Alset Inc. 10-K

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. This Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained in this Form 10-K that are not statements of historical fact including, without limitation, statements under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” regarding the Company’s financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” or “continue” or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, many of which are not within our control. These factors include by are not limited to economic conditions generally and in the industries in which we may participate; competition within our chosen industry, including competition from much larger competitors; technological advances and failure to successfully develop business relationships. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in our filings with the SEC. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Report. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Business Overview We are a diversified holding company principally engaged through our subsidiaries in the development of EHome communities and other real estate, financial services, digital transformation technologies, biohealth activities and consumer products with operations in the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and South Korea. We manage our three principal businesses primarily through our 85.5% owned subsidiary, Alset International Limited, a public company traded on the Singapore Stock Exchange. Through this subsidiary (and indirectly, through other public and private U.S. and Asian subsidiaries), we are actively developing real estate projects near Houston, Texas in our real estate segment. In our digital transformation technology segment we focus on serving business-to-business (B2B) needs in e-commerce, collaboration and social networking functions. Our biohealth segment includes the sale of consumer products. 35 We also have ownership interests outside of Alset International, including a 36.9% equity interest in American Pacific Bancorp Inc., an indirect 13% equity interest in Holista CollTech Limited, a 44.4% equity interest in DSS, an indirect 48.7% equity interest in VEII, a 0.5% equity interest in New Electric CV Corporation (“NECV”, formerly known as “American Wealth Mining Inc.”) and a 33.4% equity interest in SHRG . American Pacific Bancorp Inc. is a financial network holding company. Holista CollTech Limited is a public Australian company that produces natural food ingredients (ASX: HCT). DSS is a multinational company operating businesses within nine divisions: product packaging, biotechnology, direct marketing, commercial lending, securities and investment management, alternative trading, digital transformation, secure living, and alternative energy. DSS is listed on the NYSE American (NYSE: DSS). VEII is a provider of information technology services for businesses, and is traded on the OTCQB (OTCQB: VEII). NECV is a publicly traded consumer products company (OTCPK: HIPH). SHRG markets and distributes health and wellness products, as well as member-based travel services, using a direct selling business model. SHRG is traded on the OTCQB (OTCQB: SHRG). We generally acquire majority and/or control stakes in innovative and promising businesses that are expected to appreciate in value over time. Our emphasis is on building businesses in industries where our management team has in-depth knowledge and experience, or where our management can provide value by advising on new markets and expansion. We have at times provided a range of global capital and management services to these companies in order to gain access to Asian markets. We have historically favored businesses that improve an individual’s quality of life or that improve the efficiency of businesses through technology in various industries. We believe our capital and management services provide us with a competitive advantage in the selection of strategic acquisitions, which creates and adds value for our company and our stockholders. Our Revenue Model Our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, was $22,088,507 and $4,480,442, respectively. Our net losses for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, were $61,278,733 and $46,212,505, respectively. We currently recognize revenue from the sale of our subdivision development properties, rental homes, the sale of our biohealth products and other activities. Sales of real properties accounted for approximately 82%, revenue from home rentals accounted for approximately 13% and revenue from other activities accounted for approximately 5% of our total revenue in the year ended December 31, 2023. Sales of real properties accounted for approximately 29%, revenue from home rentals accounted for approximately 40%, sales of biohealth products accounted for approximately 17%, and revenue from other activities accounted for approximately 13% of our total revenue in the year ended December 31, 2022. From a geographical perspective, we recognized 95% and 69% of our total revenue in the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, in the United States. 0% and 20% of our revenue in 2023 and 2022, respectively, was recognized from our sales in South Korea. 5% and 11% of our revenue in 2023 and 2022, respectively, was recognized from our sales in Singapore. We believe that, on an ongoing basis, revenue generated from our property development business will decline as a percentage of our total revenue as we expect to experience greater revenue contribution from our rental business, digital transformation technology, biohealth businesses and future business acquisitions. Financial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Real Estate Projects The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may impact our business will depend on future developments. The COVID-19 pandemic’s far-reaching impact on the global economy could negatively affect various aspects of our business, including demand for real estate. From March 2020 through December 2022, we continued to sell lots at our Ballenger Run project (in Maryland) for the construction of town homes to NVR. At this time, all of the lots at Ballenger Run have been sold to NVR, however we continue to complete our development requirements under our agreements with NVR. We do not anticipate that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a material impact on the timing of the completion of our remaining tasks at Ballenger Run. 36 We have received strong indications that buyers and renters across the country are expressing interest in moving from more densely populated urban areas to the suburbs. We believe this trend, should it continue, will encourage interest in some of our projects. On February 11, 2021, the Company entered into a term note with M&T Bank with a principal amount of $68,502 pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP Term Note”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The PPP Loan is evidenced by a promissory note. The PPP Term Note bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 1.00%, with the first sixteen months of principal and interest deferred or until we apply for the loan forgiveness. The PPP Term Note may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default. The PPP Term Note was unsecured and guaranteed by the United States Small Business Administration. The Company applied to M&T Bank for forgiveness of the PPP Term Note, with the amount which may be forgiven equal to at least 60% of payroll costs and other eligible payments incurred by the Company, calculated in accordance with the terms of the CARES Act. In April 2022 the Company received confirmation that the PPP Loan was fully forgiven. Matters that May or Are Currently Affecting Our Business In addition to the matters described above, the primary challenges and trends that could affect or are affecting our financial results include: ● Our ability to improve our revenue through cross-selling and revenue-sharing arrangements among our diverse group of companies; ● Our ability to identify complementary businesses for acquisition, obtain additional financing for these acquisitions, if and when needed, and profitably integrate them into our existing operation; ● Our ability to attract competent, skilled technical and sales personnel for each of our businesses at acceptable compensation levels to manage our overhead; and ● Our ability to control our operating expenses as we expand each of our businesses and product and service offerings. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of the Company and its majority owned and controlled subsidiaries. The Company consolidates entities in which it owns more than 50% of the voting common stock and controls operations. All intercompany transactions and balances among consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, allowance for doubtful accounts, recoverability and useful lives of property, plant and equipment, valuation of real estate assets, allocation of development costs and capitalized interest to sold lots, the valuation allowance of deferred taxes, contingencies and equity compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 37 Revenue Recognition and Cost of Revenue The following represents a disaggregation of our revenue recognition policies by segment: Real Estate ● Property Sales. Part of the Company’s real estate business is land development. The Company purchases land and develops it into residential communities. The developed lots are sold to builders (customers) for the construction of new homes. The builders enter into a sales contract with the Company before they take the lots. The prices and timeline are determined and agreed upon in the contract. The builders do the inspections to make sure all conditions and requirements in contracts are met before purchasing the lots. A detailed breakdown of the five-step process for the revenue recognition of the Ballenger and Lakes at Black Oak projects, which represented approximately 82% and 29% of the Company’s revenue in the years ended on December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is as follows: Identify the contract with a customer. The Company has signed agreements with the builders for developing the raw land to ready to build lots. The contract has agreed upon prices, timelines, and specifications for what is to be provided. Identify the performance obligations in the contract. Performance obligations of the Company include delivering developed lots to the customer, which are required to meet certain specifications that are outlined in the contract. The customer inspects all lots prior to accepting title to ensure all specifications are met. Determine the transaction price. The transaction price per lot is fixed and specified in the contract. Any subsequent change orders or price changes are required to be approved by both parties. Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract. Each lot is considered to be a separate performance obligation, for which the specified price in the contract is allocated to. Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies performance obligation. The builders do the inspections to make sure all conditions/requirements are met before taking title of lots. The Company recognizes revenue at a point in time when title is transferred. The Company does not have further performance obligations or continuing involvement once title is transferred. ● Sale of the Front Foot Benefit Assessments. We have established a front foot benefit (“FFB”) assessment on all of the lots sold to NVR. This is a 30-year annual assessment allowed in Frederick County which requires homeowners to reimburse the developer for the costs of installing public water and sewer to the lots. These assessments become effective as homes are settled, at which time we can sell the collection rights to investors who will pay an upfront lump sum, enabling us to more quickly realize the revenue. The selling prices range from $3,000 to $4,500 per home depending on the type of home. Our total expected revenue from the front foot benefit assessment is approximately $1 million. To recognize revenue of the FFB assessment, both our and NVR’s performance obligations have to be satisfied. Our performance obligation is completed once we complete the construction of water and sewer facilities and close the lot sales with NVR, which inspects these water and sewer facilities prior to the close of lot sales to ensure all specifications are met. NVR’s performance obligation is to sell homes they build to homeowners. Our FFB revenue is recognized upon NVR’s sales of homes to homeowners. The agreement with these FFB investors is not subject to amendment by regulatory agencies and thus our revenue from FFB assessment is not either. During the years ended December, 2023 and 2022, we recognized revenue in the amounts of $0 and $126,737 from FFB assessments, respectively. ● Rental Revenue. The Company leases real estate properties to its tenants under leases that are predominately classified as operating leases, in accordance with ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). Real estate rental revenue is comprised of minimum base rent and revenue from the collection of lease termination fees. Rent from tenants is recorded in accordance with the terms of each lease agreement on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. Rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant controls the space and continues through the term of the related lease. Generally, at the end of the lease term, the Company provides the tenant with a one-year renewal option, including mostly the same terms and conditions provided under the initial lease term, subject to rent increases. 38 The Company defers rental revenue related to lease payments received from tenants in advance of their due dates. These amounts are presented within deferred revenues and other payables on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Rental revenue is subject to an evaluation for collectability on several factors, including payment history, the financial strength of the tenant and any guarantors, historical operations and operating trends of the property, and current economic conditions. If our evaluation of these factors indicates that it is not probable that we will recover substantially all of the receivable, rental revenue is limited to the lesser of the rental revenue that would be recognized on a straight-line basis (as applicable) or the lease payments that have been collected from the lessee. Differences between rental revenue recognized and amounts contractually due under the lease agreements are credited or charged to straight-line rent receivable or straight-line rent liability, as applicable. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not recognize any deferred revenue and collected all rents due. ● Cost of Revenue. Land acquisition costs are allocated to each lot based on the area method, the size of the lot comparing to the total size of all lots in the project. Development costs and capitalized interest are allocated to lots sold based on the total expected development and interest costs of the completed project and allocating a percentage of those costs based on the selling price of the sold lot compared to the expected sales values of all lots in the project. If the allocation of development costs and capitalized interest based on the projection and relative expected sales value is impracticable, those costs could also be allocated based on an area method, which uses the size of the lots compared to the total project area and allocates costs based on their size. Cost of rental revenue consists primarily of the costs associated with management and leasing fees to our management company, repairs and maintenance, depreciation and other related administrative costs. Utility expenses are paid directly by tenants. Digital Transformation Technology ● Software Development Income. Revenue is recognized when (or as) the Company transfers promised goods or services to its customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services, which occurs when (or as) the Company satisfies its contractual obligations and transfers over control of the promised goods or services to its customers. We generate revenue from a project involving provision of services and web/software development for customers. In respect to the provision of services, the agreements are less than one year with a cancellation clause and customers are typically billed on a monthly basis. Biohealth ● Product Direct Sales. The Company’s net sales consist of product sales. The Company’s performance obligation is to transfer ownership of its products to its members. The Company generally recognizes revenue when product is delivered to its members. Revenue is recorded net of applicable taxes, allowances, refund or returns. The Company receives the net sales price in cash or through credit card payments at the point of sale. If any member returns a product to the Company on a timely basis, they may obtain a replacement product from the Company for such returned products. We do not have buyback program. However, when the customer requests a return and management decides that the refund is necessary, we initiate the refund after deducting all the benefits that a member has earned. The returns are deducted from our sales revenue on our financial statements. Allowances for product and membership returns are provided at the time the sale is recorded. This accrual is based upon historical return rates for each country and the relevant return pattern, which reflects anticipated returns to be received over a period of up to 12 months following the original sale. Product and membership returns for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $1,183 and $41,755, respectively. ● Annual Membership. The Company collects an annual membership fee from its members. The fee is fixed, paid in full at the time upon joining the membership; the fee is not refundable. The Company’s performance obligation is to provide its members the right to (a) purchase products from the Company, (b) access to certain back-office services, (c) receive commissions and (d) attend corporate events. The associated performance obligation is satisfied over time, generally over the term of the membership agreement which is for a one-year period. The Company recognizes revenue from membership fee over the one-year period of the membership. 39 Other Businesses ● Food and Beverage . The Company, through Alset F&B One Pte. Ltd. (“Alset F&B One”) and Alset F&B (PLQ) Pte. Ltd. (“Alset F&B PLQ”) each acquired a restaurant franchise licenses at the end of 2021 and 2022 respectively, both of which have since commenced operations. These licenses will allow Alset F&B One and Alset F&B PLQ each to operate a Killiney Kopitiam restaurant in Singapore. Killiney Kopitiam, founded in 1919, is a Singapore-based chain of mass-market, traditional kopitiam style service cafes selling traditional coffee and tea, along with a range of local delicacies such as Curry Chicken, Laksa, Mee Siam, and Mee Rebus. The Company, through HCI-T, commenced operation of two cafés during 2022 and 2021, which are located in Singapore and South Korea. The cafes are operated by subsidiaries of HCI-T, namely HCSG in Singapore and HCKI in Seoul, South Korea. Hapi Cafes are distinctive lifestyle café outlets that strive to revolutionize the way individuals dine, work, and live, by providing a conducive environment for everyone to relish the four facets – health and wellness, fitness, productivity, and recreation all under one roof. In recent months the Company incorporated three new subsidiaries Shenzhen Leyouyou Catering Management Co., Ltd., Dongguan Leyouyou Catering Management Co., Ltd. and GuangZhou Leyouyou Catering Management Co., Ltd in the People’s Republic of China. The three companies will be principally engaged in the food and beverage business in Mainland China. Additionally, through its subsidiary MOC HK Limited, the Company is focusing on operating café business in Hong Kong. The revenue earned from Food and Beverage business for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $1,019,634 and $449,240 respectively. ● Remaining performance obligations. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no remaining performance obligations or continuing involvement, as all service obligations within the other business activities segment have been completed. Real Estate Assets Real estate assets are recorded at cost, except when acquired real estate assets meet the definition of a business combination in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” which are recorded at fair value. Interest, property taxes, insurance and other incremental costs (including salaries) directly related to a project are capitalized during the construction period of major facilities and land improvements. The capitalization period begins when activities to develop the parcel commence and ends when the asset constructed is completed. The capitalized costs are recorded as part of the asset to which they relate and are reduced when lots are sold. The Company capitalized construction costs of approximately $1.2 million and $3.2 million in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. 40 On December 31, 2023, total real estate property under development was $10.4 million, including: ● land held for development in the amount of $3.4 million (consisting of $2.8 million for Lakes at Black Oak and $0.6 million for Alset Villas); ● capitalized development costs in the amount of $5.8 million (consisting of $5.3 million for Lakes at Black Oak and $0.5 million for Alset Villas); and ● capitalized finance costs were $1.2 million. On December 31, 2022, total real estate property under development was $23.4 million, including: ● land held for development in the amount of $7.9 million (consisting of $7.3 million for Lakes at Black Oak and $0.6 million for Alset Villas); ● capitalized development costs in the amount of $12.3 million (consisting of $12 million for Lakes at Black Oak and $0.3 million for Alset Villas); and ● capitalized finance costs were $3.2 million. On December 31, 2023, the capitalized construction costs were as follows: Lakes at Black Oak Alset Villas Total Land held for development $ 2,743,730 $ 639,062 $ 3,382,792 Capitalized development Costs: Hard Construction Costs 14,549,098 63,079 16,612,177 Engineering 3,563,359 206,998 3,770,357 Consultation 114,073 17,750 131,523 Project Management 5,481,101 - 5,481,101 Legal 288,863 2,485 291,348 Taxes 1,365,155 117,950 1,483,105 Other Services 78,701 11,891 90,592 Impairment Reserve (5,230,828 ) - (5,230,828 ) Construction - Sold Lots (14,871,140 ) - (14,871,140 ) Total capitalized development costs $ 5,338,382 $ 419,853 $ 5,758,235 Capitalized finance costs $ 1,225,739 Total property under development $ 10,366,766 On December 31, 2022, the capitalized construction costs were as follows: Ballenger Run Lakes at Black Oak Alset Villas Total Land held for development $ - $ 7,304,064 $ 639,062 $ 7,943,126 Capitalized development Costs: Hard Construction Costs 29,253,317 10,960,927 - 40,214,245 Engineering 3,632,588 3,306,281 194,510 7,133,379 Consultation 340,528 121,698 16,950 479,176 Project Management 4,335,183 2,702,175 - 7,037,359 Legal 375,672 256,693 - 632,365 Taxes 1,325,086 1,204,186 43,770 2,573,042 Other Services 627,487 47,276 - 674,763 Impairment Reserve - (5,230,828 ) - (5,230,828 ) Construction - Sold Lots (39,889,863 ) (1,364,805 ) - (41,254,668 ) Total capitalized development costs $ - $ 12,003,603 $ 255,230 $ 12,258,833 Capitalized finance costs $ 3,247,739 Total property under development $ 23,449,698 Through December 31, 2023, there were no sales from the Perth and Ballenger projects. Lots in these projects were fully sold during year ended December 31, 2022. 41 Results of Operations Summary of Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Revenue $ 22,088,507 $ 4,480,442 Operating Expenses (24,961,161 ) (11,569,816 ) Other Expenses (58,313,729 ) (39,123,131 ) Income Tax Expense (92,350 ) - Net Loss $ (61,278,733 ) $ (46,212,505 ) Revenue The following table sets forth period-over-period changes in revenues for each of our reporting segments: Years Ended December 31, Change 2023 2022 Dollars Percentage Real Estate $ 20,963,661 $ 3,088,628 $ 17,875,033 579 % Digital Transformation Technology 28,117 69,915 (41,798 ) -60 % Biohealth 12,758 753,651 (740,893 ) -98 % Other 1,083,971 568,248 515,723 91 % Total revenue $ 22,088,507 $ 4,480,442 $ 17,608,065 393 % Revenue was $22,088,507 and $4,480,442 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. An increase in property sales, rental revenue and food and beverages sales in the 2023 contributed to higher revenue in this period. In late 2022 and early 2023, the Company entered into three contracts with builders to sell multiple lots from its Lakes at Black Oak project. The sales contemplated by these contracts are contingent on certain conditions which the parties to such contracts will need to meet and are expected to generate approximately $22 million of funds from operations, not including certain expenses that the Company will be required to pay. The sale of 335 lots closed during 2023 generating approximately $18.2 million revenue. Income from the sale of Front Foot Benefits (“FFBs”), assessed on Ballenger Run project lots, decreased from $126,737 in the year ended December 31, 2022 to $0 in year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease is a result of the decreased sale of properties to homebuyers in 2023. Revenue from the rental business was $2,776,911 and $1,810,011 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company expects that the revenue from this business will continue to increase as we acquire more rental houses and successfully rent them. Revenue from digital transformation technology segment consists primarily of the services rendered to customers in the amount of $28,117 and $69,915, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2022 the Company began generating revenue from a project providing AI chatbot services to Value Exchange Int’l (Hong Kong) Limited, a related company and a subsidiary of VEII located in Hong Kong. 42 In recent years the Company expanded its biohealth segment to the South Korean market through one of the subsidiaries of HWH International Inc., HWH World. HWH World operates based on a direct sale model of health supplements. HWH World recognized $12,758 and $753,651 in revenue in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The revenue from this segment decreased in 2023 due to decreased sales of annual memberships. The category described as “Other” includes corporate and financial services, food and beverage business and new venture businesses. “Other” includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments, primarily consisting of unallocated corporate overhead costs, including administrative functions not allocated to the reportable segments from global functional expenses. The financial services, food and beverage businesses and new venture businesses are small and diversified, and accordingly they are not separately addressed as one independent category. In the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the revenue from other businesses was $1,083,971 and $568,248, respectively, generated mainly by Korean and Singaporean café shops and restaurants. Operating Expenses The following table sets forth period-over-period changes in cost of revenue for each of our reporting segments: Years Ended December 31, Change 2023 2022 Dollars Percentage Real Estate $ 13,915,144 $ 3,016,200 $ 10,898,944 361 % Digital Transformation Technology 9,145 23,423 (14,278 ) -61 % Biohealth 54,529 523,534 (469,005 ) -90 % Other 597,391 168,833 428,558 254 % Total cost of sales $ 14,576,209 $ 3,731,990 $ 10,844,219 291 % Cost of revenue increased from $3,731,990 in the year ended December 31, 2022 to $14,576,209 in the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of the increase in the number of lots sold in the Lakes at Black Oak project and sales in F&B business. Capitalized construction expenses, finance costs and land costs are allocated to sales. We anticipate the total cost of sales to increase as revenue increases. The gross margin increased from $748,452 to $7,512,298 in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The increase of gross margin was caused by the increase of gross margin from real estate segment and F&B business, mostly due to the increase in the sales. The following table sets forth period-over-period changes in operating expenses for each of our reporting segments. Years Ended December 31, Change 2023 2022 Dollars Percentage Real Estate $ 1,312,024 $ 1,479,674 $ (167,650 ) -11 % Digital transformation technology 468,679 414,167 54,512 13 % Biohealth 869,683 850,044 19,639 2 % Other 7,734,566 5,093,941 2,640,625 52 % Total operating expenses $ 10,384,952 $ 7,837,826 $ 2,547,126 32 % The increase in sales related expenses contributed to increased operating expenses in the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. 43 Other Income (Expense) In the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company had other expense of $58,313,729 compared to other expense of $39,123,131 in the year ended December 31, 2022. The change in realized loss on securities investment, loss on equity method investment and loss on consolidation of Alset Capital Acquisition Corp. are the primary reasons for the volatility in these two periods. Realized loss on securities investment was $11,375,747 in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $7,308,580 loss in the year ended December 31, 2022. Loss on equity method investment was $24,483,374 in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $685,533 loss in the year ended December 31, 2022. Loss on consolidation of Alset Capital Acquisition Corp. was $21,657,036 in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $0 in the year ended December 31, 2022. Net Loss In the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company had net loss of $61,278,733 compared to net loss of $46,212,505 in the year ended December 31, 2022. Liquidity and Capital Resources Our real estate assets have decreased to $42,137,152 as of December 31, 2023, from $54,618,729 as of December 31, 2022. This decrease reflects the sale of multiple lots in Lakes at Black Oak project during 2023. Our cash has increased from $17,827,383 as of December 31, 2022 to $26,921,727 as of December 31, 2023. Our liabilities increased from $4,827,221 at December 31, 2022 to $9,066,700 at December 31, 2023. Our total assets have decreased to $126,314,028 as of December 31, 2023 from $153,490,336 as of December 31, 2022 due to the decrease in real estate assets and equity method investment. On April 17, 2019, SeD Maryland Development LLC entered into a Development Loan Agreement with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (“M&T Bank”) in the principal amount not to exceed at any one time outstanding the sum of $8,000,000, with a cumulative loan advance amount of $18,500,000. The line of credit bore interest rate on LIBOR plus 375 basis points. SeD Maryland Development LLC was also provided with a Letter of Credit (“L/C”) Facility in an aggregate amount of up to $900,000. The L/C commission will be 1.5% per annum on the face amount of the L/C. Other standard lender fees will apply in the event the L/C is drawn down. The loan is a revolving line of credit. The L/C Facility is not a revolving loan, and amounts advanced and repaid may not be re-borrowed. Repayment of the Loan Agreement is secured by a $2,600,000 collateral fund and a Deed of Trust issued to the Lender on the property owned by SeD Maryland. On March 15, 2022, approximately $2,300,000 was released from collateral, leaving approximately $300,000 as collateral for outstanding letters of credit. On December 14, 2023 approximately $201,751 was released from collateral, leaving approximately $100,000 as collateral for outstanding letters of credit. The future development timeline of Lakes at Black Oak will be based on multiple conditions, including the amount of funds which may be raised from capital markets, the loans we may secure from third party financial institutions, and government reimbursements which may be received. The development will be step by step and expenses will be contingent on the amount of funding we will receive. In late 2022 and early 2023, the Company entered into three contracts with builders to sell multiple lots from its Lakes at Black Oak project. The sales contemplated by these contracts are contingent on certain conditions which the parties to such contracts will need to meet and are expected to generate approximately $22 million of funds from operations, not including certain expenses that the Company will be required to pay. In addition, the Company will be entitled to receive certain reimbursements in the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2025. The sale of 335 lots closed in the first six months of 2023 generating approximately $18.1 million revenue. 44 On November 13, 2023, 150 CCM Black Oak Ltd. (the “Seller”), a Texas Limited Partnership, entered into two Contracts for Purchase and Sale and Escrow Instructions (each an “Agreement,” collectively, the “Agreements”) with Century Land Holdings of Texas, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (the “Buyer”). Pursuant to the terms of one of the aforementioned Agreements, the Seller has agreed to sell approximately 142 single-family detached residential lots (the “Section 4 Agreement”) comprising a section of a residential community in the city of Magnolia, Texas known as the “Lakes at Black Oak.” The selling price of these lots is anticipated to equal approximately $7.4 million. Pursuant to the other Agreement, the Seller has agreed to sell 63 single-family detached residential lots (the “Alset Villas Agreement”) in the city of Magnolia, Texas. In 2021, our subsidiary Alset EHome Inc. acquired approximately 19.5 acres of partially developed land near Houston, Texas which was used to develop a community named Alset Villas (“Alset Villas”). Alset EHome was in the process of developing the 63 lots at Alset Villas in 2023. The selling price of these lots is anticipated to equal approximately $3.3 million. The closing of the transactions described above depends on the satisfaction of certain conditions, and is expected to take place during the second quarter of 2024. In addition, the Company will be entitled to receive certain reimbursements in the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2025. The management believes that the available cash on hand, available debt and equity financing are sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months. Summary of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 7,478,823 $ (31,855,435 ) Net cash used in investing activities $ (2,128,986 ) $ (15,123,041 ) Net cash provided by financing activities $ 3,187,489 $ 6,057,481 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities was $7,478,823 in the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $31,855,435 in the same period of 2022. Property sales from the Lakes at Black Oak project in 2023 were the main reason for the cash provided by operating activities in that period. Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities was $2,128,986 in the year 2023, as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $15,123,041 in the same period of 2022. In the year ended December 31, 2023 we invested $756,078 in marketable securities, issued $3,338,081 in promissory notes to related parties and received $2,672,438 repayment of promissory notes from related parties. In the year ended December 31, 2022 we invested $8,429,620 in marketable securities, $6,824,730 to purchase real estate properties and improvements and $377,864 in promissory notes to a related party. At the same time, we received approximately $1 million from a related party loan receivable. Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities was $3,187,489 in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to net cash provided of $6,057,481 the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash provided by financing activities in the year 2023 is primarily related to the proceeds from stock issuance of $3,433,921. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we also repaid $31,499 of a note payable. Cash provided by financing activities in the year 2022 is primarily related to the proceeds from stock issuance of $6,213,000 and borrowing from a commercial loan of $123,633. Additionally, the Company repaid $279,152 to note payable in that period. Real Property Financing Arrangements At the present time, the Company is considering expanding its current policy of selling buildable lots to include a strategy of building housing for sale or rent, particularly at our Lakes at Black Oak and Alset Villas properties. The required time and expenses needed to complete the Lakes at Black Oak and Alset Villas projects will be influenced by the strategy, or mix of strategies, we utilize at each project. Our Perth project in Australia was relatively small, and based on management’s recommendations the land was sold in 2022. 45 Lakes at Black Oak Lakes at Black Oak is a land infrastructure and subdivision project situated in Magnolia, Texas, north of Houston. This project is owned by certain subsidiaries of Alset International. Currently the Lakes at Black Oak project does not have any financing from third parties. Ballenger Run The Ballenger Run is a 197-acre land sub-division development project located in Frederick County, Maryland. The Ballenger Run project is nearly complete, as all lots have been sold and the Company is completing its final tasks related to the project. This project had a revolver loan from M&T Bank in the principal amount not to exceed at any one time outstanding the sum of $8,000,000, with a cumulative loan advance amount of $18,500,000. This loan has expired in 2022. Equity Security Investments Investment Securities at Fair Value The Company commonly holds investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values, equity investments without readily determinable fair values, investments accounted for under the equity method, and investments at cost. Certain of the Company’s investments in marketable equity securities and other securities are long-term, strategic investments in companies that are in various stages of development. Prior to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, investments in equity securities were classified as either 1) available-for-sale securities, stated at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses, net of related tax effects, were recorded directly to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) or 2) trading securities, stated at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses, net of related tax benefits, were recorded directly to net income (loss). With the adoption of ASU 2016-01, investments in equity securities are still stated at fair value, quoted by market prices, but all unrealized holding gains and losses are credited or charged to net income (loss) based on fair value measurement as the respective reporting date. The Company accounts for certain of its investments in equity securities in accordance with ASU 2016-01 Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825- 10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”) . In accordance with ASU 2016-01, the Company records all equity investments with readily determinable fair values at fair value calculated by the publicly traded stock price at the close of the reporting period. Amarantus BioScience Holdings (“AMBS”) is a publicly traded company. The Company does not have significant influence over AMBS as the Company holds approximately 4.3% of the common shares of AMBS. The stock fair value is determined by quoted stock prices. Company’s subsidiary, Hapi Metaverse, entered into Securities Purchase Agreements pursuant to which the Company purchased 6,500,000 and 7,276,163 shares of Value Exchange International, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“VEII”) on April 8, 2021 and October 17, 2022 respectively. On January 27, 2023, the Company and New Electric CV Corporation (together with the Company, the “Lenders”) entered into a Convertible Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with VEII. The Credit Agreement provides VEII with a maximum credit line of $1,500,000 with simple interest accrued on any advances of the money under the Credit Agreement at 8%. The Credit Agreement grants conversion rights to each Lender. Each Advance shall be convertible, in whole or in part, into shares of VEII’s Common Stock at the option of the Lender who made that Advance (being referred to as a “Conversion”), at any time and from time to time, at a price per share equal the “Conversion Price”. In the event that a Lender elects to convert any portion of an Advance into shares of VEII Common Stock in lieu of cash payment in satisfaction of that Advance, then VEII would issue to the Lender five (5) detachable warrants for each share of VEII’s Common Stock issued in a Conversion (“Warrants”). Each Warrant will entitle the Lender to purchase one (1) share of Common Stock at a per-share exercise price equal to the Conversion Price. The exercise period of each Warrant will be five (5) years from date of issuance of the Warrant. On February 23, 2023, Hapi Metaverse loaned VEII $1,400,000 (the “Loan Amount”). The Loan Amount can be converted into shares of VEII pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement for a period of three years. There is no fixed price for the derivative security until Hapi Metaverse converts the Loan Amount into shares of VEII Common Stock. 46 On September 6, 2023, the Company converted $1,300,000 of the principal amount loaned to VEII into 7,344,632 shares of VEII’s Common Stock. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, Hapi Metaverse received Warrants to purchase a maximum of 36,723,160 shares of VEII’s Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.1770 per share. Such warrants expire five (5) years from date of their issuance. On December 14, 2023, Hapi Metaverse entered into a Convertible Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with VEII. On December 15, 2023, the company loaned VEII $1,000,000. The Credit Agreement was amended pursuant to an agreement dated December 19, 2023. Under the Credit Agreement, as amended, this amount can be converted into VEII’s Common Shares pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement for a period of three years. In the event that Hapi Metaverse converts this loan into shares of VEII’s Common Stock, the conversion price shall be $0.045 per share. In the event that Hapi Metaverse elects to convert any portion of the loan into shares of VEII’s Common Stock in lieu of cash payment in satisfaction of that loan, then VEII will issue to Hapi Metaverse five (5) detachable warrants for each share of VEII’s Common Stock issued in a conversion (“Warrants”). Each Warrant will entitle the company to purchase one (1) share of VEII’s Common Stock at a per-share exercise price equal to the Conversion Price. The exercise period of each Warrant will be five (5) years from date of issuance of the Warrant. At the time of this filing, the company has not converted the Loan Amount. Our Chairman, Fai Chan and a member of the Board of Directors of Hapi Metaverse, Lum Kan Fai Vincent, are both members of the Board of Directors of VEII. In addition to Mr. Chan, two other members of the Board of Directors of Alset Inc. are also members of the Board of Directors of VEII (Wong Shui Yeung and Wong Tat Keung). The Company currently owns a total of 21,120,795 shares (representing approximately 48.55%) of VEII. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s subsidiaries established a portfolio of trading securities. The objective is to generate profits on short-term differences in market prices. The Company does not have significant influence over any trading securities in our portfolio and fair value of these trading securities are determined by quoted stock prices. The Company has elected the fair value option for the equity securities noted below that would otherwise be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Holista CollTech Limited (“Holista”), DSS Inc. (“DSS”) and NECV, Value Exchange International Inc. (“Value Exchange International” or “VEII”) and Sharing Services Global Corp. (“SHRG”) are publicly traded companies and fair value is determined by quoted stock prices. The Company has significant influence but does not have a controlling interest in these investments, and therefore, the Company’s investment could be accounted for under the equity method of accounting or elect fair value accounting. The Company has significant influence over DSS as we owned approximately 44.4% of the common stock of DSS as of December 31, 2023, and our Chief Executive Officer, Chan Heng Fai, is an owner of the common stock of DSS (not including any common or preferred shares we hold). In addition, our Chief Executive Officer is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of DSS. Chan Tung Moe, our Co-Chief Executive Officer and the son of Chan Heng Fai, is also a director of DSS. The Company did not have a controlling interest and therefore the Company’s investment would be accounted for under equity method accounting or could elect the fair value option accounting. The Company had significant influence over Holista as the Company holds approximately 13% of the outstanding shares of Holista and our CEO had a position on the Board of Directors of Holista from July of 2013 until June of 2021. The Company did not have a controlling interest and therefore the Company’s investment would be accounted for under equity method accounting or could elect the fair value option accounting. The Company has significant influence over NECV as the Company holds approximately 0.5% of the common shares of NECV. Additionally, our Chief Executive Officer, Chan Heng Fai, is a majority owner of the common stock of NECV (not including any common shares we hold). The Company did not have a controlling interest and therefore the Company’s investment would be accounted for under equity method accounting or could elect the fair value option accounting. 47 The Company has significant influence over SHRG as the Company holds approximately 33.4% of the common shares of SHRG, our CEO holds a director and chairman position on SHRG’s Board of Directors and three of the directors of the Company are the directors of SHRG. Additionally, our CEO is a significant stockholder of SHRG shares. The Company has elected the fair value options for the equity securities noted above that would otherwise be accounted for under the equity method of accounting to better match the measurement of assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. VEII, Holista, DSS and SHRG are publicly traded companies and fair value of these equity investments is determined by the quoted stock prices. On December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value (calculated by market trading prices on the end dates of the periods) of total held equity stock of VEII, Holista, DSS and SHRG was $9,628,189 and $13,503,533, respectively. On March 2, 2020, and October 29, 2021, the Company received warrants to purchase shares of American Medical REIT Inc. (“AMRE”), a related party private startup company, in conjunction with the Company lending two $200,000 promissory notes. For further details on this transaction, refer to Note 8 to Company’s Financial Statements, Related Party Transactions, Note Receivable from a Related Party Company. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, AMRE was a private company. Based on management’s analysis, the fair value of the warrants and the stock option was $0 as of December 31, 2021. In March 2022, both loans, together with warrants were converted into common shares of AMRE. After the conversion, the Company owns approximately 15.8% of AMRE. On July 17, 2020, the Company purchased 122,039,000 shares, approximately 9.99% ownership, and 1,220,390,000 warrants with an exercise price of $0.0001 per share, from NECV, for an aggregated purchase price of $122,039. We value NECV warrants under level 3 category through a Black Scholes option pricing model and the fair value of the warrants from NECV were $860,342 as of July 17, 2020, the purchase date and $430 and $327,565 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company accounts for certain of its investments in funds without readily determinable fair values in accordance with ASU No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (“2015-07”). In the first six months of 2022 the Company invested $100,000 in Class A Shares of Novum Alpha Global Opportunity Digital Asset Fund I SP, a segregated portfolio of Novum Alpha SPC (“Novum Alpha Fund”). This fund invests in long-short digital assets. The Company subscribed in participating shares which are redeemable and non-voting. The Company closed the fund in July 2022 recording $74,827 loss on this investment. The changes in the fair values of the investment were recorded directly to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Due to the inherent uncertainty of these estimates, these values may differ materially from the values that would have been used had a ready market for these investments existed. Investment Securities at Cost Investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are measured at cost minus impairment adjusted by observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. These investments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when there are events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect. An impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the investment. On September 8, 2020, the Company acquired 1,666 shares, approximately 1.45% ownership, from Nervotec Pte Ltd (“Nervotec”), a private company, at the purchase price of $36,628. The Company applied ASC 321 and measured Nervotec at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. On September 30, 2020, the Company acquired 3,800 shares, approximately 19% ownership, from HWH World Company Limited (f.k.a. Hyten Global (Thailand) Co., Ltd.) (“HWH World Co.”), a private company, at a purchase price of $42,562. The Company’s subsidiary holding equity in HWH World Co. was sold on December 31, 2023. 48 On May 31, 2021, the Company invested $19,609 in K Beauty Research Lab Co., Ltd (“K Beauty”) for 18% ownership. K Beauty was established for sourcing, developing and producing variety of Korea-made beauty products as well as Korea - originated beauty contents for the purpose of distribution to HWH’s membership distribution channel. There has been no indication of impairment or changes in observable prices via transactions of similar securities and is still carried at a cost. Investment Securities under Equity Method Accounting The Company accounts for equity investment in entities with significant influence under equity-method accounting. Under this method, the Group’s pro rata share of income (loss) from investment is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Dividends received reduce the carrying amount of the investment. When the Company’s share of loss in an equity-method investee equals or exceeds its carrying value of the investment in that entity, the equity method investment can be reduced below zero based on losses if the Company either be liable for the obligations of the investee or provide for losses in excess of the investment when imminent return to profitable operations by the investee appears to be assured. Otherwise, the Company does not recognize its share of equity method losses exceeding its carrying amount of the investment, but discloses the losses in the footnotes. Equity-method investment is reviewed for impairment by assessing if the decline in market value of the investment below the carrying value is other-than-temporary. In making this determination, factors are evaluated in determining whether a loss in value should be recognized. These include consideration of the intent and ability of the Group to hold investment and the ability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity, justifying the carrying amount of the investment. Impairment losses are recognized in other expense when a decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary. AMRE LiquidValue Asset Management Pte. Ltd. (“LiquidValue”), a subsidiary of the Company owns 15.8% of AMRE, a company concentrating on medical real estate. AMRE acquires state-of-the-art, purpose-built healthcare facilities and leases them to leading clinical operators with dominant market share under secure triple net leases. AMRE targets hospitals (both Critical Access and Specialty Surgical), Physician Group Practices, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, and other licensed medical treatment facilities. Chan Heng Fai, our CEO, is the executive chairman and director of AMRE. DSS, of which we own 44.4% and have significant influence over, owns 80.4% of AMRE. Therefore, the Company has significant influence on AMRE. American Pacific Bancorp, Inc. Pursuant to Securities Purchase Agreement from March 12, 2021 the Company purchased 4,775,523 shares of the common stock of American Pacific Bancorp Inc. (“APB”) and gained majority ownership in that entity. APB was consolidated into the Company under common control accounting (See Transactions between Entities under Common Control for details). On September 8, 2021 APB sold 6,666,700 shares Series A Common Stock to DSS, Inc. for $40,000,200 cash. As a result of the new share issuances, the Company’s ownership percentage of APB fell below 50% to 41.3% (and subsequently to 36.9%) and the entity was deconsolidated in accordance with ASC 810-10. Upon deconsolidation the Company elected to apply the equity method accounting as the Company still retained significant influence. During the year ended December 31, 2023 the investment loss was $24,241,856. During the year ended December 31, 2022 the investment gain was $867,117. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the investment in APB was $7,426,390 and $31,668,246, respectively. Ketomei Pte Ltd On June 10, 2021 the Company’s indirect subsidiary HCI-T lent $76,723 to Ketomei Pte Ltd (“Ketomei”). On March 21, 2022 Hapi Cafe entered into an agreement pursuant to which the principal of the loan together with accrued interest were converted into an investment in Ketomei. At the same time, Hapi Cafe invested an additional $179,595 in Ketomei. After the conversion and fund investment the Company now holds 28% of Ketomei. Ketomei is in the business of selling cooked food and drinks. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 the investment gain was $36,438 and $48,916 loss, respectively. Investment in Ketomei was $155,369 at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, the Company wrote off the investment in Ketomei of $121,471, as the Company does not believe it will be able to recover this investment. On February 20, 2024, the Company invested additional $312,064 (SG$420,000) for an additional 38.41% ownership interest in Ketomei. After this additional investment, the Company will own 55.65% of Ketomei’s outstanding shares and Ketomei will be consolidated into the Company’s financial statements beginning on February 20, 2024. 49 Sentinel Brokers Company Inc. On May 22, 2023 the Company’s indirect subsidiary, SeD Capital Pte. Ltd. (“SeD Capital”), entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which SeD Capital purchased 39.8 shares (19.9%) of the Common Stock of Sentinel Brokers Company Inc. (“Sentinel”) for the aggregate purchase price of $279,719. Sentinel is a broker-dealer operating primarily as a fiduciary intermediary, facilitating institutional trading of municipal and corporate bonds as well as preferred stock, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). The Company has significant influence over Sentinel as its CEO holds a director position on Sentinel’s Board of Directors. Additionally, DSS, of which we own 44.4% and have significant influence over, owns 80.1% of Sentinel. During the year ended December 31, 2023 the investment loss in Sentinel was $154,956. Investment in Sentinel was $124,763 at December 31, 2023. Investment in Debt Securities Debt securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses (other than impairment losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Realized gains and losses on debt securities are recognized in the net income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company monitors its investments for other-than-temporary impairment by considering factors including, but not limited to, current economic and market conditions, the operating performance of the companies including current earnings trends and other company-specific information. The Company invested $50,000 in a convertible promissory note of Sharing Services Global Corporation (“Sharing Services Convertible Note”), a company quoted on the US OTC market. The value of the convertible note was estimated by management using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the note was $9,799 on December 31, 2021. The note was redeemed on July 14, 2022 and $50,000 principal together with $28,636 accrued interests were received from Sharing Services. On February 26, 2021, the Company invested approximately $88,599 in the convertible note of Vector Com Co., Ltd (“Vector Com”), a private company in South Korea. The interest rate is 2% per annum. The conversion price is approximately $21.26 per common share of Vector Com. As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Management estimated the fair value of the note to be $88,599, and $77,307, respectively. Variable Interest Entity Under FASB Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation , when a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of an entity that is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), as defined in ASC 810, the VIE must be consolidated into the financial statements of the reporting entity. The determination of which owner is the primary beneficiary of a VIE requires management to make significant estimates and judgments about the rights, obligations, and economic interests of each interest holder in the VIE. The Company evaluates its interests in VIE’s on an ongoing basis and consolidates any VIE in which it has a controlling financial interest and is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest has both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to it or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. Impact of Inflation We believe that inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. We cannot assure you that future inflation will not have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition. 50 Impact of Foreign Exchange Rates The effect of foreign exchange rate changes on the intercompany loans (under ASC 830), which mostly consist of loans from Singapore to the United States and which were approximately $23 million and $51 million on December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, are the reason for the significant fluctuation of foreign currency transaction Gain or Loss on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income. Because the intercompany loan balances between Singapore and United States will remain at approximately $23 million over the next year, we expect this fluctuation of foreign exchange rates to still significantly impact the results of operations in the year 2024, especially given that the foreign exchange rate may and is expected to be volatile. If the amount of intercompany loan is lowered in the future, the effect will also be reduced. However, at this moment, we do not expect to repay the intercompany loans in the short term. Emerging Growth Company Status We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies.” Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company or until we affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of this exemption. Controls and Procedures We are not currently required to maintain an effective system of internal controls as defined by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Only in the event that we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer would we be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement. Further, for as long as we remain an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement. Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements included in this Report. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reflect management’s judgment and estimates concerning effects of events and transactions that are accounted for or disclosed. Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to our ability to record, process, summarize and report reliable data. Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of internal control. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement presentation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time. In order to ensure that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, management regularly assesses controls and did so most recently for its financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in the Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. In connection with management’s evaluation of the effectiveness of our company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, management determined that our company did not maintain effective controls over financial reporting due to having a limited staff. This limited number of staff prevents us from segregating duties within our internal control system; and restricts our ability to timely evaluate the accuracy and completeness of our financial statement disclosures. Management determined that the ineffective controls over financial reporting constitute a material weakness. To remediate such weaknesses, we plan to appoint additional qualified personnel with financial accounting, GAAP and SEC experience. This Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Report. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Not applicable to smaller reporting companies. 51