition, the Group’s exposure to credit risk is also influenced by the individual characteristics of each customer and therefore significant concentrations of credit risk arise when the Group has significant exposure to individual customers. At June 30, 2024, 98.84% (December 31, 2023: 96.08%) of the total trade receivables were due from the Group’s five largest debtors, respectively.
(ii) Prepayments, deposits and other receivables and amounts due from related parties
Prepayments, deposits and other receivables and amounts due from related parties are reviewed regularly, for which the Group considers to have low credit risk.
(b) Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Group does not account for any fixed-rate financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss at the end of each reporting periods. Therefore, interest-bearing financial instruments at fixed rates do not expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group’s interest rate risk arises primarily from cash at bank at variable rates. If interest rates on cash at bank had been 50 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s profit for the period would increase/decrease by approximately MYR3,318 (USD704) (December 31, 2023: MYR546).
F-82
The Group’s risk management objective for interest rate risk is to reduce the exposure to variability of cash flows arising from changes in interest rates. Interest rates on the Groups lease contracts and bank borrowing are fixed and thus not sensitive to fluctuation in market interest rates.
(c) Liquidity risk
The Group manages its risk to a shortage of funds by monitoring the projected cash flows from operations. Risk management includes maintaining sufficient cash balances. The Group generates cash flow through offering farm solutions and selling fresh produce from the CEA vertical farms. Changes in market acceptance of CEA vertical farms could have a material adverse impact on the Group’s liquidity position. Due to the dynamic of the underlying business, the cash required to maintain the daily operation of the Group mainly via funding from shareholders.
The following tables show the remaining contractual maturities at the end of the years presented of the Group’s financial liabilities, which are based on contractual undiscounted cash flows (including interest payments computed using contracted rates) and the earliest date the Group can be required to pay.
| Within 1 year or on demand | More than 1 year but less than 2 years | More than 2 years but less than 5 years | More than 5 years | Total | Carrying amount as of December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 2,403,407 | – | – | – | 2,403,407 | 2,403,407 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables | 1,213,527 | – | – | – | 1,213,527 | 1,213,527 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties | 2,068,306 | 1,372,087 | – | – | 3,440,393 | 3,404,046 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bank borrowing | 18,970 | 16,260 | 43,308 | – | 78,538 | 67,086 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable convertible preference shares | 1,009,074 | 7,747,653 | – | – | 8,756,727 | 6,942,953 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 485,136 | 485,136 | 1,686,256 | 261,768 | 2,918,296 | 2,217,028 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 7,198,420 | 9,621,136 | 1,729,564 | 261,768 | 18,810,888 | 16,248,047 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Within 1 year or on demand | More than 1 year but less than 2 years | More than 2 years but less than 5 years | More than 5 years | Total | Carrying amount as of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 4,877,541 | – | – | – | 4,877,541 | 4,877,541 | 1,034,320 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables | 1,067,301 | – | – | – | 1,067,301 | 1,067,301 | 226,329 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties | 2,802,809 | – | – | – | 2,802,809 | 2,780,092 | 589,540 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank borrowing | 16,260 | 16,260 | 35,178 | – | 67,698 | 59,165 | 12,546 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable convertible preference shares | 1,813,430 | 11,732,062 | – | – | 13,545,492 | 10,995,577 | 2,331,695 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 629,136 | 637,564 | 2,172,228 | – | 3,438,928 | 2,677,795 | 567,847 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 11,206,477 | 12,385,886 | 2,207,406 | – | 25,799,769 | 22,457,471 | 4,762,277 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(d) Currency Risk
The principal activities of the Group were carried out by Agroz Group with most of the transactions originally denominated and settled in Malaysian Ringgit. AG RCPS issued by Agroz Group were denominated in Malaysian Ringgit, and AI RCPS issued by the Company were denominated in United States dollars. Given financial instruments of the Group were all denominated in functional currency, the Group’s currency risk exposure was insignificant.
(e) Fair value measurement
The fair value of the Group’s financial instruments was measured at the end of the reporting period on a recurring basis. IFRS 13 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
| ● | Level 1 valuations: Fair value measured using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. |
| ● | Level 2 valuations: Fair value measured using inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace. |
| ● | Level 3 valuations: Fair value measured using significant unobservable inputs. |
Financial assets and liabilities of the Group primarily consisted of cash, trade receivables, prepayments and other receivables, amounts due from related parties, trade payables, other payables, bank borrowings, amounts due to related parties and redeemable convertible preference shares. As of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024, the carrying amounts of financial instruments approximated to their fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments or repayable on demand, or that they are interest-bearing at market rates or approximants.
F-83
16. Trade and other payables
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Non-current: | ||||||||||||
| Other payables (note(a)) | 918,274 | – | – | |||||||||
| Current: | ||||||||||||
| Trade payables (note (b)) | 2,403,407 | 4,877,541 | 1,034,320 | |||||||||
| Other payable and accruals | 159,961 | 114,281 | 24,234 | |||||||||
| Wages payable | 34,644 | 47,285 | 10,027 | |||||||||
| Interest payable of RCPS (note (c)) | 100,648 | 905,735 | 192,068 | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 2,698,660 | 5,944,842 | 1,260,649 | |||||||||
| Total trade and other payables (note (d)) | 3,616,934 | 5,944,842 | 1,260,649 | |||||||||
Notes:
| (a) | The Group received advance payments for AI RCPS subscription with 2 years maturity period in December 2023 amounted to MYR918,274 where the registration and issuance of the RCPS was completed in January 2024. |
| (b) | An aging analysis of the trade payables as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024 are as follows: |
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Within 3 months | 2,064,639 | 2,990,354 | 634,128 | |||||||||
| More than 3 months but within 6 months | 50,000 | 1,830,910 | 388,258 | |||||||||
| More than 6 months but within 1 year | 288,768 | 56,277 | 11,934 | |||||||||
| Total trade payables | 2,403,407 | 4,877,541 | 1,034,320 | |||||||||
| (c) | The interest payable of RCPS is calculated based on the weighted average principal of RCPS and the related effective interest rate. AG RCPS bear an effective interest rate of 10.0% and AI RCPS bear an effective interest rate of 14.0% (note 13). |
| (d) | Except for advances received for redeemable convertible preference shares, all the trade and other payables classified as current are expected to be settled within one year or are repayable on demand. |
17. Income taxes
(a) Income taxes recognized in unaudited condensed consolidated statements of profit or loss:
| For the six months ended June 30, 2023 | For the six months ended June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Current tax | ||||||||||||
| Provision for the year | 235,215 | – | – | |||||||||
| Under provision in prior years | – | 225,946 | 47,913 | |||||||||
| 235,215 | 225,946 | 47,913 | ||||||||||
F-84
Notes:
| 1) | Cayman Islands |
Under the current tax laws of the Cayman Islands, the Group is not subject to any income tax in the Cayman Islands.
| 2) | Malaysia |
Under the Income Tax Act of Malaysia, enterprises incorporated in Malaysia are usually subject to a unified 24% enterprise income tax rate while preferential tax rates, tax holidays, and tax exemptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the tax rate is 24% for companies incorporated in Malaysia with paid-in capital of MYR 2.5 million or more.
| (b) | Reconciliation between tax expenses and accounting profit/(loss) at applicable tax rates: |
| For the six months ended June 30, 2023 | For
the | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Profit/(loss) before income taxes | 1,021,803 | (2,349,175 | ) | (498,160 | ) | |||||||
| Notional tax on profit/(loss) before taxation, calculated at the rates applicable to the respective tax jurisdictions | 245,233 | (563,802 | ) | (119,558 | ) | |||||||
| Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions | (242 | ) | 421,061 | 89,289 | ||||||||
| Non-deductible expenses | 3,599 | 3,900 | 827 | |||||||||
| Tax effect on capital allowance | (13,375 | ) | 12,515 | 2,654 | ||||||||
| Unrecognized costs | – | 126,326 | 26,788 | |||||||||
| Under provision of tax in prior years | – | 225,946 | 47,913 | |||||||||
| Tax expenses for the period | 235,215 | 225,946 | 47,913 | |||||||||
| (c) | Deferred tax recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position |
The Group did not have any unrecognized deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities.
| (d) | Uncertain tax position |
The following table illustrates the movement of tax payable during the six months ended June 30, 2024.
| As of | ||||||||
| June 30, 2024 | ||||||||
| MYR | USD | |||||||
| Tax payable as of December 31, 2023 | 1,448,723 | 307,213 | ||||||
| Under provision of tax | 225,946 | 47,913 | ||||||
| - Penalties- Late payment | 95,933 | 20,343 | ||||||
| - Penalties- Underestimation | 143,522 | 30,435 | ||||||
| - Tax payable true up | (13,509 | ) | (2,865 | ) | ||||
| Tax payable as of June 30, 2024 | 1,674,669 | 355,126 | ||||||
The Group evaluates whether it is probable that tax authority will accept the tax treatment for each uncertain tax position (including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical merits, and measures the unrecognized benefits associated with the tax positions.
As of June 30, 2024, the Group faced total penalties amounting to MYR239,455 due to discrepancies identified in the tax filings. This total includes a penalty of MYR143,522 caused by the understatement of estimated tax payable and MYR95,933 accordingly for late payments as the Group did not meet the required payment deadlines. The understatement of estimated tax payable penalty is calculated as 10% of the actual tax payable, of which was originally estimated at MYR1,435,215. Consequently, the Company’s total tax payable has further increased to MYR1,674,669 due to governmental assessments and the failure to settle the outstanding tax payable within the required timeframe.
According to the Income Tax Act (ITA) 1967, all income tax payments must be made by the specified due date to avoid penalties. If payments are not settled by this deadline, the Act stipulates that penalties will be imposed on any outstanding amounts. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Group has not fulfilled its obligation to pay the income taxes for the Year of Assessment 2022 and 2023.
F-85
The Group does not anticipate any significant increase to unrecognized tax benefit within the next 12 months.
18. Revenue and segment information
Segment information
The Group’s primary business activities include offering farm solutions, as well as selling fresh produce cultivated from the CEA vertical farms. For management purposes, the Group operates in one business unit based on its products and has one reportable segment which is offering of farm solutions and selling fresh produce.
Since most of the Group’s revenue was generated from offering of farm solutions as well as selling fresh produce from the CEA vertical farms in Malaysia, no geographical segment information is presented.
Revenue
The Group’s revenue is primarily derived from offering CEA vertical farm solutions and selling fresh produce from CEA vertical farms operated.
(a) Disaggregation of revenue
The Group disaggregates its revenue from contracts by service types, as the Group believes it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of the revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The summary of the Group’s disaggregation of revenue by service types for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024 are as follows:
| For the six months ended June 30 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Offering farm solutions | ||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 4,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 424,115 | |||||||||
| - from related parties | – | 1,050,081 | 222,678 | |||||||||
| 4,000,000 | 3,050,081 | 646,793 | ||||||||||
| Sales of fresh produce | ||||||||||||
| - from third parties | 94,530 | 3,730,636 | 791,110 | |||||||||
| - from related parties | 343,460 | 32,842 | 6,964 | |||||||||
| 437,990 | 3,763,478 | 798,074 | ||||||||||
| Total revenue | 4,437,990 | 6,813,559 | 1,444,867 | |||||||||
| For the six months ended June 30 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Timing of revenue recognition | ||||||||||||
| - Point in time | 4,337,990 | 3,763,478 | 798,074 | |||||||||
| - Over time | 100,000 | 3,050,000 | 646,775 | |||||||||
| Revenue from contracts with customers | 4,437,990 | 6,813,478 | 1,444,849 | |||||||||
(b) Revenue from major customers
| For the six months ended June 30 | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| Offering of farm solutions | ||||||||
| Customer A | 87.9 | % | – | * | ||||
| Customer B** | – | * | 15.4 | % | ||||
| Customer C | – | * | 29.4 | % | ||||
| Sales of fresh produce | ||||||||
| Customer D | – | * | 53.0 | % | ||||
| * | The corresponding revenue did not contribute over 10.0% of the total revenue of the Group in the particular period. |
| ** | Customer B is a related party of the Group. |
F-86
19. Other income
| For the six months ended June 30 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Interest income | 3 | 109 | 23 | |||||||||
| Foreign exchange loss | – | (131,364 | ) | (27,857 | ) | |||||||
| Other income | 1,008 | 132,348 | 28,066 | |||||||||
| Total other income | 1,011 | 1,093 | 232 | |||||||||
20. Expenses by nature
| For the six months ended June 30 | ||||||||||||||
| Note | 2023 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | ||||||||||||||
| - Construction cost | 2,601,121 | 1,925,000 | 408,211 | |||||||||||
| - Depreciation and amortization | (ii) | 24,888 | – | – | ||||||||||
| - Consulting fees | (iii) | – | 66,076 | 14,012 | ||||||||||
| - Vegetable costs | 45,216 | 3,367,657 | 714,137 | |||||||||||
| - Planting related costs | 145,350 | – | – | |||||||||||
| - Wages and benefits | (i) | 206,348 | 40,062 | 8,495 | ||||||||||
| 3,022,923 | 5,398,795 | 1,144,855 | ||||||||||||
| For the six months ended June 30 | ||||||||||||||
| Note | 2023 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||||
| Selling and promotion expenses | ||||||||||||||
| - Entertainment expenses | 25,612 | 4,054 | 860 | |||||||||||
| - Marketing fees | 8,706 | 91,211 | 19,342 | |||||||||||
| 34,318 | 95,265 | 20,202 | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ||||||||||||||
| - Director fee | (i),(iv) | 60,000 | 880,000 | 186,611 | ||||||||||
| - Professional fees | 8,191 | 939,645 | 199,258 | |||||||||||
| - Wages and benefits | (i) | 74,611 | 573,420 | 121,598 | ||||||||||
| - Depreciation and amortization | (ii) | 35,523 | 277,536 | 58,854 | ||||||||||
| - Commission paid | – | 101,417 | 21,506 | |||||||||||
| - Office expenses | 25,316 | 122,922 | 26,067 | |||||||||||
| - Others | 3,347 | 6,488 | 1,376 | |||||||||||
| 206,988 | 2,901,428 | 615,270 | ||||||||||||
| Total of cost of revenue, selling and promotion, and general and administrative expenses | 3,264,229 | 8,395,488 | 1,780,327 | |||||||||||
F-87
| (i) | Staff costs |
| For the six months ended June 30 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Director fee | 60,000 | 880,000 | 186,611 | |||||||||
| Salaries and wages | 248,033 | 549,675 | 116,563 | |||||||||
| Contributions to social security contribution plan | 30,799 | 52,431 | 11,118 | |||||||||
| Welfare expenses | 2,127 | 11,376 | 2,412 | |||||||||
| 340,959 | 1,493,482 | 316,704 | ||||||||||
| (ii) | Depreciation and amortization |
| For the six months ended June 30 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 12,195 | 44,487 | 9,434 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets | 8,000 | 7,659 | 1,624 | |||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | 40,216 | 225,390 | 47,796 | |||||||||
| 60,411 | 277,536 | 58,854 | ||||||||||
| (iii) | The consulting fees mainly comprise design fees of CEA vertical farms, and consultation service fees on operating and managing the CEA vertical farms. |
| (iv) | During the six months period ended June 30, 2023, the director of the Company, which is also a shareholder of the Company, was entitled to an annual salary of MYR 60,000 of which the director waived to receive and was accordingly treated as a contribution by a shareholder. |
21. Finance costs
| For the period ended June 30 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Bank charges | 74 | 2,207 | 469 | |||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | 9,548 | 123,305 | 26,148 | |||||||||
| Interest on redeemable convertible preference shares | 135,417 | 622,964 | 132,104 | |||||||||
| Interest on a related party loan (note(a)) | 3,451 | 13,630 | 2,890 | |||||||||
| Interest on bank borrowing (note 14) | – | 2,148 | 455 | |||||||||
| Total finance costs | 148,490 | 764,254 | 162,066 | |||||||||
Note:
| (a) | On May 1, 2023, Agroz Group entered into a borrowing agreement with HWG Cash Berhad (“HWG Cash”), a related party, who is also a minority shareholder of the Group (the “Borrowing Agreement”). Pursuant to the Borrowing Agreement, Agroz Group borrowed MYR1,363,000 from HWG Cash, at an interest rate of two percent (2.0%) per annum and a maturity of 24 months, or on such other extended date mutually agreed between Agroz Group and the related party. |
F-88
22. Related party balances and transactions
(a) The following is a list of related parties which the Group has balances and transactions with:
| Name of entity or individual | Relationship | |
| Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim (“Gerard Lim”) (b)(ii)(iii) | Chief Executive Officer and controlling shareholder | |
| Ms. Khoo Kwai Fun (“Ms Khoo”) (b)(ii) (iv) | Spouse of the controlling shareholder and became a shareholder of the Company in January 2024 | |
| Mr. Au Say Kiat | Close family member of the controlling shareholder and became a shareholder of the Company in February 2024 | |
| Isa Wellness Marketing (b)(ii) (viii) | An entity controlled by a close family member of the controlling shareholder | |
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. (b)(ii) (ii) | Significantly influenced by Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim and ceased to be a related party in January 2024* | |
| Isa Farm Sdn. Bhd. | Under common control of the controlling shareholder | |
| Braiven Co., Ltd. (b)(ii) (vi) | Significantly influenced by key management of the Group* | |
| HWG Cash (vii) | Under common control of Mr. Chun Hoo Lim and ceased to be a shareholder in January 2024 | |
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (b)(ii) (i) | Significantly influenced by Agroz Group** | |
| Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. (b)(ii) (v) | Significantly influenced by Agroz Group** | |
| Agroz Asia Sdn. Bhd. | Under common control of the controlling shareholder | |
| Ahoku Ventures Sdn. Bhd. | Under common control of the controlling shareholder |
| * | Mr. Gerard Kim Meng Lim or key management of the Group holds a voting interest of 10% or more and has the right to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the applicable company, but does not have control. |
| ** | Agroz Group’s shareholdings of 19% in each of Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms are proxy holdings, with such shares held in trust. While shareholders holding 10% or more of the voting power in an entity are presumed to have a significant influence on the entity under Item 7B of Form 20-F, under International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 28 and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 9, significant influence requires a holding of 20% or more in voting power. Agroz Group does not possess any Director nomination rights, voting power, or decision-making influence on the Board of Directors of either Agroz Ventures or Agroz Vertical Farms. Although Agroz Group meets the significant influence presumption under Item 7B of Form 20-F, it does not meet the criteria under IAS 28 and IFRS 9 for significant influence. Therefore, Agroz Group does not believe these proxy holdings should be accounted under equity method. These proxy holdings additionally do not meet the criteria of assets under IASB Framework. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Agroz Group Sdn Bhd, pursuant to agreements with each of these entities, agreed to operate vertical farms based on guidelines and instructions from Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms’ management teams, in return for a share of such vertical farms’ revenue. Such revenue is received by Agroz Group in consideration of the services Agroz Group provides and the license it grants to use its technology. Agroz Group does not make management decisions on behalf of Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms in the operation of such vertical farms, and in such capacity, Agroz Group exercises no control over Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms in accordance to IFRS 10. This is because Agroz Group does not have the power or ability to direct such related parties’ activities, which activities would affect investee’s return. Agroz Group also has no purchase or funding obligations to Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms. While IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers will be applied for Agroz Group’s performance obligations under such agreements (i.e., operating Agroz Ventures and Agroz Vertical Farms’ vertical farms), the transaction price for Agroz Group’s performance obligations is share of revenue and 2% monthly commission on total vegetable sales revenue. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, there was no share of revenue and the commission earned on vegetable sales revenue is insignificant. There was no share of revenue and commission for the six months ended June 30, 2023. |
F-89
| (b) | Transactions with related parties |
| (i) | Key management personnel compensation |
| For the period ended June 30 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Salaries | 60,000 | 1,086,602 | 230,422 | |||||||||
| Contribution to social security contribution plan | — | 14,979 | 3,176 | |||||||||
| 60,000 | 1,101,581 | 233,598 | ||||||||||
| (ii) | Other transactions with related parties |
| For the period ended June 30 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Farm solution sales to | ||||||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. (v) | — | 1,050,081 | 222,678 | |||||||||
| Fresh vegetable sales to | ||||||||||||
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. (ii) | 227,789 | — | — | |||||||||
| Isa Wellness Marketing (viii) | 115,671 | 32,842 | 6,964 | |||||||||
| Purchases of fresh produce from | ||||||||||||
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. (ii) | 66,937 | — | — | |||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. (v) | — | 1,939,894 | 411,369 | |||||||||
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (i) | — | 160,538 | 34,043 | |||||||||
| Purchase of IT software from | ||||||||||||
| Braiven Co., Ltd. (vi) | 647,925 | 5,316,710 | 1,127,449 | |||||||||
| Expenses paid by the Group on behalf of | ||||||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. (v) | 3,000 | — | — | |||||||||
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (i) | — | 331,504 | 70,298 | |||||||||
| Loan from | ||||||||||||
| HWG Cash (vii) | 1,363,000 | — | — | |||||||||
| Interest on a loan from | ||||||||||||
| HWG Cash (vii) | 3,451 | 13,630 | 2,890 | |||||||||
| Expenses paid on behalf of the Group by | ||||||||||||
| Gerard Lim (iii) | 334,152 | 240 | 51 | |||||||||
| Khoo Kwai Fun (iv) | 57,403 | 51,533 | 10,928 | |||||||||
| HWG Cash (vii) | 481,300 | — | — | |||||||||
| Payments to | ||||||||||||
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. (ii) | 67,301 | — | — | |||||||||
| Gerard Lim (iii) | 339,333 | 2,400 | 509 | |||||||||
| Khoo Kwai Fun (iv) | 139,952 | 53,496 | 11,344 | |||||||||
| Braiven Co., Ltd. (vi) | 577,000 | 6,055,380 | 1,284,089 | |||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. (v) | — | 1,239,021 | 262,744 | |||||||||
| HWG Cash (vii) | — | 70,925 | 15,040 | |||||||||
| Payments from | ||||||||||||
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (i) | — | 2,430,000 | 515,300 | |||||||||
| ISA Wellness Marketing (viii) | — | 551,351 | 116,918 | |||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. (v) | — | 1,000,000 | 212,058 | |||||||||
F-90
Notes:
| (i) | During the six months period ended 30 June 2024, Agroz Group paid expenses on behalf of Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. amounted to MYR331,504 (USD70,298) and received payments amounted to MYR2,430,000 (USD515,300). Agroz Group also purchased fresh produce from Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. amounted to MYR160,538 (USD34,043) during the six months period ended June 30, 2024. |
| (ii) | Agroz Group purchased fresh produce from EPetani Sdn. Bhd. amounting to MYR66,937 and made payments to EPetani Sdn. Bhd. amounted to MYR67,301 during the six months period ended June 30, 2023. Also, Agroz Group sold fresh vegetables to EPetani Sdn. Bhd amounted to MYR227,789. In January 2024, Mr. Gerard Lim disposed shares in EPetani Sdn. Bhd. and EPetani Sdn. Bhd. no longer a related party to the Group. During the six months period ended June 30, 2024, Agroz Group sold fresh vegetables to EPetani Sdn. Bhd amounted to MYR3,613,573 (USD766,286) and received payments amounted to MYR1,415,618 (USD300,193). |
| (iii) | During the six months period ended June 30, 2023 and 2024, certain operating expenses of Agroz Group amounted to MYR334,152 and MYR240 (USD51), respectively was paid by Mr. Gerard Lim. Agroz Group has repaid MYR339,333 and MYR2,400 (USD509) to Mr. Gerard Lim during the six months period ended June 30, 2023 and 2024 respectively. |
| (iv) | Khoo Kwai Fun paid on behalf of Agroz Group on certain expenses amounted to MYR57,403 and MYR51,533 (USD10,928) during the six months period ended June 30, 2023 and 2024 respectively. Agroz Group has repaid MYR139,952 and MYR53,496 (USD11,344) to Khoo Kwai Fun during the six months period ended June 30, 2023 and 2024 respectively. |
| (v) | Agroz Group purchased fresh produce from Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. amounted to MYR1,939,894 (USD411,369) and repaid MYR1,239,021 (USD262,744) during the six months period ended June 30, 2024. During the six months period ended June 30, 2023, Agroz Group paid expenses on behalf of Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. amounted to MYR3,000. Agroz Group sold its farm solutions to Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. amounted to MYR1,050,081 (USD222,678) and received payments amounted to MYR1,000,000 (USD212,058) during the six months period ended June 30, 2024. |
| (vi) | Agroz Group purchased IT software from Braiven Co., Ltd. amounted to MYR647,925 and paid MYR577,000 during the six months period ended June 30, 2023. During the six months period ended June 30, 2024, Agroz Group endured the investment in IT software from Braiven Co., Ltd. amounted to MYR5,316,710 (USD1,127,449), and paid MYR6,055,380 (USD1,284,089). |
| (vii) | As of June 30, 2023, amount owing to HWG Cash consists of interest-bearing borrowing amounted to MYR1,363,000 and related interest payable MYR3,451 (note 21), and cash advances to the Group amounted to MYR481,300. During the six months period ended June 30, 2024, Agroz Group incurred additional interest amounted to RM13,630 (USD2,890) (note 21) and repaid MYR70,925 (USD15,040) to HWG Cash. |
| (viii) | During the six months period ended June 30, 2023 and 2024, Agroz Group sold fresh produce to ISA Wellness Marketing amounted to MYR115,671 and MYR32,842 (USD6,964) and received payments amounted to MYR551,351 (USD116,918) for the six months period ended June 30, 2024. |
F-91
(c) Balances with related parties
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Included in trade receivables from related parties, net | ||||||||||||
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. | 3,980,000 | 1,562,151 | 331,265 | |||||||||
| EPetani Sdn. Bhd. | 1,475,736 | — | — | |||||||||
| Isa Wellness Marketing | 548,594 | 32,677 | 6,929 | |||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. | — | 49,750 | 10,550 | |||||||||
| Total trade receivables from related parties, net | 6,004,330 | 1,644,578 | 348,745 | |||||||||
| Included in amounts due from related parties | ||||||||||||
| Agroz Asia Sdn. Bhd. | 1,000 | 1,000 | 212 | |||||||||
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. | 21,580 | 353,084 | 74,874 | |||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. | 685,196 | — | — | |||||||||
| Isa Farm Sdn. Bhd. | 3,300 | 3,300 | 700 | |||||||||
| Total amounts due from related parties | 711,076 | 357,384 | 75,786 | |||||||||
| Included in prepayments to a related party | ||||||||||||
| Braiven Co., Ltd. | 1,423,354 | 6,735,065 | 1,428,222 | |||||||||
| Included in amounts due to related parties | ||||||||||||
| HWG Cash | ||||||||||||
| - Non-current | 1,363,000 | — | — | |||||||||
| - Current | 1,195,356 | 2,501,061 | 530,369 | |||||||||
| Gerard Lim | 86,731 | 84,571 | 17,935 | |||||||||
| Braiven Co., Ltd. | 738,670 | — | — | |||||||||
| Khoo Kwai Fun | 20,289 | 18,326 | 3,886 | |||||||||
| Agroz Ventures Sdn. Bhd. | — | 160,538 | 34,043 | |||||||||
| Agroz Vertical Farm Sdn. Bhd. | — | 15,596 | 3,307 | |||||||||
| Total amounts due to related parties | 3,404,046 | 2,780,092 | 589,540 | |||||||||
23. Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share is based on the profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, which is calculated as follows:
| For the six months ended June 30, 2023 | For the six months ended June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Profit/(loss) for the period | 786,588 | (2,575,121 | ) | (546,073 | ) | |||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 20,000,000 | 20,304,913 | 20,304,913 | |||||||||
| Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share | 0.04 | (0.13 | ) | (0.03 | ) | |||||||
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company had 474,614 redeemable convertible preference shares which could potentially dilute basic earnings in the future, but were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share in the six months period presented, as their effects would have been anti-dilutive for the current period.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, there was no dilutive potential ordinary shares.
F-92
24. Commitments and contingencies
| (a) | Commitments |
Capital expenditure contracted for but not provided in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements:
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| MYR | MYR | USD | ||||||||||
| Software and AI Platform Development | 1,338,535 | 15,247,656 | 3,233,381 | |||||||||
As of June 30, 2024, the Group has remaining contractual commitment amounted to MYR15,247,656 (USD3,233,381) (December 31, 2023: MYR1,338,535), mainly arising from certain purchase contracts of IT software such as E-commerce website design, Internet of Things (IoT) management platform, system integration platform and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system signed with suppliers. Significant increase in capital commitment was due to the developments of comprehensive Robotics AI Platform designed to facilitate the creation, deployment, and management of intelligent robotic systems that would enable autonomous and robotic decision making. The majority of this contractual commitment is due within five years and upon the project progress. Other than as shown above, the Group did not have any significant capital and other commitments, long-term obligations or guarantees as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
| (b) | Contingencies |
In the ordinary course of business, the Group may be subject to legal proceedings regarding contractual and employment relationships and a variety of other matters. The Group records contingent liabilities resulting from such claims, when a loss is assessed to be probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. In the opinion of management, there were no pending or threatened claims and litigation as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024, and through the issuance date of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-93
25. Subsequent events
The Group evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the issuance of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of January 16, 2025 and, except for the event described below, the Group did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
From August 29, 2024 to October 23, 2024, the Company issued six batches of AI RCPS totaling 371,500 shares at a subscription price of USD2.50 per share, for an aggregate amount of MYR4,379,706 (USD928,750). Agreement terms of the AI RCPS are identical to those issued during the period ended June 30, 2024 (note 13(b)).
On November 18, 2024, the board of directors of the Company approved a Director’s surrender of 1,030,494 Company’s ordinary shares at par value. On November 18, 2024, the Director completed the surrender of a total of 1,030,494 ordinary shares.
On December 5, 2024, the board of directors of the Company approved the conversion of 419,929 AI RCPS into 419,929 ordinary shares of the Company by eight RCPS subscribers. The Board also approved the payment of an interim dividend totalling US$89,327.24 on pro-rated basis to these RCPS subscribers in cash and such prorated dividend shall be payable on January 6, 2025. On January 6, 2025, the board of directors of the Company approved the extension of the RCPS prorated dividend payment date to January 31, 2025.
On December 23, 2024, the Company issued 3,556 Ordinary Shares to Chin Fung Onn, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Chin Fung Onn paid for these Ordinary Shares was $8,890.
F-94
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees
Indemnification
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association permits indemnification of current and former officers and directors, for the time being, of the Company for all actions, costs, charges, losses, damages and expenses incurred or sustained by or by reason of any act done, concurred in or omitted in or about the execution of their duty, or supposed duty, in their capacities as such unless such losses or damages arise from the actual fraud or willful default of such person. This standard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the DGCL for a Delaware corporation. In addition, we intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and senior executive officers that will provide such persons with additional indemnification beyond that provided in our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Item 7. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Set forth below are the sales of all securities by the Company since inception which were not registered under the Securities Act. The Company believes that each of such issuances was exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act.
On August 8, 2023, we issued 9,901,100 Ordinary Shares to Gerard Kim Meng Lim, a resident of Malaysia, in exchange for 901,000 ordinary shares he held in Agroz Group.
On August 8, 2023, we issued 2,000,000 Ordinary Shares to Tan Kay Yen, a resident of Malaysia, in exchange for 182,000 ordinary shares he held in Agroz Group.
On August 8, 2023, we issued 7,000,000 Ordinary Shares to HWG Cash Berhad, a Malaysian public company limited by shares, in exchange for 637,000 ordinary shares it held in Agroz Group.
On August 8, 2023, we issued 1,098,900 Ordinary Shares to SK Au (L) Foundation, a foundation registered in Labuan, Malaysia, in exchange for 100,000 ordinary shares it held in Agroz Group.
On August 28, 2023, we issued 40,000 RCPS to Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry, a resident of Canada, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry paid for these RCPS was $100,000.
On October 4, 2023, we issued 8,504 RCPS to Bernard Kam Kim Kiat, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Bernard Kam Kim Kiat paid for these RCPS was $21,259.
On October 23, 2023, we issued 80,000 RCPS to Oh Kim Hong, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Oh Kim Hong paid for these RCPS was $200,000.
On October 23, 2023, we issued 60,000 RCPS to Lee Tuck Heng, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Lee Tuck Heng paid for these RCPS was $150,000.
On October 23, 2023, we issued 40,000 RCPS to Koo Boon Hoe, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Koo Boon Hoe paid for these RCPS was $100,000.
II-1
On October 25, 2023, we issued 40,000 RCPS to How Choon Tham, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration How Choon Tham paid for these RCPS was $100,000.
On December 22, 2023, we issued 36,364 RCPS to Christopher Wong Dao Seng, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share, in exchange for redeeming 250,000 redeemeable convertible preferred shares Christopher Wong Dao Seng held in Agroz Group (the redeemable convertible shares in Agroz Group, “Agroz Group RCPS”).
On December 22, 2023, we issued 27,273 RCPS to Chan Chin Soo, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share, in exchange for redeeming 250,000 Agroz Group RCPS held by Chan Chin Soo.
On December 22, 2023, we issued 81,819 RCPS to Hoo Kow Chai @ Ho Bee, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share, in exchange for redeeming 750,000 Agroz Group RCPS held by Hoo Kow Chai @ Ho Bee.
On December 22, 2023, we issued 163,637 RCPS to Rajawali Seroja International Ltd., a company incorporated in Labuan, Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share, in exchange for redeeming 1,500,000 Agroz Group RCPS held by Rajawali Seroja International Ltd.
On December 22, 2023, we issued 27,273 RCPS to Lim Wee Loo, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share, in exchange for redeeming 250,000 Agroz Group RCPS held by Lim Wee Loo.
On January 10, 2024, we issued 40,000 RCPS to Lee Ming Yen Angeline, a resident of Singapore, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Lee Ming Yen Angeline paid for these RCPS was $100,000.
On January 10, 2024, we issued 20,000 RCPS to Richard Lee Hon Chong, a resident of Singapore, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Lee Hon Chong paid for these RCPS was $50,000.
On January 10, 2024, we issued 20,000 RCPS to Tan Joo Hock Gavin, a resident of Singapore, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Tan Joo Hock Gavin paid for these RCPS was $50,000.
On January 10, 2024, we issued 20,000 RCPS to Pow Choon Hong, a resident of Singapore, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Pow Choon Hong paid for these RCPS was $50,000.
On January 10, 2024, we issued 20,000 RCPS to Tan Hua Seng Benjamin, a resident of Singapore, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Tan Hua Seng Benjamin paid for these RCPS was $50,000.
On February 7, 2024, we issued 8,696 RCPS to Lee Pei Lu, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Lee Pei Lu paid for these RCPS was $21,739.
On March 15, 2024, we issued 1,030,494 Ordinary Shares to Gerard Kim Meng Lim, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $0.0001 per share. The total consideration Gerard Kim Meng Lim paid for these Ordinary Shares was $103.05.
On March 20, 2024, we issued 120,000 RCPS to Yau Kok Seng, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Yau Kok Seng paid for these RCPS was $300,000.
On March 20, 2024, we issued 21,739 RCPS to Ng Siew Kiang, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Ng Siew Kiang paid for these RCPS was $54,348.
II-2
On May 20, 2024, we issued 13,044 RCPS to Kok Pauline, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Kok Pauline paid for these RCPS was $32,610.
On June 6, 2024, we issued 60,000 RCPS to How Choon Tham, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration How Choon Tham paid for these RCPS was $150,000.
On August 29, 2024, we issued 5,000 RCPS to Ong Beng Hui, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Ong Beng Hui paid for these RCPS was $12,500.
On September 18, 2024, we issued 80,000 RCPS to Rashid Aleem Qureshi, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Rashid Aleem Qureshi paid for these RCPS was $200,000.
On September 19, 2024, we issued 60,000 RCPS to Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry, a resident of Canada, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry paid for these RCPS was $150,000.
On September 23, 2024, we issued 3,500 RCPS to Nguyen Thi Ngoc, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Nguyen Thi Ngoc paid for these RCPS was $8,750.
On September 23, 2024, we issued 6,500 RCPS to Chin Fung Onn, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Chin Fung Onn paid for these RCPS was $16,250.
On September 23, 2024, we issued 2,500 RCPS to Chan Fook Soon, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Chan Fook Soon paid for these RCPS was $6,250.
On September 30, 2024, we issued 10,000 RCPS to Ting Sing Chuan, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Ting Sing Chuan paid for these RCPS was $25,000.
On October 23, 2024, we issued 4,000 RCPS to Origin Future Fund VCC - Urban Future Fund, a company incorporated in Singapore, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Origin Future Fund VCC - Urban Future Fund paid for these RCPS was $10,000.
On October 23, 2024, we issued 200,000 RCPS to OLC Commercial Broker Pte Ltd, a company incorporated in Singapore, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration OLC Commercial Broker Pte Ltd paid for these RCPS was $500,000.
On December 5, 2024, we issued 8,504 Ordinary Shares to Bernard Kam Kim Kiat, a resident of Malaysia, at no consideration in exchange for redeeming 8,504 RCPS held by Bernard Kam Kim Kiat.
On December 5, 2024, we issued 81,819 Ordinary Shares to Hoo Kow Chai @ Ho Bee, a resident of Malaysia, at no consideration in exchange for redeeming 81,819 RCPS held by Hoo Kow Chai @ Ho Bee.
On December 5, 2024, we issued 163,637 Ordinary Shares to Rajawali Seroja International Ltd., a company incorporated in Labuan, Malaysia, at no consideration in exchange for redeeming 163,637 RCPS held by Rajawali Seroja International Ltd.
On December 5, 2024, we issued 27,273 Ordinary Shares to Lim Wee Loo, a resident of Malaysia, at no consideration in exchange for redeeming 27,273 RCPS held by Lim Wee Loo.
On December 5, 2024, we issued 8,696 Ordinary Shares to Lee Pei Lu, a resident of Malaysia, at no consideration in exchange for redeeming 8,696 RCPS held by Lee Pei Lu.
On December 5, 2024, we issued 120,000 Ordinary Shares to Yau Kok Seng, a resident of Malaysia, at no consideration in exchange for redeeming 120,000 RCPS held by Yau Kok Seng.
On December 5, 2024, we issued 6,500 Ordinary Shares to Chin Fung Onn, a resident of Malaysia, at no consideration in exchange for redeeming 6,500 RCPS held by Chin Fung Onn.
On December 5, 2024, we issued 3,500 Ordinary Shares to Nguyen Thi Ngoc, a resident of Malaysia, at no consideration in exchange for redeeming 3,500 RCPS held by Nguyen Thi Ngoc.
On December 23, 2024, we issued 3,556 Ordinary Shares to Chin Fung Onn, a resident of Malaysia, at a price of $2.50 per share. The total consideration Chin Fung Onn paid for these Ordinary Shares was $8,890.
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Item 8. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Exhibits
| * | Previously filed. |
| ** | Filed herewith. |
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(b) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.
Item 9. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
| 1) | To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
| (i) | To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; |
| (ii) | To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement. |
| (iii) | To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement. |
| 2) | That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
| 3) | To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
| 4) | To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act need not be furnished, provided that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. |
| 5) | That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use; |
| 6) | That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: |
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the placement method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
| (i) | Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424. |
| (ii) | Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; |
| (iii) | The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and |
| (iv) | Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
| 7) | Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
| 8) | That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, (i) the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) (1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and (ii) each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Klang, Malaysia, on March 6, 2025.
| AGROZ INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| Name: | Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer, Director | |
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Gerard Kim Meng Lim as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and to sign a registration statement pursuant to Section 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ Gerard Kim Meng Lim | Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer), Director | March 6, 2025 | ||
| Name: Gerard Kim Meng Lim | ||||
| /s/ * | Director | March 6, 2025 | ||
| Name: Chun Hoo Lim | ||||
| /s/ * | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and | March 6, 2025 | ||
| Name: May Jin Sim | Principal Accounting Officer) | |||
| /s/ * Gerard Kim Meng Lim | March 6, 2025 | |||
| Name: Gerard Kim Meng Lim (attorney-in-fact) |
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Exhibit 1.1
AGROZ INC.
FORM OF UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
[ ], 2025
US Tiger Securities, Inc.
437 Madison Ave, 27th Floor
New York, New York 10022
As Representative of the Underwriters
named on Schedule A hereto
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Agroz Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein, to issue and sell an aggregate of [____] ordinary shares (the “Firm Shares”), par value $0.0001 per share (the “Ordinary Shares”) to the several underwriters listed on Schedule A hereto (the “Underwriters”), for whom US Tiger Securities, Inc. is acting as the representative (“USTS” or the “Representative”). The Company has also agreed to grant to the Representative on behalf of the Underwriters an option (the “Over-allotment Option”), on the terms set forth in Section 1(b) hereof, to purchase up to an additional [____] Ordinary Shares (the “Option Shares”) and together with the Firm Shares, the “Shares”), and the offering of such Shares is hereinafter called the “Offering.” The Company has also agreed to issue to the Representative the Representative’s Warrants (as defined in Section 1(c)), which, together with the Ordinary Shares underlying the Representative’s Warrants are referred to herein as the “Representative’s Securities.” The Shares and the Representative’s Securities are herein collectively called the “Securities.”
The Company confirms as follows its agreement with each of the Underwriters:
1. Agreement to Sell and Purchase.
(a) Purchase of Firm Shares. On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements of the Company contained herein and subject to all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, and the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, agree to purchase from the Company, the Firm Shares at a purchase price of $[____] per Firm Share (the “Purchase Price”).
(b) Purchase of Option Shares. Subject to all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company grants to the Representative, on behalf of the Underwriters, an Over-allotment Option to purchase, severally and not jointly, all or less than [____] additional Option Shares, representing fifteen percent (15%) of the Firm Shares sold in the Offering, from the Company. The purchase price to be paid for each Option Share will be the same Purchase Price allocated to each Firm Share. The Underwriters shall not be under any obligation to purchase any of the Option Shares prior to the exercise of the Over-allotment Option. The Over-allotment Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time on or before the 45th day after the Closing Date, upon written notice (the “Option Notice”) by the Representative to the Company, setting forth the aggregate number of Option Shares to be purchased and the time and date for delivery of and payment for the Option Shares (the “Option Closing Date”), which shall not be later than five (5) full Business Days after the date of the notice or such other time as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative, at the offices of Representative, at the offices of Representative’s Counsel, or at such other place (including remotely by facsimile or other electronic transmission) as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative. If such delivery and payment for the Option Shares does not occur on the Closing Date, the Option Closing Date will be as set forth in the Option Notice. Upon exercise of the Over-allotment Option, the Company will become obligated to convey to the Underwriters, and, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Underwriters will become obligated to purchase, the number of Option Shares specified in the Option Notice. If any Option Shares are to be purchased, each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Option Shares that bears the same proportion to the number of Firm Shares to be purchased by it as set forth on Schedule A opposite such Underwriter’s name. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or obligated to be closed due to a “shelter in place,” “non-essential employee” or similar closure of physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority if such banks’ electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) are open for use by customers on such day.
(c) Representative’s Warrants. The Company hereby agrees to issue to the Representative (and/or their respective designees) on the Closing Date, Warrants to purchase an aggregate of five percent (5%) of the Ordinary Shares issued in the Offering (the “Representative’s Warrants,” and, together with the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrants, the “Representative’s Securities”) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F. The Representative’s Warrants shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, from the date of issuance at the closing of this Offering and expiring on the three-year anniversary of the date of closing of this Offering, at an initial exercise price of $[____] per share, which is equal to one hundred and twenty percent (120%) of the initial public offering price of the Shares issued at such closing.
2. Delivery and Payment.
(a) Closing. Delivery of the Firm Shares shall be made to the Representative through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) for the respective accounts of the Underwriters against payment of the Purchase Price by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the order of the Company. Such payment shall be made at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the second Business Day pursuant to Rule 15c6-1(a) of the Exchange Act (or the third Business Day should the Offering be priced after 4:30 p.m., Eastern time pursuant to Rule 15c6-1(c) of the Exchange Act) after the date of this Agreement or at such time on such other date, but not later than ten Business Days after such date, as may be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative (such date is hereinafter referred to as the “Closing Date”).
(b) Option Closing. To the extent the Over-allotment Option is exercised, delivery of the Option Shares against payment by the Underwriters (in the manner and at the location specified above) shall take place at the time and date (which may be the Closing Date, but not earlier than the Closing Date) specified in the Option Notice.
(c) Electronic Transfer. Electronic transfer of the Shares shall be made at the time of purchase in such names and in such denominations as the Representative shall specify.
(d) Tax Stamps. The cost of original issue tax stamps, if any, in connection with the issuance and delivery of the Securities by the Company to the Underwriters shall be borne by the Company. The Company shall pay and hold each Underwriter and any subsequent holder of the Securities harmless from any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any failure or delay in paying United States federal and state and foreign stamp and other transfer taxes, if any, which may be payable or determined to be payable in connection with the original issuance, sale and delivery to such Underwriter of the Securities.
3. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to, and covenants with, each of the Underwriters as follows:
(a) Compliance with Registration Requirements. A registration statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-284322) relating to the Shares, including a preliminary prospectus and such amendments to such registration statement as may have been required prior to the date of this Agreement, has been prepared by the Company under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), and the rules and regulations (collectively referred to as the “Rules and Regulations”) of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) promulgated thereunder, and has been filed with the Commission. Copies of such registration statement and of each amendment thereto, if any, including the related preliminary prospectuses, heretofore filed by the Company with the Commission have been delivered to the Underwriters. The term “Registration Statement” means such registration statement on Form F-1 as amended at the time it becomes or became effective, including financial statements, all exhibits and any information deemed to be included or incorporated by reference therein, including any information deemed to be included pursuant to Rule 430A or Rule 430B of the Rules and Regulations, as applicable. If the Company files a registration statement to register a portion of the Shares and relies on Rule 462(b) of the Rules and Regulations for such registration statement to become effective upon filing with the Commission (the “Rule 462 Registration Statement”), then any reference to the “Registration Statement” shall be deemed to include the Rule 462 Registration Statement, as amended from time to time. The term “preliminary prospectus” as used herein means a preliminary prospectus as contemplated by Rule 430 or Rule 430A of the Rules and Regulations included at any time as part of, or deemed to be part of or included in, the Registration Statement. The term “Prospectus” means the final prospectus in connection with this Offering as first filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations or, if no such filing is required, the form of final prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the effective date, except that if any revised prospectus or prospectus supplement shall be provided to the Representative by the Company for use in connection with the Shares which differs from the Prospectus (whether or not such revised prospectus or prospectus supplement is required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b)), the term “Prospectus” shall also refer to such revised prospectus or prospectus supplement, as the case may be, from and after the time it is first provided to the Representative for such use. Any reference herein to the terms “amend, “amendment” or “supplement” with respect to the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include: (i) the filing of any document under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “Exchange Act”) after the effective date of the Registration Statement, the date of such preliminary prospectus or the date of the Prospectus, as the case may be, which is incorporated therein by reference, and (ii) any such document so filed.
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(b) Effectiveness of Registration. The Registration Statement, any Rule 462 Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto have been declared effective by the Commission under the Act or have become effective pursuant to Rule 462 of the Rules and Regulations. The Company has responded to all requests, if any, of the Commission for additional or supplemental information. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any Rule 462 Registration Statement is in effect and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, are threatened by the Commission.
(c) Accuracy of Registration Statement. Each of the Registration Statement, any Rule 462 Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it became effective, when any document filed under the Exchange Act was or is filed and at all subsequent times, complied and will comply in all material respects with the Act and the Rules and Regulations, and did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading. The Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as of its date and at all subsequent times when a prospectus is delivered or required (or, but for the provisions of Rule 172, would be required) by applicable law to be delivered in connection with sales of Securities, complied and will comply in all material respects with the Act, the Exchange Act and the Rules and Regulations, and did not or will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in light of the circumstances under which they were made. There are no documents required to be filed with the Commission in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby that (x) have not been filed as required pursuant to the Securities Act or (y) will not be filed within the requisite time period. There are no contracts or other documents required to be described in the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or to be filed as exhibits or schedules to the Registration Statement (“Material Contracts”), which have not been described or filed as required. Each preliminary prospectus (including the preliminary prospectus or prospectuses filed as part of the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto) complied when so filed in all material respects with the Act, the Exchange Act and the Rules and Regulations, and each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus delivered to the Representative for use in connection with this Offering is identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission on EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T. The foregoing representations and warranties in this Section 3(c) do not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance on and in conformity with information relating to the Underwriters furnished in writing to the Company by the Underwriters through the Representative specifically for inclusion in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto. For all purposes of this Agreement, “Underwriter Information” shall mean the written information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter through the Representative expressly for use therein; it being understood and agreed upon that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the names and addresses of the Underwriters disclosed in the preliminary prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
(d) Company Not Ineligible Issuer. (i) At the time of filing the Registration Statement relating to the Securities and (ii) as of the date of the execution and delivery of this Agreement (with such date being used as the determination date for purposes of this clause (ii)), the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer” (as defined in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations).
(e) Disclosure at the Time of Sale. As of the Applicable Time, neither (i) the Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus(es) (as defined below) issued at or prior to the Applicable Time, the most recent preliminary prospectus related to this Offering, and the information included on Schedule C hereto, all considered together (collectively, the “General Disclosure Package”), nor (ii) any individual Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, included any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from the General Disclosure Package based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Underwriters through the Representative specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by the Underwriters consists of the Underwriters’ Information.
As used in this subsection and elsewhere in this Agreement:
“Applicable Time” means [______] (New York City Time) on [____], 2025 or such other time as agreed by the Company and the Representative.
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“Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433 of the Rules and Regulations, relating to the Shares that (i) is required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, (ii) is “a written communication that is a road show” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i), whether or not required to be filed with the Commission or (iii) is exempt from filing pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) because it contains a description of the Securities or of the Offering that does not reflect the final terms, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g).
“Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors, as evidenced by its being specified in Schedule B hereto.
“Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus.
(f) Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. Each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the Prospectus Delivery Period (as defined below), does not include any information that conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement. The foregoing sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with the Underwriters’ Information. If at any time following the issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus there occurred an event or development as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conflicted with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities or included an untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company has promptly notified the Representative and has promptly amended or supplemented, at its own expense, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.
(g) Distribution of Offering Material by the Company. The Company has not distributed and will not distribute, prior to the Closing Date, any offering material in connection with the offering or sale of the Shares, the Registration Statement, the preliminary prospectus, the Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses reviewed and consented to by the Representative and included in Schedule B hereto, and the Prospectus. None of the Marketing Materials, as of their respective issue dates and at all subsequent times through the Prospectus Delivery Period (as defined below), include any information that conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement. If at any time following the issuance of any Marketing Material there occurs an event or development as a result of which such Marketing Material conflicted with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities or included an untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representative and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Marketing Material to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.
(h) Subsidiaries. All of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company (each, a “Subsidiary”) are set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The Company owns, directly or indirectly, the shares or other equity interests of each Subsidiary free and clear of any lien, charge, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other similar restriction (each, a “Lien”), and (i) all of the issued and outstanding shares of each Subsidiary are validly issued and are fully paid, non-assessable and free of preemptive and similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities and (ii) all of the issued and outstanding membership interests are validly issued.
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(i) Organization and Qualification. The Company and each of the Subsidiaries is an entity duly incorporated or otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, with the requisite power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business as currently conducted. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation nor default of any of the provisions of its respective certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents. Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, as the case may be, would not have or reasonably be expected to result in: (i) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, the Underwriters’ Warrant, or any other agreement, document, certificate or instrument required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”), (ii) a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets, business, general affairs, management, shareholder’s equity, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iii) a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under any Transaction Document (any of (i), (ii) or (iii), a “Material Adverse Effect”) and no action, claim, suit or proceeding (including, without limitation, a partial proceeding, such as a deposition), (each, a “Proceeding”) has been instituted or threatened in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority or qualification which would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
(j) Authorization; Enforcement. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents by the Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and no further action is required by the Company, the Board of Directors or the Company’s shareholders in connection herewith or therewith other than in connection with the Required Approvals (as hereinafter defined in Section 3(l)). This Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which it is a party has been (or upon delivery will have been) duly executed by the Company and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Representative, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.
(k) No Conflicts. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, the issuance and sale of the Securities and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not (i) conflict with or violate any provision of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents, or (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation (with or without notice, lapse of time or both) of, any agreement, credit facility, debt or other instrument (evidencing a Company or Subsidiary debt or otherwise) to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (iii) subject to the Required Approvals, conflict with or result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, injunction, decree or other restriction of any court or governmental authority to which the Company or a Subsidiary is subject (including federal and state securities laws and regulations), or by which any property or asset of the Company or a Subsidiary is bound or affected; except in the case of each of clauses (ii) and (iii), such as would not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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(l) Filings, Consents and Approvals. The Company is not required to obtain any consent, waiver, authorization or order of, give any notice to, or make any filing or registration with, any court or other federal, state, local or other governmental authority or other Person in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Transaction Documents, other than: (i) the filing with the Commission of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (ii) application(s) to The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC for the listing of the Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market for trading thereon in the time and manner required thereby, (iii) such filings, if any, as are required to be made under applicable state securities laws, (iv) such notices, filings or authorizations as are required to be obtained or made under applicable rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) which has been filed by the Representative, and (v) such notices, filings or authorizations as have been obtained, given or made as of the date hereof (collectively, the “Required Approvals”).
(m) Issuance of the Securities. The Firm Shares, the Option Shares and the Ordinary Shares to be issued upon the exercise of the Representative’s Warrant are duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the applicable Transaction Documents, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all Liens imposed by the Company. The Company has reserved from its duly authorized capital stock the maximum number of the Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant to this Agreement.
(n) Capitalization. The capitalization of the Company as of the date hereof is as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The Company has not issued any capital stock other than pursuant to employment agreements, consulting agreements, the Company’s equity incentive plan, and pursuant to the conversion and/or exercise of any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Ordinary Shares, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Ordinary Shares (“Ordinary Shares Equivalents”) and is outstanding as of the date of the most recently filed amendment to the Registration Statement. No individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind (each, a “Person”) has any right of first refusal, preemptive right, right of participation, or any similar right to participate in the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. Except as a result of the purchase and sale of the Securities or as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities, rights or obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or giving any Person any right to subscribe for or acquire, any Ordinary Shares or the capital stock of any Subsidiary, or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any Subsidiary is or may become bound to issue additional Ordinary Shares or Ordinary Shares Equivalents or capital stock of any Subsidiary. The issuance and sale of the Securities will not obligate the Company or any Subsidiary to issue Ordinary Shares or other securities to any Person (other than the Underwriters) and will not result in a right of any holder of Company securities to adjust the exercise, conversion, exchange or reset price under any of such securities. Except or as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no securities of the Company or any Subsidiary that have any anti-dilution or similar adjustment rights (other than adjustments for stock splits, recapitalizations, and the like) to the exercise or conversion price, have any exchange rights, or reset rights. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company or any Subsidiary that contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any Subsidiary is or may become bound to redeem a security of the Company or such Subsidiary. Except or as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company does not have any stock appreciation rights or “phantom stock” plans or agreements or any similar plan or agreement. All of the outstanding shares of the Company are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, have been issued in compliance in all material respects with all federal and state securities laws, conform to the description thereof in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and none of such outstanding shares was issued in violation of any preemptive rights or similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities. No further approval or authorization of any shareholder, the Board of Directors or others is required for the issuance and sale of the Securities. There are no shareholders agreements, voting agreements or other similar agreements with respect to the Company’s capital stock to which the Company is a party or, to the best knowledge of the Company after due inquiry, between or among any of the Company’s shareholders.
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(o) Material Changes; Undisclosed Events, Liabilities or Developments. Since the date of the latest audited financial statements included within the Registration Statement, (i) there has been no event, occurrence or development that has had or is expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) the Company or any Subsidiary has not incurred any material liabilities (contingent or otherwise) other than (A) trade payables and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (B) liabilities not required to be reflected in the Company’s financial statements pursuant to the International Financial Reporting Standards or disclosed in filings made with the Commission, (iii) the Company has not altered its method of accounting, (iv) the Company has not declared or made any dividend or distribution of cash or other property to its shareholders or purchased, redeemed or made any agreements to purchase or redeem any shares of its capital stock and (v) the Company has not issued any equity securities to any officer, director or any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the Company (as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act) (each, an “Affiliate”), except pursuant to existing Company equity incentive plans or as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The Company does not have pending before the Commission any request for confidential treatment of information. Except for the issuance of the Securities contemplated by this Agreement, no event, liability, fact, circumstance, occurrence or development has occurred or exists with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, properties, operations, assets or financial condition that would be required to be disclosed by the Company under applicable securities laws at the time this representation is made or deemed made that has not been publicly disclosed as of the date of this Agreement.
(p) Litigation. There is no action, suit, inquiry, notice of violation or proceeding pending or threatened in writing against or affecting the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their respective properties before or by any court, arbitrator, governmental or administrative agency or regulatory authority (federal, state, county, local or foreign) (collectively, an “Action”) which (i) adversely affects or challenges the legality, validity or enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents or the Securities or (ii) would, if there were an unfavorable decision, have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary, nor any director or officer thereof, is or has been the subject of any Action involving a claim of violation of or liability under federal or state securities laws or a claim of breach of fiduciary duty. There has not been, and there is not pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company after due inquiry, threatened in writing, any investigation by the Commission involving the Company or any current or former director or officer of the Company. To the best knowledge of the Company, the Commission has not issued any stop order or other order suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement filed by the Company or any Subsidiary under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act. To the best knowledge of the Company after due inquiry, the Company’s directors and executive officers are not a party to any legal, governmental or regulatory proceedings that (i) would result in such director or officer to be unsuitable for his or her position on the Board or in the Company, as the case may be, (ii) would individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus but are not so described.
(q) Labor Relations. The Company believes that no labor dispute exists with respect to any of the employees of the Company or any Subsidiary. None of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ employees is a member of a union that relates to such employee’s relationship with the Company or such Subsidiary, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to a collective bargaining agreement. To the best knowledge of the Company , no executive officer of the Company or any Subsidiary, is, or is now expected to be, in violation of any material term of any employment contract, confidentiality, disclosure or proprietary information agreement or non-competition agreement, or any other contract or agreement or any restrictive covenant in favor of any third party, and the continued employment of each such executive officer does not subject the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any liability with respect to any of the foregoing matters. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and where its business is currently conducted, except where the failure to be in compliance would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(r) Compliance. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary: (i) is in default under or in violation of (and no event has occurred that has not been waived that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would result in a default by the Company or any Subsidiary under), nor has the Company or any Subsidiary received written notice of termination or notice of a claim that it is in default under or that it is in violation of, any Material Contract, indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound (whether or not such default or violation has been waived), (ii) is in violation of any judgment, decree or order of any court, arbitrator or other governmental authority or (iii) is or has been in violation of any statute, rule, ordinance or regulation of any governmental authority, including, without limitation, all foreign, federal, state and local laws relating to taxes, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, product quality and safety and employment and labor matters, except in each case as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(s) Environmental Laws. The Company and its Subsidiaries (i) are in compliance in all material respects with all federal, state, local and foreign laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata), including laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, or toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) into the environment, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials, as well as all authorizations, codes, decrees, demands, or demand letters, injunctions, judgments, licenses, notices or notice letters, orders, permits, plans or regulations, issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder (“Environmental Laws”); (ii) have received all permits licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses; and (iii) are in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval where in each clause (i), (ii) and (iii), the failure to so comply would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(t) Regulatory Permits. The Company and the Subsidiaries possess, and are in material compliance with the terms of, all certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct their respective businesses as described in the Registration Statement, except where the failure to possess such permits would not result in a Material Adverse Effect (“Material Permits”), and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any Material Permit. All Material Permits are valid and in full force and effect and contain no materially burdensome restrictions or conditions not described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any reason to believe that the Material Permits will not be renewed in the ordinary course.
(u) Title to Assets. The Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property owned by them and good and marketable title in all personal property owned by them that is material to the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all Liens, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(v) Intellectual Property. The Company and the Subsidiaries have the right to use, all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade secrets, inventions, copyrights, licenses and other intellectual property rights and similar rights used in connection with their respective businesses as described in the Registration Statement and which the failure to so have would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received a written notice of a claim, or otherwise has any knowledge, that the Company or any Subsidiary violates or infringes upon the intellectual property rights of any Person. The Company has no knowledge that it will be unable to obtain any intellectual property rights that are or may become necessary to conduct its business.
(w) Insurance. The Company and the Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company and the Subsidiaries are engaged. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business without a significant increase in cost.
(x) Related Party Transactions. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package, and the Prospectus, there are no business relationships or related party transactions involving the Company or any other person required to be described in the Prospectus that have not been described as required. required by Form 20-F.
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(y) Sarbanes-Oxley; Internal Accounting Controls. The Company and the Subsidiaries, as an emerging growth company and smaller reporting company, are, to the extent required, in material compliance with any and all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that are effective and applicable to the Company as of the date hereof, and any and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder that are effective as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable. The Company and the Subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls (as defined under Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act) sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with the International Financial Reporting Standards and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. The Company and the Subsidiaries have established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Company and the Subsidiaries and designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company is not aware of any material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. The Company has not received any notice, oral or written, from the board of directors stating that it is reviewing or investigating, and neither the Company’s independent auditors nor its internal auditors have recommended that the board of directors review or investigate, (i) adding to, deleting, changing the application of, or changing the Company’s disclosure with respect to, any of the Company’s material accounting policies or (ii) any matter which could result in a restatement of the Company’s financial statements for any annual or interim period during the current or prior two fiscal years.
(z) Certain Fees; FINRA Affiliation. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions are or will be payable by the Company or any Subsidiary to any broker, financial advisor or consultant, finder, placement agent, investment banker, bank or other Person with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. Except with respect to the Representative, there are no other arrangements, agreements or understandings of the Company or, to the Company’s actual knowledge, any of its shareholders that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation, as determined by FINRA. The Company has not made any direct or indirect payments (in cash, securities or otherwise) to (i) any person, as a finder’s fee, investing fee or otherwise, in consideration of such person raising capital for the Company or introducing to the Company persons who provided capital to the Company, (ii) any FINRA member, or (iii) any person or entity that has any direct or indirect affiliation or association with any FINRA member within the 12-month period prior to the date on which the Registration Statement was filed with the Commission (the “Filing Date”) or thereafter. To the Company’s actual knowledge, no (i) officer or director of the Company or its subsidiaries, (ii) owner of 10% or more of the Company’s unregistered securities or that of its subsidiaries or (iii) owner of any amount of the Company’s unregistered securities acquired within the 180-day period prior to the Filing Date, has any direct or indirect affiliation or association with any FINRA member. The Company will advise the Underwriters and their respective counsel if it becomes aware that any officer, director or shareholder of the Company or its subsidiaries is or becomes an Affiliate or associated person of a FINRA member participating in the Offering.
(aa) Investment Company. The Company is not, and is not an Affiliate of, and immediately after receipt of payment for the Shares, will not be or be an Affiliate of, an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(bb) Registration Rights. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no Person has any right to cause the Company or any Subsidiary to effect the registration under the Securities Act of any securities of the Company or any Subsidiary.
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(cc) Listing and Maintenance Requirements. The Ordinary Shares are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and the Company has taken no action designed to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Ordinary Shares under the Exchange Act nor has the Company received any written notification that the Commission is contemplating terminating such registration. Based on information provided by the Representative, the Ordinary Shares are currently eligible for electronic transfer through the Depository Trust Company or another established clearing corporation and the Company is current in payment of the fees to the Depository Trust Company (or such other established clearing corporation) in connection with such electronic transfer. The issuance and sale of the Securities hereunder does not contravene the rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
(dd) No Integrated Offering. Neither the Company or any Person acting on its behalf, nor any Affiliate has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would cause this offering of the Shares to be integrated with prior offerings by the Company for purposes of any applicable shareholder approval provisions of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
(ee) Solvency. Based on the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of the Closing Date and as of the Option Closing Date, after giving effect to the receipt by the Company of the proceeds from the sale of the Shares, the current cash flow of the Company, together with the proceeds the Company would receive, were it to liquidate all of its assets, after taking into account all anticipated uses of the cash, will be sufficient to pay all amounts on or in respect of its liabilities when such amounts are required to be paid. The Company does not intend to incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to be payable on or in respect of its debt). Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances which lead it to believe that it will file for reorganization or liquidation under the bankruptcy or reorganization laws of any jurisdiction within one year from the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable. The Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus sets forth as of the date hereof all outstanding secured and unsecured Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary, or for which the Company or any Subsidiary has commitments. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Indebtedness” means (x) any liabilities for borrowed money or amounts owed in excess of $50,000 (other than trade accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (y) all guaranties, endorsements and other contingent obligations in respect of indebtedness of others, whether or not the same are or should be reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet (or the notes thereto), except guaranties by endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary course of business; and (z) the present value of any lease payments in excess of $50,000 due under leases required to be capitalized in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default with respect to any Indebtedness.
(ff) Tax Status. Except for matters that would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) has made or filed all United States, Cayman Islands and Malaysia federal, state and local income and all foreign income and franchise tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which it is subject, (ii) has paid all taxes and other governmental assessments and charges that are material in amount, shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations and (iii) has set aside on its books provision reasonably adequate for the payment of all material taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply. There are no unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers of the Company or of any Subsidiary know of no basis for any such claim.
(gg) Foreign Corrupt Practices. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary, any agent or other person authorized to act on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary, has (i) directly or indirectly, used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses related to foreign or domestic political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to any foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from corporate funds, (iii) failed to disclose fully any contribution made by the Company or any Subsidiary (or made by any person acting on its behalf of which the Company is aware) which is in violation of law, or (iv) violated in any material respect any provision of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
(hh) Accountants. Marcum Asia CPAs LLP (the “Accountants”), which has expressed its opinion with respect to the audited financial statements and schedules included as a part of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, is an independent public accounting firm with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Act and the Rules and Regulations.
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(ii) Regulation M Compliance. The Company, its Subsidiaries, each of their respective directors, officers, Affiliates or controlling persons have not, and to their actual knowledge no one authorized to act on its behalf has, (i) taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or to result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Securities, (ii) sold, bid for, purchased, or, paid any compensation for soliciting purchases of, any of the Securities, or (iii) paid or agreed to pay to any Person any compensation for soliciting another to purchase any other securities of the Company, other than, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), compensation paid to the Underwriters in connection with the Offering.
(jj) Office of Foreign Assets Control. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor any director, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”).
(kk) U.S. Real Property Holding Corporation. The Company is not and has never been a U.S. real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Company shall so certify upon the Representative’s request.
(ll) Bank Holding Company Act. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”), and to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities or twenty-five percent or more of the total equity of a bank or any entity that is subject to the BHCA and to regulation by the Federal Reserve. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of a bank or any entity that is subject to the BHCA and to regulation by the Federal Reserve.
(mm) Money Laundering. The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with applicable financial record-keeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, applicable money laundering statutes and applicable rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”), and no Action or Proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any Subsidiary with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or has been threatened in writing.
(nn) Equity Incentive Plans. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company does not have any equity incentive plans.
(oo) Certificates. Any certificate signed by any duly authorized officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries delivered to the Representative or its counsel shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.
(pp) D&O Questionnaires. All information contained in the questionnaires (the “Questionnaires”) completed by each of the Company’s directors and officers named in the section “Management” in the Prospectus immediately prior to the Offering (the “Insiders”) as well as in the Lock-Up Agreements in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A provided to the Underwriters is true and correct in all respects and the Company has not become aware of any information which would cause the information disclosed in the Questionnaires completed by each Insider to become inaccurate and incorrect.
(qq) Industry Data; Forward-looking statements. The statistical and market-related data included in each of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package, and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company reasonably and in good faith believes are reliable and accurate or represent the Company’s good faith estimates that are made on the basis of data derived from such sources. No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) included or incorporated by reference in any of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (including all amendments and supplements thereto) has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.
(rr) Scheme or Arrangement with Shareholders. Neither the Company nor any of its Affiliate is a party to any scheme or arrangement through which shareholders or potential shareholders are being loaned, given or otherwise having money made available for the purchase of shares whether before, in or after the Offering. Neither the Company nor any of its Affiliate is aware of any such scheme or arrangement, regardless of whether it is a party to a formal agreement.
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(ss) Material Acquisitions or Dispositions. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any effective memorandum of understanding, letter of intent, definitive agreement or any similar agreements with respect to a merger or consolidation or an acquisition or disposition of assets, technologies, business units or businesses which is required to be described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and which is not so described.
(tt) [Reserved].
(vv) Financial Statements, etc. The Company’s financial statements, including the notes thereto and supporting schedules (if any) included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, fairly present the financial condition, the results of operations and the cash flows of the Company at the dates and for the periods to which they apply; and such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), consistently applied throughout the periods involved (provided that unaudited interim financial statements are subject to year-end audit adjustments that are not expected to be material in the aggregate and do not contain all footnotes required by IFRS); and the supporting schedules, if any, included in the Registration Statement present fairly the information required to be stated therein. Except as included therein, no other historical or pro forma financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus under the Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations. The “as adjusted” financial information and the related notes, if any, included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus have been properly compiled and prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and present fairly the information shown therein, and, in the judgment of the Company, the assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions and circumstances referred to therein. All disclosures contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Commission), if any, materially comply with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable. the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus disclose all material off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations), and other relationships of the Company with unconsolidated entities or other persons that may have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources, or significant components of revenues or expenses. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (a) since the date of the last balance sheet included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries, including each entity disclosed or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus as being a Subsidiary, has incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any material transactions other than in the ordinary course of business, (b) the Company has not declared or paid any dividends or made any distribution of any kind with respect to its capital stock, (c) there has not been any change in the capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, other than in the ordinary course of business, any grants under any stock compensation plan, and (d) there has not been any Material Adverse Change in the Company’s long-term or short-term debt. The Company represents that it has no direct or indirect Subsidiaries other than those listed in the Registration Statement.
4. Agreements of the Company. The Company agrees with the Underwriters as follows:
(a) Amendments and Supplements to Registration Statement. The Company shall not, either prior to any effective date of the Registration Statement or thereafter during such period as the Prospectus is required by law to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 of the Rules and Regulations or any similar rule) (the “Prospectus Delivery Period”) in connection with sales of the Securities by an Underwriter or dealer, amend or supplement the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, unless otherwise required by the relevant authorities or a copy of such amendment or supplement thereof shall first have been submitted to the Representative within a reasonable period of time prior to the filing or, if no filing is required, the use thereof and the Representative shall not have objected thereto in good faith.
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(b) Amendments and Supplements to the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package, and the Prospectus and Other Securities Act Matters. During the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company will comply with all requirements imposed upon it by the Securities Act, as now and hereafter amended, and by the Rules and Regulations, as from time to time in force, and by the Exchange Act so far as necessary to permit the continuance of sales of or dealings in the Securities as contemplated by the provisions hereof, the General Disclosure Package, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. If, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, any event or development shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances then prevailing or under which they were made, as the case may be, not misleading, or if it shall be necessary to amend or supplement the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances then prevailing or under which they were made, as the case may be, not misleading, the Company agrees to (i) promptly notify the Representative of any such event or condition and (ii) promptly prepare (subject to Section 4(a) and 4(f) hereof), file with the Commission (and use its best efforts to have any amendment to the Registration Statement or any new registration statement to be declared effective) and furnish at its own expense to the Representative (and, if applicable, to dealers), amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, or any new registration statement, necessary in order to make the statements in the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented, in light of the circumstances then prevailing or under which they were made, as the case may be, not misleading, or so that the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with the Act, the Rules and Regulations, the Exchange Act or the Exchange Act Rules.
(c) Notifications to the Underwriters. The Company shall notify the Representative promptly, (i) when any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement has become effective and when any post-effective amendment thereto becomes effective, (ii) of any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information, (iii) of the commencement by the Commission or by any state securities commission of any proceedings for the suspension of the qualification of any of the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose, including, without limitation, the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose or the threat thereof, and (iv) of the happening of any event during the Prospectus Delivery Period that in the judgment of the Company makes any statement made in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus misleading (including by omission) or untrue or that requires the making of any changes in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading (including by omission). If at any time the Commission shall issue any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Company shall use best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order at the earliest possible moment. The Company shall comply with the provisions of and make all requisite filings with the Commission pursuant to Rules 424(b), 430A, 430B and 462(b) of the Rules and Regulations and to notify the Representative promptly of all such filings.
(d) Executed Registration Statement. The Company shall furnish to the Representative, without charge, one digitally signed copy of the Registration Statement, and of any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, and all exhibits thereto, and shall furnish to the Representative, without charge, a copy of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules but without exhibits; provided, however, that the Representative agrees that any Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto filed with the Commission via EDGAR shall constitute a furnishing of the Registration Statement and post-effective amendment thereto to the Representative for the purposes of this Section 4(d).
(e) Undertakings. The Company shall comply with all the provisions of any undertakings contained in the Registration Statement..
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(f) Prospectus. The Company shall prepare the Prospectus in a form approved by the Representative and shall file such Prospectus with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations with a filing date not later than the second Business Day following the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Promptly after the effective date of the Registration Statement, and thereafter from time to time during the period when the Prospectus is required (or, but for the provisions of Rule 172 under the Act, would be required) to be delivered, the Company shall deliver to the Representative, without charge, one (1) digital copy of the Prospectus and one (1) digital copy of each of any amendment or supplement thereto. The Company consents to the use of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, in the manner in compliance with the requirements imposed upon it by the Securities Act, as now and hereafter amended, and by the Rules and Regulations, as from time to time in force, and by the Exchange Act, by the Representative and by all dealers to whom the Shares may be sold, both in connection with the Offering and for any period of time thereafter during the Prospectus Delivery Period. If, during the Prospectus Delivery Period any event shall occur that in the judgment of the Company, Company’s counsel, or Underwriters’ counsel should be set forth in the Prospectus in order to make any statement therein, in light of the circumstances under which it was made, not misleading (including by omission), or if it is necessary to supplement or amend the Prospectus to comply with law, the Company shall forthwith prepare and duly file with the Commission an appropriate supplement or amendment thereto, and shall deliver to the Representative, without charge, one (1) digital copy thereof.
(g) Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company represents and agrees that it has not made and, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Representative, will not make, any offer relating to the Shares that would constitute a “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations, required to be filed with the Commission or retained by the Company under Rule 433 of the Rules and Regulations; provided that the prior written consent of the Representative hereto shall be deemed to have been given in respect of the Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses included in Schedule B hereto. Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Representative is herein referred to as a “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.” The Company agrees that (i) it has treated and will treat, as the case may be, each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and (ii) has complied and will comply, as the case may be, with the requirements of Rules 164 and 433 of the Rules and Regulations applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including in respect of timely filing with the Commission, legending and record keeping. If at any time following the issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus there occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the Shares or would include an untrue statement of material fact or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representative and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement, or omission. The Company represents that it has satisfied and agrees that it will satisfy the conditions in Rule 433 to avoid a requirement to file with the Commission any electronic road show.
(h) Compliance with Blue Sky Laws. If required, prior to any public offering of the Securities by the Underwriters, the Company shall cooperate with the Representative and counsel to the Underwriters in connection with the registration or qualification (or the obtaining of exemptions from the application thereof) of the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representative may request, provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be obligated to qualify a public offering outside the United States or to do business as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified, to qualify or register as a dealer in securities, to take any action which would subject it to general service of process in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject or subject itself to ongoing taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so subject.
(i) Delivery of Financial Statements. During the period beginning on the effective date of the Registration Statement and ending one year after such effective date, the Company shall furnish to the Representative and each other Underwriter who may so request copies of such financial statements and other periodic and special reports as the Company may from time to time distribute generally to the holders of any class of its capital stock, and will furnish to the Representative and each other Underwriter who may so request a copy of each annual or other report it shall be required to file with the Commission; provided, however, that the availability of electronically transmitted copies filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR shall satisfy the Company’s obligation to furnish copies hereunder.
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(j) Availability of Earnings Statements. The Company shall make generally available to holders of its securities as soon as may be practicable but in no event later than the last day of the fifteenth (15th) full calendar month following the calendar quarter in which the effective date of the Registration Statement occurs in accordance with Rule 158 of the Rules and Regulations, an earnings statement (which need not be audited but shall be in reasonable detail in the Company’s opinion) covering a period of twelve (12) months ended commencing after the effective date of the Registration Statement, and satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act (including Rule 158 of the Rules and Regulations).
(k) Consideration; Payment of Expenses. In consideration of the services to be provided for hereunder, the Underwriters or their respective designees shall receive their pro rata portion (based on the Securities purchased) of the following compensation with respect to the Shares they are offering:
(i) An underwriting discount equal to seven percent (7%) of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in the Offering (the “Underwriting Discount”); and
(ii) The Representative’s Warrants; and
(iii) The Representative reserves the right to reduce any item of compensation or adjust the terms thereof as specified herein in the event that a determination shall be made by FINRA to the effect that the Underwriters’ aggregate compensation is in excess of FINRA rules or that the terms thereof require adjustment.
(iv) Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company hereby agrees to pay to the Representative all reasonable, necessary and accountable out-of-pocket expenses relating to the Offering, including but not limited to:
(1) the costs of preparing, printing and filing the Registration Statement with the Commission, amendments and supplements to the Registration Statement, and post effective amendments to the Registration Statement, as well as the filing with FINRA, and payment of all necessary fees in connection therewith and the printing of a sufficient quantity of the Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectuses as the Representative or Underwriters may reasonably request;
(2) the costs of preparing, printing and delivering exhibits to the Registration Statement, in such quantities as the Representatives or Underwriters may reasonably request;
(3) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of securities offered under the securities laws of foreign jurisdictions designated by the Representatives or Underwriters;
(4) the fees of counsel(s) and accountants for the Company, including fees associated with any blue sky filings where applicable;
(5) fees associated with the Company’s transfer agent; and
(6) fees, if necessary, associated with translation services; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of reimbursable expenses payable to the Representative pursuant to this Section 4(k)(iv) shall not exceed $200,000.
(l) Non-accountable Expenses. The Company further agrees that, in addition to the expenses payable pursuant to Section 4(k), on the Closing Date it shall pay to the Representative, by deduction from the net proceeds of the Offering contemplated herein, a non-accountable expense allowance equal to one percent (1%) of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in the Offering; provided, however, that in the event that the Offering is terminated, the Company agrees to reimburse the Underwriters pursuant to Section 4(m) hereof.
(m) Reimbursement of Expenses upon Termination of Agreement. Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company shall reimburse the Underwriters for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel to the Underwriter) actually incurred by the Underwriters in connection herewith and as allowed under FINRA Rule 5110 in the amount not to exceed $200,000.
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(n) No Stabilization or Manipulation. The Company or its Subsidiaries shall not at any time, directly or indirectly, take any action intended to cause or result in, or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, or which will constitute, stabilization or manipulation, under the Act or otherwise, of the price of the Shares to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Shares.
(o) Use of Proceeds. The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the offering and sale of the Securities to be sold by the Company in the manner set forth in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under “Use of Proceeds” and shall file such reports with the Commission with respect to the sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds therefrom as may be required in accordance with Rule 463 under the Act.
(p) Lock-Up Agreements of Company, Management and Affiliates. The Company shall not, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of the Registration Statement (the “Lock-Up Period”), without the prior written consent of USTS (which consent may be withheld in its sole discretion), (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or (2) file with the Commission a registration statement under the Act to register, any shares of capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for capital stock of the Company, except for a registration statement on Form S-8. The immediately foregoing sentence shall not apply to: (a) any exercise (including a cashless exercise or broker-assisted exercise and payment of tax obligations), vesting or settlement, as applicable, of options or warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares or other equity awards pursuant to any stock incentive plan or stock purchase plan of the Company; provided that any Ordinary Shares received by the Person upon such exercise, conversion or exchange will be subject to the Lock-Up Period, (b) any establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of Ordinary Shares (a “Trading Plan”); provided that (i) the Trading Plan shall not provide for or permit any transfers, sales or other dispositions of Ordinary Shares during the Lock-Up Period and (ii) the Trading Plan would not require any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and no such filing is voluntarily made, (c) any transfer of Ordinary Shares acquired in open market transactions following the closing of this Offering, provided the transfer would not require any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and no such filing is voluntarily made, (d) the transfer of the Person’s Ordinary Shares or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Ordinary Shares to the Company in connection with the termination of the Person’s employment with the Company or pursuant to contractual arrangements under which the Company has the option to repurchase such shares, provided that no filing by any party under the Exchange Act shall be required or shall be made voluntarily within 45 days after the date the Person ceases to provide services to the Company, and after such 45th day, if the Person is required to file a report under the Exchange Act reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of Ordinary Shares during the Lock-Up Period, the Person shall indicate in the footnotes thereto that the filing relates to the termination of the Person’s employment, and no other public announcement shall be made voluntarily in connection with such transfer (other than the filing on a Form 5, or such successor form, made after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period), (e) the conversion of the outstanding securities into Ordinary Shares, provided that any such Ordinary Shares received upon such conversion shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the lock-up agreement, (f) the transfer of Ordinary Shares or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Ordinary Shares pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer for securities of the Company, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction that is approved by the disinterested members of the board of directors of the Company, made to all holders of Ordinary Shares involving a change of control, provided that all of the securities subject to the lock-up agreement shall remain subject to the restrictions therein, or (g) the transfer of Ordinary Shares or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Ordinary Shares in connection with any of the Company’s capital investment in or acquisition of the securities or assets of, any Person (as defined below). The Company has caused each of its officers and directors and shareholders of five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company to enter into lock-up agreements with the Representative in the form set forth in Exhibit A.
“Governmental Authority” any national, federal, state, local or municipal government, agency, political subdivision, governmental authority, regulatory or administrative authority, any court, tribunal or judicial body or any arbitrator.
“Person” means individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, any other business entity or a Governmental Authority.
(q) Lock-Up Releases. If USTS, in its sole discretion, agrees to release or waive the restrictions set forth in a lock-up agreement described in Section 4(p) hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provides the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver at least three Business Days before the date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto through a major news service at least two Business Days before the effective date of such release or waiver, or any other method that satisfies the obligations described in FINRA Rule 5131(d)(2) at least two Business Days before the effective date of the release or waiver.
(r) Nasdaq listing. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the listing of the Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market for at least three (3) years after the Closing Date.
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5. Conditions of the Obligations of the Underwriters. The obligation of the Underwriters to purchase the Firm Shares on the Closing Date or the Option Shares on the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, as provided herein, is subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company, the performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions
(a) Post Effective Amendments and Prospectus Filings. Notification that the Registration Statement has become effective shall be received by the Representative not later than 4:30 p.m., New York City time, on the date of this Agreement or at such later date and time as shall be consented to in writing by the Representative and all filings made pursuant to Rules 424, 430A, or 430B of the Rules and Regulations, as applicable, shall have been made or will be made prior to the Closing Date in accordance with all such applicable rules, provided, however, that the Commission’s notice of effectiveness as filed with EDGAR constitutes notification under this Section 5(a).
(b) No Stop Orders, Requests for Information and No Amendments. (i) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall be pending or are, to the best knowledge of the Company after due inquiry, threatened by the Commission, (ii) no order suspending the qualification or registration of the Securities under the securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction shall be in effect and no proceeding for such purpose shall be pending before or threatened or contemplated by the authorities of any such jurisdiction, (iii) any request for additional information on the part of the staff of the Commission or any such authorities shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of the staff of the Commission or such authorities and (iv) after the date hereof no amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus shall have been filed unless a copy thereof was first submitted to the Representative and the Representative did not object thereto in good faith, and the Representative shall have received certificates, dated the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date and signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company in their capacities as such, and not individually, (who may, as to proceedings threatened, certify to their knowledge), to the effect of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii).
(c) No Material Adverse Changes. Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (i) there shall not have been a Material Adverse Change, (ii) the Company shall not have incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, (iii) the Company shall not have entered into any material transactions not in the ordinary course of business other than pursuant to this Agreement and the transactions referred to herein, (iv) the Company shall not have declared or paid any dividend or made any distribution in respect of its capital stock of any class or debt (long-term or short-term), and (v) no material amount of the assets of the Company shall have been pledged, mortgaged or otherwise encumbered.
(d) No Actions, Suits or Proceedings. Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there shall have been no actions, suits or proceedings instituted, threatened against or affecting, the Company or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers in their capacity as such, before or by any federal, state or local court, commission, regulatory body, administrative agency or other governmental body, domestic or foreign, except for such actions, suits, or proceedings which would not result in a Material Adverse Change to the Company or its Subsidiaries.
(e) All Representations True and Correct and All Conditions Fulfilled. Each of the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein shall be true and correct as of the date of the Agreement and at the Closing Date as if made at the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, as the case may be, and all covenants and agreements contained herein to be performed by the Company and all conditions contained herein to be fulfilled or complied with by the Company at or prior to the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, shall have been duly performed, fulfilled or complied with.
(f) Opinions of Counsel to the Company. The Representative shall have received the opinions, each dated the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, as the case may be, each reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representative and counsel for the Underwriters, from: (i) Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP, as United States securities counsel to the Company, including and a written statement providing certain “10b-5” negative assurances; (ii) Cheang & Ariff, as Malaysia counsel to the Company; and (iii) Carey Olsen Cayman Limited, as Cayman Islands counsel to the Company.
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(g) Opinion of Counsel to the Underwriters. The Representative shall have received an opinion and a written statement providing certain “10b-5” negative assurances, dated the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, as the case may be, from (i) Greenberg Traurig, LLP, U.S. securities counsel to the Underwriters, and (ii) Lee & Poh Partnership, Malaysia Counsel to the Underwriters, with respect to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and this Agreement, which opinions shall be satisfactory in all respects to the Representative.
(h) Accountants’ Comfort Letter. On the date of the Prospectus, the Representative shall have received from the Accountants a letter dated the date of its delivery, addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative and counsel to the Underwriters, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountant’s “comfort letters” to underwriters, delivered according to Statement of Auditing Standards No. 72 (or any successor bulletin), with respect to the audited and unaudited financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. At the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, as the case may be, the Representative shall have received from the Accountants a letter dated such date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative and counsel to the Underwriters, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished by them pursuant to the preceding sentence and have conducted additional procedures with respect to certain financial figures included in the Prospectus, except that the specified date referred to therein for the carrying out of procedures shall be no more than three Business Days prior to the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, as the case may be.
(i) Certificates:
(I) Officers’ Certificate. The Company shall have furnished to the Representative a certificate in a form substantially similar to the form attached as Exhibit C hereto, dated the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date (if such date is other than the Closing Date), of its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer stating that (A) such officers have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and the Prospectus and, in their opinion and to their actual knowledge, the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date) did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and the General Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus as of its date and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, as of the respective date thereof and as of the Closing Date, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, (B) since the effective date of the Registration Statement, to their actual knowledge, no event has occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement or amendment to the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package, or the Prospectus, (C) to the best of their knowledge, as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects (except for those representations and warranties qualified as to materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects and except for those representations and warranties which refer to facts existing at a specific date, which shall be true and correct as of such date) and the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), and (D) to their actual knowledge, there has not been, subsequent to the date of the most recent audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the General Disclosure Package, a Material Adverse Change.
(II) Secretary’s Certificate. At each of the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, the Representative shall have received a certificate of the Company in a form substantially similar to the form attached as Exhibit D hereto, signed by the Secretary of the Company, dated the Closing Date or the Option Date, as the case may be.
(III) Chief Financial Officer Certificate. On the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, as the case may be, the Company shall have furnished to the Representative a certificate of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, dated the respective dates of their delivery and signed by the Chief Financial Officer and addressed to the Representative, with respect to certain operating and financial data contained in each of the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, providing “management comfort” with respect to such information, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative and substantially similar to the form attached as Exhibit E hereto.
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(j) Transfer Agent’s Certificate. The Company’s transfer agent shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Representative a certificate satisfactory to the Representative of one of its authorized officers with respect to the issuance of the Shares and such other customary matters related thereto as the Representative may reasonably request.
(k) Eligible for DTC Clearance. At or prior to the Closing Date and each Option Closing Date, the Shares shall be eligible for clearance and settlement through the facilities of the DTC.
(l) Lock-Up Agreements. At the date of this Agreement, the Representative shall have received the executed “lock-up” agreements referred to in Section 4(p) hereof from the Company’s officers and directors and shareholders holding more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares listed in Schedule D hereto.
(m) Stock Exchange Listing. The Shares shall have been duly authorized for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, subject to official notice of issuance.
(n) Exchange Act Registration. One or more registration statements in respect of the Shares have been filed on Form 8-A pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, each of which registration statement complies in all material respects with the Exchange Act.
(o) Good Standing. At the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, the Company shall have furnished to the Representative satisfactory evidence of the good standing of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in their respective jurisdictions of organization (to the extent the concept of “good standing” or such equivalent concept exists under the laws of the applicable jurisdictions), in each case in writing or any standard form of telecommunication from the appropriate governmental authorities of such jurisdictions. If the applicable jurisdiction does not have a concept of “good standing,” the Company will furnish evidence in writing or any standard form of telecommunication from the appropriate governmental authorities that the relevant company was duly incorporated and remains duly registered in the jurisdiction of its incorporation.
(p) Company Certificates. The Company shall have furnished to the Representative such certificates, in addition to those specifically mentioned herein, as the Representative may have reasonably requested as to the accuracy and completeness at the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date of any statement in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as to the accuracy at the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date of the representations and warranties of the Company herein, as to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, or as to the fulfillment of the conditions concurrent and precedent to the obligations hereunder of the Underwriters.
(q) No Objection. FINRA has confirmed that it has not raised any objection with respect to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements relating to the offering of the Shares.
If any of the conditions hereinabove provided for in this Section 5 shall not have been fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement to be fulfilled, the obligations of the Underwriters hereunder may be terminated by the Representative by notifying the Company of such termination in writing at or prior to the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, as the case may be.
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6. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification of the Underwriters. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its Affiliates, the directors, officers, employees and agents of such Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and against any and all losses, claims, liabilities, expenses and damages (including any and all investigative, legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding between any of the indemnified parties and any indemnifying parties or between any indemnified party and any third party, or otherwise, or any claim asserted), to which they, or any of them, may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, liabilities, expenses or damages arise out of or are based on (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the information deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement at the time of effectiveness and at any subsequent time pursuant to Rules 430A and 430B of the Rules and Regulations, as applicable, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus, any preliminary prospectus supplement, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing) or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (iii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any materials or information provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Securities, including any roadshow or investor presentations made to investors by the Company (whether in person or electronically) (collectively, Marketing Materials”) or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (iv) in whole or in part any inaccuracy in any material respect in the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable to the extent that such loss, claim, liability, expense or damage is based on any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or alleged omission made in reliance on and in conformity with Underwriters’ Information. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability that the Company might otherwise have.
(b) Indemnification of the Company. Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its Affiliates, the directors, officers, employees and agents of the Company and each other person or entity, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, against any losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses whatsoever, as incurred (including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees and any and all reasonable expenses whatsoever, incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, and any and all amounts paid in settlement of any claim or litigation), joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement at the time of effectiveness and at any subsequent time pursuant to Rules 430A and 430B of the Rules and Regulations, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement to any of them, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that any such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (or action in respect thereof) arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon the Underwriters’ Information; provided, however, that in no case shall any Underwriter be liable or responsible for any amount in excess of the underwriting discount and commissions applicable to the Securities purchased by such Underwriter hereunder. The parties hereto agree that such information provided by or on behalf of the Underwriters through the Representative consists solely of the material referred to in the last sentence of Section 3(c) hereof.
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(c) Indemnification Procedures. Any party that proposes to assert the right to be indemnified under this Section 6 shall, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action against such party in respect of which a claim is to be made against an indemnifying party or parties under this Section 6, notify each such indemnifying party of the commencement of such action, enclosing a copy of all papers served, but the omission so to notify such indemnifying party shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability that it may have to any indemnified party under the foregoing provisions of this Section 6 unless, and only to the extent that, such omission results in the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses by the indemnifying party. If any such action is brought against any indemnified party and it notifies the indemnifying party of its commencement, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in and, to the extent that it elects by delivering written notice to the indemnified party promptly after receiving notice of the commencement of the action from the indemnified party, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense of the action, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense, the indemnifying party will not be liable to the indemnified party for any legal or other expenses except as provided below and except for the reasonable out-of-pocket costs of investigation subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense. The indemnified party will have the right to employ its own counsel in any such action, but the fees, expenses and other charges of such counsel will be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the employment of counsel by the indemnified party has been authorized in writing by one of the indemnifying parties in connection with the defense of such action and that indemnifying party agrees to pay the fees and expenses of such counsel, (ii) the indemnified party has reasonably concluded (based on advice of counsel) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other indemnified parties that are different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party, (iii) the indemnified party has reasonably concluded that a conflict or potential conflict exists (based on advice of counsel to the indemnified party) between the indemnified party and the indemnifying party (in which case the indemnifying party shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party), (iv) the indemnifying party does not diligently defend the action after assumption of the defense, or (v) the indemnifying party has not in fact employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to assume the defense of such action within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the commencement of the action, in each of which cases the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnifying party or parties. It is understood that the indemnifying party or parties shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of more than one separate firm admitted to practice in such jurisdiction at any one time for all such indemnified party or parties. All such fees, disbursements and other charges shall be reimbursed by the indemnifying party promptly as they are incurred. An indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any action or claim effected without its written consent (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of each indemnified party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action or proceeding relating to the matters contemplated by this Section 6 (whether or not any indemnified party is a party thereto), unless (x) such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising or that may arise out of such claim, action or proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party, and (y) the indemnifying party confirms in writing its indemnification obligations hereunder with respect to such settlement, compromise or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, such indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the nature contemplated by Section 6(a) effected without its written consent if (A) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (B) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement.
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(d) Contribution. In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in the foregoing paragraphs of this Section 6 is applicable in accordance with its terms but for any reason is held to be unavailable, the Company and the Underwriters shall contribute to the total losses, claims, liabilities, expenses and damages (including any investigative, legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted, but after deducting any contribution received by the Company from persons other than the Underwriters, such as persons who control the Company within the meaning of the Act, officers of the Company who signed the Registration Statement and directors of the Company, who may also be liable for contribution), to which the Company and the Underwriter may be subject in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement. The relative benefits received by the Company and the Underwriters shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as (x) the total proceeds from the Offering (net of underwriting discount and commissions but before deducting expenses) received by the Company bears to (y) the underwriting discount and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. If, but only if, the allocation provided by the foregoing sentence is not permitted by applicable law, the allocation of contribution shall be made in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in the foregoing sentence but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to the statements or omissions which resulted in such loss, claim, liability, expense or damage, or action in respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations with respect to such offering. Such relative fault shall be determined by reference to whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriters, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 6(d) were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) which does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, liability, expense or damage, or action in respect thereof, referred to above in this Section 6(d) shall be deemed to include, for purpose of this Section 6(d), any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6(d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the underwriting discounts and commissions received by it. No person found guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 6(d), any person who controls a party to this Agreement within the meaning of the Act will have the same rights to contribution as that party, and each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement will have the same rights to contribution (but no personal obligation to contribute) as the Company, and each director, officer, employee, counsel or agent of an Underwriter will have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter (but no personal obligation to contribute), subject in each case to the provisions hereof. Any party entitled to contribution, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action against such party in respect of which a claim for contribution may be made under this Section 6(d), will notify any such party or parties from whom contribution may be sought, but the omission so to notify will not relieve the party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from any other obligation it or they may have under this Section 6(d). The obligations of the Underwriters to contribute pursuant to this Section 6(d) are several in proportion to the respective number of Securities to be purchased by each of the Underwriters hereunder and not joint. No party will be liable for contribution with respect to any action or claim settled without its written consent (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld).
(e) Survival. The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 6 and the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any controlling Person thereof, (ii) acceptance of any of the Securities and payment therefor or (iii) any termination of this Agreement.
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7. Termination. The obligations of the Underwriters under this Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date (or, with respect to the Option Shares, on or prior to the Option Closing Date), by notice to the Company from the Representative, without liability on the part of the Underwriters to the Company, if, prior to delivery and payment for the Firm Shares (or the Option Shares, as the case may be), in the sole judgment of the Representative, any of the following shall occur:
(a) trading or quotation in any of the equity securities of the Company shall have been suspended or limited by the Commission, or The Nasdaq Stock Market;
(b) trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE MKT, the NASDAQ Capital Market, the NASDAQ Global Market, the NASDAQ Global Select Market shall have been suspended or limited or minimum or maximum prices shall have been generally established on such exchange, or additional material governmental restrictions, not in force on the date of this Agreement, shall have been imposed upon trading in securities generally by such exchange or by order of the Commission or any court or other governmental authority;
(c) a general banking moratorium shall have been declared by any of U.S. federal or New York banking authorities;
(d) the United States shall have become engaged in new hostilities, there shall have been an escalation in hostilities involving the United States or there shall have been a declaration of a national emergency or war by the United States or there shall have occurred such a material adverse change in general economic, political or financial conditions, including, without limitation, as a result of terrorist activities after the date hereof (or the effect of international conditions on the financial markets in the United States shall be such), or any other calamity or crisis shall have occurred, the effect of any of which is such as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to market the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated by the Prospectus;
(e) the Company shall have sustained a loss material or substantial to the Company by reason of flood, fire, accident, hurricane, earthquake, theft, sabotage, or other calamity or malicious act, whether or not such loss shall have been insured, the effect of any of which is such as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to market the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated by the Prospectus;
(f) any domestic or international event or act or occurrence has materially disrupted, or in the reasonable opinion of the Underwriters will in the immediate future materially disrupt, the market for the Company’s securities or securities in general; or
(g) there shall have been a Material Adverse Change.
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8. Underwriter Default.
(a) If any Underwriter or Underwriters shall default in its or their obligation to purchase Firm Shares hereunder, and if the Securities with respect to which such default relates (the “Default Securities”) do not (after giving effect to arrangements, if any, made by the Representative pursuant to subsection (b) below) exceed in the aggregate 10% of the number of the Firm Shares, each non-defaulting Underwriter, acting severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company that number of Default Securities that bears the same proportion to the total number of Default Securities then being purchased as the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter on Schedule A hereto bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of the non-defaulting Underwriters; subject, however, to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representative in its discretion shall make.
(b) In the event that the aggregate number of Default Securities exceeds 10% of the number of Firm Shares, the Representative may in their discretion arrange for itself or for another party or parties (including any non-defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters who so agree) to purchase the Default Securities on the terms contained herein. In the event that within five (5) business days after such a default the Representative does not arrange for the purchase of the Default Securities as provided in this Section 8, this Agreement shall thereupon terminate, without liability on the part of the Company with respect thereto (except in each case as provided in Sections 4(k), 4(m), and 6) or the Underwriters (except as provided in Section 6), but nothing in this Agreement shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters of its or their liability, if any, to the other Underwriters and the Company for damages occasioned by its or their default hereunder.
(c) In the event that any Default Securities are to be purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters, or are to be purchased by another party or parties as aforesaid, the Representative or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date for a period, not exceeding five (5) Business Days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or in any other documents and arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which, in the reasonable opinion of Underwriters’ Counsel, may be necessary or advisable. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any party substituted under this Section 8 with like effect as if it had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such Firm Shares.
9. Miscellaneous.
(a) Notices. Each party to this Agreement shall deliver all notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers, and other communications under this Agreement (each, a “Notice”) in writing and addressed to the other party at its address set out below (or to any other address that the receiving Party may designate from time to time in accordance with this section). Each party to this Agreement shall deliver all Notices by personal delivery, nationally recognized overnight courier (with all fees prepaid), or email (with confirmation of transmission), or certified or registered mail (in each case, return receipt requested, postage prepaid). Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, a Notice is effective only (a) upon receipt by the receiving party and (b) if the party giving the Notice has complied with the requirements of this Section.
| If to the Company: |
No. 2, Lorong Teknologi 3/4A, Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara, Email: gerard@agrozgroup.com Attention: Gerard Kim Meng Lim, Chief Executive Officer
|
| with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice): |
Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 31st Floor New York, NY 10036 Email: rcarmel@srfc.law swu@srfc.law Attention: Ross D. Carmel, Esq. Shane Wu, Esq.
|
| If to the Representative or the Underwriter: |
437 Madison Ave, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10022 Email: Lei.Huang@ustigersecurities.com and jack.ye@ustigersecurities.com Attention: US Tiger Securities, Inc., ECM Department
|
| with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice): |
Greenberg Traurig, LLP 1750 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1000 McLean, VA 22102 Email: Jason.Simon@gtlaw.com Attention: Jason Simon, Esq. |
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(b) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Underwriters, the Company and, with respect to Section 6, the controlling persons, directors, officers, employees, counsel and agents referred to in Section 6 hereof, and their respective successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement. The term “successors and assigns” as used in this Agreement shall not include a purchaser of Securities from any Underwriter in his, her or its capacity as such a purchaser, as such purchaser of Securities from such Underwriter.
(c) Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations, warranties and agreements of the Company contained herein or in certificates or other instruments delivered pursuant hereto shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Underwriters or any of their controlling persons and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Securities hereunder.
(d) Disclaimer of Fiduciary Relationship. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement, including the determination of the public offering price of the Shares and any related discounts and commissions, is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, (ii) in connection with the Offering contemplated by this Agreement and the process leading to such transaction, the Underwriters are and have been acting pursuant to a contractual relationship created solely by this Agreement and are not agents or fiduciaries of the Company or its security holders, creditors, employees or any other party, (iii) no Underwriter has assumed nor will it assume any advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the offering of the Securities contemplated by this Agreement or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter or its Affiliates has advised or is currently advising the Company on other matters) and each such Underwriter has no obligation to the Company with respect to the offering of the Securities contemplated by this Agreement except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement, (iv) the Underwriters and their Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company, and (v) no Underwriter has provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to the Offering contemplated by this Agreement and the Company has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate.
(e) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN SUCH STATE.
(f) Submission to Jurisdiction. The Company irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or United States federal court sitting in The City of New York, Borough of Manhattan, over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, or the offering of the Securities. The Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. To the extent that the Company has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise) from the jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process with respect to itself or its property, the Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such immunity in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding including without limitation, any immunity pursuant to the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976, as amended. Each of the Underwriters and the Company further agrees to accept and acknowledge service of any and all process which may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and agrees that service of process upon the Company mailed by certified mail or delivered by Federal Express via overnight delivery to the Company’s address shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Company in any such suit, action or proceeding, and service of process upon an Underwriter mailed by certified mail or delivered by Federal Express via overnight delivery to the Underwriters’ address shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon such Underwriter in any such suit, action or proceeding.
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(g) Judgment Currency. If for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum due hereunder into any currency other than United States dollars, the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Underwriters could purchase United States dollars with such other currency in The City of New York on the business day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligation of the Company with respect to any sum due from it to an Underwriter or any person controlling such Underwriter shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency other than United States dollars, not be discharged until the first business day following receipt by such Underwriter or controlling person of any sum in such other currency, and only to the extent that such Underwriter or controlling person may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase United States dollars with such other currency. If the United States dollars so purchased are less than the sum originally due to such Underwriter or controlling person hereunder, the Company agrees as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify such Underwriter or controlling person against such loss. If the United States dollars so purchased are greater than the sum originally due to such Underwriter or controlling person hereunder, such Underwriter or controlling person agrees to pay to the Company an amount equal to the excess of the dollars so purchased over the sum originally due to such Underwriter or controlling person hereunder.
(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
(i) Survival of Provisions Upon Invalidity of Any Single Provision. In case any provision in this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
(j) Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company and each Underwriter each hereby irrevocably waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of any claim based upon or arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(k) Titles and Subtitles. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience and reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.
(l) Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be amended or otherwise modified or any provision hereof waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
[Signature page follows.]
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If the foregoing correctly sets forth your understanding, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement among us.
| Very truly yours, | ||
| AGROZ INC. | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | Gerard Lim Kim Meng | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
Accepted by the Representative, acting for itself and as
Representative of the Underwriters named on Schedule A hereto,
as of the date first written above:
| US TIGER SECURITIES, INC. | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
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SCHEDULE A
| Name of Underwriter | Number of Firm Shares |
Number of Option Shares |
Total Shares | |||||||||
| US Tiger Securities, Inc. | ||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||
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SCHEDULE B
ISSUER FREE WRITING PROSPECTUSES:
29
Schedule C
Pricing Information
Number of Firm Shares:
Number of Option Shares:
Public Offering Price per Firm Share:
Public Offering Price per Option Share:
Underwriting Discount per Firm Share:
Underwriting non-accountable expense allowance per Firm Share:
30
Schedule D
List of Lock-Up Parties
Gerard Kim Meng Lim
Chun Hoo Lim
Wee Adrian Lee
May Jin Sim
Pauline Kok
Hua Seng Benjamin Tan
Muhammad Arshad Chaudhry
Kay Yen Tan
Say Kiat Au
Kim Hong Oh
OLC Commercial Broker Pte Ltd
Choon Tham How
Rashid Aleem Qureshi
Tuck Heng Lee
31
Exhibit 3.2
THE COMPANIES ACT (AS REVISED) OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
EXEMPTED COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AGROZ INC.
(ADOPTED BY SPECIAL RESOLUTION DATED 17 FEBRUARY 2025 AND EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO CONSUMMATION OF THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING)
THE COMPANIES ACT (AS REVISED) OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
EXEMPTED COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AGROZ INC.
(ADOPTED BY SPECIAL RESOLUTION DATED 17 FEBRUARY 2025 AND EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO CONSUMMATION OF THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING)
| 1. | The name of the Company is Agroz Inc. |
| 2. | The registered office of the Company shall be at the offices of Vistra (Cayman) Limited, P. O. Box 31119 Grand Pavilion, Hibiscus Way, 802 West Bay Road, Grand Cayman, KY1 - 1205 Cayman Islands, or at such other place as the Directors may from time to time decide. |
| 3. | The objects for which the Company is established are unrestricted and the Company shall have full power and authority to exercise all the functions of a natural person of full capacity. |
| 4. | The liability of each Member is limited to the amount from time to time unpaid on such Member’s Shares. |
| 5. | The share capital of the Company is US$11,500 divided into 100,000,000 Ordinary Shares of a par value of US$0.0001 each and 15,000,000 Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares of a par value of US$0.0001 each. |
| 6. | The Company has the power to register by way of continuation outside of the Cayman Islands in accordance with the Companies Act and to de-register as an exempted company in the Cayman Islands. |
| 7. | Capitalised terms that are not defined in this Memorandum of Association have the same meaning as those given in the Articles of Association of the Company. |
2
THE COMPANIES ACT (AS REVISED) OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
EXEMPTED COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
AGROZ INC.
(ADOPTED BY SPECIAL RESOLUTION DATED 17 FEBRUARY 2025 AND EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO CONSUMMATION OF THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING)
CONTENTS
| 1. | PRELIMINARY | 1 |
| 2. | COMMENCEMENT OF BUSINESS | 7 |
| 3. | REGISTERED OFFICE AND OTHER OFFICES | 7 |
| 4. | SERVICE PROVIDERS | 7 |
| 5. | ISSUE OF SHARES | 7 |
| 6. | RCP SHARES | 9 |
| 7. | ORDINARY SHARES | 12 |
| 8. | REGISTER OF MEMBERS | 13 |
| 9. | CLOSING REGISTER OF MEMBERS AND FIXING RECORD DATE | 14 |
| 10. | CERTIFICATED SHARES | 15 |
| 11. | UNCERTIFICATED SHARES | 15 |
| 12. | DEPOSITORY INTERESTS | 17 |
| 13. | CALLS ON SHARES | 19 |
| 14. | FORFEITURE OF SHARES | 20 |
| 15. | TRANSFER OF SHARES | 22 |
| 16. | TRANSMISSION OF SHARES | 25 |
| 17. | REDEMPTION, PURCHASE AND SURRENDER OF SHARES | 26 |
| 18. | FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE | 27 |
| 19. | CLASS RIGHTS AND CLASS MEETINGS | 27 |
| 20. | NO RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS OR THIRD PARTY INTERESTS | 28 |
| 21. | LIEN ON SHARES | 29 |
| 22. | UNTRACED MEMBERS | 30 |
| 23. | ALTERATION OF SHARE CAPITAL | 32 |
| 24. | GENERAL MEETINGS | 33 |
| 25. | NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS | 34 |
| 26. | PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS | 35 |
i
| 27. | VOTES OF MEMBERS | 38 |
| 28. | REPRESENTATION OF MEMBERS AT GENERAL MEETINGS | 39 |
| 29. | APPOINTMENT, RETIREMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS | 42 |
| 30. | ALTERNATE DIRECTORS | 44 |
| 31. | POWERS OF DIRECTORS | 45 |
| 32. | PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS | 46 |
| 33. | DELEGATION OF DIRECTORS’ POWERS | 49 |
| 34. | DIRECTORS’ RENUMERATION, EXPENSES AND BENEFITS | 52 |
| 35. | SEAL | 53 |
| 36. | DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND RESERVES | 53 |
| 37. | SHARE PREMIUM ACCOUNT | 60 |
| 38. | DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS | 60 |
| 39. | BOOKS OF ACCOUNT | 60 |
| 40. | AUDITOR | 61 |
| 41. | NOTICES | 62 |
| 42. | WINDING UP | 64 |
| 43. | INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE | 65 |
| 44. | REQUIRED DISCLOSURE | 66 |
| 45. | FINANCIAL YEAR | 66 |
| 46. | TRANSFER BY WAY OF CONTINUATION | 66 |
| 47. | MERGERS AND CONSOLIDATIONS | 66 |
| 48. | AMENDMENT OF MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES | 66 |
| 49. | TAX TRANSPARENCY REPORTING | 67 |
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| 1. | PRELIMINARY |
| 1.1 | Table A not to apply |
The regulations contained or incorporated in Table A in the First Schedule to the Companies Act shall not apply to the Company and these Articles shall apply in place thereof.
| 1.2 | Definitions |
| “Articles” | means these amended and restated articles of association of the Company, as amended or substituted from time to time; | |
| “Audit Committee” | means the audit committee of the board of directors of the Company established pursuant to the Articles, or any successor committee. | |
| “Auditor” | means the person (if any) for the time being performing the duties of auditor of the Company; | |
| “Beneficial Ownership” | means, with respect to a security, sole or shared voting power (which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security) and/or investment power (which includes the power to acquire (or an obligation to acquire) or dispose, or to direct the acquisition or disposal of, such security) and/or a long economic exposure, whether absolute or conditional, to changes in the price of such security, in each case, whether direct or indirect, and whether though any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise and “beneficial owner” shall mean a person entitled to such Interest; | |
| “business day” | means any day on which the Exchange is open for the business of dealing in securities; | |
| “certificated” | means, in relation to a Share, a Share which is recorded in the Register of Members as being held in certificated form; | |
| “Class” or “Classes” | means any class or classes of Shares as may from time to time be issued by the Company; | |
| “clear days” | in relation to the period of a notice means that period excluding the day when the notice is served or deemed to be served and the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect; |
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| “Clearing House” | means a clearing house recognised by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Shares (or any Interests in Shares) (or the depository receipts therefor) are listed or quoted on an Exchange or interdealer quotation system in such jurisdiction. | |
| “Companies Act” | means the Companies Act (as revised) of the Cayman Islands; | |
| “Company” | means the above-named company; | |
| “Compensation Committee” | means the compensation committee of the board of directors of the Company established pursuant to the Articles, or any successor committee. | |
| “Depository” | means any person who is a Member by virtue of its holding Shares as trustee or otherwise on behalf of those who have elected to hold Shares in dematerialised form through a Depository Interest. | |
| “Depository Interest” | means a dematerialised depository receipt representing the underlying Share in the capital of the Company to be issued by a Depository nominated by the Company. | |
| “Directors” | means the directors for the time being of the Company or as the case may be, the Directors assembled as a board or as a committee thereof; | |
| “Dollar” or “US$” | means the lawful currency of the United States of America; | |
| “electronic communication” | means a communication sent by electronic means, including transmission to any number, address or internet website (including the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission) or other electronic delivery methods as otherwise decided and approved by the Directors; | |
| “Electronic Record” | has the same meaning as in the Electronic Transactions Act; | |
| “Electronic Transactions Act” | means the Electronic Transactions Act (as revised) of the Cayman Islands, as amended or revised from time to time; | |
| “Exchange” | means The Nasdaq Stock Market for so long as any Shares or Interests in Shares are there listed or quoted and any other recognised securities exchange(s) on which any Shares or Interests in Shares are listed or quoted for trading from time to time; |
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| “Exchange Rules” | means The Nasdaq Stock Market Listing Rules and any other relevant code, rules and regulations, as amended, from time to time, applicable as a result of the original and continued listing or quotation of any Shares (or any Interests in Shares) on an Exchange; | |
| “Group” | means the group comprising the Company and its subsidiary undertakings (not including any parent undertaking of the Company); | |
| “Group Undertaking” | means any undertaking in the Group, including the Company; | |
| “Interest” | in securities or in a person means any form of Beneficial Ownership (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any derivative, contractual or economic right or contract for difference) of securities of such person; | |
| “Listed Share” | means a Share that is listed or admitted to trading on an Exchange; | |
| “Listed Share Register” | means the register of members which registers the holdings of Listed Shares; | |
| “Member” | means any person from time to time entered in the Register of Members as a holder of one or more Shares; | |
| “Memorandum” | means the amended and restated memorandum of association of the Company, as amended or substituted from time to time; | |
| “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee” | means the nominating and corporate governance committee of the board of directors of the Company established pursuant to the Articles, or any successor committee. | |
| “Ordinary Resolution” | means a resolution:
(a) passed by a simple majority of such Members as, being entitled to do so, vote in person or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy at a general meeting of the Company and where a poll is taken regard shall be had in computing a majority to the number of votes to which each Member is entitled by the Articles; or
(b) approved in writing by all of the Members entitled to vote at a general meeting of the Company, passed in accordance with these Articles;
|
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| “Ordinary Shares” | means ordinary shares in the capital of the Company of a par value of US$0.0001 each with the rights provided for in these Articles; | |
| “RCP Shareholder” | means each Member registered in the Register of Members as a holder of one or more RCP Shares; | |
| “RCP Share Issue Date” | means the date of issuance of an RCP Share; | |
| “RCP Shares” | means redeemable convertible preference shares in the capital of the Company of a par value of US$0.0001 each with the rights provided for in these Articles; | |
| “RCP Subscription Agreement” | means a share subscription agreement entered into between the Company and an RCP Shareholder regarding the issuance of RCP Shares; | |
| “RCP Subscription Price” | means US$2.50 per RCP Share. | |
| “Register of Members” | means the Listed Share Register, the Unlisted Share Register and any branch register(s) in each case as the context requires; | |
| “Registered Office” | means the registered office for the time being of the Company in the Cayman Islands; | |
| “Relevant System” | means any computer-based system and procedures permitted by the Exchange Rules, which enable title to Interests in a security to be evidenced and transferred without a written instrument, and which facilitate supplementary and incidental matters; | |
| “Seal” | means the common seal of the Company (if any) and includes every duplicate seal; | |
| “Secretary” | means any person or persons appointed by the Directors to perform any of the duties of the secretary of the Company; | |
| “Securities and Exchange Commission” | means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; | |
| “Share” | means a share in the capital of the Company and includes a fraction of a Share; | |
| “Special Resolution” | means a special resolution passed in accordance with the Companies Act; |
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| “subsidiary undertaking” | a company or undertaking is a subsidiary of a parent undertaking if the parent undertaking (i) holds a majority of the voting rights in it, or (ii) is a member of it and has the right to appoint or remove a majority of its board of directors, or (iii) is a member of it and controls alone, pursuant to an agreement with other shareholders or members, a majority of the voting rights in it; | |
| “Treasury Shares” | means Shares held in treasury pursuant to the Companies Act and these Articles; | |
| “uncertificated” | means, in relation to a Share, a Share to which title is recorded in the Register of Members as being in uncertificated form and title to which may be transferred by means of a Relevant System; | |
| “Uncertificated Proxy Instruction” | means a properly authenticated dematerialised instruction and/or other instruction or notification, which is sent by means of the Relevant System concerned and received by such participant in that system acting on behalf of the Company as the Directors may prescribe, in such form and subject to such terms and conditions as may from time to time be prescribed by the Directors (subject always to the facilities and requirements of the Relevant System concerned); | |
| “Unlisted Share Register” | means the register of members that registers the holdings of Unlisted Shares and which, for the purposes of the Companies Act, constitutes the Company’s “principal register”; and | |
| “Unlisted Shares” | means a Share that is not listed or admitted to trading on an Exchange. |
| 1.3 | Interpretation |
Unless the contrary intention appears, in these Articles:
| (a) | singular words include the plural and vice versa; |
| (b) | a word of any gender includes the corresponding words of any other gender; |
| (c) | references to “persons” include natural persons, companies, partnerships, firms, joint ventures, associations or other bodies of persons (whether or not incorporated); |
| (d) | a reference to a person includes that person’s successors and legal personal representatives; |
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| (e) | “writing” and “written” includes any method of representing or reproducing words in a visible form, including in the form of an Electronic Record; |
| (f) | a reference to “shall” shall be construed as imperative and a reference to “may” shall be construed as permissive; |
| (g) | in relation to determinations to be made by the Directors and all powers, authorities and discretions exercisable by the Directors under these Articles, the Directors may make those determinations and exercise those powers, authorities and discretions in their sole and absolute discretion, either generally or in a particular case, subject to any qualifications or limitations expressed in these Articles or imposed by law; |
| (h) | any reference to the powers of the Directors shall include, when the context admits, the service providers or any other person to whom the Directors may, from time to time, delegate their powers; |
| (i) | the term “and/or” is used in these Articles to mean both “and” as well as “or”. The use of “and/or” in certain contexts in no respects qualifies or modifies the use of the terms “and” or “or” in others. “Or” shall not be interpreted to be exclusive, and “and” shall not be interpreted to require the conjunctive, in each case unless the context requires otherwise; |
| (j) | any phrase introduced by the terms “including”, “includes”, “in particular” or any similar expression shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit the sense of the words preceding those terms; |
| (k) | headings are inserted for reference only and shall not affect construction; |
| (l) | a reference to a law includes regulations and instruments made under that law; |
| (m) | a reference to a law or a provision of law includes amendments, re-enactments, consolidations or replacements of that law or the provision; |
| (n) | “fully paid” and “paid up” means paid up as to the par value and any premium payable in respect of the issue or re-designation of any Shares and includes credited as fully paid; |
| (o) | where an Ordinary Resolution is expressed to be required for any purpose, a Special Resolution is also effective for that purpose; and |
| (p) | sections 8 and 19(3) of the Electronic Transactions Act are hereby excluded. |
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| 2. | COMMENCEMENT OF BUSINESS |
| 2.1 | The business of the Company may be commenced as soon after incorporation as the Directors shall see fit. |
| 2.2 | The Directors may pay, out of the capital or any other monies of the Company, all expenses incurred in connection with the formation and operation of the Company, including the expenses of registration and any expenses relating to the offer of, subscription for, or issuance of Shares. |
| 2.3 | Expenses may be amortised over such period as the Directors may determine. |
| 3. | REGISTERED OFFICE AND OTHER OFFICES |
| 3.1 | Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, the Company may by resolution of the Directors change the location of its Registered Office. |
| 3.2 | The Directors, in addition to the Registered Office, may in their discretion establish and maintain such other offices, places of business and agencies whether within or outside of the Cayman Islands. |
| 4. | SERVICE PROVIDERS |
The Directors may appoint any person to act as a service provider to the Company and may delegate to any such service provider any of the functions, duties, powers and discretions available to them as Directors, upon such terms and conditions (including as to the remuneration payable by the Company) and with such powers of sub-delegation, but subject to such restrictions, as they think fit.
| 5. | ISSUE OF SHARES |
| 5.1 | Power of Directors to issue Shares |
| (a) | The issue of Shares is under the control of the Directors who, subject to the Companies Act, the Memorandum, these Articles, the Exchange Rules (where applicable), any resolution that may be passed by the Company in general meeting and any rights attached to any Shares or Class of Shares, may: |
| (i) | offer, issue, allot or otherwise dispose of them to such persons, in such manner, on such terms and having such rights and being subject to such restrictions, as they may from time to time determine; and |
| (ii) | grant options over such Shares and issue warrants, convertible securities or similar instruments with respect thereto. |
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| (b) | The Directors may authorise the division of Shares into any number of Classes and the different Classes shall be authorised, established and designated (or re-designated as the case may be) and the variations in the relative rights (including, without limitation, voting, dividend, return of capital and redemption rights), restrictions, preferences, privileges and payment obligations as between the different Classes (if any) shall be fixed and determined by the Directors. |
| (c) | The Directors may refuse to accept any application for Shares, and may accept any application in whole or in part, for any reason or for no reason. |
| (d) | The Directors shall only issue Shares as fully paid. |
| 5.2 | Payment of commission or brokerage |
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, the Company may pay a commission or brokerage in connection with the subscription for or issue of any Shares. The Company may pay the commission or brokerage in cash or by issuing fully or partly paid Shares or by a combination of both.
| 5.3 | No Shares to bearer |
The Company shall not issue Shares to bearer.
| 5.4 | Fractional Shares |
The Directors may issue fractions of a Share of any Class, and, if so issued, a fraction of a Share (calculated to such decimal points as the Directors may determine) shall be subject to and carry the corresponding fraction of liabilities (whether with respect to any unpaid amount thereon, contribution, calls or otherwise), limitations, preferences, privileges, qualifications, restrictions, rights (including, without limitation, voting and participation rights) and other attributes of a whole Share of the same Class.
| 5.5 | Treasury Shares |
| (a) | Shares that the Company purchases, redeems or acquires by way of surrender in accordance with the Companies Act shall be held as Treasury Shares and not treated as cancelled if: |
| (i) | the Directors so determine prior to the purchase, redemption or surrender of those shares; and |
| (ii) | the relevant provisions of the Memorandum and Articles, the Companies Act and the Exchange Rules are otherwise complied with. |
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| (b) | No dividend may be declared or paid, and no other distribution (whether in cash or otherwise) of the Company’s assets (including any distribution of assets to members on a winding up) may be made to the Company in respect of a Treasury Share. |
| (c) | The Company shall be entered in the Register of Members as the holder of the Treasury Shares. However: |
| (i) | the Company shall not be treated as a Member for any purpose and shall not exercise any right in respect of the Treasury Shares, and any purported exercise of such a right shall be void; and |
| (ii) | a Treasury Share shall not be voted, directly or indirectly, at any general meeting of the Company and shall not be counted in determining the total number of issued Shares at any given time, whether for the purposes of these Articles or the Companies Act. |
| (d) | Nothing in paragraph (c) above prevents an allotment of Shares as fully paid up bonus Shares in respect of a Treasury Share and Shares allotted as fully paid up bonus Shares in respect of a Treasury Share shall be treated as Treasury Shares. |
| (e) | Treasury Shares may be disposed of by the Company in accordance with the Companies Act and otherwise on such terms and conditions as the Directors determine. |
| 6. | RCP SHARES |
| 6.1 | Dividends |
| (a) | RCP Shareholders shall be entitled to receive dividends, out of any assets legally available therefor, prior and in preference to any declaration or payment of any dividend payable on the Ordinary Shares, at the applicable Dividend Rate (as defined below), payable when and if declared by the Company’s Directors. Such dividends shall be cumulative. For purposes of this Article 6.1, “Dividend Rate” shall mean 10% per annum of the RCP Subscription Price for each RCP Share held by such holder (as adjusted for any share splits, share dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalisations or the like with respect to such RCP Shares). Such dividends shall be payable to the holder of the RCP Share following, and in respect of, each anniversary of the RCP Share Issue Date (“Dividend Period”). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event an RCP Share is not held until the end of a Dividend Period, the amount of dividend payable to the holder of the RCP Share shall be prorated up to the date when the RCP Share is no longer held by the holder. |
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| (b) | RCP Shareholders shall not be entitled to participate in any profits of the Company other than the preferential dividends set out in Article 6.1(a) and any amounts distributed in accordance with Article 6.6. |
| (c) | No dividends may be paid on or declared for any Ordinary Shares during or in respect of any financial year until all cumulative dividends payable in respect of RCP Shares pursuant to Article 6.1(a) above have been declared and paid in full. |
| 6.2 | Period |
Each holder of an RCP Share shall be entitled to the rights granted in this Article 6 until such RCP Share is converted into Ordinary Shares or redeemed by the Company in accordance with Article 6.3 or 6.4.
| 6.3 | Conversion right |
| (a) | At the option and right of the RCP Shareholder and subject to Article 6.3(b) below, a RCP Shareholder is entitled to elect, on giving 7 business days’ notice in writing to the Company, to convert one (1) RCP Share into one (1) Ordinary Share on or before the second anniversary of the RCP Share Issue Date (the “Maturity Date”). No further consideration is payable for the conversion. The one to one conversion ratio will be adjusted for any share splits, share dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalisations or the like with respect to such RCP Shares to treat RCP Shareholders fairly. Conversion occurs by means of redemption of the RCP Shares and issuance of Ordinary Shares. |
| (b) | The right of an RCP Shareholder to convert pursuant to Article 6.3(a) is subject to the approval of the Directors. |
| 6.4 | Redemption |
| (a) | Each RCP Share is redeemable in whole or in part at the RCP Subscription Price (or the prorated amount of the RCP Subscription Price in the case of redemption of a fraction of a RCP Share) at the option of the Company, at any time after the RCP Share Issue Date, by way of written notice in the form set out in the RCP Subscription Agreement or as otherwise specified by the Directors from time to time, following receipt of which the Company shall pay the redemption proceeds to the RCP Shareholder within fourteen (14) business days from the date of the Company’s issuance of the written notice. Any share certificates in respect of the RCP Shares so redeemed shall be returned to the Company for cancellation within fourteen (14) business days after the redemption monies are so paid to the RCP Shareholder, and the failure of any holder to deliver such share certificates shall not prejudice or affect the redemption of the RCP Shares. |
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| (b) | All RCP Shares which are outstanding as at the Maturity Date and have not been converted into Ordinary Shares, shall be fully redeemed by the Company at the RCP Subscription Price per RCP Share. |
| 6.5 | Ranking |
| (a) | Each RCP Share shall rank pari passu without any preference or priority among themselves and in priority to the Ordinary Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, with respect to payment of dividends which have been declared and amounts payable upon a liquidation or winding up of the Company, the RCP Shareholders will rank in priority to the holders of Ordinary Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, the RCP Shares shall not be entitled to any dividends, rights, bonuses, issues or other allotments or distributions on or before their respective RCP Share Issue Date. |
| (b) | The Company may further issue preference shares ranking equally with or in priority to the RCP Shares and the rights conferred upon the holders of the RCP Shares shall not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further preference shares unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of such RCP Shares. |
| 6.6 | Capital Repayment |
In the event of liquidation, dissolution, winding-up (other than a solvent reconstruction, amalgamation, reorganization, merger or consolidation whereby all the business, undertaking and assets of the Company are transferred to a successor entity which assumes all the obligation of the Company under the RCP Shares) or other repayment of capital (other than on redemption):
| (a) | the surplus assets of the Company remaining after payment and discharge of all debts and liabilities of the Company and the cost of winding up or such capital reduction exercise shall be applied as follows: |
| (i) | FIRST, to pay the holders of RCP Shares, on a pari passu basis, a sum equivalent to any dividend declared but unpaid on the RCP Shares; |
| (ii) | SECOND, to pay the holders of the RCP Shares on a pari passu basis, the RCP Subscription Price paid in respect of each of their RCP Shares; |
| (iii) | THIRD, to pay to the holders of Ordinary Shares, pari passu as between themselves, a sum equal to any arrears of dividend due on the Ordinary Shares, whether or not the Company has sufficient distributable reserves; |
| (iv) | FOURTH, the balance of the assets shall belong to and be distributed among the holders of any class of shares in the capital of the Company other than the holders of RCP Shares in accordance with the respective rights attaching thereto. |
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| (b) | The holders of RCP Shares shall not have the right to any further participation in the profits, assets or distributions and/or offer to subscribe for additional securities of the Company save as provided in Article 6.6(a) and Article 6.1(a). |
| 6.7 | Voting rights; right of participation; right to information |
| (a) | The RCP Shares do not entitle the holders to any voting rights or participating in any rights, allotments and/or other issuances of other shares in the Company. |
| (b) | The RCP Shares do not entitle the holders to attend or vote at any general meetings, including but not limited to any corporate exercise, share consolidation, share split, listing exercise or other corporate exercise that may be carried out by the Company. |
| (c) | The RCP Shares do not entitle the holders to receive notices of meetings or otherwise from the Company, nor reports or audited accounts. |
| 6.8 | Rating |
The RCP Shares shall not be rated.
| 6.9 | Listing |
The RCP Shares shall not be listed on any Exchange.
| 6.10 | Transferability |
The RCP Shares shall not be transferable except with the written consent of a resolution of the Directors and subject to applicable securities laws.
| 7. | ORDINARY SHARES |
| 7.1 | Dividends |
Subject to the Article 6.1, the holders of the Ordinary Shares shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Directors, out of any assets of the Company legally available therefor, such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Directors.
| 7.2 | Redemption |
The Ordinary Shares are not redeemable at the option of the holder nor the Company.
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| 7.3 | Voting rights |
The holder of Ordinary Shares shall have the right to one vote for each such Share, and shall be entitled to receive notice of any shareholders’ meeting, attend at and, subject to the term of these Articles, to vote thereat.
| 8. | REGISTER OF MEMBERS |
| 8.1 | Duty to establish and maintain a Register of Members |
| (a) | The Directors shall cause the Company to keep at its Registered Office, or at any other place within or outside the Cayman Islands they think fit, the Register of Members (which, for the avoidance of doubt, comprises the Listed Share Register, the Unlisted Share Register and any branch register(s) maintained from time to time) in which shall be entered: |
| (i) | the particulars of the Members; |
| (ii) | the particulars of the Shares issued to each of them; and |
| (iii) | other particulars required under the Companies Act and the Exchange Rules (as appropriate). |
| (b) | If the recording complies with the Companies Act, the Exchange Rules and any other applicable law, the Listed Share Register may be kept by recording the particulars required under the Companies Act in a form otherwise than in a physically written form. However, to the extent the Listed Share Register is kept in a form otherwise than in a physically written form, it must be capable of being reproduced in a legible form. |
| 8.2 | Power to establish and maintain branch registers |
| (a) | Subject to the Exchange Rules, the rules and regulations of the Relevant System and any other applicable laws, if the Directors consider it necessary or desirable, whether for administrative purposes or otherwise, they may cause the Company to establish and maintain a branch register or registers of members of such category or categories and at such location or locations within or outside the Cayman Islands as they think fit. |
| (b) | The Company shall cause to be kept at the place where the Unlisted Share Register is kept, a duplicate of any branch register duly entered up from time to time. Subject to this Article, with respect to a duplicate of any branch register: |
| (i) | the Unlisted Shares registered in the branch register shall be distinguished from those registered in the Unlisted Share Register; and |
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| (ii) | no transaction with respect to any Unlisted Shares registered in a branch register shall, during the continuance of that registration, be registered in any other register. |
| (c) | The Company may discontinue keeping any branch register and thereupon all entries in such branch register shall be transferred to another branch register kept by the Company or to the Unlisted Share Register. |
| 9. | CLOSING REGISTER OF MEMBERS AND FIXING RECORD DATE |
| 9.1 | Power of Directors to close the Register of Members |
For the purpose of determining Members entitled to notice of, or to vote at any meeting of Members or any adjournment of a meeting, or Members entitled to receive payment of any dividend or distribution, or in order to make a determination of Members for any other proper purpose, the Directors may provide that the Register of Members shall be closed for transfers for a stated period which shall not in any case exceed thirty (30) days.
| 9.2 | Power of Directors to fix a record date |
In lieu of, or apart from, closing the Register of Members, the Directors may fix in advance or arrear a date as the record date for any such determination of Members entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the Members, and for the purpose of determining the Members entitled to receive payment of any dividend or distribution, or in order to make a determination of Members for any other purpose.
| 9.3 | Circumstances where Register of Members is not closed and no fixed record date |
If the Register of Members is not closed and no record date is fixed for the determination of Members entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of Members or Members entitled to receive payment of a dividend or distribution, the date on which notice of the meeting is sent or the date on which the resolution of the Directors declaring such dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of Members. When a determination of Members entitled to vote at any meeting of Members has been made as provided in this Article, such determination shall apply to any adjournment of that meeting.
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| 10. | CERTIFICATED SHARES |
| 10.1 | Right to certificates |
A Member shall only be entitled to a share certificate if the Directors resolve that share certificates shall be issued.
| 10.2 | Form of share certificates |
Share certificates, if any, shall be in such form as the Directors may determine and shall be signed by one or more Directors or other person authorised by the Directors. The Directors may authorise share certificates to be issued with the authorised signature(s) affixed by mechanical process. All share certificates shall be consecutively numbered or otherwise identified and shall specify the number and Class of Shares to which they relate and the amount paid up thereon or the fact that they are fully paid, as the case may be. All share certificates surrendered to the Company for transfer shall be cancelled and subject to these Articles no new certificate shall be issued until the former certificate evidencing a like number of relevant Shares shall have been surrendered and cancelled. Where only some of the certificated Shares evidenced by a share certificate are transferred, the old certificate shall be surrendered and cancelled and a new certificate for the balance of the certificated Shares shall be issued in lieu without charge.
| 10.3 | Certificates for jointly-held Shares |
If the Company issues a share certificate in respect of certificated Shares held jointly by more than one person, delivery of a single share certificate to one joint holder shall be a sufficient delivery to all of them.
| 10.4 | Replacement of share certificates |
If a share certificate is defaced, worn-out or alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, a new share certificate shall be issued on the payment of such expenses reasonably incurred by the Company and the person requiring the new share certificate shall first surrender the defaced or worn-out share certificate or give such evidence of the loss, theft or destruction of the share certificate and such indemnity to the Company as the Directors may require.
| 11. | UNCERTIFICATED SHARES |
| 11.1 | Uncertificated Shares held by means of a Relevant System |
| (a) | The Directors may permit Shares to be held in uncertificated form and shall have power to implement such arrangements as they may, in their absolute discretion, think fit in order for any Class of Shares to be transferred by means of a Relevant System of holding and transferring Shares (subject always to any applicable law and the requirements of the Relevant System concerned). |
| (b) | (For the purpose of this Article 9, the expression “Shares”, where the context permits, also includes Interests in such Shares). |
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| 11.2 | Disapplication of inconsistent Articles |
Where the arrangements described in this Article 9 are implemented, no provision of these Articles shall apply or have effect to the extent that it is in any respect inconsistent with:
| (a) | the holding of Shares of that Class in uncertificated form; and |
| (b) | the facilities and requirements of the Relevant System. |
| 11.3 | Arrangements for uncertificated Shares |
Notwithstanding anything contained in these Articles (but subject always to the Companies Act, any other applicable laws and regulations and the facilities and requirements of any Relevant System):
| (a) | unless the Directors otherwise determine, Shares held by the same holder or joint holder in certificated form and uncertificated form shall be treated as separate holdings; |
| (b) | conversion of Shares held in certificated form into Shares held in uncertificated form, and vice versa, may be made in such a manner as the Directors may in their absolute discretion think fit and in accordance with applicable regulations; |
| (c) | shares may be changed from uncertificated to certificated form, and from certificated to uncertificated form, in such manner as the Directors may in their absolute discretion, think fit; |
| (d) | Article 15.2 shall not apply in respect of Shares recorded on the Register of Members as being held in uncertificated form to the extent that Article 15.2 requires or contemplates the effecting of a transfer by an instrument in writing and the production of a certificate for the Share to be transferred; |
| (e) | a Class of Share shall not be treated as two Classes by virtue only of that Class comprising both certificated and uncertificated Shares or as a result of any provision of these Articles or any other applicable law or regulation which applies only in respect of certificated and uncertificated Shares; |
| (f) | where the Company is entitled under applicable law or these Articles to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, redeem, repurchase, re-allot, accept the surrender of, forfeit or enforce a lien over, a Share in the Company, the Directors shall, subject to such applicable laws, these Articles and the facilities and requirements of the Relevant System be entitled (without limitation): |
| (i) | to require the holder of that Share by notice to convert that Share into certificated form within the period specified in the notice and to hold that Share in certificated form so long as required by the Company; |
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| (ii) | to require the operator of the Relevant System to convert that Share into certificated form; |
| (iii) | to require the holder of that Share by notice to give any instructions necessary to transfer title to that Share by means of the Relevant System within the period specified in the notice; |
| (iv) | to require the holder of that Share by notice to appoint any person to take any step, including without limitation the giving of any instructions by means of the Relevant System, necessary to transfer that Share within the period specified in the notice; |
| (v) | to take any other action that the Directors consider necessary or expedient to achieve the sale, transfer, disposal, re-allotment, forfeiture or surrender of that Share or otherwise to enforce a lien in respect of that Share; |
| (vi) | to require the deletion of any entries in the Relevant System reflecting the holding of such Share in uncertificated form; and |
| (vii) | to require the operator of the Relevant System to alter the entries in the Relevant System so as to divest the holder of the relevant Share of the power to transfer such Share other than to a person selected or approved by the Directors for the purposes of such transfer. |
| (g) | Article 8 shall not apply so as to require the Company to issue a certificate to any person holding Shares in uncertificated form. |
| 12. | DEPOSITORY INTERESTS |
| 12.1 | Depository Interests held by means of a Relevant System |
The Directors may permit Shares of any Class to be represented by Depository Interests and to be transferred or otherwise dealt with by means of a Relevant System and may revoke any such permission.
| 12.2 | Disapplication of inconsistent Articles |
Where the arrangements described in this Article 12 are implemented, no provision of these Articles shall apply or have effect to the extent that it is in any respect inconsistent with:
| (a) | the holding of Depository Interests; and |
| (b) | the facilities and requirements of the Relevant System. |
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| 12.3 | Arrangements for Depository Interests |
| (a) | The Directors may make such arrangements or regulations (if any) as they may from time to time in their absolute discretion think fit in relation to the evidencing, issue and transfer of Depository Interests and otherwise for the purpose of implementing and/or supplementing the provisions of this Article 12 and the Exchange Rules and the facilities and requirements of the Relevant System. |
| (b) | The Company may use the Relevant System in which any Depository Interests are held to the fullest extent available from time to time in the exercise of any of its powers or functions under the Companies Act, the Exchange Rules or these Articles or otherwise in effecting any actions. |
| (c) | For the purpose of effecting any action by the Company, the Directors may determine that Depository Interests held by a person shall be treated as a separate holding from certificated Shares held by that person. |
| 12.4 | Not separate Class |
Shares in a particular Class shall not form a separate Class of Shares from other Shares in that Class because they are dealt with as Depository Interests.
| 12.5 | Power of sale |
| (a) | Where the Company is entitled under applicable law or these Articles to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, redeem, repurchase, re-allot, accept the surrender of, forfeit or enforce a lien over, any Share represented by a Depository Interest, the Directors shall, subject to such applicable laws, these Articles and the facilities and requirements of the Relevant System be entitled (without limitation): |
| (b) | to require the holder of that Depository Interest by notice to convert that Share represented by the Depository Interest into certificated form within the period specified in the notice and to hold that Share in certificated form so long as required by the Company; |
| (c) | to require the holder of that Depository Interest by notice to give any instructions necessary to transfer title to that Share by means of the Relevant System within the period specified in the notice; |
| (d) | to require the holder of that Depository Interest by notice to appoint any person to take any step, including without limitation the giving of any instructions by means of the Relevant System, necessary to transfer that Share within the period specified in the notice; and |
| (e) | to take any other action that the Directors consider necessary or expedient to achieve the sale, transfer, disposal, re-allotment, forfeiture or surrender of that Share or otherwise to enforce a lien in respect of that Share. |
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| 13. | CALLS ON SHARES |
| 13.1 | Calls, how made |
| (a) | Subject to the terms on which Shares are allotted, the Directors may make calls on the Members (and any persons entitled by transmission) in respect of any amounts unpaid on their Shares (whether in respect of nominal value or premium or otherwise) and not payable on a date fixed by or in accordance with the allotment terms. Each such Member or other person shall pay to the Company the amount called, subject to receiving at least fourteen (14) clear days’ notice specifying when and where the payment is to be made, as required by such notice. |
| (b) | A call may be made payable by instalments. A call shall be deemed to have been made when the resolution of the Directors authorising it is passed. A call may, before the Company’s receipt of any amount due under it, be revoked or postponed in whole or in part as the Directors may decide. A person upon whom a call is made will remain liable for calls made on him notwithstanding the subsequent transfer of the Shares in respect of which the call was made. |
| 13.2 | Liability of joint holders |
The joint holders of a Share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect of it.
| 13.3 | lnterest |
lf the whole of the sum payable in respect of any call is not paid by the day it becomes due and payable, the person from whom it is due shall pay all costs, charges and expenses that the Company may have incurred by reason of such non-payment, together with interest on the unpaid amount from the day it became due and payable until it is paid at the rate fixed by the terms of the allotment of the Share or in the notice of the call or, if no rate is fixed, at such rate, not exceeding eight percent (8%) per annum (compounded on a six monthly basis), as the Directors shall determine. The Directors may waive payment of such costs, charges, expenses or interest in whole or in part.
| 13.4 | Differentiation |
Subject to the allotment terms, the Directors may make arrangements on or before the issue of Shares to differentiate between the holders of Shares in the amounts and times of payment of calls on their Shares.
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| 13.5 | Payment in advance of calls |
| (a) | The Directors may receive from any Member (or any person entitled by transmission) all or any part of the amount uncalled and unpaid on the Shares held by him (or to which he is entitled). The liability of each such Member or other person on the Shares to which such payment relates shall be reduced by such amount. The Company may pay interest on such amount from the time of receipt until the time when such amount would, but for such advance, have become due and payable at such rate not exceeding eight percent (8%) per annum (compounded on a six monthly basis) as the Directors may decide. |
| (b) | No sum paid up on a Share in advance of a call shall entitle the holder to any portion of a dividend subsequently declared or paid in respect of any period prior to the date on which such sum would, but for such payment, become due and payable. |
| 13.6 | Restrictions if calls unpaid |
Unless the Directors decide otherwise, no Member shall be entitled to receive any dividend or to be present or vote at any meeting or to exercise any right or privilege as a Member until he has paid all calls due and payable on every Share held by him, whether alone or jointly with any other person, together with interest and expenses (if any) to the Company.
| 13.7 | Sums due on allotment treated as calls |
Any sum payable in respect of a Share on allotment or at any fixed date, whether in respect of the nominal value of the Share or by way of premium or otherwise or as an instalment of a call, shall be deemed to be a call. lf such sum is not paid, these Articles shall apply as if it had become due and payable by virtue of a call.
| 14. | FORFEITURE OF SHARES |
| 14.1 | Forfeiture after notice of unpaid call |
| (a) | lf a call or an instalment of a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable, the Directors may give to the person from whom it is due not less than fourteen (14) clear days’ notice requiring payment of the amount unpaid together with any interest which may have accrued and any costs, charges and expenses that the Company may have incurred by reason of such non-payment. The notice shall state the place where payment is to be made and that if the notice is not complied with the Shares in respect of which the call was made will be liable to be forfeited. |
lf the notice is not complied with, any Shares in respect of which it was given may, before the payment required by the notice has been made, be forfeited by a resolution of the Directors. The forfeiture will include all dividends and other amounts payable in respect of the forfeited Shares which have not been paid before the forfeiture.
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| (b) | The Directors may accept the surrender of a Share which is liable to be forfeited in accordance with these Articles. All provisions in these Articles which apply to the forfeiture of a Share also apply to the surrender of a Share. |
| 14.2 | Notice after forfeiture |
When a Share has been forfeited, the Company shall give notice of the forfeiture to the person who was before forfeiture the holder of the Share or the person entitled by transmission to the Share. An entry that such notice has been given and of the fact and date of forfeiture shall be made in the Register of Members. Notwithstanding the above, no forfeiture will be invalidated by any omission to give such notice or make such entry.
| 14.3 | Consequences of forfeiture |
| (a) | A Share shall, on its forfeiture, become the property of the Company. |
| (b) | All interest in and all claims and demands against the Company in respect of a Share and all other rights and liabilities incidental to the Share as between its holder and the Company shall, on its forfeiture, be extinguished and terminate except as otherwise stated in these Articles. |
| (c) | The holder of a Share (or the person entitled to it by transmission) which is forfeited shall: |
| (i) | on its forfeiture cease to be a Member (or a person entitled) in respect of it; |
| (ii) | if a certificated Share, surrender to the Company for cancellation the share certificate for the Share; |
| (iii) | remain liable to pay to the Company all monies payable in respect of the Share at the time of forfeiture, with interest from such time of forfeiture until the time of payment, in the same manner in all respects as if the Share had not been forfeited; and |
| (iv) | remain liable to satisfy all (if any) claims and demands which the Company might have enforced in respect of the Share at the time of forfeiture without any deduction or allowance for the value of the Share at the time of forfeiture or for any consideration received on its disposal. |
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| 14.4 | Disposal of forfeited Share |
| (a) | A forfeited Share may be sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may decide either to the person who was before the forfeiture the holder or to any other person. At any time before the disposal, the forfeiture may be cancelled on such terms as the Directors may decide. Where for the purpose of its disposal a forfeited Share is to be transferred to any transferee, the Directors may: |
| (i) | in the case of certificated Shares, authorise a person to execute an instrument of transfer of Shares in the name and on behalf of their holder to the purchaser or as the purchaser may direct; |
| (ii) | in the case of uncertificated Shares, exercise any power conferred on them by Article 11.3(f) to effect a transfer of the Shares; and |
| (iii) | if the Share is represented by a Depository Interest, exercise any of the Company’s powers under Article 12.5 to effect the sale of the Share to, or in accordance with the directions of, the buyer. |
| (b) | The purchaser will not be bound to see to the application of the purchase monies in respect of any such sale. The title of the transferee to the Shares will not be affected by any irregularity in or invalidity of the proceedings connected with the sale or transfer. Any instrument or exercise referred to at paragraph (a) of this Article shall be effective as if it had been executed or exercised by the holder of, or the person entitled by transmission to, the Shares to which it relates. |
| 14.5 | Proof of forfeiture |
A statutory declaration by a Director or any other officer that a Share has been forfeited on a specified date shall be conclusive evidence of the facts stated in it against all persons claiming to be entitled to the Share. The declaration shall (subject to the execution of any necessary instrument of transfer) constitute good title to the Share. The person to whom the Share is disposed of shall not be bound to see to the application of the consideration (if any) given for it on such disposal. His title to the Share will not be affected by any irregularity in, or invalidity of, the proceedings connected with the forfeiture or disposal.
| 15. | TRANSFER OF SHARES |
| 15.1 | Form of transfer |
Subject to these Articles, a Member may transfer all or any of his Shares:
| (a) | in the case of certificated Shares, by an instrument of transfer in writing in any usual form or in another form approved by the Directors or prescribed by the Exchange, which must be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and (in the case of a transfer of a Share which is not fully paid) by or on behalf of the transferee; or |
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| (b) | in the case of uncertificated Shares, without a written instrument in accordance with the rules or regulations of any Relevant System in which the Shares are held. |
| 15.2 | Registration of a certificated Share transfer |
| (a) | Subject to these Articles, the Directors may, in their absolute discretion and without giving a reason, refuse to register the transfer of a certificated Share unless it is: |
| (i) | in respect of a Share which is fully paid; |
| (ii) | in respect of a Share on which the Company has no lien; |
| (iii) | in respect of only one Class of Shares; |
| (iv) | in favour of a single transferee or not more than four joint transferees; |
| (v) | duly stamped (if required); and |
| (vi) | delivered for registration to the Registered Office or such other place as the Directors may decide, accompanied by the certificate for the Shares to which it relates and any other evidence as the Directors may reasonably require to prove the title to such Share of the transferor and the due execution by him of the transfer or, if the transfer is executed by some other person on his behalf, the authority of such person to do so, provided that the Directors shall not refuse to register any transfer of any certificated Shares listed on the Exchange on the ground that they are partly paid in circumstances where such refusal would prevent dealings in such Shares from taking place on an open and proper basis. |
| (b) | lf the Directors refuse to register a transfer pursuant to this Article, they shall, within two (2) months after the date on which the transfer was delivered to the Company, send notice of the refusal to the transferee. An instrument of transfer which the Directors refuse to register shall (except in the case of suspected fraud) be returned to the person delivering it. All instruments of transfer which are registered may, subject to these Articles, be retained by the Company. |
| 15.3 | Registration of an uncertificated Share transfer |
| (a) | The Directors shall register a transfer of title to any uncertificated Share which is held in uncertificated form in accordance with the rules or regulations of any Relevant System in which the Shares are held, except that the Directors may refuse (subject to any relevant requirements of (to the extent applicable) the Exchange Rules and/or the Exchange) to register any such transfer which is in favour of more than four persons jointly or in any other circumstance permitted by the rules or regulations of any Relevant System in which the Shares are held. |
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| (b) | lf the Directors refuse to register any such transfer the Company shall, within two months after the date on which the instruction relating to such transfer was received by the Company, send notice of the refusal to the transferee. |
| 15.4 | Transfers of Depository Interests |
| (a) | The Company shall register the transfer of any Shares represented by Depository Interests in accordance with the rules or regulations of the Relevant System and any other applicable laws and regulations. |
| (b) | Where permitted by the rules or regulations of the Relevant System and any other applicable laws and regulations, the Directors may, in their absolute discretion and without giving any reason for their decision, refuse to register any transfer of any Share represented by a Depository Interest. |
| 15.5 | No fee on registration |
No fee shall be charged for the registration of a transfer of a Share or other document relating to or affecting the title to any Share.
| 15.6 | Renunciations of Shares |
Nothing in these Articles shall preclude the Directors from recognising the renunciation of any Share by the allottee thereof in favour of some other person.
| 15.7 | Enforceability of and interpretation/administration of this Article |
| (a) | If any provision of this Article 15 or any part of such provision is held under any circumstances to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, then: |
| (i) | the invalidity of unenforceability of such provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of such provision or part thereof under any other circumstances or in any other jurisdiction; and |
| (ii) | the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision or part thereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of such provision or the validity or enforceability of any other provision of these Articles. |
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| (b) | The Directors shall have the exclusive power and authority to administer and interpret the provisions of this Article 15 and to exercise all rights and powers specifically granted the Directors and the Company or as may be necessary or advisable in the administration of this Article 15. All such actions, calculations, determinations and interpretations which are done or made by the Directors in good faith shall be final, conclusive, and binding on the Company and the beneficial and registered owners of the Shares and shall not subject the Directors to any liability. |
| 15.8 | No transfers to an infant etc |
No transfer shall be made to an infant or to a person of whom an order has been made by competent court or official on the grounds that he is or may be suffering from mental disorder or is otherwise incapable of managing his affairs or under other legal disability.
| 15.9 | Effect of registration |
The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of the Share transferred until the name of the transferee is entered in the Register of Members in respect of that Share.
| 16. | TRANSMISSION OF SHARES |
| 16.1 | Transmission of Shares |
If a Member dies, becomes bankrupt, commences liquidation or is dissolved, the only person that the Company will recognise as having any title to, or interest in, that Member’s Share (other than the Member) are:
| (a) | if the deceased Member was a joint holder, the survivor; |
| (b) | if the deceased Member was a sole or the only surviving holder, the personal representative of that Member; or |
| (c) | any trustee in bankruptcy or other person succeeding to the Member’s interest by operation of law, |
but nothing in these Articles releases the estate of a deceased Member, or any other successor by operation of law, from any liability in respect of any Share held by that Member solely or jointly.
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| 16.2 | Election by persons entitled on transmission |
Any person becoming entitled to a Share as a result of the death, bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of a Member (or in any other way than by transfer) may, upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time be required by the Directors, elect either to become registered as the holder of the Share or nominate another person to be registered as the holder of that Share. If he elects to be registered as the holder of the Share himself, he shall give written notice to the Company to that effect. If he elects to have some other person registered as the holder of the Share, he shall:
| (a) | in the case of a certificated Share, execute an instrument of transfer of such Share to such person; |
| (b) | in the case of an uncertificated Share, either: |
| (i) | procure that all the appropriate instructions are given by means of the Relevant System to effect the transfer of such Share to such person; or |
| (ii) | change the uncertificated Share to certified form and then execute a transfer of such Share to such person; and |
| (c) | in the case of a Share represented by a Depository Interest, take any action the Directors may require (including, without limitation, the execution of any document and the giving of any instruction by means of the Relevant System) to effect the transfer of the Share to that person. |
| 16.3 | Rights of persons entitled by transmission |
A person becoming entitled to a Share by reason of the death, bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of a Member (or in any other case than by transfer) shall be entitled to the same Dividends and other rights to which he would be entitled if he were the registered holder of the Share. However, the person shall not, before being registered as a Member in respect of the Share, be entitled in respect of it to attend or vote at any meeting of the Company and the Directors may at any time give notice requiring any such person to elect either to be registered himself or to have some person nominated by him registered as the holder (and the Directors shall, in either case, have the same right to refuse registration as they would have had in the case of a transfer of the Share by that Member before his death, bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution, as the case may be). If the notice is not complied with within ninety (90) days the Directors may withhold payment of all Dividends, bonuses or other monies payable in respect of the Share until the requirements of the notice have been complied with.
| 17. | REDEMPTION, PURCHASE AND SURRENDER OF SHARES |
| 17.1 | Subject to the Companies Act, the Memorandum, these Articles, the Exchange Rules (where applicable) and any rights conferred on the holders of any Shares or attaching to any Class of Shares, the Company may: |
| (a) | issue Shares on terms that they are to be redeemed or are liable to be redeemed at the option of one or both of the Company or the Member on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may determine before the issue of the Shares; |
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| (b) | purchase, or enter into a contract under which it will or may repurchase, any of its own Shares of any Class (including any redeemable Shares) on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may determine or agree with the Member; |
| (c) | make a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of its own Shares in any manner authorised by the Companies Act, including out of capital; and |
| (d) | accept the surrender for no consideration of any paid up Share (including any redeemable Share) on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may determine. |
| 17.2 | Any Share in respect of which notice of redemption has been given shall not be entitled to participate in the profits of the Company in respect of the period after the date specified as the date of redemption in the notice of redemption. |
| 17.3 | The redemption or purchase of any Share shall not be deemed to give rise to the redemption or purchase of any other Share. |
| 17.4 | The Directors may when making payments in respect of the redemption or purchase of Shares, if authorised by the terms of issue of the Shares being redeemed or purchased or with the agreement of the holder of such Shares, make such payment either in cash or in specie. |
| 17.5 | The Directors may hold any repurchased, redeemed or surrendered Shares as Treasury Shares in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act and these Articles. |
| 18. | FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE |
Any financial assistance given by the Company in connection with a purchase made or to be made by any person of any Shares or Interests in Shares in the Company shall only be made in accordance with the Companies Act, applicable law and the Exchange Rules (where applicable).
| 19. | CLASS RIGHTS AND CLASS MEETINGS |
| 19.1 | Variation of class rights |
Subject to the Companies Act, if at any time the share capital of the Company is divided into different Classes of Shares, all or any of the rights attached to any Class of Shares may be varied in such manner as those rights may provide or, if no such provision is made, either:
| (a) | with the consent in writing of holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued Shares of that Class; or |
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| (b) | with the sanction of a resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the Shares of that Class by a three-fourths majority of the holders of the Shares of that Class present and voting at such meeting (whether in person or by proxy). |
| 19.2 | Treatment of classes of Shares by Directors |
The Directors may treat two or more or all of the Classes of Shares as forming one class of Shares if the Directors consider that such Classes of Shares would be affected by the proposed variation in the same way.
| 19.3 | Effect of Share issue on class rights |
The rights attached to any Class of Shares are not taken to be varied by:
| (a) | the creation or issue of further Shares ranking equally with them unless expressly provided by the terms of the issue of the Shares of that Class; or |
| (b) | the reduction of capital paid up on such Shares or by the repurchase, redemption or surrender of any Shares in accordance with the Companies Act and these Articles. |
| 19.4 | Class meetings |
The provisions of these Articles relating to general meetings of the Company shall apply mutatis mutandis to any Class meeting, except that the quorum shall be one or more Members that together hold at least one-third of the Shares of that Class.
| 20. | NO RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS OR THIRD PARTY INTERESTS |
Except as otherwise expressly provided by these Articles or as required by law or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Company:
| (a) | is not required to recognise a person as holding any Share on any trust, even if the Company has notice of the trust; and |
| (b) | is not required to recognise, and is not bound by, any interest in or claim to any Share, except for the registered holder’s absolute legal ownership of the Share, even if the Company has notice of that interest or claim. |
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| 21. | LIEN ON SHARES |
| 21.1 | Lien on Shares generally |
The Company shall have a first and paramount lien on all Shares registered in the name of a Member (whether solely or jointly with others) for all debts, liabilities or amounts payable to or with the Company (whether presently payable or not) by such Member or his estate, either alone or jointly with any other person, whether a Member or not, but the Directors may at any time determine any Share to be wholly or in part exempt from the provisions of this Article. The Company’s lien on a Share is released if a transfer of that Share is registered.
| 21.2 | Enforcement of lien by sale |
The Company may sell, on such terms and in such manner as the Directors think fit, any Share on which the Company has a lien, if a sum in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable, and is not paid within fourteen (14) clear days after notice has been given by the Company to the holder of the Share (or to any other person entitled by transmission to the Shares) demanding payment of that amount and giving notice of intention to sell the Share if such payment is not made.
| 21.3 | Completion of sale under lien |
| (a) | To give effect to a sale of Shares under a lien the Directors may: |
| (i) | in the case of certificated Shares, authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer in respect of the Shares to be sold to, or in accordance with the directions of, the relevant purchaser; |
| (ii) | in the case of uncertificated Shares, exercise any power conferred on them by Article 11.3(f) to effect a transfer of Shares; and |
| (iii) | if the Shares are represented by a Depository Interest, exercise any of the Company’s powers under Article 12.5 to effect the sale of such Shares to, or in accordance with the directions of the purchaser. |
| (b) | The purchaser or his nominee shall be registered as the holder of the Shares comprised in any such transfer, and he shall not be bound to see to the application of any consideration provided for the Shares, nor will the purchaser’s title to the Shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in connection with the sale or the exercise of the Company’s power of sale under these Articles. |
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| 21.4 | Application of proceeds of sale |
The net proceeds of a sale made under a lien after payment of costs, shall be applied in payment of such part of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is presently payable and any balance shall (subject to a like lien for sums not presently payable as existed upon the Shares before the sale) be paid to the person who was entitled to the Shares immediately prior to the sale.
| 22. | UNTRACED MEMBERS |
| 22.1 | Sale of Shares |
| (a) | The Company may sell at the best price reasonably obtainable any Share of a Member, or any Share to which a person is entitled by transmission, if: |
| (i) | during the period of six (6) years prior to the date of the publication of the advertisements referred to in this paragraph (a) (or, if published on different dates, the earlier or earliest of them): |
| (A) | no cheque, warrant or money order in respect of such Share sent by or on behalf of the Company to the Member or to the person entitled by transmission to the Share, at his address in the Register of Members or other address last known to the Company has been cashed; and |
| (B) | no cash dividend payable on the Shares has been satisfied by the transfer of funds to a bank account of the Member (or person entitled by transmission to the share) or by transfer of funds by means of the Relevant System, and the Company has received no communication (whether in writing or otherwise) in respect of such Share from such Member or person, provided that during such six year period the Company has paid at least three cash dividends (whether interim or final) in respect of Shares of the Class in question and no such dividend has been claimed by the person entitled to such Share; |
| (ii) | on or after the expiry of such six year period the Company has given notice of its intention to sell such Share by advertisements in a national newspaper published in the country in which the Registered Office is located and in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the address in the Register of Members or other last known address of the member or the person entitled by transmission to the Share or the address for the service of notices on such member or person notified to the Company in accordance with these Articles is located; |
| (iii) | such advertisements, if not published on the same day, are published within thirty (30) days of each other; |
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| (iv) | during a further period of three months following the date of publication of such advertisements (or, if published on different dates, the date on which the requirements of this paragraph (a) concerning the publication of newspaper advertisements are met) and prior to the sale the Company has not received any communication (whether in writing or otherwise) in respect of such Share from the Member or person entitled by transmission. |
| (b) | lf during such six year period, or during any subsequent period ending on the date when all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this Article have been met in respect of any Shares, any additional Shares have been issued in respect of those held at the beginning of, or previously so issued during, any such subsequent period and all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this Article have been satisfied with regard to such additional Shares, the Company may also sell the additional Shares. |
| (c) | To give effect to a sale pursuant to paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of this Article, the Directors may: |
| (i) | in the case of certificated Shares, authorise a person to execute an instrument of transfer of Shares in the name and on behalf of the holder of, or the person entitled by transmission to, them to the purchaser or as the purchaser may direct; |
| (ii) | in the case of uncertificated Shares, exercise any power conferred on them by Article 11.3(f) to effect a transfer of the Shares; and |
| (iii) | if the Share is represented by a Depository Interest, exercise any of the Company’s powers under Article 12.5 to effect the sale of the Share to, or in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser. |
| (d) | The purchaser will not be bound to see to the application of the purchase monies in respect of any such sale. The title of the transferee to the Shares will not be affected by any irregularity in or invalidity of the proceedings connected with the sale or transfer. Any instrument or exercise referred to at paragraph (c) of this Article shall be effective as if it had been executed or exercised by the holder of, or the person entitled by transmission to, the Shares to which it relates. |
| 22.2 | Application of sale proceeds |
The Company shall account to the Member or other person entitled to such Share for the net proceeds of such sale by carrying all monies in respect of the sale to a separate account. The Company shall be deemed to be a debtor to, and not a trustee for, such Member or other person in respect of such monies. Monies carried to such separate account may either be employed in the business of the Company or invested as the Directors may think fit. No interest shall be payable to such Member or other person in respect of such monies and the Company shall not be required to account for any money earned on them.
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| 23. | ALTERATION OF SHARE CAPITAL |
| 23.1 | Increase, consolidation, subdivision and cancellation |
| (a) | The Company may by Ordinary Resolution: |
| (i) | increase its share capital by such sum, to be divided into Shares of such Classes and amounts as the resolution shall prescribe; |
| (ii) | consolidate, or consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into Shares of a larger amount than its existing Shares; |
| (iii) | subdivide its Shares, or any of them, into Shares of a smaller amount than is fixed by the Memorandum; and |
| (iv) | cancel any Shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have not been taken, or agreed to be taken, by any person and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the Shares so cancelled. |
| (b) | All new Shares created in accordance with the provisions of this Article shall be subject to the same provisions of these Articles with reference to liens, transfer, transmission and otherwise as the Shares in the original share capital. |
| 23.2 | Dealing with fractions resulting from consolidation or subdivision of Shares |
| (a) | Whenever, as a result of a consolidation or subdivision of Shares, any Members would become entitled to fractions of a Share the Directors may on behalf of those Members deal with the fractions as they think fit, including (without limitation): |
| (i) | selling the Shares representing the fractions for the best price reasonably obtainable to any person (including, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, the Company); and |
| (ii) | distributing the net proceeds in due proportion among those Members (except that if the amount due to a person is less than US$5.00, or such other sum as the Directors may decide, the Company may retain such sum for its own benefit). |
| (b) | For the purposes of this Article, the Directors may: |
| (i) | in the case of certificated Shares, authorise some person to execute an instrument of transfer of the Shares to, or in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser; |
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| (ii) | in the case of uncertificated Shares, exercise any power conferred on it by Article 11.3(f) to effect a transfer of the Shares; and |
| (iii) | if the Share is represented by a Depository Interest, exercise any of the Company’s powers under Article 12.5 to effect the sale of the Share to, or in accordance with the directions of, the purchaser. |
| (c) | The transferee shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money nor shall the transferee’s title to the Shares be affected by any irregularity in, or invalidity of, the proceedings in respect of any sale undertaken pursuant to this Article. |
| 23.3 | Reduction of Share Capital |
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and to any rights attached to any Shares, the Company may by Special Resolution reduce its share capital, any capital redemption reserve, any share premium account or any other undistributable reserve in any way.
| 24. | GENERAL MEETINGS |
| 24.1 | Annual general meetings and general meetings |
| (a) | For so long as the Company’s securities are traded on an Exchange, the Company shall hold an annual general meeting in each calendar year, which shall be convened by the Directors, in accordance with these Articles, but so that the maximum period between such annual general meetings shall not exceed fifteen (15) months. |
| (b) | All general meetings other than annual general meetings shall be called general meetings. |
| 24.2 | Convening of general meetings |
The Directors may convene a general meeting of the Company whenever the Directors think fit, and must do so if required to do so pursuant to a valid Members’ requisition.
| 24.3 | Members’ requisition |
A Members’ requisition is a requisition of Members of the Company holding at the date of deposit of the requisition at the Registered Office not less than ten percent (10%) in par value of the issued Shares which as at that date carry the right to vote at general meetings of the Company.
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| 24.4 | Requirements of Members’ requisition |
| (a) | The requisition must state the objects of the general meeting and must be signed by the requisitionists and deposited at the Registered Office, and may consist of several documents in like form each signed by one or more requisitionists. |
| (b) | If the Directors do not within twenty-one (21) days from the date of the deposit of the requisition duly proceed to convene a general meeting to be held within a further 21 days, the requisitionists, or any of them representing a majority of the total voting rights of all of them, may themselves convene a general meeting of the Company, but any meeting so convened shall not be held after the expiration of three months after the expiration of such 21 day period. |
| (c) | A general meeting convened in accordance with this Article by requisitionists shall be convened (insofar as is possible) in the same manner as that in which general meetings are to be convened by Directors and the Directors shall, upon demand, provide the names and addresses of each Member to the requisitionists for the purpose of convening such meeting. |
| 25. | NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS |
| 25.1 | Length and form of notice and persons to whom notice must be given |
| (a) | At least five (5) clear days’ notice shall be given of any annual general meeting or general meeting of the Company. |
| (b) | The notice of meeting shall specify: |
| (i) | whether the meeting is an annual general meeting or a general meeting; |
| (ii) | the place, the day and the time of the meeting; |
| (iii) | subject to the requirements of (to the extent applicable) the Exchange Rules and/or the Exchange, the general nature of the business to be transacted; |
| (iv) | if the meeting is convened to consider a Special Resolution, the intention to propose the resolution as such; and |
| (v) | with reasonable prominence, that a Member entitled to attend and vote is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to attend and, on a poll, vote instead of him and that a proxy need not also be a Member. |
| (c) | The notice of meeting: |
| (i) | shall be given to the Members (other than a Member who, under these Articles or any restrictions imposed on any Shares, is not entitled to receive notice from the Company), to each Director and alternate Director, to the Auditor and to such other persons as may be required by the Exchange Rules and/or the Exchange; and |
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| (ii) | may specify a time by which a person must be entered on the Register of Members in order for such person to have the right to attend or vote at the meeting. |
| (d) | The Directors may determine that the Members entitled to receive notice of a meeting are those persons entered on the Register of Members at the close of business on a day determined by the Directors. |
| 25.2 | Omission or non-receipt of notice or instrument of proxy |
The accidental omission to send or give notice of meeting or, in cases where it is intended that it be sent out or given with the notice, an instrument of proxy or other document to, or the non-receipt of any such item by, any person entitled to receive such notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.
| 26. | PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS |
| 26.1 | Requirement and number for a quorum |
No business may be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum is present. A quorum is two Members present in person or by proxy or by a duly authorised representative and entitled to vote on the business to be transacted, provided that: (i) if the Company has only one Member, the quorum shall be that one Member present in person or by proxy; and (ii) if the business proposed to be transacted at a general meeting includes varying the rights of Members, the quorum shall be one or more Members present in person or by proxy holding Shares of the Company carrying the right to cast one-third (1/3) of the votes attributable to all Shares of the Company carrying the right to vote at such general meeting. The absence of a quorum will not prevent the appointment of a chairman of the meeting. Such appointment shall not be treated as being part of the business of the meeting.
| 26.2 | General meetings by telephone or other communications device |
A general meeting may be held by means of any telephone, electronic or other communications facilities that permit all persons in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. Unless otherwise determined by resolution of the Members present, the meeting shall be deemed to be held at the place where the chairman is physically present.
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| 26.3 | Adjournment if quorum not present |
If within thirty (30) minutes after the time appointed for a general meeting a quorum is not present (or if during such a meeting a quorum ceases to be present), the meeting:
| (a) | if convened upon the requisition of Members, shall be dissolved; and |
| (b) | in any other case, stands adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place or to such other day, time and place as the Directors may determine, and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within thirty (30) minutes from the time appointed for the meeting the Members present shall be a quorum. |
| 26.4 | Appointment of chairman of general meeting |
| (a) | If the Directors have elected one of their number as chairman of their meetings that person shall preside as chairman at every general meeting of the Company. If there is no such chairman, or if the elected chairman is not present within fifteen (15) minutes after the time appointed for the holding of the meeting, or is unable or unwilling to act, the Directors present shall elect one of their number to be chairman of the meeting. |
| (b) | If no Director is willing to act as chairman or if no Director is present within fifteen (15) minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Members present shall choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting. |
| 26.5 | Orderly conduct |
The chairman shall take such action or give directions for such action to be taken as he thinks fit to promote the orderly conduct of the business of the meeting. The chairman’s decision on points of order, matters of procedure or arising incidentally from the business of the meeting shall be final as shall be his determination as to whether any point or matter is of such a nature.
| 26.6 | Entitlement to attend and speak |
Each Director shall be entitled to attend and speak at any general meeting of the Company. The chairman may invite any person to attend and speak at any general meeting of the Company where he considers that this will assist in the deliberations of the meeting.
| 26.7 | Adjournment of general meeting |
The chairman may, with the consent of a meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting), adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place, but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. When a general meeting is adjourned for thirty (30) days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. Otherwise it shall not be necessary to give any such notice.
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| 26.8 | Voting on a show of hands |
At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting must be decided on a show of hands unless a poll is demanded. Unless a poll is so demanded, a declaration by the chairman that a resolution has, on a show of hands, been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, and an entry to that effect in the Company’s book containing the minutes of proceedings of the Company, is conclusive evidence of the fact. Neither the chairman nor the minutes need state, and it is not necessary to prove, the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution.
| 26.9 | Demand for Poll |
A poll may be demanded by the chairman of the meeting or by any Member present in person or by proxy. A poll may only be demanded: (i) before the show of hands on that resolution is taken; (ii) before the result of the show of hands on that resolution is declared; or (iii) immediately after the result of the show of hands on that resolution is declared. A demand for a poll does not prevent the continuance of the meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which the poll has been demanded.
| 26.10 | Voting on a poll |
If a poll is properly demanded:
| (a) | it must be taken in the manner and at the date and time directed by the chairman; |
| (b) | on the election of a chairman or on a question of adjournment, it must be taken immediately; |
| (c) | the result of the poll is a resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded; and |
| (d) | the demand may be withdrawn. |
| 26.11 | No casting vote for chairman |
If there is an equality of votes either on a show of hands or on a poll, the chairman is not entitled to a second or casting vote in addition to any other vote he may have or be entitled to exercise.
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| 27. | VOTES OF MEMBERS |
| 27.1 | Written resolutions of Members |
A resolution (including a Special Resolution) in writing (in one or more counterparts) signed by or on behalf of all Members for the time being entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at general meetings of the Company shall be as valid and effective as if the resolution had been passed at a general meeting of the Company duly convened and held. A resolution in writing is adopted when all Members entitled to do so have signed it.
| 27.2 | Registered Members to vote |
No person shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless he is registered as a Member in the Register of Members on the record date for such meeting.
| 27.3 | Voting rights |
Subject to these Articles and to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to any Class or Classes of Shares:
| (a) | on a show of hands, each Member present in person and each other person present as a proxy or duly authorised representative of a Member has one vote; and |
| (b) | on a poll, each Member present in person has one vote for each Share held by the Member and each person present as a proxy or duly authorised representative of a Member has one vote for each Share held by the Member that the person represents. Each fractional Share shall carry the applicable fraction of one vote. |
| 27.4 | Voting rights of joint holders |
If a Share is held jointly and more than one of the joint holders votes in respect of that Share, only the vote of the joint holder whose name appears first in the Register of Members in respect of that Share counts.
| 27.5 | Voting rights of Members incapable of managing their affairs |
A Member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made by any court having jurisdiction in matters concerning mental disorder, may vote whether on a show of hands or on a poll by his receiver, curator bonis, or other person on such Member’s behalf appointed by that court, and any such receiver, curator bonis or other person may vote by proxy.
| 27.6 | Voting restriction on an outstanding call |
Unless the Directors decide otherwise, no Member shall be entitled to be present or vote at any general meeting either personally or by proxy until he has paid all calls due and payable on every Share held by him whether alone or jointly with any other person together with interest and expenses (if any) to the Company.
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| 27.7 | Objection to error in voting |
| (a) | An objection to the right of a person to attend or vote at a general meeting or adjourned general meeting: |
| (i) | may not be raised except at that meeting or adjourned meeting; and |
| (ii) | must be referred to the chairman of the meeting whose decision is final. |
| (b) | If any objection is raised to the right of a person to vote and the chairman disallows the objection then the vote cast by that person is valid for all purposes. |
| 28. | REPRESENTATION OF MEMBERS AT GENERAL MEETINGS |
| 28.1 | How Members may attend and vote |
| (a) | Subject to these Articles, each Member entitled to vote at a general meeting may attend and vote at the general meeting: |
| (i) | in person, or where a Member is a company or non-natural person, by a duly authorised representative; or |
| (ii) | by one or more proxies. |
| (b) | A proxy or a duly authorised representative may, but not need be, a Member of the Company. |
| 28.2 | Appointment of proxies |
| (a) | The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing and be executed by or on behalf of the Member appointing the proxy. |
| (b) | A corporation may execute an instrument appointing a proxy either under its common seal (or in any other manner permitted by law and having the same effect as if executed under seal) or under the hand of a duly authorised officer, attorney or other person. |
| (c) | A Member may appoint more than one proxy to attend on the same occasion, but only one proxy may be appointed in respect of any one Share. |
| (d) | The appointment of a proxy shall not preclude a Member from attending and voting at the meeting or any adjournment of it. |
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| 28.3 | Form of instrument of proxy |
The instrument appointing a proxy may be in any usual or common form (or in any other form approved by the Directors or prescribed by the Exchange) and may be expressed to be for a particular general meeting (or any adjournment of a general meeting) or generally until revoked.
| 28.4 | Authority under instrument of proxy |
The instrument appointing a proxy shall be deemed (unless the contrary is stated in it) to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll and to vote, on a poll, on a resolution as a motion or an amendment of a resolution put to, or other business which may properly come before, the meeting or meetings for which it is given or any adjournment of any such meeting, as the proxy thinks fit.
| 28.5 | Receipt of proxy appointment |
The instrument appointing a proxy and any authority under which it is executed shall be deposited at the Registered Office or at such other place as is specified in the notice convening the meeting (or in any instrument of proxy sent out by the Company) prior to the time set out in such notice or instrument (or if no such time is specified, no later than forty-eight (48) hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the chairman may, in any event, at his discretion, direct that an instrument of proxy shall be deemed to have been duly deposited.
| 28.6 | Uncertificated Proxy Instruction |
In relation to any Shares which are held by means of a Relevant System, the Directors may from time to time permit appointments of a proxy to be made by means of an electronic communication in the form of an Uncertificated Proxy Instruction. The Directors may in a similar manner permit supplements to, or amendments or revocations of, any such Uncertificated Proxy Instruction to be made by like means. The Directors may in addition prescribe the method of determining the time at which any such properly authenticated dematerialised instruction (and/or other instruction or notification) is to be treated as received by the Company or such participant. Notwithstanding any other provision in these Articles, the Directors may treat any such Uncertificated Proxy Instruction which purports to be or is expressed to be sent on behalf of a holder of a Share as sufficient evidence of the authority of the persons sending that instruction to send it on behalf of the holder.
| 28.7 | Validity of votes cast by proxy |
Votes given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy shall be valid notwithstanding the previous death or insanity of the principal or revocation of the instrument of proxy or of the authority under which the instrument of proxy was executed, or the transfer of the Share in respect of which the proxy is appointed unless notice in writing of such death, insanity, revocation or transfer was received by the Company at the Registered Office before the commencement of the general meeting, or adjourned meeting at which the proxy voted.
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| 28.8 | Corporate representatives |
A corporation which is a Member may, by resolution of its directors or other governing body, authorise such person as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of the Company or at any separate meeting of the holders of any Class of Shares. Any person so authorised shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation (in respect of that part of the corporation’s holdings to which the authority relates) as the corporation could exercise if it were an individual Member. The corporation shall for the purposes of these Articles be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting if a person so authorised is present at it. All references in these Articles to attendance and voting in person shall be construed accordingly. A Director, the Secretary or some other person authorised for the purpose by a Director may require the representative to produce a certified copy of the resolution so authorising him or such other evidence of his authority reasonably satisfactory to such person before permitting him to exercise his powers.
| 28.9 | Clearing Houses and Depositories |
If a Clearing House or a Depository (or its nominee(s)), being a corporation, is a Member, it may authorise such persons as it thinks fit to act as its representatives at any meeting of the Company or at any separate meeting of the holders of any Class of Shares provided that, if more than one person is so authorised, the authorisation shall specify the number and Class of Shares in respect of which each such representative is so authorised. Each person so authorised under the provisions of this Article shall be deemed to have been duly authorised without further evidence of the facts and be entitled to exercise the same rights and powers on behalf of the Clearing House or the Depository (or its nominee(s)) as if such person was the registered holder of the Shares of the Company held by the Clearing House or the Depository (or its nominee(s)).
| 28.10 | Termination of proxy or corporate authority |
A vote given or poll demanded by proxy or by the duly authorised representative of a corporation shall be valid notwithstanding the previous termination of the authority of the person voting or demanding a poll, unless notice of the termination was received by the Company at the Registered Office, or at such other place at which the instrument of proxy was duly deposited, or, where the appointment of proxy was contained in an electronic communication, at the address at which such appointment was duly received, at least one hour before the commencement of the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote is given or the poll demanded or (in the case of a poll not taken on the same day as the meeting or adjourned meeting) at least one hour before the time appointed for taking the poll.
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| 28.11 | Amendment to resolution |
| (a) | If an amendment shall be proposed to any resolution but shall in good faith be ruled out of order by the chairman of the meeting, any error in such ruling shall not invalidate the proceedings on the substantive resolution. |
| (b) | ln the case of a resolution duly proposed as a Special Resolution, no amendment to it (other than an amendment to correct a patent error) may be considered or voted on and in the case of a resolution duly proposed as an Ordinary Resolution no amendment to it (other than an amendment to correct a patent error) may be considered or voted on unless either at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which such Ordinary Resolution is to be proposed notice in writing of the terms of the amendment and intention to move it has been lodged at the Registered Office or the chairman of the meeting in his absolute discretion decides that it may be considered or voted on. |
| 28.12 | Shares that may not be voted |
Shares that are beneficially owned by the Company shall not be voted, directly or indirectly, at any general meeting or Class meeting (as applicable) and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding Shares at any given time.
| 29. | APPOINTMENT, RETIREMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS |
| 29.1 | Number of Directors |
Unless otherwise determined by the Company by Ordinary Resolution, the number of Directors (other than alternate Directors) shall be five.
| 29.2 | No shareholding qualification |
A Director is not required to hold Shares.
| 29.3 | Appointment and removal of Directors |
| (a) | The Company may by Ordinary Resolution appoint a person who is willing to act to be a Director either to fill a vacancy or as an addition to the existing Directors, subject to the total number of Directors not exceeding any maximum number fixed by or in accordance with these Articles. Directors may be removed by Ordinary Resolution. |
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| (b) | Without prejudice to the Company’s power to appoint a person to be a Director pursuant to these Articles, the Directors shall have power at any time to appoint any person who is willing to act as a Director, either to fill a vacancy or as an addition to the existing Directors, subject to the total number of Directors not exceeding any maximum number fixed by or in accordance with these Articles. |
| 29.4 | Appointment of executive Directors |
The Directors may appoint one or more of its members to an executive office or other position of employment with the Company for such term and on any other conditions the Directors think fit. The Directors may revoke, terminate or vary the terms of any such appointment, without prejudice to a claim for damages for breach of contract between the Director and the Company.
| 29.5 | No age limit |
| (a) | No person shall be disqualified from being appointed or re-appointed as a Director and no Director shall be requested to vacate that office by reason of his attaining the age of seventy or any other age. |
| (b) | It shall not be necessary to give special notice of any resolution appointing, re-appointing or approving the appointment of a Director by reason of his age. |
| 29.6 | Other circumstances in which a Director ceases to hold office |
| (a) | Without prejudice to the provisions in these Articles, a Director ceases to hold office as a Director if: |
| (i) | he resigns as Director by notice in writing delivered to the Directors or to the Registered Office or tendered at a meeting of Directors; |
| (ii) | he is not present personally or by proxy or represented by an alternate Director at meetings of the Directors for a continuous period of 6 months without special leave of absence from the Directors, and the Directors pass a resolution that he has by reason of such absence vacated office; |
| (iii) | he only held office as a Director for a fixed term and such term expires; |
| (iv) | he dies, becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors generally; or |
| (v) | he is removed from office pursuant to these Articles or the Companies Act or becomes prohibited by law from being a Director; |
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| (vi) | an order is made by any court of competent jurisdiction on the ground (however formulated) of mental disorder for his detention or for the appointment of a guardian or receiver or other person to exercise powers with respect to his property or affairs or he is admitted to hospital in pursuance of an application for admission for treatment under any legislation relating to mental health and the Directors resolve that his office be vacated; or |
| (vii) | in the case of a Director who holds executive office, his appointment to such office is terminated or expires and the Directors resolve that his office be vacated. |
| 30. | ALTERNATE DIRECTORS |
| 30.1 | Appointment |
| (a) | A Director (other than an alternate Director) may appoint any other Director or any person approved for that purpose by the Directors and willing to act, to be his alternate by notice in writing delivered to the Directors or to the Registered Office, or in any other manner approved by the Directors. |
| (b) | The appointment of an alternate Director who is not already a Director shall require the approval of either a majority of the Directors or the Directors by way of a Directors’ resolution. |
| (c) | An alternate Director need not hold a Share qualification and shall not be counted in reckoning any maximum or minimum number of Directors allowed by these Articles. |
| 30.2 | Responsibility |
Every person acting as an alternate Director shall be an officer of the Company, shall alone be responsible to the Company for his own acts and defaults and shall not be deemed to be the agent of the Director appointing him.
| 30.3 | Participation at Directors’ meetings |
An alternate Director shall (subject to his giving to the Company an address at which notices may be served on him) be entitled to receive notice of all meetings of the Directors and all committees of the Directors of which his appointor is a member and, in the absence from such meetings of his appointor, to attend and vote at such meetings and to exercise all the powers, rights, duties and authorities of his appointor (other than the power to appoint an alternate Director). A Director acting as alternate Director shall have a separate vote at Directors’ meetings for each Director for whom he acts as alternate Director, but he shall count as only one for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.
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| 30.4 | lnterests |
An alternate Director shall be entitled to contract and be interested in and benefit from contracts or arrangements with the Company and to be repaid expenses and to be indemnified in the same way and to the same extent as a Director. However, he shall not be entitled to receive from the Company any fees for his services as alternate, except only such part (if any) of the fee payable to his appointor as such appointor may by notice in writing to the Company direct. Subject to this Article, the Company shall pay to an alternate Director such expenses as might properly have been paid to him if he had been a Director.
| 30.5 | Termination of appointment |
| (a) | An alternate Director shall cease to be an alternate Director: |
| (b) | if his appointor revokes his appointment by notice delivered to the Directors or to the Registered Office or in any other manner approved by the Directors; or |
| (c) | if his appointor ceases for any reason to be a Director, provided that if any Director retires but is re-appointed or deemed to be re-appointed at the same meeting, any valid appointment of the alternate Director which was in force immediately before his retirement shall remain in force; or |
| (d) | if any event happens in relation to him which, if he were a Director, would cause his office as Director to be vacated. |
| 31. | POWERS OF DIRECTORS |
| 31.1 | General powers to manage the Company’s business |
| (a) | Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, the Memorandum and these Articles and to any directions given by Special Resolution, the business of the Company shall be managed by the Directors, who may exercise all the powers of the Company. No alteration of the Memorandum or Articles and no such direction shall invalidate any prior act of the Directors which would have been valid if that alteration had not been made or that direction had not been given. |
| (b) | The powers given by this Article shall not be limited by any special power given to the Directors by these Articles and a duly convened meeting of Directors at which a quorum is present may exercise all powers exercisable by the Directors. |
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| 31.2 | Signing of cheques |
All cheques, promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange and other negotiable instruments and all receipts for monies paid to the Company shall be signed, drawn, accepted, endorsed or otherwise executed as the case may be in such manner as the Directors shall determine.
| 31.3 | Borrowing powers of Directors |
The Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part of its undertaking and property and to issue debentures, debenture stock, mortgages, bonds and other such securities whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party.
| 32. | PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS |
| 32.1 | Directors’ meetings |
Subject to the provisions of these Articles, the Directors may regulate their proceedings as they think fit.
| 32.2 | Voting |
Questions arising at any Directors’ meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of votes. In the case of an equality of votes, the chairman shall not have a second or casting vote. A Director who is also an alternate Director shall be entitled in the absence of his appointor to a separate vote on behalf of his appointor in addition to his own vote.
| 32.3 | Notice of a Directors’ meeting |
A Director or an alternate Director may, or any other officer of the Company at the request of a Director or alternate Director shall, call a meeting of the Directors by not less than twenty-four (24) hours’ notice. Notice of a meeting of the Directors must specify the time and place of the meeting and the general nature of the business to be considered, and shall be deemed to be given to a Director if it is given to him personally or by word of mouth or sent in writing to his last known address given to the Company by him for such purpose or given by electronic communications to an address for the time being notified to the Company by the Director. A Director may waive the requirement that notice of any Directors’ meeting be given to him, either at, before or after the meeting.
| 32.4 | Failure to give notice |
A Director or alternate Director who attends any Directors’ meeting waives any objection that he or she may have to any failure to give notice of that meeting. The accidental failure to give notice of a Directors’ meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice by, any person entitled to receive notice of that meeting does not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting or any resolution passed at that meeting.
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| 32.5 | Quorum |
No business shall be transacted at any meeting of the Directors unless a quorum is present. The quorum may be fixed by the Directors, and unless so fixed shall be two (2) if there are two or more Directors, and shall be one if there is only one Director. A person who holds office only as an alternate Director shall, if his appointor is not present, be counted in the quorum.
| 32.6 | Power to act notwithstanding vacancies |
The continuing Directors or sole continuing Director may act notwithstanding any vacancies in their number, but if the number of Directors is less than the number fixed as the quorum, the continuing Directors or Director may act only for the purpose of filling vacancies in that number, or for calling a general meeting of the Company.
| 32.7 | Chairman to preside |
The Directors may elect a chairman of their board and determine the period for which he is to hold office, but if no such chairman is elected, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within five minutes after the time appointed for the meeting, the Directors present may appoint one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.
| 32.8 | Validity of acts of Directors in spite of a formal defect |
All acts done by a meeting of the Directors or of a committee of Directors (including any person acting as an alternate Director) shall, notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was a defect in the appointment of any Director or alternate Director, or that they or any of them were disqualified from holding office (or had vacated office) or were not entitled to vote, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and qualified to be a Director or alternate Director as the case may be and had been entitled to vote.
| 32.9 | Directors’ meetings by telephone or other communication device |
A meeting of the Directors (or committee of Directors) may be held by means of any telephone, electronic or such other communications facilities that permit all persons in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. Unless otherwise determined by the Directors the meeting shall be deemed to be held at the place where the chairman is physically present.
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| 32.10 | Written resolutions of Directors |
A resolution in writing (in one or more counterparts) signed by all the Directors or all the members of a committee of Directors (an alternate Director being entitled to sign such a resolution on behalf of his appointor) shall be as valid and effective as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Directors, or committee of Directors as the case may be, duly convened and held. A resolution in writing is adopted when all the Directors (whether personally, by an alternate Director or by a proxy) have signed it.
| 32.11 | Appointment of a proxy |
A Director but not an alternate Director may be represented at any meeting of the Directors by a proxy appointed in writing by him. The proxy shall count towards the quorum and the vote of the proxy shall for all purposes be deemed to be that of the appointing Director. The authority of any such proxy shall be deemed unlimited unless expressly limited in the written instrument appointing him.
| 32.12 | Presumption of assent |
A Director (or alternate Director) present at a meeting of Directors is taken to have cast a vote in favour of a resolution of the Directors unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his written dissent from such action with the chairman or secretary of the meeting before the adjournment of the meeting or shall forward such dissent by registered post to such person immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a Director who voted in favour of a resolution of the Directors.
| 32.13 | Directors’ interests |
| (a) | Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and provided that he has declared to the Directors the nature and extent of any personal interest of his in a matter, transaction or arrangement, a Director or alternate Director notwithstanding his office may: |
| (i) | hold any office or place of profit in the Company, except that of Auditor; |
| (ii) | hold any office or place of profit in any other company or entity promoted by the Company or in which it has an interest of any kind; |
| (iii) | enter into any contract, transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested; |
| (iv) | act in a professional capacity (or be a member of a firm which acts in a professional capacity) for the Company, except as Auditor; |
| (v) | sign or participate in the execution of any document in connection with matters related to that interest; |
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| (vi) | participate in, vote on and be counted in the quorum at any meeting of the Directors that considers matters relating to that interest; and |
| (vii) | do any of the above despite the fiduciary relationship of the Director’s office: |
| (viii) | without any liability to account to the Company for any direct or indirect benefit accruing to the Director; and |
| (ix) | without affecting the validity of any contract, transaction or arrangement. |
| (b) | For the purposes of this Article, a general notice given to the Directors that a Director is to be regarded as having an interest of the nature and extent specified in the notice in any matter, transaction or arrangement for which a specified person or class of persons is interested shall be deemed to be a disclosure that the Director has an interest in any such matter, transaction or arrangement of the nature and extent so specified. |
| 32.14 | Minutes of meetings to be kept |
The Directors shall cause minutes to be made in books kept for the purpose of all appointments of officers made by the Directors, all proceedings at general and Class meetings of the Company and meetings of the Directors or committees of the Directors, including the names of the Directors or alternate Directors present at each meeting.
| 33. | DELEGATION OF DIRECTORS’ POWERS |
| 33.1 | Power of Directors to delegate |
The Directors may:
| (a) | delegate any of their powers, authorities and discretions to any person or committee consisting of one or more Directors and (if the Directors think fit) to one or more other persons in each case to such extent, by such means (including by power of attorney) and on such terms and conditions as the Directors think fit; |
| (b) | authorise any person or committee to whom powers, authorities and discretions are delegated under this Article by the Directors to further delegate some or all of those powers, authorities and discretions; |
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| (c) | delegate their powers, authorities and discretions under this Article either collaterally with or to the exclusion of their own powers, authorities and discretions; and |
| (d) | at any time revoke any delegation made under this Article by the Directors in whole or in part or vary its terms and conditions. |
| 33.2 | Delegation to Committees |
The Directors may delegate any of their powers, authorities and discretions, including the power to sub-delegate, to any committee consisting of one or more Directors (including, without limitation, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee). Any such delegation may be made subject to any conditions the Directors may impose and either collaterally with or to the exclusion of their own powers and any such delegation may be revoked or altered by the Directors. Subject to any such conditions, the proceedings of a committee of Directors shall be governed by the Articles regulating the proceedings of Directors, so far as they are capable of applying.
| 33.3 | Charters for committees |
The Directors may adopt formal written charters for committees and, if so adopted, shall review and assess the adequacy of such formal written charters if required by the rules and regulations of the Exchange, the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or any other competent regulatory authority or otherwise under applicable law. Each of these committees shall be empowered to do all things necessary to exercise the rights of such committee set forth in the written charters and shall have such powers as the Directors may delegate pursuant to the Articles and as required by the rules and regulations of the Exchange, the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or any other competent regulatory authority or otherwise under applicable law. Each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, if established, shall consist of such number of Directors as the Directors shall from time to time determine (or such minimum number as may be required from time to time by the rules and regulations of the Exchange, the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or any other competent regulatory authority or otherwise under applicable law). For so long as any class of Shares is listed on the Exchange, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall be made up of such number of Independent Directors as is required from time to time by the rules and regulations of the rules and regulations of the Exchange, the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or any other competent regulatory authority or otherwise under applicable law.
| 33.4 | Delegation to executive Directors |
The Directors may delegate to a Director holding executive office any of its powers, authorities and discretions for such time and on such terms and conditions as it shall think fit. The Directors may grant to a Director the power to sub-delegate, and may retain or exclude the right of the Directors to exercise the delegated powers, authorities or discretions collaterally with the Director. The Directors may at any time revoke the delegation or alter its terms and conditions.
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| 33.5 | Delegation to advisory committees or local boards |
| (a) | The Directors may establish any advisory committees or local or divisional board or agency for managing any of the affairs of the Company whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere and may appoint any persons to be members of such advisory committee or local or divisional board, or to be managers or agents, and may fix their remuneration. |
| (b) | The Directors may delegate to any advisory committee or local or divisional board, manager or agent any of its powers and authorities (with power to sub-delegate) and may authorise the members of any local or divisional board or any of them to fill any vacancies and to act notwithstanding vacancies. |
| (c) | Any appointment or delegation under this Article may be made on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Directors think fit and the Directors may remove any person so appointed, and may revoke or vary any delegation. |
| 33.6 | Proceedings of committees |
The proceedings of committes of the Directors must be conducted in acordance with any regulations imposed by the Directors, and, subject to to any such regulations, to the provisions of these Articles dealing with proceedings of Directors insofar as they are capable of applying.
| 33.7 | Appointing an attorney, agent or authorised signatory of the Company |
| (a) | The Directors may by power of attorney or otherwise appoint any person to be the attorney, agent or authorised signatory of the Company for such purpose and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Directors under these Articles) and for such period and subject to such conditions as they think fit. |
| (b) | Any such power of attorney or other appointment may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney, agent or authorised signatory as the Directors think fit and may also authorise any such attorney, agent or authorised signatory to delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions vested in such person. |
| 33.8 | Officers |
The Directors may appoint such officers (including a Secretary) as they consider necessary on such terms, at such remuneration and to perform such duties, and subject to such provisions as to disqualification and removal as the Directors think fit. Unless otherwise specified in the terms of his appointment, an officer may be removed from that office by resolution of the Directors or by Ordinary Resolution.
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| 34. | DIRECTORS’ RENUMERATION, EXPENSES AND BENEFITS |
| 34.1 | Fees |
The Company shall pay to the Directors (but not alternate Directors) for their services as Directors such aggregate amount of fees as the Directors may decide. The aggregate fees shall be divided among the Directors in such proportions as the Directors may decide or, if no decision is made, equally. A fee payable to a Director pursuant to this Article shall be distinct from any salary, remuneration or other amount payable to him pursuant to other provisions of these Articles and accrues from day to day.
| 34.2 | Expenses |
A Director may also be paid all travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by him in connection with his attendance at meetings of the Directors or of committees of the Directors or general meetings or separate meetings of the holders of any Class of Shares or otherwise in connection with the discharge of his duties as a Director, including (without limitation) any professional fees incurred by him (with the approval of the Directors or in accordance with any procedures stipulated by the Directors) in taking independent professional advice in connection with the discharge of such duties.
| 34.3 | Remuneration of executive Directors |
The salary or remuneration of a Director appointed to hold employment or executive office in accordance with the Articles may be a fixed sum of money, or wholly or in part governed by business done or profits made, or as otherwise decided by the Directors (including, for the avoidance of doubt, by the Directors acting through a duly authorised Directors’ committee), and may be in addition to or instead of a fee payable to him for his services as Director pursuant to these Articles.
| 34.4 | Special remuneration |
A Director who, at the request of the Directors, goes or resides abroad, makes a special journey or performs a special service on behalf of or for the Company (including, without limitation, services as a chairman of the board of Directors, services as a member of any committee of the Directors and services which the Directors consider to be outside the scope of the ordinary duties of a Director) may be paid such reasonable additional remuneration (whether by way of salary, bonus, commission, percentage of profits or otherwise) and expenses as the Directors (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Directors acting through a duly authorised Directors’ committee) may decide.
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| 34.5 | Pensions and other benefits |
The Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to provide pensions or other retirement or superannuation benefits and to provide death or disability benefits or other allowances or gratuities (by insurance or otherwise) for a person who is or has at any time been a Director, an officer or a director or an employee of a company which is or was a Group Undertaking, a company which is or was allied to or associated with the Company or with a Group Undertaking or a predecessor in business of the Company or of a Group Undertaking (and for any member of his family, including a spouse or former spouse, or a person who is or was dependent on him). For this purpose the Directors may establish, maintain, subscribe and contribute to any scheme, trust or fund and pay premiums. The Directors may arrange for this to be done by the Company alone or in conjunction with another person. A Director or former Director is entitled to receive and retain for his own benefit any pension or other benefit provided in accordance with this Article and is not obliged to account for it to the Company.
| 35. | SEAL |
| 35.1 | Directors to determine use of Seal |
The Company may, if the Directors so determine, have a Seal. The Seal shall only be used with the authority of the Directors or a committee of the Directors established for such purpose. Every document to which the Seal is affixed shall be signed by at least one person who shall be either a Director or some officer or other person appointed by the Directors for that purpose unless the Directors decide that, either general or in a particular case, that a signature may be dispensed with or affixed by mechanical means.
| 35.2 | Duplicate Seal |
The Company may have for use in any place or places outside the Cayman Islands a duplicate Seal or Seals each of which shall be a facsimile of the common Seal of the Company and, if the Directors so determine, with the addition on its face of the name of every place where it is to be used.
| 36. | DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND RESERVES |
| 36.1 | Declaration |
Subject to the Companies Act and these Articles, the Directors may declare dividends and distributions on any one or more Classes of Shares in issue and authorise payment of the dividends or distributions out of the funds of the Company lawfully available therefor. No dividend or distribution shall be paid except out of the realised or unrealised profits of the Company, or out of the share premium account, or as otherwise permitted by the Companies Act.
| 36.2 | lnterim dividends |
Subject to the Companies Act, the Directors may pay such interim dividends (including any dividend payable at a fixed rate) as appears to the Directors to be available for distribution. lf at any time the share capital of the Company is divided into different Classes, the Directors may pay such interim dividends on Shares which rank after Shares conferring preferential rights with regard to dividend as well as on Shares conferring preferential rights, unless at the time of payment any preferential dividend is in arrears. lf the Directors act in good faith, they shall not incur any liability to the holders of Shares conferring preferential rights for any loss that they may suffer by the lawful payment of an interim dividend on any Shares ranking after those with preferential rights.
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| 36.3 | Entitlement to dividends |
| (a) | Except as otherwise provided by these Articles or the rights attached to Shares: |
| (i) | a dividend shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up (otherwise than in advance of calls) on the nominal value of the Shares on which the dividend is paid; and |
| (ii) | dividends shall be apportioned and paid proportionately to the amounts paid up on the nominal value of the Shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid, but if any Share is issued on terms that it shall rank for dividend as from a particular date, it shall rank for dividend accordingly. |
| (b) | Except as otherwise provided by these Articles or the rights attached to Shares: |
| (i) | a dividend may be paid in any currency or currencies decided by the Directors; and |
| (ii) | the Company may agree with a Member that any dividend declared or which may become due in one currency will be paid to the Member in another currency, for which purpose the Directors may use any relevant exchange rate current at any time as the Directors may select for the purpose of calculating the amount of any Member’s entitlement to the dividend. |
| 36.4 | Payment methods |
| (a) | The Company may pay a dividend, interest or other amount payable in respect of a Share in cash or by cheque, warrant or money order or by a bank or other funds transfer system or (in respect of any uncertificated Share or any Share represented by a Depository Interest) through the Relevant System in accordance with any authority given to the Company to do so (whether in writing, through the Relevant System or otherwise) by or on behalf of the Member in a form or in a manner satisfactory to the Directors. Any joint holder or other person jointly entitled to a Share may give an effective receipt for a dividend, interest or other amount paid in respect of such Share. |
| (b) | The Company may send a cheque, warrant or money order by post: |
| (i) | in the case of a sole holder, to his registered address; |
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| (ii) | in the case of joint holders, to the registered address of the person whose name stands first in the Register of Members; |
| (iii) | in the case of a person or persons entitled by transmission to a Share, as if it were a notice given in accordance with Article 16; or |
| (iv) | in any case, to a person and address that the person or persons entitled to the payment may in writing direct. |
| (c) | Every cheque, warrant or money order shall be sent at the risk of the person or persons entitled to the payment and shall be made payable to the order of the person or persons entitled or to such other person or persons as the person or persons entitled may in writing direct. The payment of the cheque, warrant or money order shall be a good discharge to the Company. lf payment is made by a bank or other funds transfer or through the Relevant System, the Company shall not be responsible for amounts lost or delayed in the course of transfer. lf payment is made by or on behalf of the Company through the Relevant System: |
| (i) | the Company shall not be responsible for any default in accounting for such payment to the Member or other person entitled to such payment by a bank or other financial intermediary of which the Member or other person is a customer for settlement purposes in connection with the Relevant System; and |
| (ii) | the making of such payment in accordance with any relevant authority referred to in paragraph (a) above shall be a good discharge to the Company. |
| (d) | The Directors may: |
| (i) | lay down procedures for making any payments in respect of uncertificated Shares through the Relevant System; |
| (ii) | allow any holder of uncertificated Shares to elect to receive or not to receive any such payment through the Relevant System; and |
| (iii) | lay down procedures to enable any such holder to make, vary or revoke any such election. |
| (e) | The Directors may withhold payment of a dividend (or part of a dividend) payable to a person entitled by transmission to a Share until he has provided any evidence of his entitlement that the Directors may reasonably require. |
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| 36.5 | Deductions |
The Directors may deduct from any dividend or other amounts payable to any person in respect of a Share all such sums as may be due from him to the Company on account of calls or otherwise in relation to any Shares.
| 36.6 | Interest |
No dividend or other money payable in respect of a Share shall bear interest against the Company, unless otherwise provided by the rights attached to the Share.
| 36.7 | Unclaimed dividends |
All unclaimed dividends or other monies payable by the Company in respect of a Share may be invested or otherwise made use of by the Directors for the benefit of the Company until claimed. The payment of any unclaimed dividend or other amount payable by the Company in respect of a Share into a separate account shall not constitute the Company a trustee in respect of it. Any dividend unclaimed after a period of three (3) years from the date the dividend became due for payment shall be forfeited and shall revert to the Company.
| 36.8 | Uncashed dividends |
| (a) | lf, in respect of a dividend or other amount payable in respect of a Share: |
| (b) | a cheque, warrant or money order is returned undelivered or left uncashed; or |
| (c) | a transfer made by or through a bank transfer system and/or other funds transfer system(s) (including, without limitation, the Relevant System in relation to any uncertificated Shares) fails or is not accepted, on two consecutive occasions, or one occasion and reasonable enquiries have failed to establish another address or account of the person entitled to the payment, the Company shall not be obliged to send or transfer a dividend or other amount payable in respect of such Share to such person until he notifies the Company of an address or account to be used for such purpose. |
| 36.9 | Dividends in kind |
The Directors may direct that any dividend or distribution shall be satisfied wholly or partly by the distribution of assets (including, without limitation, paid up Shares or securities of any other body corporate). Where any difficulty arises concerning such distribution, the Directors may settle it as it thinks fit. ln particular (without limitation), the Directors may:
| (a) | issue fractional certificates or ignore fractions; |
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| (b) | fix the value for distribution of any assets, and may determine that cash shall be paid to any Member on the footing of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of Members; and |
| (c) | vest any assets in trustees on trust for the persons entitled to the dividend. |
| 36.10 | Scrip dividends |
| (a) | The Directors may offer any holders of ordinary Shares the right to elect to receive ordinary Shares, credited as fully paid, instead of cash in respect of the whole (or some part, to be determined by the Directors) of any dividend specified by the Ordinary Resolution, subject to the Companies Act and to the provisions of this Article. |
| (b) | The Directors may make any provision they consider appropriate in relation to an allotment made or to be made pursuant to this Article (whether before or after the passing or the Ordinary Resolution referred to in paragraph (a) of this Article), including (without limitation): |
| (i) | the giving of notice to holders of the right of election offered to them; |
| (ii) | the provision of forms of election and/or a facility and a procedure for making elections through the Relevant System (whether in respect of a particular dividend or dividends generally); |
| (iii) | determination of the procedure for making and revoking elections; |
| (iv) | the place at which, and the latest time by which, forms of election and other relevant documents must be lodged in order to be effective; |
| (v) | the disregarding or rounding up or down or carrying forward of fractional entitlements, in whole or in part, or the accrual of the benefit of fractional entitlements to the Company (rather than to the holders concerned); and |
| (vi) | the exclusion from any offer of any holders of ordinary Shares where the Directors consider that the making of the offer to them would or might involve the contravention of the laws of any territory or that for any other reason the offer should not be made to them. |
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| (c) | The dividend (or that part of the dividend in respect of which a right of election has been offered) shall not be payable on ordinary Shares in respect of which a valid election has been made (“the elected ordinary Shares”). Instead additional ordinary Shares shall be allotted to the holders of the elected ordinary Shares on the basis of allotment determined under this Article. For such purpose, the Directors may capitalise out of any amount for the time being standing to the credit of any reserve or fund of the Company (including any share premium account, capital redemption reserve and profit and loss account), whether or not available for distribution, a sum equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the additional ordinary Shares to be allotted on that basis and apply it in paying up in full the appropriate number of unissued ordinary Shares for allotment and distribution to the holders of the elected ordinary Shares on that basis. |
| (d) | The additional ordinary Shares when allotted shall rank equally in all respects with the fully paid ordinary Shares in issue on the record date for the dividend in respect of which the right of election has been offered, except that they will not rank for any dividend or other entitlement which has been declared, paid or made by reference to such record date. |
| (e) | The Directors may: |
| (i) | do all acts and things which it considers necessary or expedient to give effect to any such capitalisation, and may authorise any person to enter on behalf of all the Members interested into an agreement with the Company providing for such capitalisation and incidental matters and any agreement so made shall be binding on all concerned; |
| (ii) | establish and vary a procedure for election mandates in respect of future rights of election and determine that every duly effected election in respect of any ordinary Shares shall be binding on every successor in title to the holder of such Shares; and |
| (iii) | terminate, suspend or amend any offer of the right to elect to receive ordinary Shares in lieu of any cash dividend at any time and generally implement any scheme in relation to any such offer on such terms and conditions as the Directors may from time to time determine and take such other action as the Directors may deem necessary or desirable from time to time in respect of any such scheme. |
| 36.11 | Reserves |
The Directors may set aside out of the profits of the Company and carry to reserve such sums as it thinks fit. Such sums standing to reserve may be applied, at the Directors’ discretion, for any purpose to which the profits of the Company may properly be applied and, pending such application, may either be employed in the business of the Company or be invested in such investments as the Directors thinks fit. The Directors may divide the reserve into such special funds as it thinks fit and may consolidate into one fund any special funds or any parts of any special funds into which the reserve may have been divided as it thinks fit. The Directors may also carry forward any profits without placing them to reserve.
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| 36.12 | Capitalisation of profits and reserves |
The Directors may, with the authority of an Ordinary Resolution:
| (a) | subject to this Article, resolve to capitalise any undivided profits of the Company not required for paying any preferential dividend (whether or not available for distribution) or any sum standing to the credit of any reserve or fund of the Company (including any share premium account, capital redemption reserve and profit and loss account), whether or not available for distribution; |
| (b) | appropriate the sum resolved to be capitalised to the holders of ordinary Shares in proportion to the nominal amounts of the Shares (whether or not fully paid) held by them respectively which would entitle them to participate in a distribution of that sum if the Shares were fully paid and the sum were then distributable and were distributed by way of dividend and apply such sum on their behalf either in or towards paying up the amounts, if any, unpaid on any Shares held by them respectively, or in paying up in full unissued Shares or debentures of the Company of a nominal amount equal to that sum, and allot the Shares or debentures credited as fully paid to those holders of ordinary Shares or as the Directors may direct, in those proportions, or partly in one way and partly in the other, but so that the share premium account, the capital redemption reserve and any profits or reserves which are not available for distribution may, for the purposes of this Article, only be applied in paying up unissued Shares to be allotted to Members credited as fully paid; |
| (c) | resolve that any Shares so allotted to any Member in respect of a holding by him of any partly paid Shares shall, so long as such Shares remain partly paid, rank for dividend only to the extent that such partly paid Shares rank for dividend; |
| (d) | make such provision by the issue of fractional certificates (or by ignoring fractions or by accruing the benefit of fractions to the Company rather than to the holders concerned) or by payment in cash or otherwise as the Directors may determine in the case of Shares or debentures becoming distributable in fractions; |
| (e) | authorise any person to enter on behalf of all the Members concerned into an agreement with the Company providing for either: |
| (i) | the allotment to them respectively, credited as fully paid, of any further Shares or debentures to which they are entitled upon such capitalisation; or |
| (ii) | the payment up by the Company on behalf of such Members by the application thereto of their respective proportions of the reserves or profits resolved to be capitalised, of the amounts or any part of the amounts remaining unpaid on their existing Shares, and so that any such agreement shall be binding on all such Members; and |
| (f) | generally do all acts and things required to give effect to such resolution. |
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| 37. | SHARE PREMIUM ACCOUNT |
| 37.1 | Directors to maintain share premium account |
The Directors shall establish a share premium account in accordance with the Companies Act. They shall carry to the credit of that account from time to time an amount equal to the amount or value of the premium paid on the issue of any Share or capital contributed or such other amounts required by the Companies Act.
| 37.2 | Debits to share premium account |
| (a) | The following amounts shall be debited to any share premium account: |
| (i) | on the redemption or purchase of a Share, the difference between the nominal value of that Share and the redemption or purchase price; and |
| (ii) | any other amount paid out of a share premium account as permitted by the Companies Act. |
| (b) | Notwithstanding paragraph (a) above, on the redemption or purchase of a Share, the Directors may pay the difference between the nominal value of that Share and the redemption purchase price out of the profits of the Company or, as permitted by the Companies Act, out of capital. |
| 38. | DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS |
Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the Company shall not be obliged to make any payment to a Member in respect of a dividend, repurchase, redemption or other distribution if the Directors suspect that such payment may result in the breach or violation of any applicable laws or regulations (including, without limitation, any anti-money laundering laws or regulations) or such refusal is required by the laws and regulations governing the Company or its service providers.
| 39. | BOOKS OF ACCOUNT |
| 39.1 | Books of account to be kept |
The Directors shall cause proper books of account to be kept with respect to all sums of money received and expended by the Company and the matters in respect of which the receipt or expenditure takes place, all sales and purchases of goods by the Company and the assets and liabilities of the Company. Proper books shall not be deemed to be kept if there are not kept such books of account as are necessary to give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the Company and to explain its transactions.
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| 39.2 | Inspection by Members |
The Directors shall from time to time determine whether and to what extent and at what times and places and under what conditions or regulations the accounts and books of the Company or any of them will be open to the inspection of Members (not being Directors). No Member (not being a Director) shall have any right of inspecting any account or book or document of the Company except as conferred by the Companies Act by order of the court or authorised by the Directors or by Ordinary Resolution.
| 39.3 | Accounts required by law |
The Directors shall cause to be prepared and to be laid before the Company at each annual general meeting profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, group accounts (if any) and such other reports and accounts as may be required by law.
| 39.4 | Retention of records |
All books of account maintained by the Company shall be retained for a period of at least five years, or such longer period required by any applicable law or regulation from time to time.
| 40. | AUDITOR |
| 40.1 | Appointment of Auditor |
The Directors or, if authorised to do so, the Audit Committee, may appoint an Auditor who shall hold office until removed from office by a resolution of the Directors, and may fix the Auditor’s remuneration.
| 40.2 | Rights of Auditor |
The Auditor shall have a right of access at all times to the books and accounts and vouchers of the Company and shall be entitled to require from the Directors and officers of the Company such information and explanation as may be necessary for the performance of the duties of the Auditor.
| 40.3 | Reporting requirements of Auditor |
Auditors shall, if so required by the Directors, make a report on the accounts of the Company during their tenure of office at the next general meeting following their appointment, and at any other time during their term of office, upon request of the Directors or any general meeting of the Company.
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| 41. | NOTICES |
| 41.1 | Forms of notices |
| (a) | Any notice to be given to or by any person pursuant to these Articles (other than a notice calling a meeting of the Directors) shall be in writing or shall be given using electronic communications to an address for the time being notified for that purpose to the person giving the notice, except that a notice to a holder of any uncertificated Shares or given in respect of any such Shares may be given electronically through the Relevant System (if permitted by, and subject to, the facilities and requirements of the Relevant System and subject to compliance with any relevant requirements of the Exchange Rules and/or the Exchange). |
| (b) | (ln this Article “address”, in relation to electronic communications, includes any number or address used for the purposes of such communications). |
| 41.2 | Service on Members |
| (a) | A notice or other document may be given by the Company to any Member either personally or by sending it by post in a pre-paid envelope addressed to such Member at his registered address or by leaving it at that address or by giving it using electronic communications to an address for the time being notified to the Company by the Member, or by any other means authorised in writing by the Member concerned or (in the case of a notice to a Member holding uncertificated Shares) by transmitting the notice through the Relevant System. |
| (b) | ln the case of joint holders of a Share, all notices and documents shall be given to the person whose name stands first in the Register of Members in respect of that Share. Notice so given shall be sufficient notice to all the joint holders. |
| (c) | Any notice or other document to be given to a Member may be given by reference to the Register of Members as it stands at any time within the period of 21 days before the day that the notice is given or (where and as applicable) within any other period permitted by, or in accordance with the requirements of, (to the extent applicable) the Exchange Rules and/or the Exchange. No change in the Register of Members after that time shall invalidate the giving of such notice or document or require the Company to give such item to any other person. |
| (d) | lf on three consecutive occasions notices or other documents have been sent through the post to any Member at his registered address or his address for the service of notices but have been returned undelivered, such Member shall not be entitled to receive notices or other documents from the Company until he shall have communicated with the Company and supplied in writing a new registered address for the service of notices. |
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| (e) | lf on three consecutive occasions notices or other documents have been sent using electronic communications to an address for the time being notified to the Company by the Member and the Company becomes aware that there has been a failure of transmission, the Company shall revert to giving notices and other documents to the Member by post or by any other means authorised in writing by the Member concerned. Such Member shall not be entitled to receive notices or other documents from the Company using electronic communications until he shall have communicated with the Company and supplied in writing a new address to which notices or other documents may be sent using electronic communications. |
| 41.3 | Evidence of giving notice |
| (a) | A notice or other document addressed to a Member at his registered address shall be, if sent by post or airmail, deemed to have been given at the time forty-eight (48) hours after posting if pre-paid as first class post and at the time 48 hours after posting if pre-paid as second class post. ln proving that notice has been given it shall be sufficient to prove that the envelope containing the notice or document was properly addressed, pre-paid and posted. |
| (b) | A notice or other document addressed to a Member at an address to which notices may be sent using electronic communications shall be, if sent by electronic communications, deemed to have been given at the expiration of forty-eight (48) hours after the time it was sent. |
| (c) | A notice or other document not sent by post but: |
| (i) | left at a registered address or address for giving notice shall be deemed to be given on the day it is left; and |
| (ii) | given through the Relevant System shall be deemed to be given when the Company or other relevant person acting on the Company’s behalf sends the relevant instruction or other relevant message in respect of such notice. |
| (d) | A Member present either in person or by proxy, or in the case of a corporate Member by a duly authorised representative, at any meeting of the Company or of the holders of any Class of Shares shall be deemed to have received due notice of such meeting and, where required, of the purposes for which it was called. |
| 41.4 | Notice binding on transferees |
A person who becomes entitled to a Share by transfer, transmission or otherwise shall be bound by any notice in respect of that Share which, before his name is entered in the Register of Members, has been given to the person from whom he derives his title.
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| 41.5 | Notice to persons entitled by transmission |
A notice or other document may be given by the Company to a person entitled by transmission to a Share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Member or otherwise by sending or delivering it in any manner authorised by these Articles for the giving of notice to a Member, addressed to that person by name, or by the title of representative of the deceased or trustee of the bankrupt or by any similar or equivalent description, to the address to which notices have been requested to be sent for that purpose by the person claiming to be so entitled. Until such an address has been supplied, a notice or other document may be given in any manner in which it might have been given if the event giving rise to the transmission had not occurred. The giving of notice in accordance with this Article shall be sufficient notice to all other persons interested in the Share.
| 42. | WINDING UP |
| 42.1 | Method of winding up |
| (a) | If the Company shall be wound up, and the assets available for distribution amongst the Members shall be insufficient to repay the whole of the share capital, such assets shall be distributed so that, as nearly as may be, the losses shall be borne by the Members in proportion to the par value of the Shares held by them. |
| (b) | If in a winding up the assets available for distribution amongst the Members shall be more than sufficient to repay the whole of the share capital at the commencement of the winding up, the surplus shall be distributed amongst the Members in proportion to the par value of the Shares held by them at the commencement of the winding up subject to a deduction from those Shares in respect of which there are monies due, of all monies payable to the Company. |
| (c) | This Article is without prejudice to the rights of the holders of Shares issued upon special terms and conditions. |
| 42.2 | Distribution of assets in a winding up |
Subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to any Class of Shares, on a winding up of the Company the liquidator may, with the sanction of a Special Resolution of the Company and any other sanction required by the Companies Act, distribute among the Members the whole or any part of the assets of the Company (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may for that purpose:
| (a) | decide how the assets are to be distributed as between the Members or different Classes of Members; |
| (b) | value the assets to be distributed in such manner as the liquidator thinks fit; and |
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| (c) | vest the whole or any part of any assets in such trustees and on such trusts for the benefit of the Members entitled to the distribution of those assets as the liquidator sees fit, but so that no Member shall be obliged to accept any assets in respect of which there is any liability. |
| 43. | INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE |
| 43.1 | Indemnity and limitation of liability of Directors and officers |
| (a) | To the maximum extent permitted by law, every current and former Director and officer of the Company (excluding an Auditor) (each an “Indemnified Person”), shall be entitled to be indemnified out of the assets of the Company against any liability, action, proceeding, claim, demand, costs, damages or expenses, including legal expenses (each a “Liability”), which such Indemnified Person may incur in that capacity unless such Liability arose as a result of the actual fraud or wilful default of such person. |
| (b) | No Indemnified Person shall be liable to the Company for any loss or damage resulting (directly or indirectly) from such Indemnified Person carrying out his or her duties unless that liability arises through the actual fraud or wilful default of such Indemnified Person. |
| (c) | For the purpose of these Articles, no Indemnified Person shall be deemed to have committed “actual fraud” or “wilful default” until a court of competent jurisdiction has made a final, non-appealable finding to that effect. |
| 43.2 | Advance of legal fees |
The Company shall advance to each Indemnified Person reasonable legal fees and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with the defence of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation involving such Indemnified Person for which indemnity will or could be sought. In connection with any such advance of expenses, the Indemnified Person shall execute an undertaking to repay the advanced amount to the Company if it is determined that the Indemnified Person was not entitled to indemnification under these Articles.
| 43.3 | Indemnification to form part of contract |
The indemnification and exculpation provisions of these Articles are deemed to form part of the employment contract or terms of appointment entered into by each Indemnified Person with the Company and accordingly are enforceable by such persons against the Company.
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| 43.4 | Insurance |
The Directors may purchase and maintain insurance for or for the benefit of any Indemnified Person including (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) insurance against any Liability incurred by such persons in respect of any act or omission in the actual or purported execution or discharge of their duties or the exercise or purported exercise of their powers or otherwise in relation to or in connection with their duties, powers or offices in relation to the Company.
| 44. | REQUIRED DISCLOSURE |
If required to do so under the laws of any jurisdiction to which the Company (or any of its service providers) is subject, or in compliance with Exchange Rules of any Exchange, or to ensure the compliance by any person with any anti-money laundering legislation in any relevant jurisdiction, any Director, officer or service provider (acting on behalf of the Company) shall be entitled to release or disclose any information in its possession regarding the affairs of the Company or a Member, including, without limitation, any information contained in the Register of Members or subscription documentation of the Company relating to any Member.
| 45. | FINANCIAL YEAR |
Unless the Directors resolve otherwise, the financial year of the Company shall end on 31 December in each year and, following the year of incorporation, shall begin on 1 January in each year.
| 46. | TRANSFER BY WAY OF CONTINUATION |
The Company shall, with the approval of a Special Resolution, have the power to register by way of continuation to a jurisdiction outside of the Cayman Islands in accordance with the Companies Act.
| 47. | MERGERS AND CONSOLIDATIONS |
The Company shall, with the approval of a Special Resolution, have the power to merge or consolidate with one or more constituent companies (as defined in the Companies Act), upon such terms as the Directors may determine.
| 48. | AMENDMENT OF MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES |
| 48.1 | Power to change name or amend Memorandum |
Subject to the Companies Act, the Company may, by Special Resolution:
| (a) | change its name; or |
| (b) | change the provisions of its Memorandum with respect to its objects, powers or any other matter specified in the Memorandum. |
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| 48.2 | Power to amend these Articles |
Subject to the Companies Act and as provided in these Articles, the Company may, by Special Resolution, amend these Articles in whole or in part.
| 49. | TAX TRANSPARENCY REPORTING |
| 49.1 | Each RCP Shareholder shall provide the Company on a timely basis with any documents, tax certifications, financial and other information (collectively “Tax Reporting Information”) as the Company may request in connection with the Company’s compliance with any legal and tax information reporting and exchange obligations applicable to it under the laws of the Cayman Islands or any other applicable jurisdiction (collectively, “Tax Reporting Obligations”), including, without limitation, any Tax Reporting Obligations under any Cayman Islands laws, regulations or guidance notes that give effect to: (i) the United States’ Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act; (ii) the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Common Reporting Standard; and (iii) any additional inter-governmental agreement or treaty entered into by, or otherwise binding upon the Cayman Islands that provides for the exchange of tax information with another jurisdiction. |
| 49.2 | The Company shall have the power to release, report or otherwise disclose to the Department for International Tax Cooperation in the Cayman Islands (or any other authority as may be required under the Tax Reporting Obligations) any Tax Reporting Information provided by a Member to the Company and any other information held by the Company in respect of the Member’s investment in the Company, in connection with the Tax Reporting Obligations, including, without limitation, in relation to the identity, address, tax identification number, tax status and interest in the Company of the Member (and any of its direct or indirect owners or affiliates). |
| 49.3 | If a RCP Shareholder fails to provide the Company with any requested Tax Reporting Information on a timely basis and such failure results, or may result, in the Company’s inability to comply with its Tax Reporting Obligations or if the Company is otherwise unable to comply with its Tax Reporting Obligations as a result of the direct or indirect action (or inaction) of a RCP Shareholder, the Company may: |
| (a) | compulsorily repurchase some or all of such Member’s Shares without notice at a price per Share equal to the fair value of such Shares (as determined by the Directors) and may deduct or withhold from such redemption proceeds any penalty, debt, withholding or back up tax, costs, expenses, obligations, liabilities or other adverse consequences (collectively, “Tax Reporting Liabilities”) imposed on the Company, its Members and/or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, managers, shareholders and/or partners as a result of such failure, action or inaction by such Member; and/or |
| (b) | re-designate, immediately and without consent, such Member’s Shares as belonging to a separate class and create a separate internal account in respect of such Shares so that any Tax Reporting Liabilities may be allocated solely to that class and debited from such class. |
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Exhibit 4.2
FORM OF REPRESENTATIVE’S WARRANTS
THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT AGREES BY HIS, HER OR ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, THAT SUCH HOLDER WILL NOT FOR A PERIOD OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) DAYS BEGINNING ON THE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF SALES OF THE OFFERING: (A) SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS PURCHASE WARRANT OR THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE HEREUNDER TO ANYONE OTHER THAN OFFICERS OR PARTNERS OF US TIGER SECURITIES, INC., EACH OF WHOM SHALL HAVE AGREED TO THE RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, IN ACCORDANCE WITH FINRA CONDUCT RULE 5110(E), OR (B) CAUSE THIS PURCHASE WARRANT OR THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE HEREUNDER TO BE THE SUBJECT OF ANY HEDGING, SHORT SALE, DERIVATIVE, PUT OR CALL TRANSACTION THAT WOULD RESULT IN THE EFFECTIVE ECONOMIC DISPOSITION OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT OR THE SECURITIES HEREUNDER, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED FOR IN FINRA RULE 5110(E)(2).
THIS PURCHASE WARRANT IS EXERCISABLE AFTER THE CLOSING DATE, VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, [●].
ORDINARY SHARES PURCHASE WARRANT
For the Purchase of [●] Ordinary Shares
of
AGROZ INC.
1. Purchase Warrant. THIS ORDINARY SHARES PURCHASE WARRANT (this “Purchase Warrant”) certifies that, pursuant to that certain Underwriting Agreement by and between Agroz Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”) and US Tiger Securities, Inc. (“US Tiger”), dated [●], 2025 (the “Underwriting Agreement”), US Tiger (in such capacity with its permitted successors or assigns, the “Holder”), as registered owner of this Purchase Warrant, is entitled, at any time or from time to time from [●] (the “Exercise Date”) , and at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, [●], (the “Expiration Date”), but not thereafter, to subscribe for, purchase and receive, in whole or in part, up to [●] ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), of the Company, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5 hereof. If the Expiration Date is a day on which banking institutions are authorized by law or executive order to close, then this Purchase Warrant may be exercised on the next succeeding day which is not such a day in accordance with the terms herein, provided, however, for clarification, that banking institutions shall not be deemed to be authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed due to “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) of banking institutions in The City of New York generally are open for use by customers on such day. During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the Expiration Date, the Company agrees not to take any action that would terminate this Purchase Warrant. This Purchase Warrant is initially exercisable at $[●] per Share (120% of the price of the Shares sold in the Offering); provided, however, that upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 5 hereof, the rights granted by this Purchase Warrant, including the exercise price per Share and the number of Shares to be received upon such exercise, shall be adjusted as therein specified. The term “Exercise Price” shall mean the initial exercise price or the adjusted exercise price, depending on the context. Any term not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Underwriting Agreement.
2. Exercise.
2.1 Exercise Form. In order to exercise this Purchase Warrant, the exercise form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Exercise Form”) must be duly executed and completed and delivered to the Company, together with this Purchase Warrant and payment of the Exercise Price for the Shares being purchased payable in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company or by certified check or official bank check to the order of the Company. If the subscription rights represented hereby shall not be exercised at or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date, this Purchase Warrant shall become and be void without further force or effect, and all rights represented hereby shall cease and expire.
2.2 Cashless Exercise. In lieu of exercising this Purchase Warrant by payment of cash or check payable to the order of the Company pursuant to Section 2.1 above, Holder may elect to receive the number of Shares equal to the value of this Purchase Warrant (or the portion thereof being exercised), by surrender of this Purchase Warrant to the Company, together with the Exercise Form, in which event the Company shall issue to Holder, Shares in accordance with the following formula:
X = Y(A – B)
A
| Where, | X = The number of Shares to be issued to Holder; |
Y = The number of Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Purchase Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise;
A = The fair market value of one Share; and
B = The Exercise Price of this Purchase Warrant, as adjusted hereunder.
For purposes of this Section 2.2, the fair market value of a Share is defined as follows:
(i) if the Company’s ordinary shares are traded on a securities exchange, the value shall be deemed to be the closing price on such exchange on the trading day immediately prior to the Exercise Form being submitted to the Company in connection with the exercise of this Purchase Warrant; or
(ii) if the Company’s ordinary shares are actively traded over-the-counter, the value shall be deemed to be the closing bid price on the trading day immediately prior to the Exercise Form being submitted to the Company in connection with the exercise of the Purchase Warrant; if there is no active public market, the value shall be the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors.
(iii) if there is no market for the ordinary shares, the value shall be the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors.
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2.3 Legend.
(i) Each certificate for the securities purchased under this Purchase Warrant shall bear a legend as follows:
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A LOCK-UP PERIOD OF ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY (180) DAYS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES (FILE NO. 333-284322)) AND MAY NOT BE (A) SOLD, TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED TO ANYONE OTHER THAN US TIGER SECURITIES, INC. OR BONA FIDE OFFICERS OR PARTNERS OF US TIGER SECURITIES, INC., OR (B) CAUSED TO BE THE SUBJECT OF ANY HEDGING, SHORT SALE, DERIVATIVE, PUT OR CALL TRANSACTION THAT WOULD RESULT IN THE EFFECTIVE ECONOMIC DISPOSITION OF THIS SECURITIES HEREUNDER, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED FOR IN FINRA RULE 5110(E)(2).”
(ii) Each certificate for the securities purchased under this Purchase Warrant shall bear a legend as follows unless such securities have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”):
“The securities represented by this certificate have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), or applicable state law. Neither the securities nor any interest therein may be offered for sale, sold or otherwise transferred except pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act, or pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Act and applicable state law which, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, is available.”
3. Transfer.
3.1 General Restrictions. The registered Holder of this Purchase Warrant agrees by his, her or its acceptance hereof, that such Holder will not for a period of six (6) months beginning on the date of commencement of sales of the Offering: (a) sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate this Purchase Warrant or the securities hereunder to anyone other than: (i) US Tiger or a selected dealer participating in the Offering contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement, or (ii) officers or partners of US Tiger, each of whom shall have agreed to the restrictions contained herein, in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(e), or (b) cause this Purchase Warrant or the securities issuable hereunder to be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of this Purchase Warrant or the securities hereunder, except as provided for in FINRA Rule 5110(e)(2). The registered Holder of this Purchase Warrant will have the option to exercise their warrants at any time, provided that such shares are not transferred during the lock-up period; the six-month lock period will remain on these underlying shares. The registered Holder of this Purchase Warrant shall have the option to exercise, transferred or assign their warrants at any time from issuance but the six-month lock period shall remain in effect for the underlying shares. On and after that date that is six months after the date of commencement of sales of the Offering, transfers to others may be made subject to compliance with or exemptions from applicable securities laws. In order to make any permitted assignment, the Holder must deliver to the Company the assignment form attached hereto as Exhibit B duly executed and completed, together with this Purchase Warrant and payment of all transfer taxes, if any, payable in connection therewith. The Company shall, within five (5) Business Days, transfer this Purchase Warrant on the books of the Company and shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant or Purchase Warrants of like tenor to the appropriate assignee(s) expressly evidencing the right to purchase the aggregate number of Shares purchasable hereunder or such portion of such number as shall be contemplated by any such assignment.
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3.2 Restrictions Imposed by the Act. The securities evidenced by this Purchase Warrant shall not be transferred unless and until: (i) the Company has received the opinion of counsel for the Holder that the securities may be transferred pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Act and applicable state securities laws, the availability of which is established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company, (ii) a Registration Statement relating to the offer and sale of such securities that includes a current prospectus has been filed and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and compliance with applicable state securities law has been established.
4. New Purchase Warrants to be Issued.
4.1 Partial Exercise or Transfer. Subject to the restrictions in Section 3 hereof, this Purchase Warrant may be exercised or assigned in whole or in part. In the event of the exercise or assignment hereof in part only, upon surrender of this Purchase Warrant for cancellation, together with the duly executed exercise or assignment form and funds sufficient to pay any Exercise Price and/or transfer tax if exercised pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the Holder without charge a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor to this Purchase Warrant in the name of the Holder evidencing the right of the Holder to purchase the number of Shares purchasable hereunder as to which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised or assigned.
4.2 Lost Certificate. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Purchase Warrant and of reasonably satisfactory indemnification or the posting of a bond, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Purchase Warrant of like tenor and date. Any such new Purchase Warrant executed and delivered as a result of such loss, theft, mutilation or destruction shall constitute a substitute contractual obligation on the part of the Company.
5. Adjustments.
5.1 Adjustments to Exercise Price and Number of Shares. The Exercise Price and the number of Shares underlying this Purchase Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as hereinafter set forth:
5.1.1 Share Dividends; Split Ups. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 5.3 below, the number of outstanding Shares is increased by a stock dividend payable in Shares or by a split up of Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective day thereof, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be increased in proportion to such increase in outstanding shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately decreased.
5.1.2 Aggregation of Shares. If, after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 5.3 below, the number of outstanding Shares is decreased by a consolidation, combination or reclassification of Shares or other similar event, then, on the effective date thereof, the number of Shares purchasable hereunder shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding shares, and the Exercise Price shall be proportionately increased.
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5.1.3 Replacement of Shares upon Reorganization, etc. In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Shares other than a change covered by Section 5.1.1 or Section 5.1.2 hereof or that solely affects the par value of such Shares, or in the case of any share reconstruction or amalgamation or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation in which the Company is the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding Shares), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which the Company is dissolved, the Holder of this Purchase Warrant shall have the right thereafter (until the expiration of the right of exercise of this Purchase Warrant) to receive upon the exercise hereof, for the same aggregate Exercise Price payable hereunder immediately prior to such event, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, share reconstruction or amalgamation, or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, by a Holder of the number of Shares of the Company obtainable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant immediately prior to such event; and if any reclassification also results in a change in Shares covered by Section 5.1.1 or Section 5.1.2, then such adjustment shall be made pursuant to Section 5.1.1, Section 5.1.2 and this Section 5.1.3. The provisions of this Section 5.1.3 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, reorganizations, share reconstructions or amalgamations, or consolidations, sales or other transfers.
5.1.4 Changes in Form of Purchase Warrant. This form of Purchase Warrant need not be changed because of any change pursuant to this Section 5.1, and Purchase Warrants issued after such change may state the same Exercise Price and the same number of Shares as are stated in the Purchase Warrants initially issued pursuant to this Agreement. The acceptance by any Holder of the issuance of new Purchase Warrants reflecting a required or permissive change shall not be deemed to waive any rights to an adjustment occurring after the date hereof or the computation thereof.
5.2 Substitute Purchase Warrant. In case of any consolidation of the Company with, or share reconstruction or amalgamation of the Company with or into, another corporation (other than a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation which does not result in any reclassification or change of the outstanding Shares), the corporation formed by such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation shall execute and deliver to the Holder a supplemental Purchase Warrant providing that the holder of each Purchase Warrant then outstanding or to be outstanding shall have the right thereafter (until the stated expiration of such Purchase Warrant) to receive, upon exercise of such Purchase Warrant, the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property receivable upon such consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation, by a holder of the number of Shares of the Company for which such Purchase Warrant might have been exercised immediately prior to such consolidation, share reconstruction or amalgamation, sale or transfer. Such supplemental Purchase Warrant shall provide for adjustments which shall be identical to the adjustments provided for in this Section 5. The above provision of this Section 5 shall similarly apply to successive consolidations or share reconstructions or amalgamations.
5.3 Elimination of Fractional Interests. The Company shall not be required to issue certificates representing fractions of Shares upon the exercise of the Purchase Warrant, nor shall it be required to issue scrip or pay cash in lieu of any fractional interests, it being the intent of the parties that all fractional interests shall be eliminated by rounding any fraction up or down, as the case may be, to the nearest whole number of Shares or other securities, properties or rights.
6. Registration Rights. The Company has filed the Registration Statement with the Commission, which has been declared effective on Form F-1 (File No. 333-284322), and registers the underlying shares of the Purchase Warrant(s) granted to the Holder(s) in connection to the Offering, under the terms of the Underwriting Agreement.
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6.1 Demand Registration.
6.1.1 Grant of Right. Unless all of the Registrable Securities (defined as below) are included in an effective registration statement with a current prospectus, the Company, upon written demand (“Demand Notice”) of the Holder(s) of at least 51% of the Representative’s Warrants and/or the underlying securities (“Majority Holder(s)”), agrees to register on one occasion, all or any portion of the remaining Shares (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”) as requested by the Majority Holder(s) in the Demand Notice, provided that no such registration will be required unless the Holders request registration of an aggregate of at least 51% of the outstanding Registrable Securities. On such occasion, the Company will file a new registration statement or a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities within sixty (60) days after receipt of the Demand Notice and use its best efforts to have such registration statement or post-effective amendment declared effective as soon as possible thereafter. The demand for registration may be made at any time after one (1) year from the date of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, but no later than five (5) years from the effective date of the Registration Statement. The Company covenants and agrees to give written notice of its receipt of any Demand Notice by any Holder(s) to all other registered Holders of the Representative’s Warrants and/or the Registrable Securities within ten (10) days from the date of the receipt of any such Demand Notice, who shall have five days from the receipt of such Notice in which to notify the Company of their desire to have their Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement.
6.1.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Registrable Securities upon the Demand Notice. The Company agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to qualify or register the Registrable Securities in such States as are reasonably requested by the Majority Holder(s); provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be required to register the Registrable Securities in a State in which such registration would cause (i) the Company to be obligated to qualify to do business in such State or execute a general consent to service of process, or would subject the Company to taxation as a foreign corporation doing business in such jurisdiction or (ii) the principal shareholders of the Company to be obligated to escrow their shares of capital stock of the Company. The Company shall cause any registration statement or post-effective amendment filed pursuant to the demand rights granted under Section 6.1.1 to remain effective for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months from the effective date of such registration statement or post-effective amendment or until the Holders have completed the distribution of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement, whichever occurs first.
6.1.3. Deferred Filing. If (i) in the good faith judgment of the Board, filing a registration statement pursuant to Section 6.1 would be seriously detrimental to the Company and the Board concludes, as a result, that it is essential to defer the filing of such registration statement at such time, and (ii) the Company shall furnish to such Holders a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board it would be seriously detrimental to the Company for such registration statement to be filed in the near future and that it is, therefore, essential to defer the filing of such registration statement, then the Company shall have the right to defer such filing on two occasions for an aggregate of not more than one hundred and twenty (120) days in any twelve-month period.
6.1.4. No Cash Settlement Option. The Company is only required to use its best efforts to cause a registration statement covering issuance of the Registrable Securities underlying the Representative’s Warrant to be declared effective, and once effective, only to use its best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement. The Company will not be obligated to deliver securities, and there are no contractual penalties for failure to deliver securities, if a registration statement is not effective at the time of exercise. Additionally, in no event is the Company obligated to settle any Representative’s Warrant, in whole or in part, for cash in the event it is unable to register the Registrable Securities.
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6.2 “Piggy-Back” Registration.
6.2.1 Grant of Right. Unless all of the Registrable Securities are included in an effective registration statement with a current prospectus, the Holders of the Representative’s Warrants shall have the right for a period of not more than three (3) years from the date of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, to include the remaining Registrable Securities as part of any other registration of securities filed by the Company (other than in connection with a transaction contemplated by Rule 145(a) promulgated under the Act or pursuant to Form S-8 or any successor or equivalent form); provided, however, that if, in the written opinion of the Company’s managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, for such offering, the inclusion of the Registrable Securities, when added to the securities being registered by the Company or the selling shareholder(s), will exceed the maximum amount of the Company’s securities which can be marketed (i) at a price reasonably related to their then current market value, and (ii) without materially and adversely affecting the entire offering, then the Company will still be required to include the Registrable Securities, but may require the Holders to agree, in writing, to delay the sale of all or any portion of the Registrable Securities for a period of ninety (90) days from the effective date of the offering, provided, further, that if the sale of any Registrable Securities is so delayed, then the number of securities to be sold by all shareholders in such public offering shall be apportioned pro rata among all such selling shareholders, including all holders of the Registrable Securities, according to the total amount of securities of the Company owned by said selling shareholders, including all holders of the Registrable Securities.
6.2.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Registrable Securities. In the event of such a proposed registration, the Company shall furnish the then Holders of outstanding Registrable Securities with not less than fifteen (15) days written notice prior to the proposed date of filing of such registration statement. Such notice to the Holders shall continue to be given for each applicable registration statement filed (during the period in which the Representative’s Warrant is exercisable) by the Company until such time as all of the Registrable Securities have been registered and sold. The holders of the Registrable Securities shall exercise the “piggy-back” rights provided for herein by giving written notice, within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the Company’s notice of its intention to file a registration statement. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause any registration statement filed pursuant to the above “piggyback” rights that does not relate to a firm commitment underwritten offering to remain effective for at least nine (9) consecutive months from the effective date of such registration statement or until the Holders have completed the distribution of the Registrable Securities in the registration statement, whichever occurs first.
7. Reservation and Listing. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized Shares, solely for the purpose of issuance upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant, such number of Shares or other securities, properties or rights as shall be issuable upon the exercise thereof. The Company covenants and agrees that, upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant and payment of the Exercise Price therefor, in accordance with the terms hereby, all Shares and other securities issuable upon such exercise shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to preemptive rights of any shareholder. As long as this Purchase Warrant shall be outstanding, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Shares issuable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant to be listed (subject to official notice of issuance) on all national securities exchanges (or, if applicable, on the OTC Bulletin Board or any successor trading market) on which the Shares issued to the public in the Offering may then be listed and/or quoted.
8. Certain Notice Requirements.
8.1 Holder’s Right to Receive Notice. Nothing herein shall be construed as conferring upon the Holders the right to vote or consent or to receive notice as a shareholder for the election of directors or any other matter, or as having any rights whatsoever as a shareholder of the Company. If, however, at any time prior to the expiration of the Purchase Warrants and their exercise, any of the events described in Section 8.2 shall occur, then, in one or more of said events, the Company shall give written notice of such event at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date fixed as a record date or the date of closing the transfer books (the “Notice Date”) for the determination of the shareholders entitled to such dividend, distribution, conversion or exchange of securities or subscription rights, or entitled to vote on such proposed dissolution, liquidation, winding up or sale. Such notice shall specify such record date or the date of the closing of the transfer books, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall deliver to each Holder a copy of each notice given to the other shareholders of the Company at the same time and in the same manner that such notice is given to the shareholders.
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8.2 Events Requiring Notice. The Company shall be required to give the notice described in this Section 8 upon one or more of the following events: (i) if the Company shall take a record of the holders of its Shares for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend or distribution payable otherwise than in cash, or a cash dividend or distribution payable otherwise than out of retained earnings, as indicated by the accounting treatment of such dividend or distribution on the books of the Company, (ii) the Company shall offer to all the holders of its Shares any additional shares of capital stock of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company, or any option, right or warrant to subscribe therefor, or (iii) a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company (other than in connection with a consolidation or share reconstruction or amalgamation) or a sale of all or substantially all of its property, assets and business shall be proposed.
8.3 Notice of Change in Exercise Price. The Company shall, promptly after an event requiring a change in the Exercise Price pursuant to Section 5 hereof, send notice to the Holders of such event and change (“Price Notice”). The Price Notice shall describe the event causing the change and the method of calculating same and shall be certified as being true and accurate by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
8.4 Transmittal of Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications under this Purchase Warrant shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly made (1) when hand delivered, (2) when mailed by express mail or private courier service, (3) if sent by electronic mail, on the day the notice was sent if during regular business hours and, if sent outside of regular business hours, on the following business day, or (4) when the event requiring notice is disclosed in all material respects and filed in a Current Report on Form 6-K prior to the Notice Date: (i) if to the registered Holder of the Purchase Warrant, to the address of such Holder as shown on the books of the Company, or (ii) if to the Company, to following address or to such other address as the Company may designate by notice to the Holders:
If to the Holder:
US Tiger Securities, Inc.
437 Madison Ave., 27th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Email: lei.huang@ustigersecurities.com
Attention: Lei Huang
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
1750 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1000
McLean, VA 22102
Email: Jason.Simon@gtlaw.com
Attention: Jason Simon, Esq.
If to the Company:
No. 2, Lorong Teknologi 3/4A
Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara,
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Email: gerard@agrozgroup.com
Attention: Gerard Kim Meng Lim, Chief Executive Officer
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9. Miscellaneous.
9.1 Amendments. The Company and US Tiger may from time to time supplement or amend this Purchase Warrant without the approval of any of the Holders in order to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision contained herein that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, or to make any other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising hereunder that the Company and US Tiger may deem necessary or desirable and that the Company and US Tiger deem shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders. All other modifications or amendments shall require the written consent of and be signed by the party against whom enforcement of the modification or amendment is sought.
9.2 Headings. The headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference, and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Purchase Warrant.
9.3 Entire Agreement. This Purchase Warrant (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Purchase Warrant) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
9.4 Binding Effect. This Purchase Warrant shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be binding upon, the Holder and the Company and their permitted assignees and respective successors and no other person shall have or be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of or by virtue of this Purchase Warrant or any provisions herein contained.
9.5 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction. This Purchase Warrant shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof. Each of the Company and Holder hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of, or relating in any way to this Purchase Warrant shall be brought and enforced in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York (each, a “New York Court”), and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. Each of the Company and Holder hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. Any process or summons to be served upon the Company or the Holder may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 8.4 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim. The Company and the Holder agree that the prevailing party(ies) in any such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) all of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action or proceeding and/or incurred in connection with the preparation therefor.
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9.6 Waiver, etc. The failure of the Company or the Holder to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way affect the validity of this Purchase Warrant or any provision hereof or the right of the Company or any Holder to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Purchase Warrant. No waiver of any breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Purchase Warrant shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought; and no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment.
9.7 Exchange Agreement. As a condition of the Holder’s receipt and acceptance of this Purchase Warrant, Holder agrees that, at any time prior to the complete exercise of this Purchase Warrant by Holder, if the Company and US Tiger enter into an agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which they agree that all outstanding Purchase Warrants will be exchanged for securities or cash or a combination of both, then Holder shall agree to such exchange and become a party to the Exchange Agreement.
9.8 Execution in Counterparts. This Purchase Warrant may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto. Such counterparts may be delivered by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission.
9.9 Restrictions. The Holder acknowledges that the Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Purchase Warrant, if not registered, and the Holder does not utilize cashless exercise, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws.
9.10 Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Purchase Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Purchase Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Purchase Warrant.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Purchase Warrant to be signed by its duly authorized officer as of the [●] day of [●], 2025.
| AGROZ INC. | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | Gerard Kim Meng Lim | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
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EXHIBIT A
EXERCISE FORM
Form to be used to exercise Purchase Warrant:
Date: __________, 20___
The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to exercise the Purchase Warrant for ______ Shares of Agroz Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”) and hereby makes payment of $____ (at the rate of $____ per Share) in payment of the Exercise Price pursuant thereto. Please issue the Shares as to which this Purchase Warrant is exercised in accordance with the instructions given below and, if applicable, a new Purchase Warrant representing the number of Shares for which this Purchase Warrant has not been exercised.
or
The undersigned hereby elects irrevocably to convert its right to purchase ___ Shares under the Purchase Warrant for ______ Shares, as determined in accordance with the following formula:
X = Y(A – B)
A
Where,
X = The number of Shares to be issued to Holder;
Y = The number of Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Purchase Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Purchase Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise;
A = The fair market value of one Share; and
B = The Exercise Price of this Purchase Warrant, as adjusted hereunder
The undersigned agrees and acknowledges that the calculation set forth above is subject to confirmation by the Company and any disagreement with respect to the calculation shall be resolved by the Company in its sole discretion.
Signature
Signature Guaranteed
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
Name:
(Print in Block Letters)
Address:
NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank, other than a savings bank, or by a trust company or by a firm having membership on a registered national securities exchange.
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EXHIBIT B
ASSIGNMENT FORM
Form to be used to assign Purchase Warrant:
(To be executed by the registered Holder to effect a transfer of the within Purchase Warrant):
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, does hereby sell, assign and transfer unto the right to purchase shares of Agroz Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”), evidenced by the Purchase Warrant and does hereby authorize the Company to transfer such right on the books of the Company to
_______________________________________________ whose address is
_______________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________
Dated: ____________, 20__
Holder’s Signature: _____________________________
Holder’s Address: _____________________________
_____________________________
Signature Guaranteed: ___________________________________________
NOTICE: The signature to this form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within Purchase Warrant without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank or trust company. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to assign the foregoing Purchase Warrant.
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Exhibit 5.1

Agroz Inc.
P.O. Box 31119
Grand Pavilion, Hibiscus Way
802 West Bay Road, Grand Cayman, KY1-1205
Cayman Islands
Dear Sirs and Mesdames
Agroz Inc. (the “Company”)
1. Background
We have acted as counsel as to Cayman Islands law to the Company in connection with the listing of securities of the Company pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form F-1, including all amendments or supplements thereto, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) (including its exhibits, the “Registration Statement”) for the purposes of, registering with the Commission under the Act, the offering and sale to the public of Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.0001 per Ordinary Share, of the Company, including any Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Representative's Warrants (as defined in the Registration Statement) (the “Securities”).
This opinion letter (this “Opinion”) is given in accordance with the terms of the Legal Matters section of the Registration Statement.
Capitalised terms used in this Opinion shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Opinion and/or the Schedules to this Opinion.
“Carey Olsen” in the Cayman Islands is the business name of Carey Olsen Cayman Limited, a body corporate recognised under the Legal Practitioners (Incorporated Practice) Regulations (as revised). The use of the title “Partner” is merely to denote seniority. Services are provided on the basis of our current terms of business, which can be viewed at: http://www.careyolsen.com/terms-business. CO Services Cayman Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority as the holder of a corporate services licence (No. 624643) under the Companies Management Act (as revised).

Page 2
2. Scope of Opinion
This Opinion is given only on the laws of the Cayman Islands in force at the date of this Opinion and is based solely on matters of fact known to us at the date of this Opinion. We have not investigated the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction other than the Cayman Islands (such laws or regulations other than those of the Cayman Islands, collectively, “Foreign Laws”). We express no opinion as to matters of fact or, unless expressly stated otherwise, the veracity of any representations or warranties given in or in connection with any of the documents set out in Schedule 1.
3. Documents Reviewed and Enquiries Made
In giving this Opinion we have reviewed originals, copies, conformed copies, certified copies or notarised copies of the documents set out in Schedule 1.
4. Assumptions and Qualifications
This Opinion is given on the basis that the assumptions set out in Schedule 2 (which we have not independently investigated or verified) are true, complete and accurate in all respects. In addition, this Opinion is subject to the qualifications set out in Schedule 3.
5. Opinions
We are of the opinion that:
5.1 Due incorporation, existence and status
The Company has been duly incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Act (as revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Companies Act”), is validly existing and was, as of the date of the Certificate of Good Standing, in good standing with the Registrar.
5.2 Issuance of Securities
The Securities to be offered and issued by the Company, as contemplated by the Registration Statement, will be duly authorised for issue, and when issued by the Company against payment in full of the consideration as set out in the Registration Statement and in accordance with the terms set out in the Registration Statement, such Securities will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a share is only issued when it has been entered in the register of members (shareholders).
5.3 Taxation
There is currently no form of income, inheritance, gift, withholding, corporate or capital gains tax applicable to the Company in the Cayman Islands.

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6. Reliance
Except as specifically referred to in this Opinion we have not examined, and give no opinion on, any contracts, instruments or other documents. We do not give any opinion on the commercial merits of any transaction contemplated or entered into under or pursuant to the Registration Statement.
This Opinion (and any obligations arising out of or in connection with it) is given on the basis that it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands. By relying on the opinions set out in this Opinion the addressee(s) hereby irrevocably agree(s) that the courts of the Cayman Islands are to have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise in connection with this Opinion. We assume no responsibility to advise any person entitled to rely on this Opinion, or to undertake any investigations, as to any change in Cayman Islands law (or its application) or factual matters arising after the date of this Opinion, which might affect the opinions set out herein.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.1 and Exhibit 8.1 to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing however, this Opinion is addressed to, and is solely for the benefit of, the addressee and may not be relied upon by any other person without our prior written consent.
Yours faithfully,
Carey Olsen

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SCHEDULE 1
DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
A. Documents Reviewed
| 1. | The certificate of incorporation of the Company dated 8 August 2023 and the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company adopted on 17 February 2025, included as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement, to be in effect upon the consummation of the sale of the Securities in accordance with the Registration Statement (collectively, the “Articles”). |
| 2. | A certificate of good standing relating to the Company issued by the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands (the “Registrar”) (the “Certificate of Good Standing”). |
| 3. | The register of members of the Company certified as a true copy thereof (the “Register of Members”). |
| 4. | The unanimous written resolutions of the directors of the Company (the “Directors”) (the “Resolutions”). |
| 5. | Minutes of a meeting of the shareholders of the Company (the “Shareholders”) held on 17 February 2025 (the “Shareholder Meeting”). |
| 6. | The Registration Statement. |
B. Scope
The above are the only documents we have examined for the purposes of this Opinion.

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SCHEDULE 2
ASSUMPTIONS
| 1. | No invitation, whether directly or indirectly, has been made to the public in the Cayman Islands to subscribe for the Securities. |
| 2. | The conformity to the original documents of all copy documents supplied to us (whether in hard or soft copy format). |
| 3. | The authenticity, accuracy and completeness of all documents supplied to us, whether as originals or copies. |
| 4. | The genuineness of all signatures, stamps, initials, seals, dates and markings on documents submitted to us. |
| 5. | Where we have been provided with a document in executed form or with only the signature page of an executed document, that such executed document does not differ from the latest draft version of the document provided to us and, where a document has been reviewed by us in draft or specimen form, it will be or has been executed in the form of that draft or specimen. |
| 6. | There is no document or other information or matter that has not been provided or disclosed to us, which could affect the accuracy of this Opinion. |
| 7. | No Foreign Law qualifies or affects this Opinion. |
| 8. | There is no contractual or other obligation, prohibition or restriction (other than arising by operation of the laws of the Cayman Islands or as set out in the Articles) which may limit the Company's ability to issue the Securities. |
| 9. | The Articles will be the memorandum and articles of association of the Company in effect at the time of the issuance of the Securities and the number of Securities at the time of issuance shall not exceed the then-authorised share capital of the Company available for issuance. |
| 10. | The Resolutions remain in full force and effect and have not been amended, modified, supplemented, revoked, rescinded or terminated in any way. |
| 11. | The minutes of the Shareholder Meeting are a true and correct record of the proceedings of the Shareholder Meeting, which was duly convened and held and at which a quorum was present throughout in the manner prescribed in the Articles. The resolutions set out in the minutes of the Shareholder Meeting remain in full force and effect and have not been amended, modified, supplemented, revoked, rescinded or terminated in any way. |
| 12. | The power and authority of the Company and the Directors have not been restricted in any way other than as set out in the Articles. |
| 13. | The Directors at the date hereof are, and at the date of the Resolutions were: Gerard Lim Kim Meng and Lim Chun Hoo. |
| 14. | There is nothing in the corporate records or minute book of the Company (which we have not inspected) which would affect this Opinion. |

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schedule 3
QUALIFICATIONS
| 1. | In order to maintain the Company in good standing with the Registrar, annual fees must be paid and annual filings must be made with the Registrar within the prescribed periods. |
| 2. | Any issue of Securities or alteration to the status of the members of the Company will be void if made: |
| (a) | without the consent of the court and after the date of the commencement of a winding up of the Company by the court; or |
| (b) | without the consent of the liquidator and after the commencement of a voluntary winding up of the Company. |
| 3. | Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members (shareholders) is prima facie evidence of title to shares and this register would not record a third party interest in such shares. However, there are certain limited circumstances where an application may be made to a Cayman Islands court for a determination on whether the register of members reflects the correct legal position. Further, the Cayman Islands court has the power to order that the register of members maintained by a company should be rectified where it considers that the register of members does not reflect the correct legal position. As far as we are aware, such applications are rarely made in the Cayman Islands and for the purposes of the opinion given in paragraph 5.2, there are no circumstances or matters of fact known to us on the date of this opinion letter which would properly form the basis for an application for an order for rectification of the register of members of the Company, but if such an application were made in respect of the Securities, then the validity of such shares may be subject to re-examination by a Cayman Islands court. |
| 4. | In this Opinion, the phrase “non-assessable” means, with respect to the issuance of Securities, that a shareholder shall not, in respect of the relevant Securities and in the absence of a contractual arrangement or an obligation pursuant to the memorandum and articles of association to the contrary, have any obligation to make further contributions to the Company's assets (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil). |

Exhibit 5.2

March 6, 2025
Agroz Inc.
No. 2, Lorong Teknologi 3/4A
Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Malaysia
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Agroz Inc., an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Company”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-284322) (such registration statement, as amended through the date hereof, the “Registration Statement”) and the prospectus forming part of the registration statement (“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to the proposed offer and sale by the Company (the “Offering”) of (i) ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (“Ordinary Shares”) of the Company (the “Shares”), (ii) warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares to be issued to the representative of the underwriters for the Offering and its affiliates or employees (the “Representative’s Warrants”), and (iii) the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrants (the “Representative’s Warrant Shares,” and, collectively with the Shares and the Representative’s Warrants, the “Securities”).
This opinion letter is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
We have reviewed originals or copies of the Registration Statement; the Prospectus; the form of underwriting agreement for the Offering; the form of Representative’s Warrant; and such other corporate records, agreements and documents of the Company, certificates or comparable documents of public officials and officers of the Company and have made such other investigations as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions set forth below.
In rendering the opinion set forth below, we have assumed:
| a. | the genuineness of all signatures; |
| b. | the legal capacity of natural persons; |
| c. | the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals; |
| d. | the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as duplicates or conformed copies; |
| e. | as to matters of fact, the truthfulness of the representations made in certificates or comparable documents of public officials and officers of the Company; |
| f. | neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Underwriting Agreement nor the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the Securities: (i) conflicts or will conflict with the organizational documents of the Company, (ii) contravenes or will contravene any order or decree of any governmental authority to which the Company or its property is subject, or (iii) violates or will violate any law, rule or regulation to which the Company or its property is subject (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (iii) with respect to the Opined-on Law (as defined below). |
We have not independently established the validity of the foregoing assumptions.
Our opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York (the “Opined-on Law”) and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. This opinion letter speaks only as of its date.
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion that the Representative’s Warrants, when issued and sold by the Company in the manner contemplated in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, will constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, under the laws of the State of New York, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.2 to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP
Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP
1185 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS | 31ST FLOOR | NEW
YORK, NY | 10036
T (212) 930-9700 | F (212) 930-9725 | WWW.SRFC.LAW
Exhibit 8.2
D A T E : March 6, 2025
AGROZ INC.
No. 2, Lorong Teknologi 3/4A
Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Malaysia
Attention: Board of Directors
Dear Sirs
RE: LEGAL OPINION IN RESPECT OF MALAYSIAN LAWS RELATING TO THE MALAYSIAN SUBSIDIARY OF AGROZ INC. (“LISTCO”), AGROZ GROUP SDN BHD (REGISTRATION NO. 202001037832 (1394153-D)) (“AGSB”)
| 1. | Introduction |
| 1.1. | In connection with the initial public offering of the ordinary shares of the ListCo (“Ordinary Shares”) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, under the registration statement on Form F-1, as amended (the “Registration Statement”), to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the listing of the Ordinary Shares of ListCo, being the holding company of AGSB, to the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq” and such listing, “Listing”), we have been requested to provide this legal opinion in respect of the applicable laws and regulations of Malaysia (“Malaysian Laws”) relating to AGSB (such legal opinion, “Opinion”). |
| 1.2. | We act as the Malaysian legal advisers of the ListCo and AGSB in connection with the Listing and are qualified to practice law in Malaysia and to provide this Opinion. |
| 2. | Assumptions |
| 2.1. | This Opinion is given only as to, and based on, circumstances and matters of fact existing and known to us on the date of this Opinion. |
| 2.2. | This Opinion only relates to Malaysian Laws which are in force on the date of this Opinion. We have made no investigation of, and do not express or imply any views on, the laws of any country other than Malaysia or on matters which do not relate to legal matters in Malaysia. |

Loke Mansion
273A Jalan Medan Tuanku
50300 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
T +603 2691 0803
F +603 2693 4475
E ca@cheangariff.com
www.cheangariff.com
FOUNDER-CONSULTANT
Tan Sri Dato’ Mohamad
Ariff Bin Md Yusof
PARTNERS
Dato’ Loh Siew Cheang
Loy Tuan Bee
Tan Ming-li
Chong Wei Lung
Yoon Ming Sun
Cindy Goh Joo Seong
Yeat Soo Ching
Siew See See
Abdullah Abdul Rahman
Brian Foong Mun Loong
Kelvin Seet Wan Nam
Adriel Lau Jin Son
Andrew Fernandez
Cindy Cheang Foong Kim
Eolanda Yeo Jin Huay
Verene Tan Yeen Yi
Dennis Yuean Jin Han
Lim Ke Xin
Vendee Chai
Loong Wai Teng
Goh Ee Von
Anson Chee Weng Kian
Lim Lay Yee
A list of associates is available upon request.
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| 2.3. | We relied on the following assumptions, which we have not independently verified: |
| 2.3.1. | AGSB is not subject to legal, arbitral, administrative or other proceedings in any jurisdiction other than Malaysia and no such proceedings have been threatened against AGSB. No steps have been taken to commence the winding up, dissolution or de-registration of AGSB nor have the directors or the members/shareholders taken any steps to have AGSB struck off or placed in liquidation. No steps have been taken to wind up, dissolve or de- register AGSB. No receiver has been appointed over any properties or assets of AGSB; |
| 2.3.2. | there is nothing under any law (other than Malaysian Laws) which would or might affect this Opinion. Specifically, we have made no independent investigation of the laws of the jurisdictions (other than Malaysian Laws) in which the respective shareholders of AGSB are registered or incorporated or established; and |
| 2.3.3. | any statement as to any matter of fact provided to us in connection with this Opinion in any correspondence by any director or the secretary of AGSB or any other person was true and accurate when given and remains so as at the date of this Opinion. |
| 3. | Qualifications |
| 3.1. | We express no opinion on the following: |
| 3.1.1. | any taxation laws of any jurisdiction other than the Malaysian Laws; |
| 3.1.2. | the effect of any systems of law (other than the Malaysian Laws) even in cases where, under Malaysian Laws, any foreign law should be applied, and we therefore assume that any applicable law (other than the Malaysian Laws) would not affect or qualify this Opinion; and |
| 3.1.3. | on matters of fact or commercial matters. |
| 3.2. | This Opinion speaks as of the date hereof and no obligation is assumed to update this Opinion or to inform any person of any changes of law or other matters (including matters of fact) coming to our knowledge and occurring after the date of this Opinion which may affect this Opinion in any respect. |
| 3.3. | This Opinion is strictly limited to the matters contained herein and do not extend to any other matters. |
Cheang & Ariff Loke Mansion, 273A, Jalan Medan Tuanku, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
T +603 2691 0803 F +603 2693 4475 E ca@cheangariff.com www.cheangariff.com
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| 4. | Opinion |
| 4.1. | Subject to the assumptions and qualifications made in this Opinion and having regard to such legal considerations as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that all statements set forth in the Registration Statement under the following sections: |
| 4.1.1. | Risk Factors (only with respect to the Malaysian Laws applicable to AGSB); |
| 4.1.2. | Dividend Policy; |
| 4.1.3. | Business (only with respect to the intellectual properties owned by AGSB in Malaysia); |
| 4.1.4. | Regulations; |
| 4.1.5. | Enforceability of Civil Liabilities; and |
| 4.1.6. | Legal Matters. |
(the sections referred to in this Section 4.1, collectively, the “Relevant Sections”)
in each case insofar as such statement in each Relevant Section describes or summarises the Malaysian Laws or proceedings referred to in the applicable Relevant Sections, each such statement is true and accurate in all material respects, and fairly presents and summarises in all material respects the Malaysia Laws or proceedings referred to in the applicable Relevant Sections, and nothing has been omitted from such statement which would make such statement misleading in any material respect.
| 4.2. | The disclosure(s) featuring our opinions in the Registration Statement under the Relevant Sections constitutes our opinion. |
| 5. | Purposes |
| 5.1. | This Opinion is addressed to and for the benefit solely of the recipients and their legal counsel and may not be relied upon by any other person for any purpose, save for disclosures to the Nasdaq, the SEC or any other regulators as the ListCo considers necessary and appropriate. |
| 5.2. | This Opinion may not be quoted or referred to in any public document or filed with any governmental or other authorities, nor may it be transmitted or disclosed (in whole or part) to any other person without our prior written consent, except (i) as a filed exhibit to the Registration Statement; (ii) the display on the website of the Nasdaq for a period of 14 days from the date of the final prospectus, if any part of this Opinion is extracted from the final prospectus; and (iii) (A) in any legal proceedings, potential dispute or claim in connection with the offering of the Ordinary Shares; or (B) in connection with any regulatory inquiry or investigation; or (C) if you are required to do so by relevant laws, listing rules and/or regulations, or any competent regulatory authority. |
Cheang & Ariff Loke Mansion, 273A, Jalan Medan Tuanku, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
T +603 2691 0803 F +603 2693 4475 E ca@cheangariff.com www.cheangariff.com
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| 6. | Consent |
| 6.1. | We hereby consent to the use of this Opinion in, and the filling of this Opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference of our name in such Registration Statement. |
Please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned if you require any assistance or clarifications.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
for CHEANG & ARIFF
| Justine Teoh Biing Chian | Yeat Soo Ching | |
| Associate | Partner | |
| DID : +603 2691 0803 | DID : +603 2693 7766 | |
| FAX : +603 2693 4475 | FAX : +603 2693 4475 | |
| EMAIL : justineteoh@cheangariff.com | EMAIL : yeatsooching@cheangariff.com |
Cheang & Ariff Loke Mansion, 273A, Jalan Medan Tuanku, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
T +603 2691 0803 F +603 2693 4475 E ca@cheangariff.com www.cheangariff.com
Exhibit 23.1
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent
We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement of Agroz Inc. on Amendment No.2 to Form F-1 (File No. 333-284322) of our report dated August 20, 2024, which includes an explanatory paragraph as to Agroz Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern, with respect to our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Agroz Inc. as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2023, which report appears in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the heading “Experts” in such Prospectus.
/s/ Marcum Asia CPAs LLP
Marcum Asia CPAs LLP
New York, New York
March 6, 2025
NEW YORK OFFICE • 7 Penn Plaza • Suite 830 • New York, New York • 10001
Phone 646.442.4845 • Fax 646.349.5200 • www.marcumasia.com
Exhibit 99.5
March 6, 2025
Via Edgar Correspondence
Nicholas O’Leary
Conlon Danberg
Christie Wong
Li Xiao
Division of Corporation Finance
Office of Industrial Applications and Services
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street NE
Washington, DC 20549
| Re: | Agroz Inc. Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form F-1 CIK No. 0002009233 Request for Waiver and Representation under Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F |
Dear Mr. O’Leary, Mr. Danberg, Ms. Wong, and Ms. Xiao:
The undersigned, Agroz Inc., a foreign private issuer organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Company”), is submitting this letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) in connection with the Company’s registration statement on Form F-1, as amended, initially filed on January 16, 2025 (the “Registration Statement”) relating to a proposed initial public offering and listing of the Company’s ordinary shares in the United States.
The Company has included in the Registration Statement its audited consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and for each of the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2024, and for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.
The Company respectfully requests that the Commission waive the requirement of Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F, which states that in the case of a company’s initial public offering, the registration statement on Form F-1 must contain audited financial statements of a date not older than 12 months from the date of the offering (the “12-Month Requirement”). See also Division of Corporation Finance, Financial Reporting Manual, Section 6220.3.
The Company is submitting this waiver request pursuant to Instruction 2 to Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F, which provides that the Commission will waive the 12-Month Requirement “in cases where the company is able to represent adequately to us that it is not required to comply with this requirement in any other jurisdiction outside the United States and that complying with this requirement is impracticable or involves undue hardship.” See also the 2004 release entitled International Reporting and Disclosure Issues in the Division of Corporation Finance (available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/internatl/cfirdissues1104.htm) by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Commission at Section III.B.c, in which the staff notes that:
“the instruction indicates that the staff will waive the 12-month requirement where it is not applicable in the registrant’s other filing jurisdictions and is impracticable or involves undue hardship. As a result, we expect that the vast majority of IPOs will be subject only to the 15-month rule. The only times that we anticipate audited financial statements will be filed under the 12-month rule are when the registrant must comply with the rule in another jurisdiction, or when those audited financial statements are otherwise readily available.”
In connection with this waiver request, the Company represents to the Commission that:
| 1. | The Company is not required by any jurisdiction outside the United States to prepare consolidated financial statements audited under any generally accepted auditing standards for any interim period. | |
| 2. | Full compliance with Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F at present is impracticable and involves undue hardship for the Company. | |
| 3. | The Company does not anticipate that its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 will be available until April 2025. | |
| 4. | In no event will the Company seek effectiveness of the Registration Statement if its audited financial statements are older than 15 months at the time of the Company’s initial public offering. |
The Company will file this letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement pursuant to Instruction 2 to Item 8.A.4 of Form 20-F.
| Sincerely, | |
| /s/ Gerard Kim Meng Lim | |
| Gerard Kim Meng Lim, Chief Executive Officer |