KUCHING, July 27: Former Miss World Malaysia Datin Sri Jacqueline Ngu Hia Kee, who is originally from Sarawak, has acquired seven million shares, or 5.1 per cent of Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd (MGRC), making her a significant shareholder in the company.
According to several national news outlets, MGRC stated in a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Tuesday (July 25) that Ngu acquired her stake in the genomics and biopharmaceutical specialist on Monday, but did not specify the purchase price.
However, considering MGRC’s closing share price of 45.5 sen on the same day, her stake could potentially be worth around RM3.19 million.
The 27th edition of the Miss World Malaysia pageant, known as Miss Malaysia World 1993, took place on August 15, 1993. The event was held at the Grand Mahkota Ballroom, located in the Istana Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. At the conclusion of the event, Fazira Wan Chek, who held the title of Miss Malaysia World 1992, passed on her crown to Ngu, who was chosen as her successor. Afterwards, Ngu went on to represent Malaysia at Miss World 1993.
In a statement, MGRC chairman Azri Azerai expressed his satisfaction with Ngu joining the company. He also emphasised the importance of having individuals like her, who bring valuable contributions, become part of the team.
“We are delighted to welcome Ngu to MGRC and Rinani Group and look forward to adding more valued individuals like her to the group. With her insight and support, we will seize opportunities that will capitalise the growth of MGRC in the long run,” Azri said, as quoted by news reports.
He added that Ngu has an underlying passion for improving the quality of life, particularly in life sciences, wellness, and beauty, which MGRC’s dedication to healthcare and sciences attributes to.
Before Ngu acquired a stake, Rinani Group Bhd had also become a significant shareholder of MGRC two weeks ago by purchasing a 5.85 per cent stake in the company. According to a filing by MGRC on July 18, it later raised its stake to 11.21 per cent.
In addition, MGRC has announced the successful completion of a private placement that the company undertook to raise funds for its expansion.
The private placement involved the issuance of seven million ordinary shares at an issue price of 41 sen per placement share. This resulted in gross proceeds of approximately RM2.87 million.
The allocated funds will be used for the company’s working capital and to cover the estimated expenses associated with the private placement.
As part of its expansion strategy, MGRC is currently exploring various initiatives, one of which involves the possibility of rebranding from ‘Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd’ to ‘Rinani Life Sciences Bhd’.
Other plans include a proposed reduction in issued share capital and the implementation of a long-term incentive plan that could cover up to 30 per cent of total issued share capital.
At the end of the trading session, MGRC’s share price increased by 0.5 sen or 1.1 per cent to reach 46 sen. This resulted in a market capitalisation of RM59.25 million for the company. — DayakDaily
